Five Great Road Trips to do in Australia

Why a Self-Drive holiday in Australia?

Australia’s size is extensive, making the distance required to travel to and from attractions and cities is vast. To truly see and experience this exceptionally charming Country, there is no better way than travelling by road.

A self-drive holiday, unlike a city-stay or scheduled tour, affords you the opportunity to explore farther and wider throughout your Australian adventure. Due to the extremely convenient option of having your accommodation, cooking facilities and transport all in one, many travellers choose to rent a campervan. Additionally, a campervan rental provides freedom to change your itinerary at a moment’s notice, and avoid the inconvenience of organising a last-minute hotel reservation.

Looking for inspiration on where to go on your next Australian road trip holiday? Here’s a helpful list of 5 self-drive itineraries

Melbourne to Canberra

Melbourne is one of Australia’s most visited cities, and it’s no wonder why. With a rich history of cultural diversity, the city caters to a massive variety of travellers; with its plethora of international restaurants, mammoth shopping complexes, sporting arenas and performing arts venues. 

Not only is the city itself a melting pot of culture and entertainment, it is also a gateway to some of the most scenic Australian countryscapes and close to the capital city of Canberra. 

Canberra is mistakenly overlooked by many travellers, but this meticulously planned out town has many attractions worth a visit, including the Australian War Memorial and Parliament House.

Between these two capitals, you can find some spectacular towns and scenery. By taking the inland route on your way to Canberra, you can enjoy the coastal drive on the way back to Melbourne. On this journey you can stop in for a beer at Wagga Wagga, explore the peaks of Australia’s highest mountain, Kosciusko, located in the country’s largest national park, and then enjoy the relaxing ocean views of the Eastern seaboard.

What are some of the must-see places?

• Brighton Bathing Boxes

• Little Bourke Street eateries

• Australian Sports Centre 

• Chadstone Shopping Centre

• National Art Glass Gallery

• Wiradjuri Aboriginal Cultural Tour

• Yarrangobilly Caves

• Australian War Memorial 

• Canberra Parliament House

• Questacon Science and Technology Museum

• Royal Australian Mint 

• Walking Trails in Eurobodalla

• Lakes Entrance Food and Wine 

Hobart and Southern Tasmania

Also known as the “Apple Isle”, for both its produce and the natural shape of the state’s land-mass, Tasmania offers fascinating history, natural splendour and an abundance of outdoor activities.

Hobart, the capital city, is a combination of lifestyle and heritage. Admire the architecture of the numerous historical buildings, many of which contain art galleries and museums. 

The surrounding southern region is home to world heritage listed historical sites, stunning national parks and picturesque islands.

What are some of the must-see places?

• MONA – Museum of Old and New Art

• Maritime Museum of Tasmania

• Salamanca Markets (Every Saturday)

• Pooseum

• Port Arthur Historic Site 

• Bonorong Sanctuary

• Mount Wellington

• Bruny Island

• Tahune Adventures

 

South Australia

South Australia’s quaint capital city of Adelaide, is renowned for its Food & Wine, historical architecture, native wildlife and assortment of festivals – earning its label as Australia’s “Festival State”. There is no shortage of fine dining, culture and outdoor activity.

For the wine enthusiast, the Barossa Valley is your happy place. The three towns in this area include an assortment of wine producing vineyards, where you can join one of the many tasting tours on offer.

Kangaroo Island and Granite Islands are including in this itinerary, and the nature lover will not want to miss either of these two easily accessible places. Both are sanctuaries for local wildlife, you will find a huddle of little penguins residing on Granite Island, which is a short walk over the causeway connected to Victor Harbor. Kangaroo Islands houses many native species, such as the koala, as well as sea lions, penguins, a variety of bird life… and of course, Kangaroos.

What are some of the must-see places?

• Hanhdorf 

• Rundle Mall

• Granite Island 

• Glenelg

• Victor Harbour

• Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake

• Kangaroo Island

• Victor Harbor

Gold Coast Hinterland

Rich in natural beauty, this region’s highlight is the World Heritage listed ancient rainforests. Located in South-East Queensland, a short distance from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, you are spoilt for choice with the many natural wonders on offer here.

The rainforests here are unlike any you have experienced, dating back to the Gondwanan period around 180 million years ago, and an absolute wonderland of flora and fauna. 

What are some of the must-see places?

• Tamborine National Park 

• Glow Worm Caves 

• Canungra Valley Markets 

• Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

• Springbrook Natural Bridge

• Witches Falls Winery

• Springbrook Observatory

• Ride in a Hot Air Balloon 

• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

 

Darwin to Alice Springs

Visiting the Northern Territory feels almost like travelling to a different world, with such a diversity amongst its landscapes.

Your starting point in tropical Darwin is the access point to the Territories “Top End”, where you will find Arnhem Land, as well as Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Marvel at the outdoor galleries of Aboriginal rock art found in Kakadu National Park. Take a guided tour of the waterways and admire the wildlife, including the thousands of crocodiles that call Kakadu home.

Alice Springs is located in the heart of the Northern Territories “Red Centre”. It is also the gateway to Kata Tjuta National Park, home to both Uluru and The Olgas rock formations.

What are some of the must-see places?

• Mindil Beach Markets

• Litchfield National Park

• Kakadu National Park

• Katherine Gorge

• Aboriginal Art Fair 

• Beer Can Regatta

• Devil’s Marbles

• Festival of Light

• Uluru

• Alice Springs Desert Park

• The Kangaroo Sanctuary

Food and wine, the great outdoors, shopping, culture or history… regardless of your holiday motivations, amongst these itineraries there is something for everyone. Making a travel plan can be a hard decision, so hopefully these five suggestions have provided some inspiration and insight to help you on the way to a perfect self-drive escapade.