The Best Australian Road Trips for Beaches, Wildlife and Scenic Drives

Australia is one of the world’s great road trip destinations. With wide-open highways, coastal touring routes, tropical rainforest drives, remote outback roads, beach towns, national parks and wildlife-rich regions, the country is made for travellers who enjoy the freedom of the open road.

Some Australian road trips are all about beaches and surf towns. Others take you through rainforest, wine regions, red desert, island landscapes or rugged coastal cliffs. The best routes combine several highlights in one journey: beautiful beaches, native wildlife, scenic lookouts, small towns, local food and memorable places to stay.

This guide covers the best Australian road trips for beaches, wildlife and scenic drives, including classic coastal routes, Queensland reef drives, Western Australia’s Coral Coast, Tasmania’s east coast, South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula and more.

Why Australia Is Perfect for Road Trips

Australia rewards slow travel. Distances can be long, but that is part of the appeal. A road trip allows you to stop at quiet beaches, national parks, country towns, lookouts, wildlife areas, farm gates, seafood shacks and local cafes that you might miss if you fly between major cities.

Road trips are also flexible. You can build a route around your interests, whether that means snorkelling, whale watching, surfing, hiking, photography, wine tasting, wildlife spotting or simply finding peaceful places to stay by the sea.

The key is to avoid rushing. Australia is much larger than many visitors expect, so the best road trips usually focus on one region at a time rather than trying to cover the whole country in one journey.

Best Australian Road Trips for Beaches, Wildlife and Scenic Drives

1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most famous scenic drives and a must-do for first-time visitors to Victoria. Stretching along the south-west coast, it combines dramatic cliffs, surf beaches, rainforest, seaside towns, waterfalls and famous rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles.

This road trip is ideal for travellers who want a mix of coast and nature. You can stop at Torquay, Bells Beach, Anglesea, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Port Campbell and Warrnambool. Along the way, look for koalas in eucalyptus trees, kangaroos in open areas, seabirds, whales in season and rainforest wildlife in the Otways.

• Best for: first-time road trippers, beaches, cliffs, wildlife, waterfalls and photography.
• Suggested time: 3 to 5 days.
• Top stops: Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and Warrnambool.
• Wildlife highlights: Koalas, kangaroos, whales in season, seals, birds and rainforest wildlife.
• Travel tip: Stay overnight in Lorne or Apollo Bay rather than trying to rush the route in one long day from Melbourne.

2. Sydney to Brisbane Coastal Drive, New South Wales and Queensland

The Sydney to Brisbane coastal drive is one of Australia’s classic east coast road trips. It links beaches, national parks, surf towns, river towns, wildlife experiences and relaxed holiday destinations between New South Wales and Queensland.

Popular stops include the Central Coast, Port Stephens, Forster, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads, Tweed Heads and the Gold Coast. This is a flexible route that can be done quickly, but it is much better when spread over a week or more.

• Best for: beaches, surf towns, families, couples, wildlife and relaxed coastal travel.
• Suggested time: 7 to 14 days.
• Top stops: Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and the Gold Coast.
• Wildlife highlights: Dolphins, koalas, kangaroos, whales in season and coastal birdlife.
• Travel tip: Do not only stop at Byron Bay. Smaller towns such as Yamba, South West Rocks and Brunswick Heads can feel more relaxed.

3. Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales

The Grand Pacific Drive is a shorter but highly scenic road trip south of Sydney. It is ideal for travellers who want coastal drama without committing to a long multi-day journey.

The route is best known for the Sea Cliff Bridge, but the surrounding region also offers beaches, lookouts, rainforest, seaside towns and easy access to Wollongong, Kiama, Shellharbour and the Shoalhaven. It works well as a weekend escape or as the beginning of a longer South Coast road trip.

• Best for: short road trips, coastal views, couples, photographers and Sydney weekend escapes.
• Suggested time: 1 to 3 days.
• Top stops: Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge, Wollongong, Kiama Blowhole, Gerringong and Jervis Bay if extending the trip.
• Wildlife highlights: Seabirds, whales in season, dolphins and national park wildlife.
• Travel tip: Extend the drive to Jervis Bay if you want white-sand beaches, clear water and a more relaxed coastal stay.

4. Brisbane to Cairns: Pacific Coast Way, Queensland

The Brisbane to Cairns drive, often travelled along Queensland’s Pacific Coast Way, is one of Australia’s best long coastal road trips. It links beaches, islands, reef gateways, coastal cities, small towns and tropical North Queensland.

