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The Australian subcontinent is teeming with an array of natural wonders, from cliffside coastlines and white-sand beaches to verdant rainforests and ochre rock formations.
For travellers with an adventurous spirit, sitting cosy on a plane may not be sufficient to satiate their exploratory desires. And if you fit that description, perhaps the best call is to opt-in to a good, old-fashioned road trip instead.
Fortunately, most of the popular and acclaimed Australian road trip routes are established and well-documented. With thousands of kilometres of road networks, as well as hundreds of service stations and EV charging ports, you’re at no risk of danger if you follow safe driving habits and stick to the right path.
In this article, we’ll give you some popular road trip routes you can consider for your upcoming Australian adventure. We’ll also throw in some tips to help you prepare and ensure that you’re safe and cosy throughout the trip.
Let’s get right into it!
Great Ocean Road
If you only have the time to embark on a single Australian road trip, then the Great Ocean Road in Victoria should be one to heavily consider.
This 240-kilometre stretch of winding road offers stunning views of the southern ocean over rugged cliff faces.
It also passes through a handful of sleepy beach towns like Torquay, Lorne and Apollo Bay where you can rest, refuel, and indulge in delectable seafood dishes to your heart’s desire. And if you want to take a dip in beautiful, pristine waters, you can do so in these towns as well.
Of course, the landmarks you’ll pass by along this route are nothing short of noteworthy.
Towards the tail end of the route are the towering Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks that rise parallel to the cliff along the ocean. Close to it are the London Arch and the London Gorge, two other marvellous limestone formations that are picture-worthy.
Then there’s the national parks. The Great Otway National Park is speckled with redwood forests and waterfalls within its hinterlands. You can even deviate from the main Great Ocean Road route and come across other beautiful and natural sights, like Erskine Falls.
What makes the Great Ocean Road so great is that it can be done in a day or extended into a weekend or multi-day trip. It offers a varied mix of things to do and see, making it an excellent road trip choice for most people looking to step out of the city.
Want an even longer adventure? ROLLiN’ Insurance provides an extended road trip guide that stretches from Melbourne to Adelaide.
Grand Pacific Drive
Another stunning coastline drive you can embark on is the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales. Although it’s about a hundred kilometres shorter than the Great Ocean Road, it still offers marvellous sights and landmarks that can make for a fun day out.
The bulk of the adventure lies in the Royal National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the entire continent. It offers an array of fun, family-friendly bushwalk hikes, including the hike to the Wedding Cake Rock. If water activities are more your drift, you can consider hopping on over to the Wattamolla picnic area.
Besides that, this drive also brings you to the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge, a winding manmade bridge that overlooks and passes through the ocean and cliffs beneath it. Finally, you’ll make your way to the coastal towns of Wollongong and Kiama, where good eats, interesting culture, and spectacular attractions await.
Red Centre Way
While many cities and attractions cluster towards the coastline, Australia’s true heart is found in its ochre-coloured core. If you want to enjoy the sights of Australia’s most rugged adventure, then consider hopping on a Red Centre Way road trip.
Begin by flying to Alice Springs, a desert town situated at the centre of the subcontinent. Explore the town by visiting its museums and immersing yourself in the rich Aboriginal culture.
Once you’ve got a car hire, you can then meander your way through the West MacDonnell Ranges, where gorges, waterholes, and rock formations are aplenty, like the Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm.
National parks are also abundant, and in Watarrka you can see and take a hike along the Kings Canyon. However, the most iconic sight of all is undoubtedly Ayers Rock, an elevated plateau that glows a brilliant shade of orange and red during the golden hours.
Great Barrier Reef Drive
Everyone knows about the world-class Great Barrier Reef but not everyone knows the wondrous quality of the drive going to it as well.
Once you’ve had your fill snorkelling and diving around the waters of the reef, you can extend your adventure by car up north.
From Cairns, drive along the Captain Cook highway. You will be sandwiched between the ancient Daintree forest on your left and the mystical ocean on your right.
Following the road, you’ll end up in Port Douglas, a beautiful, relaxed town with a fantastic sweeping view of the beach. You can also drop by Mossman Gorge while here.
The trip ends at Cape Tribulation, a town that also is the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest. Nature lovers are sure to enjoy this scenic route, but be sure to follow marked trails and signs—there are crocodiles and venomous creatures around.
How to Prepare for An Australian Road Trip
Follow these tips below to make the most of your upcoming Australian road trip.
1. Make an Itinerary and Route Beforehand
While the fun of going on a road trip can be in the spontaneity of it, it’s much better to have at least a skeletal itinerary of what you’re planning to do.
An itinerary can keep you on track and ensure that you’re maximising the road trip. It gives you a timetable to follow, enabling you to visit all the spots you want to visit at the best time.
It also allows you to plan the best route in advance, lowering the need for you to constantly check your GPS and map while out on the road.
Most importantly, planning a route beforehand also allows you to plan for upcoming refuelling stopovers. This is especially useful for EV owners, where charging stations may not be as spread out in rural motorways.
2. Check Your Vehicle
You should inspect your vehicle to ensure that it’s capable of handling your road trip’s range. Each car brand and type has different driving and range capabilities, so be sure to be attuned to your car’s capabilities and not overwork it.
Besides that, you should also consider your car’s current condition. Is its tyres fully pressurised? Is there enough fuel, or is it fully charged? Is its engines and battery in good condition? Are there no major visual and internal problems?
Be sure to thoroughly inspect your car to ensure that it’s road-worthy. It’s highly suggested that you bring it to a car mechanic shop for a thorough and expert-level evaluation.
3. Make a Packing Checklist
Whether you’re going on a day trip or a multi-week one, it’s a good idea to make an inventory checklist beforehand to ensure that you’re fully stocked up before the trip.
This packing checklist serves as an inventory tracking tool to help make the trip extra convenient and smooth. The things you should add here include your essential IDs, your insurance documents, and car registration documents.
Besides that, you should also pack your daily gear. This includes your clothing (fit for various weather conditions), toiletries, medication, chargers, and toolkits for emergencies. You should also bring snacks, water, and food sufficient for the trip.
Lastly, pack activity-based gear and entertainment items for the road. This can be anything, from camping items to photography gear.
4. Plan For Accommodation
For people embarking on an overnight road trip, look for hotels, motels, or campsites along your route and consider booking them in advance. Try to find one with cancellable terms so that you can opt-out when needed.
Accommodation can also be planned in tandem with refuelling stops, particularly for EV vehicles. This way, you’re maximising the time in your journey and will have peace of mind knowing that you can sleep soundly in a warm bed.
5. Read up on Local News and Weather Updates
Stay updated with weather and roadside conditions in the places you’re planning to visit.
Some roads may face closures and some places may randomly develop terrible weather conditions, so be sure to stay alert to ensure that you and your car are safe. Use weather and map apps on your smartphone to get these updates.
All the best on your upcoming road trip!