Road tripping is one of our favourite things to do in any season. But with such a vast expanse of land to explore, it’s hard to know where to start. We’ve picked our top 5 to get you in the car and on the road.
1. Great Ocean Road: The Great Ocean Road is one of the most scenic drives in Australia. Driving west from the surfing town of Torquay all the way to Cape Bridgewater in Victoria’s west, this road passes stunning natural scenery and pretty seaside towns.
2. Crossing the Nullarbor: The Nullarbor Plain Drive connects Ceduna in South Australia with Norseman in Western Australia. This trek isn’t for the faint-hearted. But travelling along Ninety Mile Straight, with the sheer majesty of the Bunda Cliffs on your side and the famous treeless plain stretching in front of you, is an adventure well worth the journey.
3. Darwin to Alice Springs: Travelling on the Stuart Highway from Darwin to Alice Springs is often called the Explorer’s Way after John McDouall Stuart, who was the first to undertake this epic journey. Travelling from the rainforest to the Red Centre, this road trip will take you through Katherine, Tennant Creek, and passes other amazing sights, like the Devils Marbles (Karlu Karlu), on the way.
4. Rainforest Way: Meandering around the top of New South Wales and into southern Queensland, the Rainforest Way takes in several World Heritage-listed national parks that you’ve probably only glimpsed from your car window. Take your time admiring the looming glory of Mount Warning and moseying in small country towns. The Rainforest Way is one road trip you won’t want to rush.
5. Birdsville Track: Taking you from Marree in South Australia to Birdsville in Queensland, this dirt track travels along some of the most arid and harsh landscapes in Australia. Get in a (prepared) 4WD to undertake this quintessentially Australian adventure.
Images: Great Ocean Road courtesy of Tourism Victoria; Explorer’s Way courtesy of Tourism Northern Territory; Birdsville Track courtesy of Tourism Queensland.
