Australia’s roads stretch like ribbons across vast landscapes, telling stories of ancient lands and modern adventures. From hidden coastal gems to rugged outback tracks, these journeys promise experiences that match – and sometimes surpass – the famous Great Ocean Road.
The beauty of Australian road trips lies in the destinations and the unexpected moments between points on a map. Ready to discover some incredible drives that deserve just as much attention as their famous coastal cousin?
Let’s explore some remarkable routes that showcase Australia’s diverse beauty.
The Gibb River Road
This 410-mile outback adventure through Western Australia’s Kimberley region takes travelers through some of the continent’s most dramatic landscapes. Ancient gorges carved by time reveal hidden waterfalls and natural swimming holes perfect for cooling off in the tropical heat.
Red dirt tracks wind past massive cattle stations and through landscapes that have remained unchanged for millions of years. The journey passes through true Australian wilderness, where freshwater crocodiles sun themselves on riverbanks and wallabies bounce through the spinifex grass at dusk.
The Savannah Way
This epic 2,100-mile journey from Cairns to Broome showcases Australia’s tropical north in all its glory. Travelers pass through World Heritage-listed rainforests, vast cattle stations, and historic gold rush towns that tell tales of frontier dreams.
The route connects 15 national parks and five World Heritage areas, offering unique glimpses into Australia’s diverse ecosystems. Aboriginal rock art sites along the way reveal stories stretching back tens of thousands of years.
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Nullarbor Plain
The name Nullarbor means ‘no trees’ in Latin, and this 767-mile stretch across southern Australia lives up to its name in spectacular fashion. The world’s longest straight road offers an otherworldly experience where the desert meets the Great Australian Bight’s dramatic cliffs.
Whales can often be spotted playing in the waters below during migration season between June and October. The journey across this vast plain includes crossing the world’s longest stretch of limestone bedrock, making it feel like driving across another planet.
The Red Centre Way
This 690-mile loop from Alice Springs takes travelers through the spiritual heart of Australia. The route winds past iconic landmarks, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, where ancient sandstone walls rise 330 feet above desert oases.
Stunning sunrise and sunset views paint the desert landscapes in impossible shades of red and purple. The journey offers countless opportunities to learn about Aboriginal culture and connection to the country through guided walks and cultural centers.
Tasmania’s East Coast
Clear blue waters lap against white sand beaches as this coastal drive winds past some of Australia’s most pristine shorelines. Fresh oysters, local wines, and charming fishing villages make this route a food lover’s paradise.
The journey takes travelers from the historic port of Hobart to the spectacular Bay of Fires, where orange lichen-covered rocks create stunning contrasts against turquoise waters. Wildlife encounters are common, with opportunities to spot Tasmanian devils, wombats, and dolphins playing in the surf.
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The Waterfall Way
This 120-mile route through northern New South Wales connects a string of stunning waterfalls tumbling through ancient rainforests. The road winds through five national parks, each offering unique ecosystems and walking trails to hidden cascades.
Misty mornings in the high country give way to spectacular valley views as the route descends from the New England Tablelands. Local cafes and quirky country towns provide perfect rest stops between wildlife spotting and waterfall chasing.
The Flinders Ranges Loop
Ancient seabeds turned mountain ranges create a stunning backdrop for this South Australian outback adventure. The loop takes travelers through landscapes that inspired countless Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and early European artists.
Wildlife thrives in these rugged hills, with kangaroos, emus, and wedge-tailed eagles being common sights. The famous Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheater of mountains, serves as the dramatic centerpiece of this remarkable journey.
The Great Alpine Road
Victoria’s highest year-round accessible road offers a 190-mile journey through stunning mountain landscapes. The route climbs through snow gum forests and alpine meadows, offering spectacular views across the Victorian High Country.
Historic gold rush towns along the way provide glimpses into Australia’s pioneer past and excellent local produce. Winter brings snow sports, while summer reveals carpets of wildflowers and excellent hiking opportunities.
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The Indian Ocean Drive
This coastal journey north of Perth showcases Western Australia’s stunning shoreline and unique limestone formations. The Pinnacles Desert’s ancient rock spires create an alien landscape that’s particularly spectacular at sunrise and sunset.
Fresh lobster from the fishing town of Cervantes and pristine beaches at Jurien Bay make this route a feast for all senses. Wild dolphins often play in the crystal-clear waters, while sea lions bask on protected islands offshore.
