As a nation renowned for its iconic natural wonders and sites, it’s difficult for travelers looking to explore Australia to decide what route they should begin with. To help you choose, we’ve put together an essential list of the Top Five iconic Australian road trip routes that you need to drive.
Great Ocean Road – Victoria
Renowned as one of Australia’s most iconic road trip routes, the Great Ocean Road is an absolute must for anybody looking to experience Australia and its expansive, spectacular outback.
Beginning in Torquay, the 244km stretch of road takes you through iconic locations such as the Great Otway National Park, the breathtaking Bells Beach and the world-famous Twelve Apostles. Though only eight of the Twelve Apostles, it is still an essential stop on this sensational journey.
Wrapping up in Allansford, celebrate the end of your journey by swinging by Warrnambool, a location famous for its whale-watching between June and October.
Adelaide Hills – South Australia
Indulge in South Australia’s lush greenery in the Adelaide Hills.
Famous for hosting the annual Tour Down Under and the Classic Adelaide Rally, the meandering network of roads and the gorgeous natural backdrop make for a driving experience impressive enough to satisfy any driving enthusiast.
During your journey, stop by for a wander through the Mount Lofty Botanical Garden, explore the region’s premium wineries and explore the delightful town of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.
Putty Road – New South Wales
Winding through the Upper Hunter region, the 168km-long Putty Road is a prime opportunity to explore some of New South Wales‘ blissfully scenic regional towns.
A journey beloved by Australian driving enthusiasts, the trek begins in Wilberforce and wraps up in Singleton, taking you on narrow, winding roads through Bulga, Putty and Milbrodale. Travelers should ensure they stop by the Grey Gum International Cafe, a popular road stop on the route.
North Queensland Great Tropical Drive – Queensland
The Great Tropical Drive is a prime opportunity to explore a spectacular network of diverse Australian landscapes and produce offerings.
Lined with the nation’s most popular tropical attractions, the Great Tropical Drive rewards those who travel it with sensational natural wonders, including the Undara Lava Tubes and the Daintree Rainforest, as well as rich wine and produce from the Atherton Tablelands.
The Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest, two iconic World Heritage listed locations, are an absolute must for travelers on the Great Tropical Drive trek. Regardless of where you choose to stop, road trippers making this Queensland journey are guaranteed to encounter wildlife, nature, heritage and culture in their travels.
The Coral Coast – Western Australia
Experience Western Australia’s most breathtaking natural wonders along Western Australia’s Coral Coast.
Offering immaculate waters, fantastic flora and fauna and scorching deserts, the scenic Indian Ocean Drive takes you through the Yanchep National Park and the limestone-clad Nambung National Park. Take the opportunity to stop off and refresh at Jurien Bay and Green Head before arriving in picturesque Geraldton as the conclusion of the spectacular stretch.
Without making any pit stops, it will take you roughly four and a half hours to arrive in Geraldton from Perth – however, we recommend stopping regularly to soak in the marvelous landscapes and sites.
Earn rewards while you drive
UbiCar is a free smartphone app that lets you track and score how well you drive during your trip. Good driving is rewarded with UbiCoins which can be redeemed in an online store and with fairer priced insurance premiums.
