So you’ve always wanted to visit the land down under, and with the weather beginning to warm up, it’s the perfect time to finally start planning the trip! Of course, you’ll want to check out Australia’s more iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but this country has so much more to offer. If you’ve got the time, hire yourself car and take an Australian road trip. Taking a road trip is a truly unique experience every time. You’ll be able to get up close and personal with the Aussie environment and outback and really immerse yourself in the country! Additionally, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the wildlife in their natural habitats—think kangaroos, koalas, and wombats! A road trip is the perfect way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In this picturesque country, with truly endless beauty, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing where to go.
Here are 5 scenic drives we recommend when you are in Aussie land:
GRAND PACIFIC DRIVE, NEW SOUTH WALES
The Grand Pacific Drive is the perfect day drive if you’re looking for a short, beach weekend getaway. Although it’s a relatively short drive, there are plenty of things to do and see on this scenic drive, taking you along the national park and through coastal towns. The Sea Cliff Bridge is a stand out of the drive, as the bridge follows the curves of the coast giving uninterrupted views of the ocean. A great stop on this drive is Stanwell Tops; from here you’ll be able to park your car and watch as hang gliders run off the mountain. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a tandem hang glide with an instructor.
GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VICTORIA
Arguably Australia’s most scenic drive, the Great Ocean Road is a 243km stretch that takes you past stunning beaches, rain forests, coastal towns, the famous Twelve Apostles, and also allows you to see native wildlife. What more could you ask for?! Like the Grand Pacific drive, it’s the perfect day drive for the weekend and is short and sweet. Alternatively, if you’ve got a few more miles on you, you can take the long drive and it’ll take you to Adelaide.
THE RED CENTRE WAY, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Also known as the Mereenie Loop Road, this drive on the Red Centre Way takes you on a loop from Alice Springs to the famed Uluru and Kata Tjuta. If you’re looking to experience the real Aussie outback, this is definitely the drive for you. During the day you’ll see endless plains of the red Australian outback placed on a backdrop of vast mountains and blue skies. At night, you’ll see more stars than some people will ever see in a lifetime!
THE GREAT TROPICAL DRIVE, QUEENSLAND
If you have the luxury of having a few extra days, the Great Tropical Drive is for you. The drive will take you from the scenic city of Cairns through to the quiet seaside towns of Port Douglas and Townsville. But more importantly, you’ll be seeing two world heritage sites: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. Be sure to stop by to take in the sites or even explore some of the activities like snorkeling and scuba diving to catch glimpses of the infinite fish and coral.
KARIJINI NATIONAL PARK
For those of you who like the land more than the ocean, the drive to and in Karijini National Park is for you. You’ll need to take the three-day 1,400km drive from Perth to Karijini with the most popular route through New Norcia, Wongan Hills, Dalwallinu, and Meekatharra. It’s a long drive, but when you get to Karijini it will be breathtaking—the rugged, natural scenery filled with hidden rock pools, falls, and fantastic gorges. This trip is the perfect combination for those that love a long drive, but also hiking and adventuring. There are roads in the national park, but you’ll want to get out on the trails to get up close and personal with the environment and the sights.
**Olivia Bourke, a travel blogger at Great Lost, describes herself as an adventure seeker who simply wants to explore this incredible world we call our home. Originally from the United States, she is currently residing in Australia and is loving every minute exploring the ever so scenic country, one city at a time!
