5 unforgettable routes for the ultimate Aussie road trip

From otherworldly landscapes to turquoise coral reefs, displays of wildflowers and fascinating sea life, the Coral Coast Highway in Western Australia is a drive to be savoured. Stretching from Perth to Exmouth, you’ll want to take your time along this one with countless wonders to stop at. Glimpse moon-like limestone formations of the Pinnacles Desert before continuing up the coast to the pinkish to reddish hues of Hutt lagoon. Feed wild dolphins at Monkey Mia in Shark Bay and swim with whale sharks at the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Reef. Exploring the stunning region will take you just under two weeks – or just over if you’re committed to seeing it all.

Just 40 minutes out of Adelaide sits the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula region, where you’ll find some of South Australia’s most exceptional coastal and culinary experiences. Pack your picnic basket and take a few days to cruise along the Epicurean Way, where you’ll pass through four major wine regions and more than 100 cellar doors. Stock up on seasonal produce at Willunga Farmers Market before letting your tastebuds lead the way through the renowned McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley. It’s not all about wining and dining though with plenty of charming, old-world towns worth stopping at along the way, including the picture-perfect Mintaro and Greenock – also known as a ‘little Scotland’.

If driving down coastal roads with cliff top views, thermal springs, forest walks and rare wildlife sounds like you kind of thing, then the Southern Edge drive in Tasmania is for you. Start your trip out with a cider trail through cascading hilltops in the Huon Valley before taking a detour by ferry to Bruny Island where you’ll find farm-fresh cheese and freshly shucked oysters, not to mention the infamous white wallabies. After returning to the mainland, head to the largest dolomite caves in Australia, Newdegate Cave, where you’ll gaze up at a labyrinth of mineral chandeliers. Venture further down to Australia’s southernmost edge in Cockle Creek where a serene beach awaits you and the only thing separating you from Antarctica is the Southern Ocean. Talk about bucket-list worthy.

Pack the boot, roll down those windows and hit the open road on one of the best drives out of Sydney. Chase the sun north through wine country in Newcastle and the Hunter Valley to coastal towns in Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay. Over nine days and 1,000 kilometres of open road, you’ll see famed wineries, sparkling beaches, vast sand dunes and if you’re lucky, some of nature’s most elusive wildlife, including tree-hugging koalas and wild dolphins. Once you pass through the lush Gold Coast hinterland, you’re on the homestretch with Brisbane as your final destination. This classic road trip offers everything you could want, with more world-famous NSW landmarks than you can count. Just be sure to take your time and soak it up.

For a true blue Aussie outback odyssey, Gibb River Road is calling. Get yourself a 4WD and take the long road through the Kimberley where you’ll trek across vast wilderness that was originally used to transport cattle. Along the way, stop off at ancient gorges with cascading waterfalls and freshwater swimming holes. Then, set up camp under the stars where you’ll witness the cosmos without any light interruption from a nearby city. To fit everything in, we recommend devoting two weeks to this epic adventure.

Get the crew together and hit the road to somewhere new, there's much to explore so start planning your next Aussie road trip now.