Best roadtrips to take in Australia as country dips deeper into summer

Thanks to its geographic diversity, Australia has some of the most beautiful scenic drives on Earth. 

Towering mountain ranges, lush rainforests, jaw-dropping ocean roads, and arid deserts make for incredible experiences. 

From the Great Ocean Road, in Victoria, to the the Great Eastern Drive, in Tasmania, we look at some of the most breathtaking road trips in Australia. 

Great Ocean Road  

The Great Ocean Road is a popular choice for tourists and Aussies alike and its not hard to see why. 

The twisting 243-kilometre long road from Torquay, south of Melbourne to Warrnambool, provides spectacular ocean views and is perhaps Australia’s most famous road trip.

Along the way motorists can expect to see the 12 Apostles, London Arch, Loch Ard Gorge and the Grotto.

The Great Ocean Road is a popular favourite for anyone looking to enjoy spectacular coastal views and breathtaking scenery

Along the way motorists can expect to see the 12 Apostles, London Arch, Loch Ard Gorge and the Grotto 

Along the way motorists can expect to see the 12 Apostles, London Arch, Loch Ard Gorge and the Grotto 

If you’re looking to cool down, you’ll be spoilt for choice and could try  popular spots like Bells Beach (Torquay), Johanna Beach, Black Nose Pont (Portland) and Easter Reef. 

Point Addis, Anglesea Hill, Loveridge Lookout, Mt Defiance, Teddys Lookout and Cape Patton are also big hits with travellers. 

The road can get busy with families travelling with children during the school holidays so if you’re looking to beat the crowds we recommend planning a trip around those times. 

Great Eastern Drive 

Tasmania’s east coast is a picturesque mix of farmland, rock-formations, vineyards and coastal views. 

Next on the list is the Great Eastern Drive - Tasmania's pride, and picturesque east coast

Next on the list is the Great Eastern Drive – Tasmania’s pride, and picturesque east coast

Farmland, rock-formations, vineyards and coastal views make for a perfect mix on a this relaxing drive

Farmland, rock-formations, vineyards and coastal views make for a perfect mix on a this relaxing drive

Along the way you’ll drive through Freycinet National Park, which is home to dramatic pink granite peaks, secluded bays and white, sandy beaches.

If you’re in the mood for a walk with incredible views, Maria Island National Park is also only a short boat trip from Triabunna, and is well worth a visit. 

The island is home to the World Heritage-listed Darlington convict probation station as well as stunning wildlife and more beautiful beaches. 

Nullarbor Crossing 

If you’re had your fill of ocean drives, Western Australia’s inland Nullarbor Crossing could be the one for you.

If you're had your fill of ocean drives, Western Australia's inland Nullarbor Crossing could be the one for you

If you’re had your fill of ocean drives, Western Australia’s inland Nullarbor Crossing could be the one for you

The long stretch of road between Perth and Adelaide cuts through the Nullarbor National Park – home to some of Australia’s beautiful native fauna and flora. 

Along the way, geologists and rock mineral lovers can check out Kalgoorlie and explore the mining history of the town. 

This drive also includes the longest straight road in Australia, a 146.6 kilometre stretch from Balladonia to Caiguna.

Take a slight detour off the Nullarbor Crossing and you can see the rugged coastline known as the Great Australian Bight. 

Travellers are warned to carry enough fuel, food and water shops are few and far between and some places will even charge you a fee to refill your water bottle. 

Cairns to Cape York   

More adventurous among types will adore the Cairns to Cape York drive, not least because it requires a 4×4. 

For those who like to live dangerously among the crocodiles, the trip from Cairns to Cape York is up there with the must-travel roads

For those who like to live dangerously among the crocodiles, the trip from Cairns to Cape York is up there with the must-travel roads

Anyone wishing to take on the Cairns to Cape York coastal drive must also be driving a four-wheel drive - anything smaller and you just might become stranded, with rainforests and crocodiles surrounding you

Anyone wishing to take on the Cairns to Cape York coastal drive must also be driving a four-wheel drive – anything smaller and you just might become stranded, with rainforests and crocodiles surrounding you

The way between Cairns and Cape York has as many characters to it as it does varying roads along the way

The way between Cairns and Cape York has as many characters to it as it does varying roads along the way

Follow the coastal route via Cape Tribulation, the Daintree and the Bloomfield Tracka and you’ll be treated to crocodile sightings, ancient rock art, dense rainforest and views of the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Alpine Road  

If you’re looking for a real adventure, then head out on the twisting Great Alpine Road. 

Drive for 340 kilometres through awesome mountain ranges and steep valleys. 

On the way you’ll pass forests, farms and beautiful wine country between Wangaratta and Metung.

Looking for a real adventure then take the great twists and turns that is the Great Alpine Road

Looking for a real adventure then take the great twists and turns that is the Great Alpine Road

For 340 kilometres drivers can dip between the picturesque mountain ranges and steep valleys

For 340 kilometres drivers can dip between the picturesque mountain ranges and steep valleys

 Perth to Ningaloo  

The rusty-red desert of the outback opens onto the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean on the incredible coastal drive from Perth to Ningaloo. 

Take in the beautiful Red Bluff Quobba Station and you might even spot a kangaroo

Take in the beautiful Red Bluff Quobba Station and you might even spot a kangaroo

Vlamingh Head in Ningaloo is the perfect spot to take in the incredible panoramic views of the beach 

Vlamingh Head in Ningaloo is the perfect spot to take in the incredible panoramic views of the beach 

Along the 1,200km drive is the pretty fishing town of Cervantes, the coastal city of Geraldton and Monkey Mia, where tourists can see bottlenose dolphins.  

Go to Ningaloo reef to get up close and swim with whale sharks, turtles, manta rays and other sea creatures.

Coral Bay a perfect place to go to the beach, go diving or ride a quad bike over the sand dunes.

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