The Best 5 Road Trip Australia Itineraries

With four wheels, the open road and an itinerary packed with authentic experiences, road trips in Australia take a deserving place at the top of many bucket lists. The country’s extreme vastness coupled with extraordinary diversity means that it plays host to almost every landscape imaginable: vast ochre plains, emerald rainforests, azure coastlines and plenty in between. 

Road trips in Australia are not just reserved for visitors either; Aussies have long been packing up the car in favour of an exciting interstate journey. One thing is for sure, native or not, Australia is guaranteed to leave you in awe.

Now, you’re probably thinking: ‘Okay, but how do I do a road trip around Australia?’. That’s where we come in. Using local insight, expert destination knowledge and incredible itineraries crafted by our network of Local Designers, we’ve gathered together the five best Australia road trip itineraries with a wealth of information to help you plan your trip!

Before we get stuck in, let’s make sure you’re here for the right reasons. We are about to introduce you to the five best Australia self-drive trips designed by local experts and packed with authentic experiences, whilst giving you all the help you need to plan your trip!

Read this post if:

• You are looking for the best road trips in Australia
• You want to know how to plan an incredible road trip itinerary
• You want to know how much it costs to do an Australia road trip

Don’t read this post if:

• You’re looking for the best places to visit, instead, start with this Australia travel guide
• You are ready to book your trip – instead, connect with one of our Australian Local Designers who can design your free personalised itinerary in less than 48 hours!
• You don’t want a serious case of wanderlust by the end of it

Here are a number of commonly asked questions about road tripping in Australia. We’ve called on the expert knowledge, skills and local insight of our Local Designers at Designer Journeys to answer them! 

How Long Does a Road Trip around Australia Take?

How long is a piece of string? 

Your road trip down under could be a simple jaunt from Sydney to the Blue Mountains, or perhaps a lengthier Uluru to South Australia road trip, or perhaps you have something else in mind. The truth is, there is no perfect length for an Australian road trip. That’s why we’ve gathered the best five Aussie road trips below, each offering something entirely different for you to browse and see which suits you best.

Trips you may like

5-Day Lake Eyre in Flood & Wilpena Adventure

Unleash your adventurous spirit on a self-drive journey from Adelaide to Wilpena Pound, where an extraordinary Outback escapade awaits. Soar above the captivating beauty of Lake Eyre, conquer the Flinders in thrilling 4WD expeditions, and luxuriate in safari tent accommodations with mouth-watering meals. Immerse yourself in the legendary Prairie Outback Hotel, where a fossil tour with a local expert will transport you to a bygone era. Get ready for an enticing Outback escapade that will ignite your senses and create memories to treasure forever!

4.6505 views

from USD 3,670

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6-Day Scenic Rim Walk of Queensland

Set in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range just outside Brisbane, and surrounded by World Heritage-listed National Parks, the Scenic Rim region is renowned for its exquisite natural beauty. On this six-day hiking trip, you’ll experience it all and more. The combination of rainforests, ancient volcanic plateaus, mountains, ridges, escarpments and forests as well as scenic wining and dining options has helped the Scenic Rim to quickly gain a reputation as one of Australia’s most sought after gourmet walking experiences. With an abundance of unique Australian plants, native animals and distinctive vegetation types, this exciting trail embraces a region which is littered with the legend of the early pioneers who tried to make a living from the harsh but beautiful country. Your local guide will help interpret the land and its stories during each walk, many of which are on private Nature Refuge or National Park and can only be accessed via private land; making this trail one of the least frequented and most untouched walks in Australia. Each evening you’ll stay at lodges that offer a level of detailed service, panoramic scenery, comfort as well as gourmet food and wine which brings new meaning to the concept of luxury walking experiences in Australia.

4.5383 views

from USD 3,122

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8-Day From Sydney to Rock to Reef

This eight-day iconic Australian adventure really shows off the country’s diversity, from the excitement of Sydney to remoteness of the Outback for an Uluru Tour and onto the Great Barrier Reef paradise, you’ll explore and learn about Australia’s natural landscape and all that live in it. You will be staying in hand-picked boutique accommodation and enjoying authentic small group experiences while admiring the most beautiful locations in the country.

