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Driving from A to B in Australia is a must-do for any keen traveller. With the chance to see this beautiful place at your own pace, stop off for unexpected surprises and eliminate expensive air fares, why wouldn't you want to strap in and see what Australia has to offer?
Better yet, we've done the hard work for you. Here are some of our favourite Australian road trips to tick off your travel bucket list!
Coral Coast, Western Australia
Duration: Five to seven days
As Australia’s biggest state, you can bet Western Australia delivers on the road trip front. While all great, there’s one road trip that’s hard to beat – the Coral Coast. This route covers 1,200 kilometres of pure natural beauty and takes you from Perth to Exmouth and back again, providing plenty of stops in between.
Along with unspoilt beaches and turquoise waters, the area is famed for its abundance of marine life. At certain times of the year, plucky divers can swim alongside whale sharks, dolphins and sea lions.
Exmouth, Western Australia. Photo credit Getty/Marco Bottigelli
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Duration: Three days is popular for many
Arguably Australia’s most famous road trip, this winding coastal trail spans 400 kilometres, and offers verdant valleys, ocean-kissed cliffs and charming fishing villages.
There are chances to get up close to native wildlife (Kennett River is the go-to for Koala-spotting), sample local produce at wineries and fisheries and visit some of the country’s most spectacular natural sights, including the famous 12 apostles.
Photo credit Getty/DLMcK
Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
Duration: Best enjoyed in four to five days
Tick some of the country’s most iconic destinations off your Australian travel bucket list when road-tripping across the red-dusted plains of the Northern Territory. Wanderlust-fuelled travellers can visit Uluru, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Here, you can swim in fresh swimming holes, visit Aboriginal Australia’s most sacred sites and walk among the area’s desert monoliths.
Coober Pedy, South Australia. Photo credit Getty/John W Banagan
The Big Lap, Australia
Duration: Take your time!
It's time for the main course: the real McCoy. Spanning nearly 15,000 kilometres, the Big Lap road trip does exactly what it says on the tin - gives travellers the chance to perform one full loop of Australia. It's the ultimate road trip for those hungry for adventure and diversity, as the Big Lap takes you through an entire continent's towns, beaches and major cities.
The Grand Pacific Drive, NSW
Duration: One day or a lazy weekend
Open yourself to a world of adventure beyond Sydney along the coastal Grand Pacific Drive. This NSW trail stretches 140 kilometres south of the city through the Royal National Park, passing stunning surf beaches and sleepy beach towns. There are plenty of opportunities to stop off for a swim, surf and a bite to eat, and it can all be done in a few hours.
Photo credit Getty/Benjamin Lee / EyeEm
Travel insurance
We all know that the good times can take a slight detour when travelling. When the going gets tough, Travel Insurance Direct policies aim to do the heavy lifting and may assist with travel insurance cover such as domestic travel insurance to help keep your trip moving in the right direction, so you can refocus on the fun.