This route can include the Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Hervey Bay, K’gari, Bundaberg, Yeppoon, Airlie Beach, the Whitsundays, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach and Cairns. It is a big journey, so allow plenty of time if you want to enjoy the beaches, islands and reef experiences properly.

• Best for: Queensland beaches, islands, reef access, families, grey nomads and long road trips.
• Suggested time: 10 to 21 days.
• Top stops: Noosa, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg, Yeppoon, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach and Cairns.
• Wildlife highlights: Whales in season, turtles, reef fish, kangaroos, cassowaries in some northern areas and marine wildlife.
• Travel tip: Build in island time. K’gari, the Whitsundays and Magnetic Island are worth more than a quick stop.

5. Great Barrier Reef Drive: Cairns to Cape Tribulation, Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef Drive between Cairns and Cape Tribulation is one of Australia’s most beautiful short tropical drives. It follows the coast north through Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets reef.

This road trip is ideal for travellers who want tropical scenery, rainforest, beaches, wildlife, reef tours and a slower Far North Queensland experience. The drive itself is scenic, with ocean views, mountain backdrops and lush rainforest sections.

• Best for: rainforest, reef, tropical beaches, couples, photographers and nature lovers.
• Suggested time: 3 to 7 days.
• Top stops: Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River, Cape Tribulation and nearby rainforest boardwalks.
• Wildlife highlights: Crocodiles on guided river cruises, cassowaries if lucky, reef fish, turtles, birds and rainforest wildlife.
• Travel tip: Check road, ferry and weather conditions before driving north of the Daintree River, especially during the wet season.

6. Coral Coast Highway: Perth to Exmouth, Western Australia

The Coral Coast Highway is one of Western Australia’s great road trips, linking Perth with the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Ningaloo Reef. It is a long journey, but it rewards travellers with beaches, reefs, gorges, wildlife and big coastal landscapes.

This route is especially good for marine wildlife lovers. Depending on the season, you may encounter whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, turtles and colourful reef life around Ningaloo. On land, expect red cliffs, wildflowers in season, national parks and wide-open roads.

• Best for: snorkelling, marine wildlife, remote beaches, national parks and long-distance road trips.
• Suggested time: 8 to 14 days or longer.
• Top stops: Cervantes, the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Exmouth and Cape Range National Park.
• Wildlife highlights: Dolphins, whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, humpback whales, emus and marine life.
• Travel tip: Distances are long. Book accommodation and tours early, especially in Coral Bay and Exmouth.

7. South West Edge, Western Australia

The South West Edge is a beautiful road trip from Perth through Margaret River, tall forests, beaches, wine regions and the rugged south coast. It is one of the best Australian road trips for travellers who want beaches, food, wine, forests and coastal scenery in one route.

Highlights can include Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River, Augusta, Pemberton, Denmark, Albany and Esperance if extending farther east. The region offers surf beaches, calm bays, caves, wineries, breweries, whale-watching lookouts, forest drives and spectacular coastal landscapes.

• Best for: food and wine, beaches, forests, couples, nature lovers and scenic touring.
• Suggested time: 7 to 14 days.
• Top stops: Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup, Margaret River, Pemberton, Denmark, Albany and Esperance.
• Wildlife highlights: Whales in season, dolphins, kangaroos, birdlife and marine life.
• Travel tip: Add Denmark and Albany if you want dramatic beaches and a quieter south coast feel.

8. Eyre Peninsula Road Trip, South Australia

The Eyre Peninsula is one of Australia’s best road trips for travellers who love seafood, wildlife, empty beaches and rugged coastal scenery. It feels wilder and less crowded than many east coast routes, making it ideal for slow travellers and nature-focused visitors.

Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay, Lincoln National Park, Memory Cove, Baird Bay, Streaky Bay, Venus Bay and the coastline towards Ceduna all offer different experiences. The region is known for oysters, fishing, sea lions, dolphins, coastal walks, dunes, cliffs and clear water.

• Best for: seafood, wildlife, quiet beaches, coastal drives and adventurous travellers.
• Suggested time: 7 to 10 days.
• Top stops: Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay, Lincoln National Park, Streaky Bay, Venus Bay and Baird Bay.
• Wildlife highlights: Sea lions, dolphins, kangaroos, emus, birdlife and marine life.
• Travel tip: Driving gives the greatest flexibility, but distances can be large, so plan fuel and accommodation carefully.

