Are you preparing your road trip in Australia and thinking about your itinerary? Or you are already in Australia and preparing your road trip? We have listed for you the most popular driving routes to discover this amazing country from North to South, East to West! So be ready for your next trip! Check out our Australia road trip itinerary.
Table of Contents
Main road trip itineraries
East Coast Road Trip – Sydney to Cairns
This route is a favorite among travelers, offering beautiful beaches, a pleasant climate, and a variety of scenery. Key highlights include the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, the Great Barrier Reef, and the tropical forests of the North.
The main cities on the coast are Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. They are all very touristy, lively, dynamic and multicultural.
For those that aren’t used to road trips, like the ocean and don’t like to be too far out of the cities, then it’s the perfect route to take.
Sydney to Cairns
Time needed: more or less three weeks
Distance: 2500 kilometres
Best seasons: The North and the South have two different seasons. Therefore, it’s best to travel during mid-season, which is April-May and September-October. Beware of the wet season from November to February (North Australia) and winter in the South (Sydney, Melbourne..).
Where to sleep? Free campsites can be hard to come by on certain parts of the Coast (Gold Coast, Mackay, etc.) So think about having a small budget to pay for caravan parks.
More info: Road Trip Sydney to Cairns
Sydney to Brisbane
Time needed: around 10 days (7 days if you are in a hurry, 15 days if you take your time)
Distance: 1 200 km
Best seasons: It’s best to travel during mid-season, which is Feb-April and September-November.
Where to sleep? Free campsites can be hard to come by on certain parts of the Coast (Gold Coast, Mackay, etc.) So think about having a small budget to pay for caravan parks.
More info: Road Trip de Sydney à Brisbane
Main Attractions on this itinerary
Road trip on the East – South coast – From Sydney to Melbourne
This journey connects two major cities and passes through charming coastal towns. Don’t miss Jervis Bay with Hyams Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Let yourself be impressed by its crystal clear water and fine sand for snorkelling or kayaking. Dolphins and whales are often present in the bay.
Then head to the sublime Sapphire Coast. A visit to Eden, a small fishing village will be in order. This spot is famous for observing humpback whales if the season is right (from the end of August to the end of October).
You then enter the state of Victoria! Raymond Island is famous for being a reserve of koalas and kangaroos, it will be the ideal place to observe them in their natural environment. Then comes the unmissable stop at Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria’s most popular national park. As you get closer to Melbourne, stop off at Phillip Island, best known for its little penguins!
Time needed: between 7 and 10 days
Distance: 1,370 km between Sydney and Melbourne
Best season: It is best to travel during the mid-seasons. Between September and November for example, or between March and May.
Where to sleep? Most national parks in Victoria and New South Wales offer campsites at around $15/person. Freecamps are also found along the coast or inland to enjoy wilder places.
More info: Road Trip Melbourne to Sydney
Main Attractions on this itinerary
Cheap campervan hire
Find the best deals on Motorhome Republic to rent a cheap van.
West Coast Road Trip – From Perth to Darwin
The particularity of the West Coast is it’s wild side. Apart from Perth, you don’t come across any big cities, only smaller towns and villages. Distances between towns are vast and nature still has the upper hand on this coast. Beaches, as magnificent as they are wild follow one and other and are sometimes completely deserted.
Ideal for adventurers and nature lovers, this route features wild canyons, deserted beaches, and unique wildlife encounters like swimming with whale sharks (from May to July). Key stops include Monkey Mia and Karijini National Park. This itinerary is perfect for those seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. This road trip itinerary will show you many aspects of Australia you won’t see on the East Coast.
To make a road trip on the west coast, 2 routes are available to you. If you have a good month ahead of you, you can start in Perth and go up to Darwin. Conversely, if you are limited in time, a road trip itinerary between Perth and Broome via the famous Karijini National Park will be more appropriate.
Perth to Darwin
Time needed: Take about one month from Perth to Darwin
Distance: 4000 kilometres on the coast.
Best seasons: Same as with the East Coast, best to go in mid-season, (April-June or September-October)
Where to sleep? Free camp sites are easy to find on the West Coast, you won’t have any problems finding places to spend the night, for free or at minimal cost.
Perth to Broome
Time needed: Allow around 2 weeks from Perth to Broome
Distance: 3,000 km by coast
Best season: Avoid November to April (rainy season), prefer from April to October
Where to sleep? It is quite easy to sleep in free camps, whether in a tent or in a converted car. However, these areas are often off-centre.
Main attractions on this itinerary
Download the Complete Guide for a West Coast Road Trip
- Prepare your trip (seasons, budget)
- All the best spots to do on the Coast
- Tours & activities recommendations
- Spots to park and sleep in a campervan
From North to South: Darwin to Adelaide
Traverse the heart of Australia and experience its vast landscapes and Aboriginal culture. This route will give you the opportunity to discover some amazing sites like the Kakadu National Park, Mataranka, the famous Daly Waters pub and also Uluru (Ayers Rock) You will pass less towns and more roadhouses, make sure you stock up on water and fuel.
-> North to South: Darwin to Alice Springs
Time needed: About 3 days if you’re travelling in a straight line, about 10 days if you want to visit Kakadu National Park and Litchfield National Park.
Distance: 1500 kilometres
Best season: Between June and August
Where to sleep? There’s a great number of free camp sites all along the Stuart Highway. Avoid being too isolated.
-> North to South: Darwin to Adelaide
Time needed: Between 1 to 1 1/2 month
Distance: 3000 kilometres
Best season: July to October
Where to sleep? Free camp sites along the Stuart Highway.
