Epic Australian Road Trip Ideas for Your Bucket-list

Jyotsana Shekhawat

Last updated: Feb 5, 2024

Many will admit, Australia is a destination made for long drives. From outback adventures to surfing scenes, a self-drive through abundant landscapes of the country can bring your way a lot many must-see’s to explore, behold and admire. 

Planning an Aussie vacation? Keep a road trip playlist ready for a beautiful rendezvous with these iconic routes.

The Great Ocean Road 

Bordering scenic clifftops with mesmerising natural attractions at every corner, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic routes that will have you romanticising road trips.

Relax over a soothing atmosphere at Bell’s Beach. Soak in a mesmerising mix of beaches and lush greenery while driving through Apollo Bay. Capture moments in your camera as and when the striking views of Port Campbell lure you in and stop just to check out the 12 Apostles—age old rock formations that give a strong contrast to the fierce waves of the ocean. By the time you come back from the trip, destinations like Lord Ard Gorge, Bay of Islands and Port Fairy will already have taken up ample space in your album. 

Legendary Pacific Coast 

Stretching from Sydney to Brisbane, the Legendary Pacific is a road trip synonymous with a feast of Port Stephens’ golden beaches and Gold Coast’s glamour, along with lush rainforests and charming coastal towns. 

Cruise along the Pacific Ocean, witnessing shimmery tides in broad daylight and hit the pause for a surf lesson or two. The Legendary Pacific Coast is also home to the iconic Byron Bay, known for its low-key vibes and hippie culture. From yoga retreats to surfing, craft breweries to luxury restaurants – there’s a pretty long list of reasons why you will want to spend your time here. 

The Red Centre Way 

Australia's road trip sensation, the Red Centre Way has many, many reasons to be on your checklist. Throughout this trip, you will find yourself uncovering the hidden gems of Australia’s Northern Territory, including MacDonnell Ranges, Alice Springs and the majestic Uluru. 

Mark your way on this adventurous journey with a drive through West MacDonnell National Park where you can enjoy striking natural beauty and hike through the mysterious trails. Continue driving towards Alice Springs to tap into the charm of Kings Canyon, a sandstone wonder complimented by a line-up of palm trees. And hey, do spend time in the outback just stargazing with a glass of wine. 

The Explorer’s Way 

A transcontinental affair waits for those planning to drive through The Explorer’s Way! From Adelaide to Darwin, this popular Australian road trip route embraces a spectrum of landscapes that make for an ideal-kind-of-break from urban noise. 

Swing by the wine regions of South Australia, wheel your way through the rusty red hues of the Outback and let it all come alive over again in the tropical hug of the Top End. Along the way, catch glimpses of quirky roadside attractions, hidden gems of Flinders Range, ancient Aboriginal sites, and perhaps even check out the “Opal Capital of the World” Coober Pedy. 

Excited? Explore our handpicked holiday packages for your Australia trip.