Discovering the Greatest Road Trips in Australia: best 7 routes
Road Trips In Australia: Roaming across the vast and captivating landscapes of Australia on road trips is a truly exhilarating experience like no other. From the bustling cities to the remote outback, each road trip unveils a tapestry of diverse wonders and cultural gems that are unique to the Land Down Under. As we traverse through the continent’s enchanting highways, we discover the 7 greatest Australian road trips, each offering a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, iconic landmarks, and unforgettable adventures. From the stunning east coast from Sydney to Melbourne, to the tropical paradise from Brisbane to Cairns, and the rugged wilderness from Perth to Broome, these road trips beckon wanderers to embark on an expedition of a lifetime. Let’s rev our engines and dive headfirst into the remarkable escapades that await us on the open roads of Australia.
7 Best Road Trips In Australia| Let’s Explore
Australia is a country which favours all possible supportive factors to carry out enthralling road trips. The entire map of Australia is jammed with myriads of beautiful road trips. However, before upkicking the fifth gear of your car, you must have a clear and concise idea about the best road trips in the country or the one you are fit with most. Thereby, we’ve clubbed the top 7 road trips in Australia. Find the best one as per your comfort.
Sydney to Melbourne Road Trip
A journey from Sydney to Melbourne on highways is the first one we begin with our road trip expedition. The whole of the Sydney to Melbourne road trip truly will give you a marvellous feeling. The trip begins in the vibrant city of Sydney, where the iconic Sydney Opera House stands tall against the glistening harbour. As we leave the city behind, the journey unfolds along the enchanting east coast, revealing a stunning blend of breathtaking beaches, lush national parks, and charming coastal towns.
A must-visit destination along the way is the Royal National Park, where pristine beaches and coastal walks await. Further south, Jervis Bay dazzles with its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand. Wilsons Promontory National Park, known as “The Prom,” captivates adventurers with its diverse wildlife and dramatic coastline.
One of the highlights of this road trip is the renowned Great Ocean Road, which leads us to the Twelve Apostles, majestic limestone stacks rising majestically from the sea. This 880-kilometre journey typically takes around 10 to 14 days, offering ample time to bask in the beauty of Australia’s east coast.
Sydney to Brisbane Drive
The second one is the very obvious Sydney to Brisbane Drive. This road trip starts from north of Sydney to the vibrant city of Brisbane, covering approximately 900 kilometres of coastal splendour. As we depart from the bustling streets of Sydney, we encounter the bohemian paradise of Byron Bay, with its pristine beaches and the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse.
Continuing our journey, the Gold Coast beckons with its golden beaches and world-class theme parks. For a nature-filled escape, Lamington National Park presents lush rainforests and enchanting waterfalls. A stop at Springbrook National Park rewards us with picturesque walking tracks and cascading waterfalls.
Brisbane, our final destination, welcomes us with its blend of modernity and history, serving as a gateway to further adventures up north. This road trip typically takes around 7 to 10 days, allowing for an unforgettable exploration of Queensland’s coastline.
Melbourne to Sydney Road Trip
With this time, it must have crystal clear to you that Sydney is the most popular city to kick off the maximum number of road trips in Australia. So, with no surprise third road trip coils around Melbourne to Sydney. Actually, it’s a down-journey which begins in the cultural capital of Australia, Melbourne, where we delve into a journey that retraces the path back to Sydney. This 880-kilometre route showcases diverse landscapes, charming towns, and unique attractions along the way.
Our first destination is the awe-inspiring Grampians National Park, with its sandstone mountains, ancient rock art, and breathtaking lookouts. Following the trail of the Murray River, Australia’s longest river, we can enjoy river cruises and watersports in this picturesque region.
The journey leads us to Canberra, the nation’s capital, home to various museums, galleries, and the iconic Australian War Memorial. A visit to the Blue Mountains National Park treats us to stunning vistas, towering cliffs, and the Three Sisters rock formation.
This road trip usually takes around 8 to 12 days, providing ample time to soak in the rich history and natural wonders that lie between Melbourne and Sydney.
Brisbane to Cairns Drive
The fourth road trip counts on a rip-roaring tropical adventure in every mile. It covers the patch between Brisbane to the gateway of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns which is otherwise also popular as Brisbane to Cairns drive. Spanning approximately 1,700 kilometres, this journey promises a paradise of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and captivating marine life.
Our first highlight is Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, offering picturesque beaches and crystal-clear lakes. The Whitsunday Islands beckon us with their 74 stunning islets, ideal for sailing, snorkelling, and diving adventures.
As we continue north, we reach Townsville, where Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef Wonderland await exploration. The serene beachside town of Mission Beach offers a perfect blend of rainforest and sea, with adventure activities aplenty.
Our road trip culminates in Cairns, where we can immerse ourselves in the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. This epic journey typically takes around 10 to 14 days, making it a perfect escape into the tropical splendour of Queensland.