-> Centre to South: Alice Springs to Adelaide
Time: More or less two weeks
Distance: 1500 kilometres
Best seasons: March-May or August-October
Main attractions on this itinerary
South Coast: from Melbourne to Perth through Adelaide
The scenery in between Melbourne and Adelaide is of magnificent beauty. You leave Australia’s most cultural city to discover the well-known ‘Great Ocean Road’ and the famous Twelve Apostles. If you can try a little detour to visit Kangaroo Island, a little slice of paradise, still well-preserved. Pass through Adelaide, the city of churches, in order to face the desert plains of the ‘Nullarbor’ with a straight stretch of 146 kilometres. This part of the route may sometimes seem quite long but cliffs and emptiness are part of the adventure. Thereafter, you will be able to refresh in the shade of the Valley of the Giants and discover the wild and beautiful beaches of the South-West region.
Melbourne to Perth
Time needed: between 3 to 5 weeks from Melbourne to Perth.
Distance: More or less 4000 kilometres
Best season: October-March
Where to sleep: A lot of free campsites all along the coast. You might have some difficulty finding free ones in the more touristy areas (Great Ocean Road for example).
Plan your trip and stock water and petrol when crossing the Nullarbor 🙂
Melbourne to Adelaide
Time needed: around 10 days
Distance : around 1 000 km
Best season: Between October and March
Où dormir ? A lot of free campsites all along the coast. You might have some difficulty finding free ones in the more touristy areas such as the Great Ocean Road.
Main attractions
Tasmania
Tasmania, the smallest state in Australia exists for 21 percent out of national parks. The landscape of the island is completely different to the Australian Outback. There you will find hills, deep forests, lakes,.. but also dream beaches with white sand and crystal clear water, especially on the East Coast. Tasmania is the only place in the world where you can spot the Tasmanian Devil in his natural habitat. You can reach Tasmania by ferry, from Melbourne (with or without vehicle) or you can fly by airplane to Hobart or Launceston.
Time needed: Take two weeks to do the whole tour
Distance: More or less 2000 kilometres
Season: October-March
Where to sleep? Tasmania has many campsites and most towns are equipped with area’s for free camping of at least cheap camping.
More Info: Things To Do in Tasmania
Main attractions
Evaluate your Road trip budget
Now that you know your itinerary, it’s important to work out what your budget will be! Some itineraries will be more expensive than others, such as excursions to the Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island. Don’t hesitate to consult our dedicated article to find out how much you need to save for an unforgettable road trip.
Read also : Road Trip Budget & daily costs
Choosing your road trip itinerary according to duration
There are a multitude of places to explore in Australia! It’s a very big country, so it can sometimes be difficult to work out how long it will take to discover each region. What’s more, everyone travels at their own pace. So your road-trip itinerary will inevitably depend on how much time you want, or are able, to devote to it.
To cover all the possibilities, here are a few itinerary ideas for short road trips in Australia lasting a few days or weeks.
Road trip ideas for a few days
- Travel to the Blue Mountains from Sydney
- Visit the south of Sydney, especially Jervis Bay
- Visit the Grampians from Melbourne
- Explore the Great Ocean Road from Melbourne or Adelaide
- Discover the area from Perth to Margaret River
- Discover the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast from Brisbane
- Explore the Daintree Rainforest from Cairns
15-day road trip itineraries in Australia
- Discover Tasmania
- From Sydney to Brisbane: the Sunshine Coast
- Sydney to Melbourne via Canberra
- From Adelaide to the Red Centre and Uluru
- Part of the West Coast from Perth
Practical Tips and Advice for Your Australian Road Trip
Embarking on a road trip across Australia is an adventure of a lifetime. To ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible, here are some practical tips and advice, updated with the latest information:
Fuel Prices & Road Safety
Fuel costs can vary significantly across different regions in Australia. Generally, prices are higher in remote areas and lower in major cities. It’s advisable to budget accordingly and keep an eye on fuel price apps for the best deals. Remember, longer routes will require more fuel, so plan your refueling stops wisely.
Australian roads can range from well-maintained highways to rugged outback tracks. Always drive according to road conditions and adhere to speed limits. In remote areas, be prepared for unpaved roads and wildlife crossings. Australia is home to unique wildlife, which can often be encountered on roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Drive cautiously during these times to avoid accidents.
In case of emergencies, have a plan in place. Carry a first-aid kit, enough water, and some non-perishable food. Ensure you have appropriate vehicle insurance and breakdown cover. This is crucial for peace of mind, especially in remote areas where help might not be readily available.
Camping Regulations
Camping is a popular and economical option for accommodation during road trips. However, it’s important to be aware of the local camping regulations. Some areas require permits, and others might be protected lands where camping is not allowed. Utilize designated camping sites and always follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment.
Also read: Road Trip in Australia: Where to Camp
Best Travel Times
The best time for a road trip in Australia can vary depending on the route. For southern routes, like the Great Ocean Road, summer months (December to February) offer warm weather and longer daylight hours. For northern routes, such as Darwin to Broome, the dry season (May to October) is ideal to avoid the heavy rains of the wet season. Always check the local weather and road conditions before setting out.
Download the Backpackers Guide
Our FREE 400-page eBook contains all the information you need for your WHV in Australia :
- administrative procedures
- transport and ways of travelling
- jobs & +500 fruit picking contacts
- regions and practical life
- numerous discounts