4.6837 views

from USD 1,716

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6-Day Brisbane Valley & Scenic Rim Trails

Embark on a unique and memorable journey, cycling in Brisbane Valley and hiking the Scenic Rim trail graded as one of the Great Walks of Australia, on this compact six-day adventure. For the duration of your cycling and hiking adventure, you’ll be accompanied by fully-professional cycling and hiking guides, both local and qualified. Your days will be filled with unique stories of the lands you traverse from your guides and delicious meals at each unique stop you make from forest lodges to luxury glamping tents. This is one of the greatest adventures to discover in Australia!

4.5257 views

from USD 3,407

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8-Day Sydney, Uluru and Great Barrier Reef

This iconic 8-day trip to Australia will take you from Sydney, New South Wales, to Uluru and finishing in Northern Queensland. You will start by exploring the very best of Sydney, including the Bridge Climb, a harbour cruise and an afternoon at Bondi Beach. City exploring done, get ready to be blown away by World Heritage-listed natural wonders, iconic wildlife and the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback. The Uluru region is home to two of Australia’s most famous rock formations, a mighty canyon and an ancient indigenous culture rich in story, dance and art. From here, you’ll head to the reef. One of Australia’s most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays with hundreds of picturesque tropical islands and arguably some of the world’s most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.

4.8119 views

from USD 4,491

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9-Day Discover The Best of The Outback and Culture in NT

Embark on an Australian adventure of the Top End which is rich in culture and rugged natural beauty. You’ll experience the Asian-influenced food and tropical outdoor lifestyle of Darwin, the capital of NT. Then venture into the wetlands, dry savannah lands, riverine and untouched corners of the Katherine Gorge, Litchfield, and the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park on your tour from Darwin. Test your limits with crocodile-spotting river cruises and airboat safaris while sampling the wonderful local cuisine of the Northern Territory. To finish this unique tour, head back to Darwin to visit Tiwi Island where you’ll get remote, explore the islands and get acquainted with Tiwi culture and traditions.

4.8193 views

from USD 6,542

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How Much Does it Cost to Road Trip around Australia?

The cost of a road trip in Australia is determined by several factors:

• How long you want to travel for
• Where you want to go
• Your type of accommodation
• How much you plan to do

Due to the many varying factors, it is difficult to determine an overarching cost. However, if you are eager to get your road trip itinerary sorted, you can specify your budget, needs and desired destinations or activities, and our Local Designers in Australia will design an itinerary within 48 hours. It’s really that simple!

Alternatively, keep reading to see what you can expect to spend on any one of our five Aussie road trips!

The Five Best Road Trips in Australia

1) Road Trip from Sydney to Queensland’s East Coast and the Red Centre

• Length: 14 days
• Best time to travel: Summer (December to February)
• Distance travelled: 1,520 kilometres (approximately and not all by car)
• Highlights: Horseriding in the Blue Mountains, helicopter ride to Sydney, catamaran cruise to Whitehaven Beach, Uluru sunrise hike
• Who for: Those that love to mix adventure with luxury

Imagine a map of Australia’s east coast dotted with luxury boutique stays, incredible outdoor adventures, gourmet dining experiences and a dose of culture; this image perfectly sums up this Sydney road trip to Queensland and Uluru. 

Beginning in New South Wales’ capital, you’ll experience Sydney through the eyes of a local whilst also ticking off the unmissable activities – Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb and lunch on Bondi Beach? We’ve got you covered. Next, the sheer splendour of Australia will be laid out in front of you at the world-class luxury Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley resort. Your private sanctuary stay will be punctuated by sampling gourmet menus, gin tasting, horseriding, luxury pampering and more. 

