Swipe Our FREE Maps & Tackle 11 Aussie Drives So Wild Your Boss Will Panic
If you’ve ever wanted to ditch the desk and hit the road, these 11 Aussie road trips will seriously tempt you. These are places where you’ll camp there once and you’ll question why you ever paid rent!
From remote outback tracks to coastal drives and mountain escapes, these routes show off the very best of Australia:
Perth to Esperance (WA)
When it comes to beaches, Esperance is our favourite destination in ALL of Australia.
The white sand, the insane turquoise water, and the remote feel are hard to match… Not to mention the local kangaroos sunbathing at Lucky Bay!
And the BEST way to get there from Perth is via the Margaret River Region. There are several bucket-list stops between Perth and Esperance, including:
- Margaret River, the heart of the region. Great wine, epic surfing, and so much to do!
- Yallingup, home to the Insta-famous Injidup Natural Spa.
- Denmark, home of the iconic Greens Pool & Elephant Rocks.
- Bremer Bay and its orcas (from January to April).
- Albany, a historical town with heaps of natural wonders and whale-watching opportunities (from July to October).
- Augusta, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.
- Busselton, with its iconic jetty!
The roads are sealed all the way, so no need for a 4WD unless you’re planning side adventures into the Fitzgerald River NP or Cape Arid.
Autumn (March-May) is the best time to go there, the weather is incredible and there are fewer people than summer!
You’ll want at least 10–15 days to do this entire road trip. But if you’d rather drive from Perth to Esperance directly, 5 days is enough for the round trip.
Map – Perth to Esperance road trip itinerary:
Flinders Ranges (SA)
The Flinders Ranges are seriously underrated – it’s where the red dirt meets rugged mountain ranges! You get that proper outback feel… minus the insane distances of the NT.
Base yourself in Wilpena Pound and spend a few days exploring Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges, Aboriginal rock art sites, and scenic drives that look straight out of a movie set.
Or stay at Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary for a true off-grid experience.
You will need a 4WD for a few sections, especially if you’re heading into more remote areas!
The best time to visit is between March and October, when it’s cooler but still dry. Summers are scorching, and some roads close after heavy rain.
Keep an eye out for emus wandering through campgrounds – they’re not shy!
Map – Flinders Ranges road trip:
Bruny Island Explorer (TAS)
Just a 30-minute ferry from Kettering (south of Hobart), Bruny Island feels like a whole other world.
It’s split into North and South by a skinny isthmus called The Neck – climb the stairs there for one of the best coastal views in Tassie.
You can knock off most highlights in 2–3 days – Cape Bruny Lighthouse, the towering cliffs at South Bruny National Park, and short hikes like the Fluted Cape Track.
Add in local oysters, artisan cheese, and fresh sourdough, and you’ve got yourself a road trip that’s as tasty as it is scenic!
The roads are sealed but narrow and winding in parts – totally fine for regular cars, just take it slow.
Summer (Dec–Feb) is ideal for swimming and beach days, but if you come in winter, the place is quiet and wild in the best kind of way.
Map – Bruny Island Explorer:
Yorke Peninsula (SA)
The Yorke Peninsula is another underrated road trip in South Australia.
It’s proof that you don’t need to drive long distances to get to the most beautiful destinations – it’s only a 2-hour drive from Adelaide!
The coastline is gorgeous, with white sandy beaches, heaps of little fishing towns, and the crown jewel – the Dhilba Guuranda-Innes NP, at the southern tip of the peninsula.
You can do a lap of the whole peninsula in about 5 days, but if you just want to focus on Dhilba Guuranda, a weekend is enough.
Roads are sealed the whole way, and camping is EPIC if you want to be close to nature.
The sweet spot for visiting is spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May). The weather’s mild, the beaches are less crowded, and you avoid the summer heat and holiday crowds.
Map – Yorke Peninsula road trip:
Perth to Exmouth (WA)
This is one of WA’s most iconic road trips, and for good reason.
The drive from Perth to Exmouth takes you along the Coral Coast – where the desert meets the most pristine beaches with turquoise water.
There are some absolute must-stops along the way:
- Coral Bay, a small but beautiful town where you can snorkel straight off the beach in the Ningaloo Reef.
- Kalbarri National Park, don’t miss the Skywalk, Nature’s Window and the Z-Bend!
- The Pinnacles, an otherworldly limestone desert just outside Cervantes.
- Hutt Lagoon, a massive pink lake for the most epic photos.
- Shark Bay & Monkey Mia, famous for dolphins and a beach made out of shells!
Exmouth itself has some truly beautiful beaches, plus there are epic hikes in the iconic Cape Range National Park.
But the best thing to do there is swimming with whale sharks (from early April to late June)!
You’ll want at least 10–14 days for the full trip. It’s sealed roads all the way, but a 4WD will give you access to extra beaches and gorges in Cape Range.
Best done between April and October when the weather is dry and warm, plus you’ll be able to swim with the whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles, and more!
