Aussie road trips: 5 of the best revealed

We Aussies are a lucky bunch. Our sunburnt country has countless beautiful drives to discover. From the Red Centre right down to the Apple Isle, here’s our list of top five road trips to take with the whole family.

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1. Great Ocean Road, VIC

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s best-loved drives, and for good reason. Beginning just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre and finishing up 400km later on the Victorian and South Australian border, it’s a must-do drive for Aussies of all ages. The 12 Apostles are definitely worth a look, but the best parts of this drive are the breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean, the sheer sandstone cliffs and the abundance of incredible camping spots dotted along the way. Take the time to stop and enjoy the natural wonders of the area—perhaps with a lazy afternoon hike or a picnic on a near-deserted beach.¹
 

2. Nullarbor Crossing, WA–SA

Crossing the Nullarbor is a rite of passage for road trippers world over. The famous route spans 1675km, stretching all the way from Norseman to the South Australian seaside town of Ceduna. It’s an epic drive across the world’s largest limestone karst, featuring some of the most beautiful country you’ll ever see. Travelling along the Eyre Highway, the mountains slip away till the vast landscape becomes so flat, you’ll see the curvature of the earth. While venturing off-road requires a 4WD, and in some cases, a permit from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, you can still enjoy the national parks and abundant wildlife from your car. And once you reach the coast, you can literally stand on the edge of Australia and see the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight drop hundreds of metres to the Southern Ocean.²
  

3. Red Centre Way, NT

An impressive five-day drive through Australia’s dramatic desert landscapes, Red Centre Way is an iconic journey all Aussies should do at least once. Starting in Alice Springs, you’ll loop around the beating heart of the outback to take in all the sights, sounds and experiences you could ever want to see. Watch Uluru rise up out of the land and explore the spectacular waterfalls and deep swimming holes dotted along the route. Although some parts of Red Centre Way are sealed, you’ll need a 4WD to experience the best the outback has to offer. Many hidden gems – including free campsites, swimming spots and landmarks are only accessible via unsealed roads.³
 

4. Pacific Coast Cruise, Qld–NSW

Want to uncover everything the East Coast has to offer? If so, the Pacific Coast Cruise is a must-drive. This three-week journey is for dedicated road trippers who enjoy the freedom of the open road. On this route you’ll take in everything from the sights and sounds of Sydney Harbour to the tropical splendour of Far North Queensland. Start in Jervis Bay and take the coastal road over the ocean via Sea Cliff Bridge and pass some of the finest beaches, state forests and national parks, with camping spots, holiday parks and other types of accommodation every inch of the way. When you arrive in Queensland, don’t miss a trip to the sandy dunes of Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef. A hike through the Daintree Rainforest will reveal ancient natural wonders, while Noosa is the perfect place to kick back and relax after the long drive.⁴
 

5. Tasmanian Circle, TAS.

Soak in the highlights of the Apple Isle with this scenic six-day drive through lakeside highways, spectacular national parks and the best of Tasmania’s wine country. Observe the architecture, world-class art, as well as events and performances in Hobart and Launceston. Explore the natural wonders of Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Cradle Mountain and the Sentinels. The various hiking and bike trails will allow you to experience these world-heritage sites from every angle. Finish off at Strahan or Stanley, and you may even meet seals and fairy penguins! Don’t forget to tour the pine and myrtle forests, as well as the windswept beaches of Tasmania’s west coast.⁵

Before you head off on that big drive, consider car insurance! With AAMI’s Third Party Car Insurance, you’ll be covered for fire, theft, and damage to other people’s cars and property. If you need more extensive cover, our Comprehensive Car Insurance covers you for a range of different events, including damage to your own car.

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¹ https://www.australia.com/en/places/melbourne-and-surrounds/guide-to-the-great-ocean-road.html

² https://www.australia.com/en/trips-and-itineraries/perth-and-surrounds/crossing-the-nullarbor.html

³ https://www.australia.com/en/trips-and-itineraries/alice-springs-and-surrounds/7-day-road-trip-through-the-outbacks-red-centre.html

⁴ https://www.australia.com/en/trips-and-itineraries/sydney-and-surrounds/forster-to-coffs-harbour-family-road-trip.html

⁵ https://www.australia.com/en/places/hobart-and-surrounds/guide-to-tasmanias-winter-secrets.html

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