The best Australian road trips
Whether you’re a home grown Aussie or hail from across the seas, there’s no denying that this great country offers some extraordinary sights and experiences, and is somewhere that everyone should visit at least once. Like the US, Australia is a country that was seemingly made to experience by car, so putting this little list of the very best road trips together was as enjoyable as taking to the tarmac ourselves. So pack that suitcase, sort out some travel insurance and pick out a perfect car – here are eight of the country’s best road trips.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria: Hugging the southern coastline of Victoria, the Great Ocean road offers some truly stunning visuals. The 12 Apostles are nothing short of iconic, although only eight remain today. The entire route takes in lush rainforests, local towns, beautiful surf beaches and many other sweeping scenes of land meeting sea.
Snowy Mountain Drive, New South Wales: New South Wales is an area reputed for its beauty, and the Snowy Mountain Drive is one of the standout journeys in the region. It offers glimpses of the highest mountains in Australia, various historic and cultural towns, and some truly diverse flora and fauna. And that’s to say nothing of the many picturesque spots that are ideal for a bit of mid-trip sunbathing.
The Savannah Way: Without doubt a trip for the more adventurous, the Savannah Way links up Cairns in north Queensland with the historic pearling town of Broome in Western Australia. What’s adventurous about the journey? Well, a vast majority of the trip’s 3500km are across unsealed roads run through the tropical savannahs of the country’s interior, hence the name.
The Watagan Mountains: The Watagan National Park route is a superb drive, offering some of the very best views in Australia as the road snakes its way towards the Hunter Valley. The forested mountain range that separates the valley from the Tuggerah Lakes system is perfect for a family outing, with a number of large recreation sites available along the way.
The Fleurieu Peninsula, Southern Australia: Within easy reach of Adelaide, the Peninsula comprises some of the most jaw-dropping scenery on offer in the country. The stunning visuals make it the perfect host destination for the country’s richest landscape art prize, which is staged in the area. Beautiful hills sweep down into sun-drenched bays and into the deep blue water.
The Huon Trail, Tasmania: Another rich and varied journey, the Huon Trail takes in many of the best things about its home state: winding waterways combined with blue-green landscapes, centuries old forests and mighty rivers. A big looping drive, the trail is ideal for those staying near the Hobart area.
Uluru, NT: This drive from Uluru to Kings Canyon is absolutely perfect for those with a 4WD and a sense of adventure. Visitors making the journey will enjoy traversing the Mereenie Loop from Alice Springs, which offers a palm-fringed swimming hole and some stunning 300 metre cliff faces.
The Nullarbor Plain: Though it’s possible to travel between Perth and Adelaide by most means of public transport, travelling by road offers a completely different experience, and is highly recommended. Though it’s about the longest road trip on this list – taking about eight or nine days to complete – the dramatic landscapes, soaring cliffs and genuinely spectacular views will be more than compensatory to anyone who wants to take in visuals that are truly beyond compare.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!