Australia’s all-time greatest road trips revealed

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Despite its popularity, the Great Ocean Road still feels relatively untouched.

In a land dominated by expansive landscapes, it’d be remiss to always take the quickest route from A to B. To fully appreciate this Great Southern Land and its diversity, it’s time to put down the boarding pass and pick up the road map. Here, 10 epic road trips that take in the very best that Australia has to offer.

1. The Big Lap
The route: Exactly as it sounds, the Big Lap is the circumnavigation of this vast country. This road trip follows the some 15,000 kilometres of Highway One, which links seven of the capital cities, roughly skirting the coastline between Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart.

The Big Lap of Australia is still the biggest dream road trip of all.

2. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The route: One of the country’s most famous road trips stretches along its southern coast from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria.

Why is it one of the greats? Taking a trip along the Great Ocean Road is an Australian rite of passage. It winds 243 kilometres along some of Australia’s most stunning coastline, taking in rainforest, sunburnt cliffs, shipwrecks, and, of course, the famous Twelve Apostles – of which there are now eight.

Don’t miss: Explore Port Campbell National Park further than the Apostles. It’s also home to Loch Ard Gorge, site of a 19th-century shipwreck; the Island Archway, which collapsed in 2009; and the cliff-face Gibson Steps.

Driving tip: If you’re only driving in one direction, start in Torquay so you’re on the ocean side of the road, making it easier to pull over for lookouts.

For more head here: Ultimate Escapes Great Ocean Road

3. Gibb River Road, WA
The route: Constructed in the ’60s to transport cattle stock, this 660-kilometre road cuts right through the belly of WA’s Kimberley from Derby to Wyndham.

Why is it one of the greats? This is a 4WD adventure like no other, taking in the magnificent and remote wilderness of the Kimberley, with outback cattle stations, ancient gorges, thundering waterfalls, sacred Aboriginal sites and rock art, a unique pioneering history, and fascinating characters.

Don’t miss: Bell Gorge; it’s a mission to get to, but you won’t regret it. This multi-tiered waterfall cascades down layered sandstone into several pools and is perfect for swimming.

Driving tip: Petrol is really expensive on the Gibb River Road, and there are only two roadhouses along the way – at Imintji and Mt Barnett. Only Mt Barnett sells petrol, both sell diesel.

For more head here: 7 wonders of the Gibb River Road

4. Tasmania’s East Coast
The route: From historical Hobart to the exquisite Bay of Fires, this road trip follows the coast via St Helens, Swansea and Bicheno.

Why is it one of the greats? Stunningly beautiful and blissfully quiet, Tasmania’s East Coast boasts bountiful produce including wine, cheese and seafood, walking tracks with ample wildlife spotting, empty beaches, and a unique convict history.

Don’t miss: Be sure to take a little detour to Freycinet National Park, an area rich in granite mountains, peaceful bays, azure waters and prolific birdlife, and if you have time join the award-winning Freycinet Experience Walk.

Driving tip: If you’re in the Apple Isle for a long period, consider bringing your own vehicle from Melbourne via the Spirit of Tasmania to save money on car rental.

For more head here: Road-tripper’s guide to Tasmania’s heavenly east coast

5. Cairns to Cape York, Qld
The route: This 1000-kilometre drive begins at Cairns, the gateway to the Barrier Reef, and ends at mainland Australia’s most northern point, Queensland’s tip, Cape York.

Why is it one of the greats? Made up of red dirt, croc-infested river crossings, ancient rock art, and lush rainforest, this scenic route encompasses the Wet Tropics, an area where two World Heritage areas (the Reef and Daintree) meet.

Don’t miss: The Quinkan Galleries at Laura is a collection of rock art believed to be as old as 30,000 years. Guided tours are available through the Quinkan & Regional Cultural Centre.

Driving tip: The scenic coastal route via Cape Tribulation, the Daintree and the Bloomfield Track requires 4WD, whereas the inland route follows the fully sealed Mulligan Highway.

For more head here: Road trip to The Tip

6. Perth to Ningaloo, WA
The route: Just under 1200 kilometres, this west coast drive takes you from Perth to Exmouth along WA’s stunning Coral Coast via Cervantes, Geraldton, Monkey Mia and Carnarvon.

