Planning the Ultimate Australian Road Trip: From the Coast to the Outback and Beyond

Travel is a great way to explore a new location — or even your own backyard. Younger Aussies (25 to 39) are the most likely to keep their travel adventures domestically, with 78% planning to holiday locally in the next 12 months, according to data from Nielsen. Perhaps one of the best (and most popular) ways of seeing more of Australia is by embarking on a road trip.

With the freedom to stop and enjoy attractions along the route, there’s no question that a road trip can make for the ideal, customisable holiday — though many may not know where to start when planning the ultimate road trip. Whether you crave the coastal scenery or something more adventurous, there are no shortage of remarkable and scenic routes out there waiting to be travelled.

The scenic coastal drive

While hitting the open road can be rewarding enough, many have a preference when it comes to the type of road trip they embark on — especially when in Australia. In fact, 78% of surveyed Aussies’ most favourite type of road trip is a coastal drive, according to a study prepared for Turo, with nearly four in five nominating this as “one of their three most favourite types of road trip.” With plenty of spectacular beaches and sandy shores, a coastal drive can suit anyone looking for a relaxing reprieve from the stressors of everyday life.

The Great Beach Drive is just one spectacular road trip worth setting out on, featuring awe-inspiring views and plenty to do along the way. The Queensland official site outlines a grand seven-day itinerary, starting off on the Sunshine Coast and heading to Noosa North Shore on day one. From there, crossing the NOosa river on the vehicle ferry will enable you to disembark at Noosa North Shore, where the Great Beach Drive experience will officially begin.

Continuing on to Double Island point then taking the Leisha Track onto Rainbow beach will lead you into day two of the adventure. Day three involves heading from Rainbow Beach to Fraser Island, where you’ll spend day four. Day five is spent in Hervey Bay, with day six presenting the option to further explore Hervey Bay or Fraser Island. The trip officially comes to a close on day seven at Tin Can Bay, where you’ll have the opportunity to hand feed dolphins.

The Great Outback

While many are content to head out on a beach-laden road trip route, others may be drawn to the country’s famed Outback, where the rust-coloured reds of the desert are a dominant characteristic. For those looking for an Outback holiday, there are several routes worth looking into. One Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) article lists several — the Darling River Run route in New South Wales is just one showcased route that has plenty to offer, following the Darling River for 940 kilometres diagonally across NSW.

The route itself begins at Walgett, and finishes at Wentworth, where the Darling meets the Murray. “Indigenous heritage is astonishing: Brewarrina’s fish traps are among the world’s first human structures, Mutawintji National Park has superb rock art, and Lake Mungo has archaeological sites 42,000 years old,” the SMH states, diving into the numerous vistas to behold. Furthermore, it’s noted that the route also highlights early European inland settlements that helped “define modern Australia,” making it the ideal route for the self-proclaimed history buff.

Australia.com highlights additional adventures to be had in the Outback. Among the routes cited include one known as the Nullarbor. Extending across the country’s southern edge from Western Australia to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, the Nullarbor is a fantastic way to explore the vast deserts of the Outback and all it has to offer (kangaroos and emus included).

Travelling to the Outback doesn’t limit the number of activities that can be done, either — an article for the Australia site by Sue Gough Henly details what crossing the Nullarbor is like. Outlining a route that spans 1,256 kilometres and six days, Gough Henly notes that the journey allows for whale waiting beneath the world’s longest line of sea cliffs as well as the opportunity to play a round on the world’s longest golf course.

Wildlife and nature galore can also be found in abundance when crossing the Nullarbor, where you’ll be able to drive past the woodlands of the Dundas Nature Reserve, climb the granite hills of Fraser Range, and explore the Nuytsland Nature Reserve. The Eyre Bird Observatory can also be found along the way, making for the perfect nature-filled road trip.

The best way to explore a new city

Whether you’re Australian or hail from another country, chances are you’ve never been to all of the country’s major cities. With that in mind, choosing one as the focus of an upcoming road trip can be the best way to put a unique twist on the classic road trip.

While Sydney is undoubtedly one of the most famous, other cities such as Melbourne, Cairns, Adelaide, and Perth are equally worth exploring. It’s worth mentioning that starting your trip in the city can be a great way to build a road trip that features the best of both citylife and Australia’s natural beauty.