With a scenic helicopter ride back to the airport, you’ll then fly to Hamilton Island in the heart of the Whitsundays and check into another five-star resort. The adventures continue over the next few days as you explore the stunning Whitsundays in all their glory. After a short stop in the jewel of the Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, you’ll hop on a plane to Australia’s Red Centre where the latter part of your trip becomes an adventure-filled Northern Territory road trip!

Whilst there is a couple of cheats in this itinerary (two flights), it can be tweaked to your preference. Want to do the whole trip as self-drive? No problem, our Local Designers can arrange this for you as well as plenty of incredible stops and authentic experiences along the way to make your Australia road trip one you won’t forget. 

2) Victoria Road Trip from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road and Grampians National Park

• Length: 7 days
• Best time to travel: Late Summer (March to April)
• Distance travelled: 750 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Sampling Melbourne’s unbeatable food scene, driving yourself along the famous Great Ocean Road, hiking in the Grampians, panning for gold in Daylesford 
• Who for: Those who want to mix incredible views with world-class food

This Southern Australia road trip is a fine chance to embark on an adventure packed with wildlife experiences, gourmet food tastings, and beautiful beaches as well as beguiling history and indigenous cultures. This journey is full of experiences that are guaranteed to delight and inspire every traveller. 

The journey itself begins in Melbourne where your pre-arranged rental will be waiting for you to hit the road. Heading out of the city, you’ll wind the windows down and breathe in the salty air as you travel along the Great Ocean Road encountering chic coastal towns and the wine region of the Bellarine Peninsula. 

Two nights spent in a chalet in the Grampians will leave nature lovers and adventurers in awe of this sacred landscape. For your final two nights, you’ll feel the gold rush in Ballarat, relax in the healing waters of Daylesford and even give the old fashioned panning for gold method a go!

Once again, this itinerary is fully customisable to you. Do more, do less; stay longer, stay less. It’s all in your control when you design your Australia tour with one of our Local Designers.

3) Ultimate Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary

• Length: 9 days
• Best time to travel: Summer (December to February)
• Distance travelled: 940 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Gourmet food tour to Bruny Island’s renowned artisan producers, sea kayaking in Freycinet National Park, majestic steam train railway journey along the West Coast
• Who for: Avid hikers who love to end the day with a glass of wine

Isolated from the rest of Australia, Tasmania’s captivating natural beauty, thriving regional food scene and diverse cultural experiences have put it firmly on the map. Add to the mix its rugged peaks, shimmering waters and intriguing towns and you have yourself a road trip destination that deserves a place on any top five list. 

Fiercely protected by preservation laws, Tasmania’s natural riches draw in nature lovers and avid hikers from all over the world. When it comes down to the best way to experience all of this richness, driving yourself is key. 

Beginning in the island state capital of Hobart, your rental car will be waiting to whisk you away to Bruny Island, Freycinet National Park, Cradle Mountain and finally, Strahan. Through gourmet food tours, scenic cruises and wonderful wilderness hikes, you’ll become acquainted with the history, culture and riches of Tasmania. 

One thing is for sure, Tasmania is not somewhere you’ll want to rush from one destination to the next. Travelling at your own pace with a rental car allows you to take your time in each of these destinations. 

4) South Australia Road Trip Filled with Gourmet Food and Wine Experiences

• Length: 7 days
• Best time to travel: March to May or September to November
• Distance travelled: 320 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Culinary foodies tour of Adelaide, chocolate and wine pairing at ChocVine, cheese tasting, winery touring in Clare Valley
• Who for: Foodies that want the thrill of a road trip without the long distances

Unbeatable gourmet produce, world-class wineries, unique native wildlife and so much more defines South Australia. For those looking for incredible, gourmet food and wine experiences, South Australia delivers three of the best destinations within a short distance of each other making it perfect for those that want to experience a self-drive trip without hours of driving!