9. Kangaroo Island Road Trip, South Australia

Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s best compact road trip destinations. Although it is an island, it is large enough to need several days and a vehicle. The route combines beaches, wildlife, rugged coastlines, national parks, local food, cellar doors and quiet roads.

Top places include Penneshaw, Kingscote, Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Vivonne Bay and Stokes Bay. Kangaroo Island is especially good for travellers who want wildlife without travelling deep into the outback.

• Best for: wildlife, beaches, local produce, couples, families and photographers.
• Suggested time: 3 to 5 days.
• Top stops: Seal Bay, Flinders Chase National Park, Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Vivonne Bay and local food producers.
• Wildlife highlights: Kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, echidnas, wallabies and birdlife.
• Travel tip: Take or hire a car and avoid driving at night where possible, as wildlife is often active near roads.

10. Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania

Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive is one of Australia’s most scenic and relaxing road trips. It follows the island’s east coast through beaches, fishing towns, national parks, wineries, wildlife areas and coastal villages.

Highlights can include Orford, Swansea, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Bicheno, St Helens and the Bay of Fires. The route is perfect for travellers who enjoy beaches, seafood, cool-climate wine, walking trails and quieter coastal scenery.

• Best for: beaches, seafood, wildlife, couples, walkers and relaxed road trips.
• Suggested time: 5 to 7 days.
• Top stops: Orford, Maria Island, Swansea, Freycinet, Wineglass Bay, Bicheno, St Helens and Bay of Fires.
• Wildlife highlights: Wombats, wallabies, Tasmanian devils in sanctuaries, penguins, seabirds and marine life.
• Travel tip: Add Maria Island if you want one of Tasmania’s best wildlife side trips.

11. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory

The Red Centre Way is not a beach road trip, but it deserves a place on any list of Australia’s best scenic drives. This route takes travellers through some of the country’s most powerful inland landscapes, including Alice Springs, the West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Expect red desert, ancient rock formations, waterholes, gorges, big skies and unforgettable sunsets. Wildlife sightings may include kangaroos, wallabies, birds, reptiles and desert animals, especially around water sources and cooler parts of the day.

• Best for: outback scenery, photography, culture, hiking and bucket-list Australian travel.
• Suggested time: 5 to 7 days or longer.
• Top stops: Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
• Wildlife highlights: Red kangaroos, wallabies, wedge-tailed eagles, reptiles and desert birdlife.
• Travel tip: Respect cultural rules at Uluru and Kata Tjuta, carry plenty of water and avoid walking in extreme heat.

12. Nullarbor Plain: Adelaide to Perth

The Nullarbor crossing is one of Australia’s great long-distance drives. It is not a beach-hopping holiday in the usual sense, but it offers dramatic coastal cliffs, remote roadhouses, vast plains, big skies and a true sense of scale.

The route between South Australia and Western Australia can include the Eyre Peninsula, Head of Bight, the Nullarbor cliffs, Eucla, Esperance and the south coast of Western Australia. Whales may be seen at Head of Bight in season, while kangaroos, emus and birdlife are part of the broader outback experience.

• Best for: experienced road trippers, remote landscapes, big-distance driving and classic Australian adventure.
• Suggested time: 5 to 10 days depending on side trips.
• Top stops: Ceduna, Head of Bight, Nullarbor Roadhouse, Eucla, Norseman and Esperance.
• Wildlife highlights: Southern right whales in season, kangaroos, emus, birds and marine life near the coast.
• Travel tip: Plan fuel, water, accommodation and rest stops carefully. Avoid driving long distances at night.

Best Road Trips by Travel Style

Best for Beaches

• Sydney to Brisbane: Surf towns, national parks, river towns and beaches.
• Brisbane to Cairns: Queensland beaches, islands and reef gateways.
• Coral Coast Highway: Remote Western Australian beaches and Ningaloo Reef.
• Great Eastern Drive: Tasmanian beaches, bays and coastal villages.
• South West Edge: Margaret River, Denmark, Albany and Esperance beaches.

Best for Wildlife

• Kangaroo Island: Kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, echidnas and birdlife.
• Eyre Peninsula: Dolphins, sea lions, kangaroos, emus and marine life.
• Great Ocean Road: Koalas, kangaroos, whales, seals and rainforest wildlife.
• Coral Coast Highway: Whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, dolphins and whales.
• Great Eastern Drive: Wombats, wallabies, penguins and Tasmanian wildlife.

