With all the hiking adventures, mountaineering, and walking you can enjoy on a vacation in Australia, you will cover a lot more ground if you go on an old-fashioned road trip. Road trips are great because they enable you to see more things and allow you to experience your destination more like a local would. The freedom to roam on your own schedule and not be rushed from location to location can lead to a much more relaxed and enjoyable experience. In this article we’ve put together 3 of the best road trips to help you traverse the world’s largest island.
Broome to Perth
The West Coast of Australia has a coastline that has some of the best beaches in the entire country. It’s important to make plenty of time for this particular road trip. While you can drive from Broome to Perth in around 24 hours, to do it right, expect to spend about two weeks driving from city to city. Grab a cheap car hire in Perth and meander your way along the coast, and you’ll be rewarded with some pretty incredible things to see along the way. Don’t miss out on Coral Bay and Rottnest Island (right off the coast from Perth), two beautiful places with incredible scenery, blue seas, and opportunities to go snorkeling. This West Coast road trip is certainly one you’ll remember for a long time.
Cairns to Cape Tribulation
Home to the Great Barrier Reef (the world’s largest coral reef) and the Daintree Rainforest (the oldest rainforest in the world), North Queensland is unsurprisingly one of the most intoxicating areas of Australia, and possibly one of the most beautiful places in the entire world. After you’ve road-tripped to the Great Barrier Reef, head to Mossman Gorge with a picnic and swimsuit in tow, and enjoy the incredible sights, sounds, and tranquility.
The 75 Mile Highway
If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle, Fraser Island’s 75-mile beach provides a great opportunity to head off-road. In addition to miles of breathtaking beaches, you’ll explore shipwrecks, visit crystal clear lakes, and you might even have a close encounter with a wild dingo. Speaking of shipwrecks, seeing the Maheno Shipwreck provides an incredible photo opportunity and a chance to get an up close and personal view of this piece of living history.
Wind down at the end of your day by heading to Kingfisher Bay and enjoy some freshly caught seafood. Then, as the sun sets, take in the view from the pier as the lights reflect off the sea.
Do you love the city?
If you’re more of a city enthusiast, consider a road trip to some of Australia’s popular city centers instead. Adelaide, Victoria, and of course, Sydney, provide an abundance of diverse art and cultural experiences.
Whatever your interest, consider venturing out to one of the many locations around the island on a self-guided tour. After-all, you’ve likely come all the way to Australia to see everything this gem in the middle of the Indian Ocean has to offer.
Have you road tripped in Australia? Let us know about it in the comments!