From the magnificent outback to breathtaking beaches, Australia is charmed with natural wonders and the best way to experience it is on a road trip.

These 5 road trips are perfect for anyone, whether you’re a camping enthusiast, looking for a family vaycay or a solo traveller looking for the next adventure, a road trip is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning locations Australia has on offer.

The flexibility of hitting the road gives you the opportunity to take the journey at your own pace and enjoy every minute.

With over 60 Discovery Holiday Parks spread across Australia, you can be sure that you’ll find the perfect place to stay, relax and discover what matters.

1. Melbourne to Robe

The Great Ocean Road is a 250km stretch along the south-east coast of Australia and one of the most iconic road trips in the world. This windy, coastal drive passes majestic scenery, rugged cliff faces, lush rainforest and historic sites.

Offering spectacular views of the glittering ocean and brilliant locations – from the 12 Apostles to Loch Ard Gorge – this Australian National Heritage listed road is a must-have experience for any nature lover.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Warrnambool

Just an hour from the 12 Apostles and 30 minutes from Port Fairy, the holiday park is an ideal base to see countless natural wonders: the wildlife reserve at Tower Hill, penguin colony on Middle Island and southern right whale watching platform at Logans Beach.

2. Adelaide to Alice Springs

While our outback is usually associated with flaming red desert sands and spectacular rock formations, did you know this stunning landscape also includes underground towns, unique plant life and spectacular gemstones?

The road between Adelaide and Alice Springs is one of the easiest in the country, making it the perfect journey for the first-time road trippers. Starting in the fertile wine regions of Adelaide, this trip will take you all the way to the heart of Australia in Alice Springs.

Take a slight detour through the Clare Valley – one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, where the first grapes were planted in 1851.

Once you’ve had your sip and some rest, prepare yourself for the long journey north through Port Augusta and Coober Pedy, past Mulga trees and mountain ranges. At the end of your trip, you’ll be presented with the sight of Uluru: the largest monolith in the world. Witness all of its glory at sunset before you explore the picturesque West MacDonnell Ranges at Alice Springs.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Port Augusta

300 kilometers from Adelaide is seaside Port Augusta, located on the quiet waterways of the Spencer Gulf. Set on the backdrop of the Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta offers a range of activities.

Take on tours of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Pichi Pichi Railways, all on the doorstep of the Discovery Parks – Port Augusta.

3. Sydney to Byron Bay

Make your way up towards lush green and comfortable climes of the North Coast. Be sure to embrace the journey, with the 800km trip showing off some of Australia’s best beaches, rivers, national parks and fresh produce.

The Central Coast with its panoramic beach views and Newcastle with laneways filled with street art are worth visiting on the way.

Stretch your legs at Coffs Harbour to take a picture by the Big Banana or head to Muttonbird Island’s lookout between May and July or September to November for whale-watching.

Complete your trip with the stunning beaches and relaxed vibe of Byron Bay. The perfect combination of waterfalls up in the hinterlands and clean surf on the pristine coast make Byron a great final destination for a road trip.

Wake up early and practice yoga whilst watching the sun rise over the most easterly point of Australia, brunch at one of the many cafes along Jonson Street and end the day hanging out with the fire twirlers on the beach at sunset.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks- Harrington

Harrington is an hour south of Port Macquarie and offers the perfect combination of beach and bush settings, with the Crowdy Bay National Park right next-door to the Discovery Park.

If you’re looking for what to see and do, the staff at Discovery Parks – Harrington have the best local knowledge on where to see native animals, the best lookouts and the most picturesque picnic spots the area has to offer

4. Hervey Bay to Emerald

Hervey Bay is the gateway to the stunning, heritage listed Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island. But that’s not the only thing Hervey Bay is famous for. It’s also one of the best locations for whale-watching, wakeboarding and coral trout fishing. When you’ve had your fill of paradise, make your way along this slice of eastern coastline to the outback town of Emerald.

Emerald is 7 hours west of Hervey Bay in the Central Highlands of Queensland, nearby the still waters of Lake Maraboon and one of the richest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere.

Emerald is one of the biggest sunflower producers in Australia, and to celebrate, you can find the world’s biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting at 25 meters high!

Where to stay: Discovery Parks-Rockhampton

Get your dose of vitamin D in Rockhampton, which lies right on the Tropic of Capricorn and enjoys close to 300 days of sunshine a year. From the park, head up to the peak of Mount Archer and soak in the panoramic views.

Be sure to ask the friendly staff about the best place to get a steak in the beef capital and where to (safely) meet a crocodile, as they are experts in all things Rockhampton!

5. Hobart to Cradle Mountain

Packed with wild landscapes, rich history, delicious food and a laidback attitude, Tasmania is truly enchanting. The drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain is easy on the eyes, to say the least.

Start your journey at Hobart where you can experience the bustling stalls at the Salamanca Market, then head to the dramatic pink granite peaks at Freycinet National Park and the turquoise waters of Bay of Fires. If you love to surf, make a stop at St Helens before reaching Cradle Mountain.

With expensive internal flights and lack of highways, a campervan road trip is an extremely economical option when visiting the Apple Isle.

Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Hadspen

A 15-minute drive from Launceston, the Hadspen holiday park is a short walk from wineries, national parks and family attractions. Even in winter there is plenty to do! Keep the kids entertained during the Winter School Holiday Program, whilst you take in the stunning scenery of Hadspen.

Australia is spoiled for choice, there is simply so much to see, experience and discover! Pack the car and find a pet fish sitter, because its time you take on the open road for your next holiday.