Best for Scenic Drives

• Great Ocean Road: Cliffs, beaches, rainforest and rock stacks.
• Great Barrier Reef Drive: Tropical coast, rainforest and reef access.
• Red Centre Way: Desert, gorges, ranges and sacred landscapes.
• South West Edge: Forests, beaches, wineries and rugged coast.
• Great Eastern Drive: Tasmanian coastline, national parks and seaside towns.

Best for Families

• Great Ocean Road: Short distances, beach towns, waterfalls and wildlife.
• Sydney to Brisbane: Flexible stops, beaches, wildlife parks and family accommodation.
• Brisbane to Cairns: Islands, reef trips, beaches and family-friendly towns.
• Kangaroo Island: Wildlife, beaches and manageable island touring.
• Great Eastern Drive: Shorter driving days and relaxed coastal stops.

Best for Couples

• South West Edge: Wine, beaches, forests and boutique stays.
• Great Eastern Drive: Seafood, scenery, quiet beaches and coastal lodges.
• Great Barrier Reef Drive: Palm Cove, Port Douglas and Daintree rainforest.
• Great Ocean Road: Clifftop views, beach towns and cosy stays.
• Kangaroo Island: Wildlife, local produce and secluded scenery.

Suggested Road Trip Itineraries

3-Day Great Ocean Road Escape

• Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay, Bells Beach, Lorne and Apollo Bay.
• Day 2: Explore Great Otway National Park, waterfalls and the Twelve Apostles.
• Day 3: Visit Loch Ard Gorge, Port Campbell and return inland or continue to Warrnambool.

5-Day Tropical North Queensland Drive

• Day 1: Cairns to Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
• Day 2: Reef tour from Port Douglas.
• Day 3: Mossman Gorge and Daintree River cruise.
• Day 4: Cape Tribulation and rainforest boardwalks.
• Day 5: Return to Cairns with beach and lookout stops.

7-Day Tasmania East Coast Road Trip

• Day 1: Hobart to Orford or Swansea.
• Day 2: Maria Island day trip.
• Day 3: Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay.
• Day 4: Bicheno, penguin viewing or coastal walks.
• Day 5: St Helens and Bay of Fires.
• Day 6: Explore beaches, seafood and local drives.
• Day 7: Return to Hobart or continue to Launceston.

10-Day Brisbane to Cairns Coastal Drive

• Days 1-2: Brisbane to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
• Days 3-4: Hervey Bay, K’gari or Bundaberg.
• Days 5-6: Yeppoon or Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays.
• Day 7: Townsville and Magnetic Island.
• Day 8: Mission Beach.
• Days 9-10: Cairns, reef trip or rainforest day tour.

14-Day Western Australia Coral Coast Adventure

• Days 1-2: Perth to Cervantes and the Pinnacles.
• Days 3-4: Kalbarri National Park and coastal cliffs.
• Days 5-6: Shark Bay and Monkey Mia.
• Day 7: Carnarvon or coastal stopover.
• Days 8-10: Coral Bay for snorkelling and reef time.
• Days 11-13: Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef and Cape Range National Park.
• Day 14: Fly out from Exmouth or begin the return drive to Perth.

Practical Tips for Australian Road Trips

• Do not underestimate distances: Australia is large, and driving times can be longer than they look on a map.
• Avoid driving at night: Kangaroos, wallabies, cattle and other animals are more active around dusk, dawn and after dark.
• Check road conditions: Flooding, fires, storms, roadworks and seasonal closures can affect routes.
• Book ahead in peak periods: School holidays, summer, Easter and long weekends can make accommodation difficult to find.
• Carry water and snacks: This is especially important on long regional and outback routes.
• Plan fuel stops: Some remote stretches have limited services, especially in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
• Pack for varied weather: Coastal wind, tropical rain, desert heat and cool mountain air can all happen depending on the route.
• Use offline maps: Mobile reception can be limited outside towns and cities.
• Respect wildlife: Keep your distance, never feed animals and follow local rules in national parks.
• Slow the trip down: The best road trips leave room for beaches, walks, lookouts and unexpected stops.

Best Time to Take an Australian Road Trip

Summer

Summer is popular for beach road trips in southern Australia, including the Great Ocean Road, South Coast NSW, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia’s south west. It can be hot, busy and expensive during school holidays.

Autumn

Autumn is one of the best all-round seasons for Australian road trips. Weather is often mild, crowds are lower than summer and many coastal regions remain warm enough for swimming.

Winter

Winter is ideal for northern Australia, including Tropical North Queensland, the Coral Coast, Ningaloo, the Red Centre and parts of the Northern Territory. Southern coastal areas can be cool but atmospheric.

