Two 4WD vehicles driving along a dusty mountain ridge track in the Flinders Ranges during sunset.

Road Trips

Explore Australia with an expertly planned road trip made for you

Discover Itineraries
A silver SUV parked on the side of a mountain road, with a man and woman leaning against it looking out over a blue lake in a green valley.

Freedom to Drive. Confidence to Explore.

Australia was made for road trips. Distances are wide, the landscapes are cinematic, and some of the country’s most remarkable places simply aren’t reachable any other way. From coastal cliff drives and rainforest-lined highways to outback tracks and wine country backroads, travelling Australia by road gives you freedom — but with the right planning, it also gives you ease. A well-designed road trip lets you move at your own pace while still knowing where you’re sleeping, what’s worth stopping for, and how long that “quick detour” will really take.

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Inside Australia Travel Specialist

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Why Book a Road Trip with Inside Australia Travel?

When you book a road trip with Inside Australia Travel, every detail is mapped out by a local Travel Specialist who understands distances, driving times, and the places that are actually worth pulling over for. We take care of planning your driving route, booking accommodation, organising handpicked experiences and activities along the way. We'll also work through your car hire and practical logistics. No second-guessing. No scrambling for last-minute availability. Just a well-paced journey designed around how you like to travel. We provide 24/7 in-country support while you travel, with a personalised travel app that has your daily route, hotel details, confirmations and tips in one place.

A white 4WD vehicle travels along a remote red dirt track through the vast desert landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, with the iconic silhouette of Uluru visible on the horizon.
A group of people watching the sun rise over the Australian outback desert landscape near Uluru.

Prefer something custom?

If you love the idea of a guided experience but want it shaped around your interests, we can build a tailor-made trip from scratch.

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Top Routes for Road Trips in Australia

Woman standing at a coastal lookout railing overlooking the Twelve Apostles rock stacks during sunset on the Great Ocean Road.
People dressed in mid-19th-century gold rush era clothing walk down a wide dirt road lined with historical timber buildings and shops in Sovereign Hill, Ballarat.

The Great Ocean Road

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road is Australia’s most iconic coastal drive, and it lives up to that reputation. Clifftop ocean views, rainforest walks in Great Otway National Park, and the jutting limestone peaks of the Twelve Apostles define this stretch. The route is compact enough for a long weekend but layered enough to warrant a slower pace with overnight stays in Lorne or Apollo Bay. An ideal road trip for dramatic scenery, wildlife spotting, and a classic Australian coastal experience.

Perth to Broome

Driving from Perth to Broome takes you through Western Australia’s vast and varied landscapes. From the Pinnacles Desert and Ningaloo Reef to Karijini National Park’s red gorges and swimming holes. It’s remote, powerful and unforgettable. Distances are significant, which makes expert planning essential. Done properly, it’s one of Australia’s most rewarding long-haul road trips. We recommend this road trip for dramatic outback scenery, beautiful coastlines, marine life and ancient history.

Aerial view of turquoise ocean channels winding through white sand banks and red earth in Shark Bay.
A top-down aerial view of a snorkeler swimming beside a large whale shark in clear blue ocean water.
A stunning vertical aerial view showing the dramatic intersection of vivid red desert cliffs and the shallow turquoise waters of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area.
Surfers at the Beach at Byron Bay Byron Bay, Northern New South Wales
People sitting at Bronte Beach Sydney NSW
woman in front of waterfall in Newrybar Byron Bay  Sydney Bespoke Tours

The East Coast Sydney to Brisbane

An easy, flexible coastal route with strong food, beach and national park energy. From Sydney, head north through the Central Coast and Hunter Valley, then continue to Port Stephens, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast before finishing in Brisbane. This drive combines surf beaches, hinterland rainforest, wildlife encounters and excellent regional dining. It’s approachable, varied and ideal for travellers who want scenery without extreme remoteness. Best for travellers who want beach culture, relaxed scenic drives and accessible adventure.

Tasmania

Tasmania is compact but remarkably diverse, making it ideal for a road trip itinerary. Within a week or two, you can combine Hobart’s waterfront and MONA with Freycinet’s white-sand beaches, Cradle Mountain’s alpine landscapes and the Bay of Fires’ striking coastline. Driving times are manageable, scenery changes quickly, and accommodation ranges from design-led wilderness lodges to intimate coastal stays. Tasmanian road trips are ideal for travellers who love good food and wine, and beautifully scenery.

A long, straight road leads the eye toward the dramatic, jagged silhouette of Mount Roland near Sheffield.
Four people sitting at an outdoor table eating and drinking in front of a large timber barn.
A man and woman sitting on a rock by the ocean, seen from behind, looking out at a large rocky mountain across blue water.

Popular Road Trips

A high-angle aerial view of a white car driving toward the base of Mount Ngungun, highlighting the intersection of forestry and ancient volcanic peaks.

Road Trip FAQs

Planning a road trip in Australia comes with practical questions, from driving distances and accommodation to safety and support on the ground. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about travelling Australia by road. If you’d prefer tailored advice, your Inside Australia Travel Specialist can design a route that fits your timeframe, comfort level and travel style.

Yes, Australia is one of the world’s best road trip destinations. The country’s vast landscapes, scenic coastal highways and remote outback regions are ideally experienced by car. Many of Australia’s most remarkable locations, from national parks to coastal towns, are best accessed independently, making self-drive travel both practical and rewarding.

It depends on the region. Short coastal routes like the Great Ocean Road can be explored in 3–5 days, while longer journeys such as Perth to Broome or Sydney to Brisbane are best enjoyed over 10–14 days or more. Australia’s distances are significant, so realistic pacing is essential. Inside Australia Travel designs routes with comfortable driving times and well-spaced overnight stops.

Yes. Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road, and highways are generally well maintained and clearly signposted. Outside major cities, traffic is light and driving is straightforward. For remote routes, careful planning is important, particularly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, which is where expert route design and local advice make a difference.

A road trip package with Inside Australia Travel typically includes car hire suited to your route, Pre-booked accommodation at each stop, a customised driving itinerary and recommended activities and experiences. We also provide 24/7 in-country support and access to a personalised travel app with route notes and confirmations. You'll travel independently, but the structure and logistics are fully taken care of.

What are the best road trip routes in Australia? Some of the most popular Australian road trip routes include, The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Perth to Broome in Western Australia and Tasmania’s circular self-drive routes. Each offers distinct scenery, wildlife, and accommodation styles, from coastal drives to outback adventures.

Yes. Every Inside Australia Travel road trip is tailored to your preferences. You can adjust driving distances, upgrade accommodation, add unique stays such as wilderness lodges or off-grid cabins, and include activities like guided hikes, wildlife encounters or food and wine experiences. Your itinerary is built around how you like to travel, whether that means slow mornings, scenic detours or standout dining along the way.

Expert travel consultants

Inside Australia Travel Specialist

Talk to our expert travel consultants

Dreaming about travelling Australia, but don’t know where to start?

Download our Australia Travel Guide for everything you need to know to make the most of your Australian vacation.

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