Top 7 Scenic Drives in Australia

If you gave me the option of travelling by plane or by vehicle, I’d choose the road every time. Now I may be a little biased as I have been living and travelling full-time in a caravan for the past 6 months, but I believe that travelling by car is the epitome of “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” Australia is home to some of the most breathtaking road trip opportunities in the world; sure America has Route 66, but we’ve got picturesque coastlines, rugged red dirt Outback landscapes, and unique Aussie bushland.

Whether you're after a quick coastal drive or a longer and more remote outback adventure, I’ve listed seven of the most scenic drives in Australia that I’d recommend you immediately add to your bucket list. I’ve also added a recommended minimum time - if you can allocate more time then definitely do so, this is just a baseline.

1. Great Ocean Road, VIC

Distance: 243 kilometres | Recommended minimum time: 3 days

I am a huge fan of coastal drives and the Great Ocean road that winds along the southern coast of Victoria is, in my opinion, one of the best road trips. There’s a certain feeling of awe you muster up within your heart when you stand and admire the limestone cliffs and the iconic Twelve Apostles. However, you may be surprised to learn there were never twelve stacks of limestone pillars, originally there were nine. As time goes on and erosion continues its natural course eventually there will be none left, so head there while you can!

great ocean road scenic drive victoria

It’s also worth stopping at Loch Ard Gorge and walking down Gibsons Steps for a refreshing dip in the ocean. As well as heading to the charming seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay. It’s the perfect drive to pop on your favourite road trip playlist and admire the stunning coastline and varying hues of the blue ocean water. Wind your windows down, fill your lungs with fresh ocean air and enjoy the ride!

twelve apostles great ocean road scenic drive victoria

2. Pacific Coast Drive, NSW & QLD

Distance: 1000 kilometres | Recommended minimum time: 7 days

Sydney siders, this ones for you! If you want to use some of your annual leave and explore close to home, head to the Pacific Coast Drive that spans from Sydney to Brisbane. After departing Sydney you’ll first head to Newcastle past the beautiful Bateau Bay, which boasts the popular Coast Walking Track through Wyrrabalong National Park. Next you’ll reach the Hunter Valley wine region where you’ll be spoilt for choice with over 150 wineries to choose from. If you’re looking for recommendations Tamburlaine Organic Wines is my favourite!

You’ll then continue onto Port Stephens and Coffs Harbour before arriving at beautiful Byron Bay which has an array of beaches, coastal walks and cafes to choose from. Finally you’ll head to Gold Coast hinterland and the Gold Coast before reaching Brisbane.

This one truly has it all, beaches, wineries, cafes and scenic drives. Make sure you allow enough time to enjoy it all and hook back around on your way home to Sydney to re-visit your favourites.

3. Gibb River Road, WA

Distance: 660 km | Recommended minimum time: 10 days

This one is likely already on your adventuring bucket list but I’ll throw it in here anyway! Although some people head to the Gibb because it provides a little bit of a challenge with the off-road dirt tracks and water crossings, you might be surprised to hear it’s also a scenic experience. On this adventure (depending on what time of the year you embark on the journey) you can expect to see flowing waterfalls, swimming gorges and iconic boab trees.

gibb river road 4wd scenic drive

The Kimberley region had been on my bucket list for a very long time as those iconic red cliffs at sunset and swimming spots had been all over my social media for years! After completing the Gibb River Road in October 2024, I can safely say it was worth the wait. I’d highly recommend you stop in at El Questro and visit Zebedee Springs, El Questro Gorge and Amalia Gorge (three of my favourites)!

Don’t forget to get the drone out when you cross Pentecost River.

4. Red Centre Way, NT

Distance: 1,135 km | Recommended minimum time: 7 days

Without a doubt one of the most iconic scenic road trips of all time is the Red Centre Way which takes you through the heart of Australia. From Alice Springs you’ll head to the breathtakingly stunning Uluru and Kata Tjuta, to Kings Canyon, and of course the West MacDonnell Ranges.

uluru red center ayres rock scenic drive road trip

If you’re a fan of red dirt, Indigenous rock art and history, desert landscapes and iconic sunrises then you’ll want to add this one to your list immediately. It’s hard not to fall in love with the heart of Australia!

kata tjuta red center uluru road trip

5. The Savannah Way, QLD, NT & WA

Distance: 3,700 km | Recommended minimum time: 3-4 weeks

The Savannah Way spans from QLD to the NT to WA and was one of the first big drives we did when Josh and I moved into the van full-time. Beginning in Cairns, if you follow The Savannah Way the whole way through, you’ll end up in Broome, passing through tropical wetlands and unique outback towns on your way. There’s so much to see and a vast array of changing scenery as you embark on the almost 4000 kilometre road trip as you’re heading through three different Australian states and territories.

savannah way outback scenic drive road trip queensland northern territory western australia

Some highlights from my experience recently on The Savannah Way include the Atherton Tablelands, Mataranka and Bitter Springs thermal springs, Nitmiluk National Park, Kununurra and Cable Beach in Broome.

We didn’t get to it but the Bungle Bungles are also said to be an incredible one not to miss. It will be on my list for the next Savannah Way road trip.

6. Eyre Peninsula Coastal Drive, SA

Distance: 727 km | Recommended minimum time: 6 days

Much like Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, the Eyre Peninsula Coastal Drive boasts stunning coastal scenery as you’re driving right by the water. The rugged cliffs and picturesque beaches certainly are worth stopping and admiring, not to mention snapping a bunch of photographs. It’s also an ideal road trip for seafood lovers who will especially enjoy Port Lincoln’s famous seafood scene!

For seafood lovers and coastal scenery enthusiasts, the Eyre Peninsula offers rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and world-class seafood. Some of the must-visit stops for road trippers include Talia Caves, Coffin Bay, Streaky Bay, Fowlers Bay and Murphy’s Haystacks.

7. The Tasmanian Loop, TAS

Distance: 1,500 km | Recommended minimum time: 14 days

I have to admit, a lot of the time when I’m writing about Aussie destinations I forget about little old Tasmania. Although it is a tad more effort to get your rig to, it’s a road trip destination that showcases both alpine scenery and pristine beaches as well as charming towns to stop in along the way.

If booking a barge is what's holding you back, consider hiring a motorhome or van in Tasmania to travel around in. In this instance I will forgive you for flying over, as long as you promise to road trip it up once you arrive!

sunset-drive-tasmania

As with all road trips, ensure you’re planning your fuel stops, checking the road conditions and weather forecasts, carrying safety equipment and recovery gear and ensuring you’ve got emergency supplies such as a first-aid kit in your vehicle. Leave no trace as you camp along the way and of course respect the natural environments you’re visiting. These scenic road trips are jam-packed with beauty, guaranteed to provide an unforgettable journey on the way to your destination.

uluru ford ranger road trip 4wd trip