Australia's best road trips

Ahh, we love a sunburnt country, we bet you feel the same! Australia is one of the world’s top tourist spots and explorers from all walks of life will find something unique to love in our diverse island home. So what better way to explore all that vast terrain than by road? We hit the tarmac and discovered some of the best road trips down under.

Great Ocean Road

Without a doubt one of Australia’s most iconic and celebrated road trips, the Great Ocean is one to add to your bucket list. Curving around the coastlines of Melbourne and Adelaide, the stretch of road bypasses iconic beaches, stunning ocean views and the Twelve Apostles, towering statues of limestone that need to be seen to be believed. Fantastic eateries, incredible heritage and plenty of leisure activities make this drive a must-do.

The Savannah Way

For those looking to see as much of the land down under as possible, the Savannah Way combines the very best of Australia’s varied landscape.  Stretching from Cairns in Queensland, bypassing the Northern Territory and cruising all the way to Broome in Western Australia, the Savannah Way spans a colossal distance of 3,700 km! Along the way you’ll encounter 15 National Parks and five World Heritage sites. Keep your eyes peeled for rare species of birds, reptiles and marine life.  

The Great Tropical Drive

This spectacular road trip is set to delight travellers from all walks of life. Start your drive exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef before hitting World Heritage listed rainforests and the golden savannah of outback Queensland. You won’t miss a minute of Queensland’s tropical splendour over this 12-day drive. Alternatively, segue through some of the spectacular scenery on any one of the road’s 13 shorter Tropical Discovery Trails.

Coast to coast of Tasmania

Although Australia’s most southern state may look diminutive on a map, prepare to be blown away by the sheer expanse and diversity of this enigmatic island. Begin your trip in quaint and lovely Hobart, explore historic Point Arthur, take on the exquisite East Coat (featuring the world-class wonders of Wineglass Bay and the Bay of Fires) before making your way back up to Launceston and Cradle Mountain National Park. Tasmania’s spectacular sights don’t end there of course, so be sure to allow yourself ample driving time.

The Red Centre Way

For an authentic outback adventure, it doesn’t get much better than the wild and dusty journey through some of Australia’s most iconic terrain. Start your trip with a swim in the picturesque setting of Glen Helen Gorge, and then head to Kings Canyon for an unforgettable hike up the canyon’s 1,000m sandstone walls. Next, visit Uluru in all it’s red-rock magnificence and get a taste of the region’s dreamtime heritage. Finally, end your trip at Alice Springs, detouring past the stunning morning views of Rainbow Valley.

Victoria's Great Alpine Road

With claims to possess some of Australia's most spectacular mountain scenery, this 308-kilometre drive is perfect for those with a taste for lush, alpine landscapes. Dotted with historic sights, rolling mountain ranges and wineries and cellar doors, there’s something for everyone on this mountainous road. The road’s scenery is especially lovely during autumn and winter as the landscape changes colour and is gradually blanketed with snow. Take note that snow chains are mandatory during snow seasons.

Now you've whet your appetite, it's time to plan your Australian road trip! Get geared up and ready to go with car hire excess cover today!