You’re in desperate need to jet off to an exotic location, but you don’t have piles of cash to throw around, neither the weeks to dedicate. Well there is absolutely no need to fear; because what we often forget is that the journey is better than the destination. Australia is home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world, and there is no better way to see them then by four wheels. Not to mention, car travel is practical, cost effective and way more flexible than a six week South America tour.
So grab yourself access to a car, a bunch of mates, quality tunes and a good navigation system and next thing you know, you’ll be reminiscing on a road trip of a lifetime. Here are five of the best places for road trips in this great southern land.
#1 Sydney To Jervis Bay
Escape the hustle and bustle of the NSW capital and head down south to see some of the whitest sand in the world. This road trip is very achievable, only three to four hours drive. Make sure you drive through the Royal National Park, and jump out along the way, it’s home to some of the most spectacular lookouts on the east coast; you can even go hang gliding at Stanwell Park. You can also stop by Nam Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. If you want to avoid booking accommodation, grab yourself a rooftop tent. There are plenty of camping spots along the way.
#2 Cairns To Cape Tribulation
One of the most enchanting regions in Australia has to be tropical North Queensland, home to not only the Great Barrier Reef, but also the Daintree Rainforest. Port Douglas is a must see along the way, home to the spectacular Four Mile Beach, with white sand and crystal blue water. Avoid the resorts and opt for a hostel, you’ll be able to meet some cool internationals in your own country. Coral Beach Lodge starts at only $23 a night. If you have some more time to invest you can also travel from Brisbane, otherwise the drive is about three hours long from Cairns.
#3 Perth To Exmouth
Road trips are really about going the extra mile. It’s about 13 hours, but trust me every single second is worth it. Otherwise known as the Coral Coast, this trip is stuffed with highlights, it is basically where the desert meets the see. A must along the way is to go swimming with whale sharks, at the World Heritage listed Ningaloo Bay. There are also plenty of caravan camping options along the way. Be sure to set aside about a week for this trip so you can really take in all the sites.
#4 The Great Ocean Road
This is the most famous of Australian road trips, so of course you were waiting for it to pop up on this list. If you’re gonna commit to doing an Aussie road trip you have to do this once, even if it isn’t the whole thing. Don’t do this trip in one day, unlike what the tourist buses suggest. It’s a ten hour trip, so do pace yourself. Take a couple of days to soak up all the sites and make sure you see what is left of the Twelve Apostles. A highlight would have to be, well, there is more than one. Embrace the incredible rock formations, from London Arch to the Grotto.
#5 Hobart To Launceston
Tasmania is one of the countries best destinations for road trips. The scenic road from Hobart to Launceston takes the cake, capturing some of Tasmania’s most iconic destinations. Definitely dedicate some time at the Bay of Fires, it’s bloody breathtaking, plus you can also sign up to do a four-day tour and adventure around the bay. Once you reach Launceston, check out some of the farmers markets for some quality fresh produce and some killer eats. The drive is about eight hours straight, so you could easily achieve it in a day or two if you prefer.
Image Source: Grand Pacific Drive, Jungle Tours, Australian Traveller, Tourism Australia, Great Eastern Drive, Aussie Campervans
