As Australia is famed for having some of the most scenic roads and routes in the world, it’s a must for every family to embark and experience a classic Australian roadtrip.
From chilled coastal towns, quirky country villages to the harsh outback, your family will be spoilt for choice.
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Here are seven of the best roadtrips you can take in Australia with the family:
1. The Gibb River Road
The Gibb River Road is for the more adventurous travellers. The 660km’s take you through the Kimberley region in Western Australia and perhaps some of the most stunning landscapes in Australia. Using a four wheel drive you can reach numerous cascading waterfalls and swimming holes. You can see freshwater crocodiles in the Windjana Gorge National Park, bushwalk through Lennard and Bell Gorges or take a boat in the Chamberlain Gorge to see Wandjina rock art that is thousands of years old. There’s a lot you can see in the region, so this roadtrip will take more time to plan.
2. Adelaide to Alice Springs
Taking a dip in Alice Springs. Photo Credit: anujakjaimook
This nine day trip will take you through the red centre of Australia, giving you a taste of Australia’s legendary outback. From Adelaide you can head towards the amazing scenery of the Flinders Ranges then cut through the outback to explore the strange underground town of Coober Pedy. Cross the border into the Northern Territory to see Uluru and sleep under the stars in a swag. After visiting the rock formation of Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas) you can make your way to Alice Springs.
3. The Great Green Way
This 340km section of highway extends between Townsville and Cairns in North Queensland, taking you through a green, tropical paradise. You could finish the drive in less than five hours, but you’ll find yourself getting out regularly to stretch your legs and explore the two World Heritage listings in the area, some of the 12 mainland National Parks, the West Tropics Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef at Mission Beach.
Alongside towering waterfalls, rainforests and beautiful sea views you’ll find plenty of tropical fruits, markets and restaurants sure to hit the spot.
4. The Great Ocean Road
This 250km stretch of road has become recognised worldwide. From Torquay outside of Melbourne, the road winds through a number of coastal towns, taking you past some beautiful views and natural landscapes which you can hike through and try to spot local wildlife. Cool down in the mist created by the 30 metre high Erskine Falls and visit the 12 Apostles at the Great Otway National Park.
A view from the Great Ocean Road. Photo Credit: Yvann.
5. The Grand Pacific Drive
This coastal drive connects rainforest and numerous towns, taking you over the Sea Cliff Bridge. Starting from Sydney, you can enjoy the different beaches, restaurants and galleries which are dotted on the way towards Wollongong. You can then move on to explore the Shoalhaven region, where you’ll find diving opportunities at Jervis Bay, beautiful bushwalking tracks through Kangaroo Valley as well as the sites of Ettrema region, the Bundawang Ranges and Morton National Park. You can also stop for a day at the Jamberoo action park!
Hampden Bridge, Kangaroo Valley.
6. Tasmania
Tasmania has numerous picturesque views you can string together on one roadtrip. Starting in Hobart, you can first visit the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) before heading north to Freycinet National Park. Wineglass Bay offers beautiful views, several scenic hikes and a beach. There are fairy penguins to be spotted at the small town of Bicheno. Then you can make your way to Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park to see ancient rainforests and the iconic Cradle Mountain.
Cradle Mountain behind Dove Lake. Photo Credit Bjørn Christian Tørrissen.
7. Kangaroo Island
You can feel like you’re exploring an untouched wilderness on Kangaroo Island. With a four-wheel drive you can criss-cross the 155km long and 55km wide island to explore its beaches, see huge cliff faces, go over sand dunes and across wetlands. You can also spot a koala in its natural habitat along Koala Avenue outside of Flinders Chase National Park and take a guided tour of the Kelly Hill Caves to see huge stalagmites and stalactites. And, when you’re ready to rest for the night there’s a bunch of gorgeous Airbnb Kangaroo Island properties to stay at.
Have you experienced any of these classic Australian roadtrips? Tell us what you thought?
