Land down under beckons with a roadtrip. It won’t disappoint
Australia is home to some of the most jaw-dropping coastlines in the world, and the best way to experience them is by hitting the open road. Whether you’re cruising along cliffs with endless ocean views or winding through lush rainforests, these drives are bound to leave you in awe. So, grab your sunglasses, fuel up the car, and get ready for an epic Aussie road trip!
Let’s start with the big one—the Great Ocean Road. This 243-kilometre stretch of winding tarmac along Victoria’s south coast is the poster child for scenic drives in Australia, and for good reason! With the stunning Twelve Apostles rock formations rising from the ocean, lush forests, and cliffs that make you feel like you're on the edge of the world, this drive is a must.
Along the way, you’ll pass through charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Don’t forget to stop at Loch Ard Gorge and check out the Otway National Park for some rainforest vibes and waterfalls. Trust me, your camera is going to get a serious workout on this trip!
If you’re starting your adventure in Sydney, you can’t miss the Grand Pacific Drive. This 140-kilometre road trip from the Royal National Park down to Shoalhaven is the perfect day trip if you’re looking for those iconic coastal views.
One of the highlights is crossing the Sea Cliff Bridge, a sweeping, cantilevered bridge that seems to float above the ocean.
Tropical vibes, anyone? The Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Port Douglas is a dreamy drive along the coastline of Far North Queensland. On one side, you’ve got the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea, and on the other, you’ve got the dense, green Daintree Rainforest—it’s the ultimate combo!
This stretch is only 75 kilometres, but every moment is packed with beauty. Be sure to stop at Palm Cove for a beachside stroll, or take a detour to Mossman Gorge and explore the rainforest.
Looking for a road trip that’s off the beaten path? The Nullarbor Plain is as wild and remote as it gets. This 1,200-kilometre stretch between South Australia and Western Australia follows the Eyre Highway, hugging the rugged coastline of the Great Australian Bight.
It’s an epic adventure through some of Australia’s most isolated landscapes, where dramatic cliffs drop into the Southern Ocean, and kangaroos, emus, and camels often join you on the road. While the landscape is sparse, it’s breathtaking in its vastness.
Tasmania’s Tasman Peninsula is a coastal road trip like no other, where the scenery feels both ancient and untouched. The drive takes you past some of the most dramatic coastal cliffs in Australia, especially when you reach Eaglehawk Neck and the jaw-dropping Tasman Arch and Blowhole.
For a road trip that feels like you’re driving through a postcard, the Coral Coast Highway in Western Australia is where it’s at. Stretching 1,250 kilometres from Perth to Exmouth, this route takes you past some of the most stunning beaches and coral reefs in the country.
The highlight of the drive is Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel with whale sharks (don’t worry, they’re friendly!) and explore vibrant coral gardens.
