Fill up your tank and get ready for car songs, because a road trip through the wilderness of Australia is an experience unlike any other. From the lush hills of Kakadu to the rugged plains of Larapinta, Australian scenery is wild, beautiful, and infinitely viewable, and with nothing but a car rental and a little determination, you get to see it all!
- Road Trip in AustraliaGarry – www.visionandimagination.com / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
Great Southern Touring Route
One of the most popular driving routes in Australia, this multi-day adventure will take you everywhere from the jagged cliffs of the Grampian Mountains to the seaside views of Great Ocean Road. Other sights include Tower Hill, a dormant volcano and 40,000-year-old testament to Aboriginal culture, and the Ballarat Goldfields, home to the world’s biggest deposits of alluvial gold.
Snowy Mountains Drive
Exactly what it sounds like, the Snowy Mountains Drive is a drive through the powdery peaks of the Australia Alps. Stay in the car for a warm, toasty look at the extremes of the weather “down under,” or bundle up and venture out for an exploration of small charming towns like Tumbarumba and Tumut. Kosciuszko National Park is also worth a visit, especially if you packed your skis!
Not a fan of snow? Try the tropics instead with a trip through Gondwana Rainforests Way. Not only will you enjoy mountains, waterfalls and an entire world of fauna, but this route offers the only access to select UNESCO World Heritage Sites that have been safeguarding the integrity of the rainforest for years. It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity and the kind of experience that you’ll remember long after you leave Australia, so you don’t want to miss the roads of Gondwana!
The Great Alpine Road
Winding through the cities of Victoria, Wangaratta and Bairnsdale before passing through the Australia Alps, this 300km road will take you on a journey of both culture and good old-fashioned fun. On one hand, you’ll be passing by gorgeous historical monuments like the Holy Trinity Anglican Cathedral and the heritage sites of Mount Buffalo National Park. On the flip side, you’ll have the chance to enjoy the bars, shops and restaurants of passing towns like Bright and Bairnsdale, and you can always stop for a day or two on Mount Hotham for outdoor activities like camping and hiking. Also, don’t forget to detour and catch a glimpse of Mr. Stringy!
East Coast Escape Tasmania
Offering more than five days of exploration and discovery, the East Coast Escape of Tasmania might just tempt you out of the car more than you’ll stay in. Kayak in St. Helens, take a wine tour in Swansea or hike the rugged trails of Maria Island National Park. You also won’t want to miss the Bay of Fires, a coastal paradise that combines blue skies, white sand and orange granite for a technicolor dream of swimming and snorkeling. If you’re looking for one of the best places to take a road trip in Australia, the East Coast Escape more than lives up to its name!