Why is it one of the greats? Where the turquoise Indian Ocean meets the rugged outback, is there a more breathtaking sight? With the Pinnacles Desert, World Heritage Shark Bay, swimming with dolphins, manta rays and whale sharks, and the dramatic gorges of Kalbarri National Park, this is Mother Nature at her finest.

Don’t miss: Between June to September you’ll also be wowed with the colourful wildflowers that carpet this arid landscape.

Tip: Supplies north of Carnarvon are limited and expensive, so be prepared prior to this.

For more head here: the Perth to Ningaloo road trip

7. Great Alpine Road, Vic
The route: Starting in Wangaratta in the state’s north-east, this road trip winds its way some 500 kilometres through Victorian High Country to Metung in Gippsland Lakes area.

Why is it one of the greats? Australia’s highest accessible sealed road takes in mountain ranges, deep valleys, wine regions and the sparkling waterways of the Gippsland Lakes region. This scenic beauty is interjected with quaint historic towns including Beechworth, Bright and Omeo.

Don’t miss: Victoria’s highest alpine village, Mt Hotham, is a treat year-round, with excellent downhill skiing and cross-country trails (245 hectares) as well as trekking, horse riding, and fishing in the warmer months.

Driving tip: If driving this route during winter, be sure to have Diamond Pattern wheel chains fitted to your car, ensure you have a full tank of fuel, and drive slowly and carefully.

For more head here: The Great Alpine Road

8. The Savannah Way
The route: Linking Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with Broome in WA’s stunning Kimberley region via Northern Territory, this route is approximately 3700 kilometres.

Why is it one of the greats? Encompassing 15 national parks and five World Heritage areas, this is the ultimate east to west road trip. Expect to see everything from tropical rainforest to vast grassy plains, remote cattle stations to waterfalls and gorges, and ancient rock art to turquoise waters.

Don’t miss: Boodjamulla National Park is one of Queensland’s best-kept secrets. It boasts spectacular gorges, ancient fossils dating back a staggering 25 million years, and a landscape of vivid colours of orange sandstone cliffs and emerald waters.

Tip: This is the outback, so be prepared. Although a 4WD is not completely necessary (there are alternate routes for 2WDs), it’s strongly recommended that you carry a radio for when mobile reception is sketchy.

For more head here: The Savannah Way

9. The Nullarbor, SA
The route: The Nullarbor stretches 1256 kilometres between the goldfields of WA and the Eyre Peninsula in SA.

Why is it one of the greats? This legendary, (almost) treeless plain meets with the towering sea cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. It’s home to prolific wildlife (emus, kangaroos, dingoes, camels…) and a series of unique caves, interesting outback characters, and the world’s longest golf course.

Don’t miss: The ruins of Eucla Telegraph Station, built in the 1870s for the overland telegraph, which are slowly being swallowed up by ever-shifting sand dunes.

Driving tip: The Nullarbor is sealed but it’s very remote, so it’s essential to be prepared when driving the outback with a full tank of fuel and plenty of water. Accommodation is basic at best – roadhouses and camping.

For more head here: An unlikely summer holiday…

10. Pacific Coast, NSW & Qld
The route: The Legendary Pacific Coast follows around 900 kilometres from Sydney to Brisbane through the Central Coast, Port Stephens, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, Ballina and Byron Bay.

Why is it one of the greats? This is classic coastal Australia: a host of surfing beaches, charming seaside towns, pretty hinterland and national parks, all found between two exciting capital cities.

Don’t miss: For a change of scenery, detour west of Newcastle to the Hunter Valley region, renowned for Semillon and home to some incredible restaurants and boutique cheese, olive and chocolate producers.

Tip: Leave yourself at least five days to do this trip so you can get off the Pacific Motorway as much as possible.

For more head here: 10 definitely-worth-it detours on the NSW coast

11. The Grand Pacific Drive, NSW
The route: The Grand Pacific Drive is a 140 kilometre scenic coastal drive taking you through rainforests, over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge and through the coastal cities and townships of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and the Shoalhaven.

Why is it one of the greats? Showcasing some of NSW’s most beautiful beaches, the Grand Pacific Drive also drives you through some of the state’s most beautiful cliff faces.

Don’t miss: A chance to stop at Kiama and witness the powerful blowhole.

Tip: Bring your cossie!

For more head here: The people have spoken! Australia’s best destinations revealed

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