Spring

Spring is excellent for wildflowers, wildlife, comfortable temperatures and coastal touring. Western Australia’s wildflower regions and many southern road trips are especially appealing at this time.

Final Thoughts

The best Australian road trips offer more than a way to get from one place to another. They are journeys through beaches, wildlife habitats, national parks, country towns, coastal lookouts and landscapes that change day by day.

For a classic coastal journey, choose the Great Ocean Road, Sydney to Brisbane or Brisbane to Cairns. For reef and marine life, drive the Coral Coast Highway or the Great Barrier Reef Drive. For wildlife, Kangaroo Island, the Eyre Peninsula and Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive are outstanding. For pure scenic drama, the Red Centre Way and Nullarbor crossing reveal Australia’s inland scale and remote beauty.

Wherever you go, plan carefully, drive safely and give yourself time. Australia’s best road trips are not meant to be rushed. The magic often happens between the major stops: a quiet beach, a roadside lookout, a country bakery, a wildlife sighting or a sunset you did not expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best road trip in Australia for first-time visitors?

The Great Ocean Road is one of the best Australian road trips for first-time visitors because it is scenic, accessible and easy to combine with Melbourne. The Sydney to Brisbane drive and Brisbane to Cairns drive are also excellent for travellers wanting beaches, towns and wildlife.

What is the best Australian road trip for beaches?

The best beach road trips include Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, the Coral Coast Highway, the Great Eastern Drive in Tasmania and Western Australia’s South West Edge. These routes offer a mix of surf beaches, quiet bays, reef areas and coastal towns.

What is the best Australian road trip for wildlife?

Kangaroo Island is one of the best road trips for wildlife, with kangaroos, koalas, sea lions, echidnas and birdlife. Other strong wildlife routes include the Eyre Peninsula, Great Ocean Road, Coral Coast Highway and Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive.

How long do you need for a road trip in Australia?

Short scenic road trips can be done in two to five days, such as the Great Ocean Road or Great Barrier Reef Drive. Longer routes such as Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns or the Coral Coast Highway are better with 10 to 14 days or more.

Is it safe to road trip in Australia?

Yes, road tripping in Australia is generally safe if you plan properly. Drive on the left, avoid fatigue, check road conditions, carry water, plan fuel stops and avoid driving at night in regional areas where wildlife may be on the road.

What is the most scenic drive in Australia?

The Great Ocean Road is often considered one of Australia’s most scenic drives because of its cliffs, beaches, rainforests and rock formations. Other highly scenic routes include the Great Barrier Reef Drive, Coral Coast Highway, Great Eastern Drive and Red Centre Way.

Which Australian road trip is best for families?

Family-friendly road trips include the Great Ocean Road, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive. These routes offer manageable stops, beaches, wildlife, family accommodation and plenty of outdoor activities.

What is the best road trip for couples in Australia?

Couples may enjoy the South West Edge in Western Australia, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, the Great Barrier Reef Drive in Queensland, Kangaroo Island in South Australia or Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive. These routes offer scenery, boutique stays, food, wine and nature.

Can you road trip Australia without a 4WD?

Yes, many Australian road trips can be done in a standard car, including the Great Ocean Road, Sydney to Brisbane, Great Eastern Drive and much of the South West Edge. A 4WD may be needed for beaches, remote tracks, parts of K’gari, some national parks and outback routes.

What should I pack for an Australian road trip?

Pack water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, first-aid kit, phone charger, offline maps, insect repellent, warm layers and any national park passes or ferry bookings needed for your route.

When is the best time to road trip around Australia?

The best time depends on the region. Southern coastal routes are often best from spring to autumn. Northern Australia, Tropical Queensland, Ningaloo and the Red Centre are often better during the cooler dry-season months. Always check seasonal weather before planning.

What is the best long-distance road trip in Australia?

For long-distance coastal travel, Brisbane to Cairns and the Coral Coast Highway are excellent choices. For remote adventure, the Nullarbor crossing and Red Centre Way are iconic. For a mix of beaches, cities and towns, Sydney to Brisbane is one of the most popular long-distance routes.

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The Best Australian Road Trips for Beaches, Wildlife and Scenic Drives

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Discover the best Australian road trips for beaches, wildlife and scenic drives, including the Great Ocean Road, Sydney to Brisbane, Brisbane to Cairns, Coral Coast Highway, Great Eastern Drive, Eyre Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and more.