Is there a better country in the world for a road trip than Australia? The wide open roads, the glorious weather and the sense of infinite possibilities make this a place where getting behind the wheel is a genuine pleasure.
If you want to discover the best that Australia has to offer then pack up your gear, or join one of the Australia and New Zealand Tours, and head off on one of these stunning drives.
Perth to Kalbarri National Park
It takes approximately six and half hours to drive the 570 km from Perth to Kalbarri non stop but, in reality, it can take up to six days if you take it slowly and stop in some of the beautiful places en-route.
Worth a stop for a night is the Yanchep National Park just 40 minutes from Perth with it’s limestone caves, wetlands, wild kangaroos, koala’s, and in the spring the wildflowers.
The second stop is the Pinnacles Desert, with its unusual rock formations: the best way to enjoy this site is to take a scenic walk or drive the trails through the ancient pillars, some of which soar seven metres upwards. The scattered pattern of them is unique and fascinating, creating a surreal landscape that seems to sprawl out forever. The pillars themselves are made out of shells and date back to an era when the sand of the region was buried beneath the sea.
Stop at Jurien Bay (or Cervantes) to enjoy beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea water.
And finally Kalbarri and the Kalbarri Nation Park, with its spectacular rock formations and treks with stunning views over the gorges. But worth a visit also the Kalbarri’s coastline which is surrounded by a huge reef and many protected beaches: one of the most unusual are the Blue Holes, which at low tide create lots of shallow tidal pools, perfect for kids.
Great Ocean Road
Viewed by many as the classic Australian road trip, this begins outside Melbourne (where in September you can enjoy the famous white blossom trees in Melbourne) and runs for 250 km to Warrnambool. Along the way, the 12 Apostles rock stacks are the most famous sight but that there is a lot more to this trip for you to discover.
From cool beach towns to amazing wildlife and outstanding scenery, this is an unforgettable experience. This road trip can be done in as little as a day but it is far better to stretch it out over a few days if you can.
Red Centre Way
This adventurous route takes you into the huge expanse of Outback at the heart of Australia. It runs from Alice Springs to Uluru and ideally you will plan ahead so that you see the awe-inspiring sight of Uluru-Ayers Rock at sunset.
Expect canyons, wallabies, Aboriginal art and even camels along the way. This is a multi-day trip to be savoured as you cover 690 km along frequently deserted roads.
The Savannah Way
Another massive drive sees you cover 3,700 km as you glide across the country from East to West. The Savannah Way takes you from Cairns in Queensland all the way to Broome across in Western Australia.
Of course, if that is too far for you on one trip then you can plan to cover just a part of the overall route. Either way, this Australian road trip offers tourists a thrilling sense of freedom and adventure.
Highway 1
Perhaps what you really crave is the longest and most exciting road trip that the planet has to offer. Well, Highway 1 that loops around Australia, is one of the world’s longest roads, as it runs for 14,500 km and goes round virtually the entire coastline.
Incredibly, this highway (it is actually made up of a series of roads) passes through every state, every capital and virtually all of the main attractions.
Sydney to Brisbane
Known as the Legendary Pacific Coast, this route offers a chance to get to know the area of coast between two of the planet’s greatest cities. It runs to some 900 km and passes through varied terrain such as beaches, green hills, National Parks, welcoming wineries and beach towns.
This is one of Australia’s busiest roads so it doesn’t offer quite the same sense of peace and open-ness as some of the other road trips we have looked at. However, there is enough to see and do along the way to keep you satisfied and put a smile on your face.
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