Map – Perth to Exmouth road trip:
Cairns to Brisbane (QLD)
The East Coast’s most classic road trip – rainforest, reef, waterfalls and so many coastal towns you’ll lose count.
There’s a lot to see, so it’s worth giving yourself 4 weeks if you can. The full route is sealed and 2WD-friendly the whole way.
Top highlights include:
- Cairns, your launchpad for the Great Barrier Reef and nearby waterfalls.
- Atherton Tablelands, packed with waterfalls, lakes and amazing local food.
- Mission Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef (and maybe a cassowary!).
- Airlie Beach, the jump-off point for Whitsunday sailing adventures.
- Agnes Water & 1770, a chill surf town with sunset cruises and great walks.
- Noosa, full of beachside cafes, national park walks, and excellent swimming spots.
The best time for this road trip is from May to October, when it’s dry up north and warm down south!
Map – Cairns to Brisbane road trip:
Snowy Mountains (NSW)
If you’re chasing snow in Australia, this is the place to go!
The Snowy Mountains are home to the country’s best winter sports – skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tobogganing are all on offer from June to early October.
Base yourself in Jindabyne, the main town just outside the national park. From there you can hit:
- Thredbo, great for skiers, boarders, and après scenes.
- Perisher, the biggest resort with heaps of terrain for snowboarding and skiing.
- Charlotte Pass, quieter and only accessible via oversnow transport in winter.
- Guthega, a hidden gem with alpine charm.
You’ll want 4–7 days, depending on what you’re into. Main roads are sealed and easy to navigate – just check snow conditions if you’re heading in mid-winter.
Outside of the snow season, the Snowies turn into an adventure playground. Summer (Dec–Feb) is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and abseiling!
Map – Snowy Mountains road trip:
Adelaide to Darwin (SA > NT)
This one’s a big one – a full-on transcontinental outback adventure!
You’re crossing the heart of Australia here, through the Red Centre and all the way to the Top End. Here are the main stops we reckon are worth your time:
- Uluru, the spiritual heart of Australia.
- Kings Canyon, with one of the best hikes in the country.
- Kakadu and Litchfield NP, both iconic in their own right.
- Mataranka, home to natural hot springs under the palm trees.
- Coober Pedy, the underground opal town.
Thankfully it’s sealed all the way, but the distances are huge – give yourself 2–3 weeks for the one-way trip!
The best time to drive during the dry season, from May to September. Avoid summer at all costs – it’s boiling hot and the northern section gets cyclones and floods.
Map – Adelaide to Darwin road trip:
Gibb River Road (WA)
Now this is proper adventure territory – remote, rugged, and absolutely spectacular! The Gibb River Road cuts through the heart of the Kimberley, from Derby to Kununurra.
It’s about 660km of mostly unsealed road with heaps of beautiful gorges, rivers, waterfalls, and outback stations along the way.
You’ll need a high-clearance 4WD and full self-sufficiency gear – there are long stretches with no phone signal, no fuel, and no shops!
Top stops along the Gibb include:
- El Questro, where Emma Gorge is. Plus hot springs, canyons, and a station stay with lots of comfort.
- Windjana Gorge, with towering cliffs, ancient fossils, and crocs!
- Bell Gorge, a dreamy swimming hole and waterfall combo.
- Tunnel Creek, a great hike with lots of history.
Check our list with all the stops in the Gibb that should be on EVERY itinerary!
The Gibb is only open during the dry season (May to October). Plan for 10–14 days depending on detours!
Map – Gibb River Road:
Red Centre Way (NT)
The Red Centre Way is a 1,100km loop starting and ending in Alice Springs, taking in Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, and the stunning West MacDonnell Ranges.
It’s one of the most EPIC road trips you can do in the NT and, honestly, we think every Aussie should do this trip once in their lives.
There’s something about the Red Centre that’s hard to put your finger on, but makes you feel sooo proud of calling this beautiful country home.
Plus, you can tackle it with a 2WD! However, you’ll need a 4WD if you also want to take the Mereenie Loop section (between Kings Canyon and the West Macs).
The best time to go is between May and September, when it’s dry and daytime temps are more manageable. You’ll need about 7–10 days to enjoy the full loop without rushing.
Map – Red Centre Way road trip:
Great Ocean Road (VIC)
An absolute classic – and still one of the most scenic drives in the country.
The Great Ocean Road stretches 240km between Torquay and Allansford, but you’ll want a few days to properly soak it in.
It’s all sealed and easy to drive, with loads of cute towns, epic coastal views, and rainforest detours along the way. Plan for 3–5 days to do it justice.
Top spots to check out include:
- Twelve Apostles, of course – the big-ticket view.
- Bells Beach, famous surf break near Torquay.
- Lorne, a lively town with a beachy vibe and waterfalls nearby.
- Apollo Bay, a good halfway stop with great food and access to the Otways.
- Great Otway NP, with rainforest walks and glow worm caves.
The drive is beautiful year-round, but early autumn (March-April) and spring (September-November) offer the best weather and fewer crowds.
If you go between May to September, you might spot migrating whales off the coast!
Map – Great Ocean Road:
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