Perth to Broome Road Trip
If you venture to set about your road trip journey alongside the Western Australian coast, our fifth road trip recommendation would feed your needs at the best. It is known as the ‘Perth ti Broome road trip’ which starts in Perth and heads north to Broome. Covering approximately 2,200 kilometres, this road trip showcases the rugged beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Our first stop is the Pinnacles Desert, a surreal landscape with limestone formations that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Shark Bay, a World Heritage area, entices wildlife enthusiasts with its unique marine life and the stunning Shell Beach.
The journey leads us to Ningaloo Reef, a less-crowded alternative to the Great Barrier Reef, where incredible snorkeling and diving experiences await. Karijini National Park, a hiker’s paradise, mesmerizes with its deep gorges, waterfalls, and ancient rock formations.
As we near Broome, a tropical oasis awaits, offering captivating sunsets, pristine beaches, and a rich history in the pearl industry. This road trip typically takes around 14 to 21 days, giving us ample time to explore the vast wilderness of Western Australia.
Perth to Esperance Road Trip
Perth to Esperance road trip is another Aussie road trip which starts from the western coast and covers approximately 720 kilometres of the same track. In around 7 to 10 days, we encounter white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and picturesque coastal towns.
The journey begins in Margaret River, famous for its premium wines, excellent surf breaks, and captivating coastal scenery. Albany, steeped in history, offers dramatic cliffs, beautiful beaches, and iconic natural formations like the Gap and Natural Bridge.
A visit to Cape Le Grand National Park treats us to the stunning Lucky Bay, where kangaroos frolic on the beach against the backdrop of crystal-clear waters. Esperance itself is a coastal gem, with some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches and unique pink lakes.
This road trip is a serene escape into the untouched beauty of Western Australia’s coastline, providing a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Perth to Exmouth Road Trip
The final road trip takes us from Perth to Exmouth, covering approximately 1,270 kilometres of Western Australia’s Coral Coast. This journey typically spans around 10 to 14 days, revealing a world of marine wonders and ancient landscapes.
As we depart from Perth, the Pinnacles Desert offers an otherworldly start to our adventure. Shark Bay captivates with its wildlife encounters, including dolphins, dugongs, and stromatolites at Hamelin Pool.
The famous Monkey Mia provides an opportunity for unforgettable interactions with wild dolphins. Coral Bay serves as a snorkeler’s paradise, offering easy access to the Ningaloo Reef and its vibrant marine life.
The road trip culminates in Exmouth, the gateway to Ningaloo Marine Park. Here, world-class diving experiences, including the chance to swim with whale sharks (seasonal), await. This journey is a truly extraordinary exploration of Western Australia’s coastal wonders.
Essential Tips to consider prior to driving off for Australian Road Trips
Now once you glean the essence and imperatives of these 7 great road trips in Australia, you must spare some time in counting the adhesive drawbacks of a road trip. Since the excitement of a road trip is solely related to rolling over wheels and making a partnership with steerings, before sitting in the driver’s seat, you must take consent of the following 5 major tips. Otherwise, don’t blame me later.
Seasonal Considerations: The best time to go on a road trip in Australia largely depends on the region you plan to explore. For the southern and eastern parts, including popular routes like Sydney to Melbourne or Brisbane to Cairns, the ideal time is during the Australian spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May). During these months, the weather is generally mild, and you can avoid the extreme summer heat or winter chill.
Avoiding Peak Tourist Seasons: While Australia welcomes tourists year-round, it’s wise to consider avoiding peak tourist seasons to enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable road trip. The peak tourist season typically aligns with school holidays and major festivals, such as Christmas and New Year (December to January) and the Easter holiday period (March to April). Planning your road trip just before or after these peak seasons can help you avoid crowds and secure better accommodation deals.
Tropical North Australia: If you plan to explore the tropical regions of northern Australia, like the road trip from Cairns to Broome or Cairns to Exmouth, it’s important to consider the wet and dry seasons. The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit, as the weather is mild, and you can enjoy clear skies and pleasant temperatures. The wet season (November to April) brings heavy rains and potential cyclones, making road travel more challenging and some areas inaccessible.
Wildflower Season: For those embarking on a road trip through Western Australia, particularly from Perth to Esperance or Perth to Broome, the wildflower season (September to November) is an enchanting time to explore. During this period, vast stretches of the region burst into a vibrant display of wildflowers, creating a stunning spectacle of colours that is a photographer’s dream.
Whale Watching Opportunities: For road trips along the southern and eastern coasts, such as Sydney to Melbourne or Melbourne to Sydney, consider timing your journey during the whale-watching season. From May to November, humpback whales migrate along the east coast, offering excellent opportunities to spot these majestic creatures from various coastal viewpoints.
Suggested readings
Driving away with any of these 7 road trips in Australia guarantees an unforgettable adventure, where travellers will discover the diverse landscapes, natural wonders, and warm hospitality that the continent offers. Whether it’s a coastal journey from Sydney to Melbourne, a tropical expedition from Brisbane to Cairns, or an exploration of Western Australia’s rugged beauty from Perth to Broome or Exmouth, these road trips promise to create memories that will last a lifetime. Just remember to pack your sense of adventure and a camera to capture the jaw-dropping beauty that awaits you on the open road Down Under. Happy driving!
