5 iconic Australian road trips to plan right away

Australia is made for road trips. It’s home to the longest national highway network in the world, connecting the country across 14,000 kilometers of open road. Roadtripping is an unbeatable way to spot Australia’s incredible wildlife, paddle popular surf breaks, and say g’day to quirky oversized sculptures. Experience it all while appreciating the endless, incredible scenery that Australia has to offer. 

If you’re staying or studying in Sydney, Brisbane, or Perth, you’re not far from one of these iconic Australian road trips. 

1. The Pacific Coast Touring Route from Brisbane to Sydney

Starting in Brisbane, this stunning drive winds its way south along the coast to Sydney, passing through iconic spots such as Byron Bay, Port Stephens, Coffs Harbour, and Newcastle along the way. At 1,000 kilometers long, this drive is definitely one to tackle over an epic week-long adventure. 

Apart from the endless incredible beaches, this route also takes you to Australia's most famous backpacking towns, as well as some of the country’s most iconic ‘big things’ — including the 13-meter-long big banana tourist attraction in Coffs Harbour. Just before you reach Sydney, take a dip at Newcastle’s Merewether Ocean Baths, carved into the sea wall. 

Top tip: Along your journey, visit koalas at the Koala Hospital near Port Macquarie and try dolphin spotting at Port Stephens. 

2. The Grand Pacific Drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay

If you’re studying abroad in Sydney, the Grand Pacific Drive is a must-do. It’s a short 140-kilometer route that can easily be tackled in a day or a weekend. Shortly after leaving Sydney to the south, you’ll cross the architecturally impressive Sea Cliff Bridge. From here, the road takes you to the bustling town of Wollongong, the stunning beaches in Shellharbour, to the Kiama blowhole, and ends at the pristine white sand beaches of Jervis Bay. 

Don’t miss a stop at the famous Berry Donut Van for one of their signature cinnamon donuts. The entire coastline is lined with stunning natural ocean pools and endless stretches of sandy beaches. In winter, the waters are a whale super highway, with whale and dolphin watching excursions available from Jervis Bay. 

Top tip: If you’re keen to spot some Aussie animals, continue slightly further south to beaches such as Merry Beach and Pebbly Beach to see kangaroos reclining on the sand.

3. The South West Edge from Perth to Esperance

Over in the west, it doesn’t get any more beautiful than the South West Route running from Perth down to Esperance. The entire drive is around 1,200 kilometers, but you could cut it short and just tackle the first section from Perth to Margaret River over a long weekend. Margaret River has beautiful scenery, endless surf beaches, and dense bushland.

Further along the route, you can travel through the towering karri forests near Pemberton, relax on the turquoise bays of Albany, and continue the journey all the way to Esperance’s remote white sand beaches. Located southeast of Esperance is Lucky Bay, where you can even spot kangaroos. Make sure to time your visit for dusk or dawn for your best chances at a kangaroo sighting.

Top tip: Don’t miss exploring one of the world’s largest wooden jetties in Busselton, which has an underwater marine life observatory.

4. The Great Ocean Road from Torquay to Warrnambool

Australia’s most famous road trip, the Great Ocean Road along the southern coastline, is a must-do. Beginning in Torquay, about an hour out of Melbourne, the drive takes you to the road’s most famous sight — the Twelve Apostles (of which only seven remain standing today). Time it right and plan your visit at sunset for magical soft light, making for stunning photos. But there’s so much more to see. The Anglesea Golf Course is renowned for its resident kangaroos who roam the greens at sundown. The road ends at Warrnambool, a charming small town famed for its stunning architecture and whale watching in winter. It’s a breathtaking mix of rugged coastline, wildlife, and winding roads. 

Top tip: Pay a visit to Erskine Falls waterfall just outside of Lorne, or stop in at Cape Otway lighthouse perched on a southern tip (look out for koalas perched in the trees on the drive in). 

5. The ‘Big Things’ road trip

Australia is home to over 600 ‘Big Things’. These huge, kitsch, and kinda-ugly statues are beloved sights on Australian roadtrips. Some of the most well-known statues include the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the Big Prawn in Ballina, the Big Merino in Goulburn, the Big Pineapple in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, and the Big Mango in Bowen. This map lists them all, right across the country, so pick a few you are keen to visit, and head off.

Top tip: Plan your route carefully to prioritize the "Big Things" you most want to see. Some are quite spread out (especially in the outback), so make sure to factor in travel time between locations.

Practical information for Australian road trips

Whichever route you choose, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer size of Australia, so don’t overdo it. Make sure you stop and take a break every two hours. There are plenty of petrol stations and food outlets along major highways, all with free public toilets and space to stretch your legs. Or pull off the highway and pay a visit to a country town bakery and try a delicious meat pie, sausage roll, or vanilla slice. During holidays and long weekends, expect roads to be much busier, especially with cars towing caravans, which can slow down traffic.

Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Happy roadtripping!