Whether you’re travelling in a motorhome, towing a caravan, heading away in a camper trailer or simply packing the car for a few weeks on the road, Australia offers some of the world’s most spectacular driving routes. The beauty of travelling by road is that you can move at your own pace, stop whenever something catches your eye and linger in places that deserve more than a quick photo.
From dramatic coastlines and alpine scenery to red deserts and ancient rainforests, these are 10 unforgettable Australian drives that are tailor-made for travellers who finally have the time to enjoy the journey.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Distance: 243km
It may be Australia’s most famous road trip, but the Great Ocean Road earns every bit of its reputation. Winding along Victoria’s rugged southwest coast, it delivers breathtaking ocean views around almost every bend.
Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and charming seaside towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay. Keep an eye out for koalas dozing in the gum trees around Kennett River and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the ocean.
Top tip: Allow three or four days to truly appreciate the region rather than trying to complete it in a single day.
2. Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales
Distance: 140km
Beginning just south of Sydney, this relatively short drive packs in spectacular coastal scenery, rainforest, beaches and seaside villages.
The famous Sea Cliff Bridge appears to float above the ocean and is one of Australia’s most photographed roads. Continue south through Kiama, where the famous Blowhole is worth a stop, before exploring Berry’s cafés and boutique shops.
This is an ideal long weekend escape for first-time caravan or motorhome travellers.
3. Great Alpine Road, Victoria
Distance: 339km
If mountains are more your style than beaches, Victoria’s Great Alpine Road offers towering peaks, winding rivers and postcard-worthy country towns.
Travel through Bright, one of Australia’s prettiest regional centres, before climbing towards Mount Hotham. Depending on the season, you’ll experience vibrant autumn colours, alpine wildflowers or snow-dusted landscapes.
The High Country is also renowned for its wineries, breweries and local produce, making it a rewarding destination for travellers who enjoy taking their time.
4. Pacific Coast Touring Route
Distance: More than 900km
Stretching between Sydney and Brisbane, this classic coastal drive can be tackled in sections or enjoyed as a leisurely multi-week adventure.
Along the way you’ll discover Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Yamba and Byron Bay, with countless beaches, national parks and lookouts in between. Winter and spring also offer excellent whale-watching opportunities.
With excellent caravan parks and visitor facilities throughout, it’s one of Australia’s easiest and most enjoyable extended road trips.
5. Savannah Way
Distance: Around 3,700km
For travellers looking to venture well beyond the beaten track, the Savannah Way is one of Australia’s great adventures.
Crossing tropical Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, the route links Cairns with Broome through waterfalls, ancient landscapes, national parks and fascinating outback towns.
While planning is essential, particularly during the wet season, the rewards include some of Australia’s most remote and spectacular scenery.
6. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
Distance: Around 700km
Few journeys capture the essence of Australia quite like the Red Centre Way.
The route links Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the magnificent West MacDonnell Ranges, offering unforgettable desert landscapes, towering rock formations and incredible sunsets.
Visit during the cooler months for more comfortable conditions and don’t forget to spend at least one evening under the brilliant outback stars.
7. Gibb River Road, Western Australia
Distance: Around 660km
For experienced four-wheel-drive travellers, the Gibb River Road through the Kimberley is the adventure of a lifetime.
River crossings, dramatic gorges, waterfalls and remote cattle stations create an experience unlike anywhere else in Australia.
Preparation is vital, but those who make the journey are rewarded with breathtaking scenery and memories that last forever.
8. Tasmania’s East Coast
Distance: Flexible
Tasmania’s east coast combines spectacular scenery with relaxed driving, outstanding food and welcoming seaside communities.
Travel through Swansea and Bicheno before exploring Freycinet National Park and the iconic Wineglass Bay. Continue north to the Bay of Fires, where white sand beaches meet striking orange granite rocks.
The slower pace of Tasmania makes it perfect for travellers who prefer staying several nights in each destination rather than rushing from place to place.
9. Eyre Peninsula, South Australia
Distance: Around 700km
Still something of a hidden gem, the Eyre Peninsula rewards visitors with dramatic coastlines, abundant wildlife and some of Australia’s finest seafood.
Fresh oysters in Coffin Bay, seafood in Port Lincoln and opportunities to spot dolphins, sea lions and migrating whales make this a memorable destination for nature lovers.
It’s also a dream location for photographers, anglers and anyone who enjoys wide-open coastal scenery.
10. The Big Lap
Distance: Around 15,000km (or more)
For countless Australian retirees, completing “The Big Lap” is the ultimate road-trip achievement.
Rather than one single drive, it’s an epic journey that circles the country, connecting many of Australia’s greatest highways, national parks and iconic destinations.
Some travellers complete it in three months, while others spend a year or more exploring every corner of the country. The beauty of the Big Lap isn’t how quickly you finish—it’s the freedom to stop wherever curiosity takes you.
Before You Go
Every successful road trip begins with good preparation. Have your vehicle serviced, check your tyres, ensure your roadside assistance is current and pack plenty of drinking water, especially if you’re travelling through remote areas.
Download offline maps before leaving major towns, keep family or friends updated on your route and always allow flexibility in your itinerary. Some of the best travel memories come from unexpected detours and unplanned overnight stops.
The Journey Is the Reward
One of the greatest joys of travelling after 60 is that you’re no longer tied to annual leave calendars or rushed schedules. You can linger over lunch in a country town, spend an extra night beside the beach or take the scenic route simply because it looks inviting.
Australia remains one of the world’s greatest road-trip destinations, and there’s never been a better time to discover it at your own pace.
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