On this road trip from Adelaide, you’ll venture deep into Australia’s rich, gastronomic experiences, visiting one of the world’s most renowned wine-growing regions, Barossa Valley, and engaging in the rich heritage of Clare Valley. Beginning in Adelaide, you’ll indulge in award-winning restaurant menus, take a gourmet food tour of the city on foot and while away the afternoon sampling beers in Coopers Brewery.

As you move out of the city to the neighbouring Barossa Valley, you’ll find yourself with a choice of over 150 wineries and 80 cellar doors to visit; a world of gastronomic delights awaits in this picturesque cluster of villages, rolling hills, stone churches and vineyards. 

Your final few days will bring you to Clare Valley, where sumptuous fresh produce, breathtaking scenery and boutique wine experiences elevate the itinerary to spectacular. 

5) The Best Uluru Self-Drive Tour in Australia’s Red Centre

• Length: 5 days
• Best time to travel: May to September
• Distance travelled: 800 kilometres (approximately)
• Highlights: Guided kangaroo sunset tour, swimming in the Ellery Creek Big Hole, the Mereenie Loop Drive, stargazing at King’s Canyon, King’s Canyon rim walk and desert awakenings dawn tour at Ayers Rock
• Who for: Those who want a thrilling outback road trip packed with unique experiences

The heart of Central Australia, the Northern Territory’s ‘Red Centre’ is renowned for its ancient landscapes, awe-inspiring scenery and incredible stargazing opportunities. The best way to experience all this? A self-drive tour from Alice Springs to Uluru.

The entire region is centred on the town of Alice Springs which is where you’ll pick up your car ahead of the journey. Heading out across the desert sands, you’ll pass extraordinary geological monoliths, travel through the West MacDonnell National Park and take on the famous Mereenie Loop Drive from Watarrka National Park to King’s Canyon. 

A night sleeping under a canopy of stars and ticking off one of the world’s 20 best hikes in King’s Canyon will be highlights of your journey before you continue to Ayer’s Rock. On arrival, you’ll hop on a camel to admire some of the most spectacular desert landscapes you’ll ever see with Uluru and Kata Tjuta taking the trophy. 

If you hadn’t already squeezed enough into your five-day Red Centre road trip, you’ll spend your final morning on a unique desert awakenings tour with an expert guide experiencing the tranquillity of this land pre-dawn.

Top Tips for Your Australian Road Trip

Designing and booking your self-drive experience with Designer Journeys means you’ll always be in safe hands should anything go wrong before or during your trip. However, here are some top tips for driving in Australia to bear in mind! 

Share the driving

Australia is huge so depending on where you choose to do your road trip, you may encounter some long stretches of driving. If you can, make sure someone you’re travelling with can share the driving with you. 

Watch out for wildlife

Driving at night, dusk or dawn is not recommended in many parts of Australia due to wildlife that are most active during these hours of the day. Not only would it be saddening to hit a kangaroo, but they can do considerable damage to your rental car!

Pay attention to road rules and speed limits

Hidden speed cameras can be costly in Australia so avoid speeding at all times. Plus, what’s the rush? Enjoy the journey and take in the scenery. 

Roadside assistance

Make sure you have this sorted before you begin your journey. You can often arrange this with the same company you hire your car with. Our Local Designers can take care of all of this official admin when designing your trip for you.

Outback driving

If you’re venturing deep into the outback, the rules are different. You’ll want to make sure you have enough food and water should you break down, a satellite phone for emergencies and that you have told someone your route. Check out this blog for more outback driving tips.

How to Plan Your Australian Road Trip

At Designer Journeys, every Local Designer in our global network has been through a rigorous selection process to ensure they provide only the most extraordinary travel experiences, from the planning stages right through to travelling. By designing, building and booking your next trip with us, you can rest assured that you’ll be in safe hands. 

Our Local Designers use their unique destination insight, local knowledge and travel planning skills from decades of experience to design, build and deliver travel experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Better yet, every element of your trip can be completely customised to your needs, wants and desires. 

Simply, explore our gallery of Australia trips, or start designing your own journey from scratch to connect with one of our Local Designers in Australia and they’ll do the rest! 

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