Starting out in a city like Sydney will enable you to experience all of the popular city attractions, such as the Sydney Harbour, the Royal Botanic Garden, and the Sydney Opera House.  From there, you can head out into nature.

A TimeOut article by Maya Skidmore outlines one route worth considering that takes off from Cairns, home of the Great Barrier Reef. “Starting in Cairns, you’ll coast north to Port Douglas — and then hop over to the Great Barrier Reef for a rainbow-hued snorkel,” Skidmore writes. From there, heading to Mossman Gorge within the ancient Daintree Rainforest will enable you to swim in croc-safe waters. “Finish up with a drive to Cape Tribulation to see where two, immense World Heritage listed pieces of wilderness meet together in perfect harmony — the reef and the rainforest.” Before setting off, taking time to explore Cairns itself can allow you to experience the city’s Botanic Gardens, Esplanade and Boardwalk, and indulge in some of the freshest seafood that the country has to offer.

A separate TimeOut article dives into road trips around NSW, which can be particularly appealing to those who crave a bit of structure in their itinerary. For those who wish to stick around Sydney, heading from the city to Avoca Beach is a great way to be able to explore the city while integrating the element of a relaxing beach trip. “Set on a sprawling homestead out of town, Shady Palms is the spot for modern Australian and Italian lunch fare, and catch a flick at the Avoca Beach Picture Theatre before you hop back in the car to head home — it’s been unwinding reels since 1948.”

Key aspects of the planning process

Setting out on the road trip of a lifetime requires a lot of careful planning, which can make or break the outcome of a trip. Sun protection is just one integral aspect of any road trip, even during Australia’s winter months. According to Rachel Neale from research institute QIMR Berghofer, while there are some health benefits from sun exposure, it is the main cause of skin cancer. Proper sun protection is a must, and it’s imperative to be aware of up-to-date advice. Wearing sunscreen daily is important for all Australians apart from those with deeply pigmented skin, according to Neale, and it should be part of a normal routine. “This needs to happen whenever the UV index is forecast to get to three or above, and for most of Australia that’s most of the year.” For those who are travelling to Australia for the first time, planning ahead by bringing sunscreen and more than enough water can prove to be essential for any road trip.

The vehicle itself is one of the most important aspects of an upcoming road trip, as this will determine the level of comfort and convenience you experience along the way. Space, safety, and even elements such as environmentally friendly features are all valuable considerations to keep in mind, though other factors — such as the length of your planned route — can also factor in. For example, remote routes will require a sturdy and reliable vehicle. Shorter routes, on the other hand, present greater flexibility, particularly in regard to the type of vehicle you can bring. Electric vehicles (EVs), for example, can make for a smart choice for shorter road trips that involve travelling within cities where there is sufficient charging infrastructure present. In addition to being more eco-friendly when compared with traditional vehicles, EVs on the market today present additional advantages, such as rapid acceleration and often boast modern features like backup cameras and lane-departure warning. These features can not only elevate the driving experience, but can put the driver’s mind at ease when it comes to driving in an unfamiliar location.

When looking for the right EV for an upcoming road trip, there are a few factors worth keeping in mind. In addition to range, it’s imperative to consider the amount of interior space you’ll need, and whether the vehicle will be comfortable. However, with a number of top EVs on the market, choosing one that meets your needs can be a challenge. While planning for an upcoming road trip, taking the time to read the ratings and reviews of top EVs on the market can be a crucial factor in making an educated purchase. For example, the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV can be a smart choice for those who are looking for a spacious SUV, with owners enjoying factors such as the quietness of the vehicle’s cabin while driving. On the other hand, owners didn’t enjoy the overall fuel economy and driving range and speed of vehicle charging, highlighting important factors to consider when researching your road trip needs.

Exploring the entirety of Australia on one short holiday may be an impossible endeavour, though a road trip can be the perfect way to dive deep and explore one of many locations — whether you choose the coastline or the Great Outback. With plenty of routes to choose from, planning a comprehensive, adventure-packed trip doesn’t can be made simple with a bit of thoughtful planning ahead.

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Charlotte Danzig