7 Epic Australian Road Trips Beyond The Great Ocean Road

Australia has no shortage of famous road trips, but there is plenty to see beyond the Great Ocean Road. From red desert landscapes and underground towns to tropical rainforests, ancient forests and long stretches of coastline, these drives take you through some of the country’s most striking landscapes.

If you are looking for something a little different, these seven road trips are a good place to start. They take you through remote Outback country, lush rainforests, wine regions and dramatic coastal roads, with plenty of interesting stops along the way.

The Explorers Way, Adelaide To Darwin

Following the route of explorer John McDouall Stuart, this transcontinental road trip takes you from South Australia to the tropical Top End. The landscape changes dramatically as you leave the vineyards and farmland behind and enter the red landscapes of the Flinders Ranges and the vast Outback. Stop at Coober Pedy, where the extreme heat has led many residents to build homes, hotels, churches and other spaces underground. Further north, the route brings you to Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon before the desert gradually gives way to the greener landscapes around Katherine. Along the way, you can cool off at Mataranka’s thermal pools or explore the dramatic gorges of Nitmiluk National Park.

Distance: 3,052 km

Time: 10–14 days

Best for: Desert lovers and history buffs

The Great Barrier Reef Drive, Cairns To Cape Tribulation

This short drive packs some of Queensland’s most spectacular scenery into a relatively small distance. Starting in Cairns, the road follows the coast towards Port Douglas and then into the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Stop at Mossman Gorge to explore the rainforest and its cool freshwater streams before continuing towards the Daintree River. From here, the cable ferry takes you across to the Cape Tribulation side of the rainforest, where roads wind beneath thick tropical vegetation. Keep an eye out for the southern cassowary, one of Australia’s most distinctive birds. The journey ends at Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef come remarkably close together.

Distance: 140 km

Time: 2–3 days

Best for: Wildlife lovers and tropical adventurers

The Grand Pacific Drive, Royal National Park To Kiama

Just south of Sydney, the Grand Pacific Drive offers a quick escape into forests, beaches and dramatic coastline. The journey begins in Royal National Park, where eucalyptus forests and sandstone landscapes give way to sweeping ocean views. The highlight is the Sea Cliff Bridge, a 665-metre stretch of road that curves out over the Pacific Ocean and appears to hang above the water. From here, continue through coastal towns such as Austinmer and Thirroul, stopping at beaches and viewpoints along the way. The drive eventually reaches Kiama, where the famous Kiama Blowhole sends seawater high into the air when conditions are right. It is an easy road trip for those short on time.

Distance: 140 km

Time: 1–2 days

Best for: Weekend escapes and coastal photography

The Nullarbor Plain, Ceduna To Norseman

Crossing the Nullarbor is one of those Australian road trips that makes you appreciate just how vast the country is. The landscape is largely flat and open, with seemingly endless stretches of road and very few signs of civilisation. One of its best-known sections is the 90-Mile Straight, a famously long stretch without a major bend. But the Nullarbor is not only about empty landscapes. Along the Great Australian Bight, the Bunda Cliffs create a dramatic meeting point between the limestone plateau and the ocean. Between May and October, the Head of Bight is also a good place to look for southern right whales. Add remote roadhouses, wildlife and the Nullarbor Links golf course, and the journey becomes an adventure in itself.

Distance: 1,200 km

Time: 3–4 days

Best for: Experienced road-trippers and lovers of solitude

The Savannah Way, Cairns To Broome

Stretching across northern Australia, the Savannah Way connects Cairns with Broome through some of the country’s most remote landscapes. This is not a road trip to attempt without preparation, as parts of the route include unsealed roads, river crossings and challenging conditions. Along the way, you can explore the Undara Lava Tubes, formed by ancient volcanic activity, and stop at Boodjamulla National Park, where green waterways wind through red sandstone gorges. The route continues across the Northern Territory and into Western Australia’s Kimberley region, where the scenery becomes even more rugged. Expect waterfalls, enormous boab trees, remote cattle stations and long stretches of open country before reaching Broome and its famous Cable Beach.

Distance: 3,700 km

Time: 14–21 days

Best for: Experienced 4WD travellers and campers

The South West Edge, Perth To Esperance

The South West Edge is a good option if you want a road trip that combines food, nature and spectacular coastline. Starting in Perth, the route heads towards Margaret River, where wineries, breweries, restaurants and surf beaches make for easy stops along the way. Further south, the landscape changes again as you enter forests filled with towering tingle trees around Walpole and the Valley of the Giants. The final stretch takes you along Western Australia’s southern coast towards Esperance, home to some of the country’s most striking beaches. At Cape Le Grand National Park, Lucky Bay is known for its exceptionally white sand and turquoise water, with kangaroos often spotted along the shoreline.

Distance: 1,750 km

Time: 7–10 days

Best for: Foodies, surfers and nature lovers

The Red Centre Way, Alice Springs Loop

The Red Centre Way offers a deeper look at Australia’s desert landscapes, taking in several major sights around Alice Springs rather than making a quick trip to Uluru and back. The route passes through the West MacDonnell Ranges, where dramatic gorges and freshwater swimming holes provide welcome breaks from the desert heat. From there, the Mereenie Loop leads towards Watarrka National Park and Kings Canyon, where the Rim Walk takes you past towering sandstone formations and the lush Garden of Eden. The journey continues towards Uluru and Kata Tjuta, where the changing light transforms the red rock throughout the day. It is a road trip that combines dramatic scenery, hiking and a strong sense of the ancient landscape.

Distance: 1,135 km

Time: 4–6 days

Best for: Hikers and travellers looking for cultural experiences

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