7 Best Road Trips in Australia for First-Time Travelers

Take you to the true Australia, away from airports, and Australia’s open roads entice you to embark on an adventure. It could be the endless sky, the sight of kangaroos hopping across the horizon, or the salty ocean breeze blowing in your face as you drive along the coast. Due to its size and uniqueness, people who have never been to Australia may be afraid. On a road trip, however, you can take your time, pause when you notice something intriguing, and experience the countryside as the locals do. These seven road trips will show you the true Australia, away from the airports and the city skylines. You will fall in love with Australia.

The Great Ocean Road in Australia

Imagine the waves crashing against the nearby cliffs as you roll down the window and take in the briny sea air. In summary, that is the Great Ocean Road. This 240-kilometer drive along the southern coast of Victoria looks like it belongs in a movie.

The true stars of the show are the Twelve Apostles, massive limestone stacks rising over the ocean. I recall watching the cliffs turn golden as I stood there at sunset. Compared to the force of nature, I felt so insignificant. Magic is not limited to the large locations. You can see fog-covered rainforests and waterfalls if you detour into Great Otway National Park. You can enjoy fish and chips while admiring the best views of the ocean in places like Apollo Bay and Lorne. With plenty of enjoyable activities and not too much duration, it’s the ideal first road trip.

From Sydney to New South Wales’ Byron Bay

When driving from Sydney to Byron Bay, it’s crucial to reduce your speed and let the coast dictate the pace. Beautiful beaches, quaint surf towns, and long stretches of open road where you can enjoy music can be found after you leave the bustling metropolis of Sydney.

I had a great time visiting Port Stephens. When I went sandboarding on the extremely high dunes, I had the impression that I was in a desert by the sea. Further north in Coffs Harbour is the Big Banana, a humorous spot to pause for a photo and a giggle. The best part, though, is arriving at Byron Bay at last. It immediately feels serene because of the street musicians, the lighthouse walk at dawn, and the surfers walking barefoot to the waves. On this road trip, you can see Australia’s coast and lead a relaxed lifestyle. Those who have never been there can easily understand.

From Queensland’s Cape Tribulation to Cairns

The most breathtaking journey you will ever take is the drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation. The 140-kilometer road offers many attractions that look too good to be true.

Many visitors to Cairns take advantage of the opportunity to dive or snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef. Your time is worthwhile. The air becomes thicker and the trees greener as you move north. Finally, you arrive at the well-known Daintree Rainforest. You will never forget the experience of strolling among trees that have existed for millions of years, listening to the sound of the river, and observing unusual birds soaring overhead. It will seem like the end of the world when you reach Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest and reef converge. This demonstrates the wildness and uniqueness of Australia to someone who has never been there.

Traveling along Tasmania’s eastern coast

Unlike the mainland, Tasmania seems like a hidden gem. There is always something fresh and lovely to see along the East Coast Drive, which connects Hobart and the Bay of Fires.

You can hike to Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park. The white sand and turquoise water form the ideal curve. After that, you can stroll along the beaches of Bicheno, where young penguins waddle onto the sand as the sun sets. The Bay of Fires is where the journey comes to an end. There, the white sand contrasts with orange rocks. Until you get there, you don’t believe it. The fact that this road trip is less congested than the mainland’s main thoroughfares is its best feature. Particularly for first-time visitors who wish to avoid the crowds, it feels authentic, intimate, and incredibly fulfilling.

From Perth to Esperance in Australia’s west

Western Australia has some of the most breathtaking and thrilling road trips in the nation, but many people are unaware of it. The sky and landscapes change nearly every hour during the 700-kilometer drive from Perth to Esperance.

Wave Rock, a massive granite formation that resembles a giant frozen wave, was one of the most amazing sights I saw. The beaches take center stage as you move further south. It’s likely the whitest sand you’ve ever seen at Lucky Bay, which is close to Esperance. On the beach, some kangaroos appear to be the owners. The neighboring Cape Le Grand National Park offers hiking trails and stunning vistas. This trip feels like discovering Australia’s untamed and serene beauty, which many visitors overlook.

From Adelaide to Kangaroo Island in South Australia

Kangaroo Island is a must-visit destination for animal lovers from Adelaide. In a matter of hours, you can take a ferry from the city to an area that appears to be the property of the animals.

The real magic is on the island, but there are also some fascinating wine tastings and vineyards in McLaren Vale along the way. It’s true that Kangaroo Island resembles an open-air zoo. The abundance of birds, kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions makes you feel as though you’re in a nature documentary. Visiting the Remarkable Rocks, which are massive granite boulders sculpted by weather over millions of years, is one of my favorite memories. They appear to be extraterrestrial when viewed by the sea. For those who have never been to Australia, this trip is an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with animals in their natural environment.

The Red Centre Way: The Northern Territory

If you want to experience the true beauty of Australia, then you have to go on a road trip to the Red Centre Way. The experience you get here is a bit scary, as the red earth is stretched to a great extent and in all directions. The trip starts in Alice Springs, which is a journey of 1,100 kilometres to the outbreak.

The best part of the journey has to be Uluru. You can explore the nearby Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, which features equally breathtaking scenery with domed rock formations. The attractions that add to the spectacular beauty of the place include the cliffs, which are quite breathtaking, along with the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. You can get an experience of connecting with Australia’s own heritage, and the old ancient land, you can get this experience by visiting the Red Centre Way. These trips are a bit more difficult than the coastal trips.

Suggestions for Individuals Taking Their First Road Trip

Keep in mind that Australia is a very large country before you depart. There aren’t always gas stations nearby, and it’s not always easy to gauge how far away something is. Plan your route, bring extra water, and download maps in case your phone loses signal. It may take some time to get used to driving on the left if you’re not used to it, but the roads are generally safe and well-marked. The most important thing that you should keep in mind is to always respect animals and the land. You will be visiting some of the planet’s most revered and vulnerable locations.

Every Australian road trip has a unique tale to tell. The Great Ocean Road is a beautiful road with waves and cliffs. The greatest illustration of what the coast is like is Byron Bay. The Daintree transports you to the heart of the tropical wilderness. The Red Center’s spiritual core makes you feel insignificant. These journeys are about more than just getting from point A to point B for first-time tourists. They also focus on the minor details that occur during the journey. The sound of a starry night in the outback, the smell of eucalyptus after rain, and the unexpected pause to observe kangaroos crossing the street.

Australia is like home when you’re on the road. You’ll remember these seven road trips for the rest of your life, and they’re only the beginning. Gather your belongings, lower the window, and drive away. You’ll see why driving is Australia’s best mode of transportation.