4 Iconic Road Trips in Australia You Can’t Miss
Have you had enough of sitting on the couch and staring at the TV? Us too! Luckily, summer is coming and now is the perfect time to start thinking about those vacations and adventures you’ve been postponing for the last few years. There’s a whole country out there waiting for you to explore, so how about discovering Australia on four wheels?
The beauty of Australia is something that you can’t see anywhere else. Golden beaches with no one else on them, rainforests where you can hear birds singing, glittering rivers where dolphins stay, and dusty red deserts are the few things that you might be able to see when travelling here. With these four epic road trips, it’s time for you to pick up the road map and explore the amazing things that Australia has to offer.
Gibb River Road
Originally constructed in the 1960s to transport cattle stock, this road is now a legendary outback route that’s perfect for every road trip. This 660-kilometre (or 410-mile) drive stretches from Derby to as far as Kununurra and will give you secluded gorges, rocky ridges and that adventurous open-road feeling.
Do keep in mind that much of this road is corrugated, you should travel with a 4WD (four-wheel drive) vehicle. Take the time to stop and learn more about Aboriginal culture at the Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Cultural Centre, then relax in Lake Argyle’s famous infinity pool. Road tripping to the Gibb River Road is also the perfect chance for you to take that action camera to good use.
Whether you stay in luxury accommodation or camp under the sky, the remote wilderness of Kimberley will not disappoint you. Also, when travelling here, you can continue your road trip adventure as the Gibb River Road feeds into the Savannah Way and can take you all the way to North Queensland.
The Pacific Coast
The New South Wales Pacific Coast is the drive every traveller wants to savour – from ancient rainforest walks and glistening beaches to world-class wine. Along this 1,000-kilometre (or 621-mile) drive from Sydney to Brisbane, you’ll get to explore the famous wineries of the Hunter Valley and have a few sips of the most amazing wines.
Admire the beautiful scenery at the glistening beaches of Byron Bay and see the vast sand dunes of Port Stephens. To fully embrace the coastal beauty and laid-back vibes that this route offers, make sure to drive with your windows down.
Also, the route will take you through what would be Australia’s most iconic road trip pit stop, which is the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. Make sure to bring your drone camera to capture the incredible view here.
The Great Southern Touring Route
The Great Southern Touring Route is one of Australia’s finest road trip routes. The route takes you through the Great Ocean Road, a World Heritage and one of Australia’s most thrilling and stunning drives. This coastal drive takes you through lush rainforests, iconic surf breaks, and romantic views of the coastlines. So, take it slow and enjoy the memorable sight along this iconic stretch before heading to discover some of Victoria’s most loved destinations.
You’ll get to stare at the amazing limestone rock formations at the famous 12 Apostles and the view gets even better when the sunsets. On the drive towards Cape Otway Lightstation, make sure to spot historic lighthouses and koalas too! Don’t forget to visit cafes and pubs in the Southern Ocean as well.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive
This guide cannot be completed if we don’t mention the Great Barrier Reef. People might know this as a diving destination, but it’s also a famous route for all road trip lovers. The 140-kilometre (or 87-mile) – Great Barrier Reef Drive – takes you from the city Cairns to Cape Tribulation. In only one drive, you’ll get to look at two World Heritage sites, the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Take a look at the beautiful vibrant colours of the corals and cassowary birds, relax under the palms in Port Douglas, and search for tree kangaroos. Also, don’t forget to snorkel over the “sea” of colours and creatures on the reef. So, throw your swimsuits and flip flops in the car and get ready to set out to explore the amazing coastline, golden beaches, and charming towns!
Conclusion
Road tripping is always the best way for us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of a new landscape. And while you’re planning to spend the summertime with your family, partners, friends, or by yourself, having a road trip to these destinations can be a fun and healing experience. So, let’s pack our bags and get ready to go!