The Nature’s Way
Darwin’s tropical surroundings come alive on this loop through Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Ancient rock art galleries tell stories stretching back 50,000 years while saltwater crocodiles patrol billabongs beneath towering escarpments.
In Litchfield, waterfalls cascade year-round, providing perfect swimming spots in nature’s infinity pools. The route showcases the dramatic seasonal changes of Australia’s tropical north, from lush green wet seasons to golden dry season landscapes.
The Pacific Coast
This stunning coastal drive between Sydney and Brisbane rivals its southern counterpart in beauty and attractions. Pristine beaches, coastal lakes, and subtropical rainforests create constantly changing scenery.
Whale-watching opportunities abound between May and November, while coastal towns offer surfing, kayaking, and fresh seafood year-round. The route passes through multiple national parks where koalas snooze in eucalyptus trees and dolphins play in the waves.
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The Outback Way
Australia’s longest shortcut stretches 1,700 miles through the red heart of the continent, connecting Queensland to Western Australia. Remote roadhouses become welcome oases, offering cold drinks and outback storytelling sessions with locals.
The journey passes through lands rich in Aboriginal history and mining heritage, where opals and gold still tempt modern prospectors. Star-filled desert nights remind travelers of their small place in this vast landscape.
The Rainforest Way
This scenic drive through northern New South Wales links a series of World Heritage-listed rainforest reserves. Ancient Antarctic beech forests and towering strangler figs create green tunnels over winding roads.
Local markets in charming villages offer fresh produce grown in the rich volcanic soil. The route provides access to countless walking tracks where lyrebirds perform elaborate courtship displays in the undergrowth.
The Southern Forest Drive
Western Australia’s southern forests host some of the world’s tallest trees, including the mighty karri and tingle forests. The route winds through cool, green valleys where giant trees have stood watch for hundreds of years.
Local wineries and truffle farms make this journey a food lover’s delight. The drive includes elevated treetop walks that let visitors experience these giants from the canopy level.
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The Darling River Run
This route follows Australia’s most iconic river system, revealing the lifeblood of the outback. Historic paddle steamer ports tell tales of river trade that opened the interior to European settlement.
The journey passes through landscapes that inspired legendary Australian poets and artists. Aboriginal fish traps dating back thousands of years show ancient connections to this vital waterway.
The Great Eastern Drive
Tasmania’s other great coastal route offers dramatic views of Freycinet National Park’s pink granite mountains. Pristine beaches, coastal vineyards, and fresh seafood make this journey a feast for all senses.
The route passes through historic convict settlements where Australia’s European history began. Friendly locals share stories in classic country pubs that haven’t changed in generations.
The Dinosaur Trail
Outback Queensland reveals ancient secrets along this unique route through prehistoric landscapes. Fossil discoveries and excellent museums tell the story of Australia’s dinosaur past.
The journey connects outback towns where modern-day cowboys meet ancient history. Sunset views across vast Mitchell grass plains create perfect outback photo opportunities.
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The Coral Coast
This Western Australian coastal route reveals the world’s longest fringing reef just offshore. In crystal-clear waters, swimmers can snorkel with whale sharks and manta rays.
The journey includes the stunning Shell Beach, made entirely of tiny white shells stretching for miles. Ancient stromatolites, the oldest living organisms on Earth, can be seen in the shallow waters of Hamelin Pool.
The Murray River Drive
On this memorable route, Australia’s longest river creates a green corridor through arid landscapes. Historic paddle steamers still ply these waters, offering glimpses into river trading days.
The journey passes through Australia’s food bowl, where orchards and vineyards thrive in the irrigated soil. River red gums line the banks, providing homes for countless native birds and animals.
The Capital to Coast
This journey from Canberra to the coast passes through constantly changing landscapes and climates. It descends from alpine regions where snow falls in winter to coastal forests where warm breezes rustle palm fronds.
Cheesemakers, wineries, and oyster farms make this route perfect for food lovers. The journey ends at pristine beaches where kangaroos often graze on coastal headlands at sunset.
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Pioneering Paths
Time has changed how we travel these ancient lands, but the spirit of discovery remains as strong as ever. Modern adventurers follow paths carved by dreamers, pioneers, and Indigenous peoples who came before, each adding their own stories to these timeless routes.
Today’s travelers carry cameras instead of compasses, but the sense of wonder these journeys inspire hasn’t changed. These roads remind us that in Australia, the journey truly matters as much as the destination and every mile brings new opportunities for discovery.
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