AI Summary
Australia is huge. Like, really huge. You can drive for hours and still feel like you have only scratched the surface. That is why doing a road trip here in a campervan or RV feels like a real adventure. You get the freedom of the open road, wild landscapes, and the kind of stories you will tell for years.
Whether you want to surf big waves, spot koalas, or just fall asleep under a sky full of stars, there is a road trip in Australia that matches your style. Some routes are short and easy, others can take weeks, but every single one will give you that “wow, I’m really here” feeling.
So, if you are ready to chase that Aussie road trip dream, here are five epic itineraries to inspire your adventure.
1. Melbourne to Port Fairy, Great Ocean Road
📍 Start/Finish: Melbourne, Australia
📏 Distance: ~600 km (round trip via Port Fairy)
🕒 Suggested Days: 4-5 days
This is Australia’s classic drive. The Great Ocean Road is famous worldwide, and for good reason. Start in Torquay, the home of Aussie surf culture, then chill in Lorne’s cafés or swim in rock pools at Point Addis.
Along the way, you will spot wild koalas in Kennett River, walk through waterfalls and redwoods in Great Otway National Park, and of course, see the Twelve Apostles at golden hour. Add in Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, and the charm of Port Campbell and Port Fairy, and you have got yourself a trip full of unforgettable moments.
Travelling by motorhome means you can stop wherever you like: whether it is for an ocean lookout, a rainforest walk, or just to grab a hot pie and ice cream from a local bakery. First the coast, then the forest… this is a road trip you will never forget.
2. Sydney to Byron Bay
📍 Start: Sydney, Australia → Finish: Brisbane, Australia
📏 Distance: ~770 km (one way trip)
🕒 Suggested Days: 5-7 days
If you love beach towns and good vibes, this route is perfect. Leave Sydney and head north: Newcastle has ocean baths and cool street art, while Port Stephens lets you ride massive sand dunes in a 4WD (it feels like surfing on land).
Further along, grab oysters in Forster, walk the koala boardwalks in Port Macquarie, and explore Coffs Harbour, where the rainforest meets the sea. Slow things down in Yamba with its laid back surf scene, then stop at Lennox Headbefore arriving in Byron Bay, famous for sunrise at the lighthouse and buzzing local markets. End your trip in Brisbane, where city life meets coastal charm.
Pro tip: detours make this trip even cooler. Think hidden beaches at Seal Rocks, waterfalls in Dorrigo National Park, and kangaroo sightings along the way. Oh, and do not skip the roadside prawns and meat pies, they are part of the adventure.
3. Brisbane to Cairns, Reef Journey
📍 Start: Brisbane, Australia → Finish: Cairns, Australia
📏 Distance: ~1,670 km (one way trip)
🕒 Suggested Days: 10-14 days
This is the big one. Two weeks of sunshine, beaches, islands, and rainforest. Kick off in Noosa, explore Hervey Bay (your launchpad to K’gari/Fraser Island), and soak up the laid back vibe of 1770 town.
Continue north to the Capricorn Coast and then Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays. Do not miss the hidden bays of Bowen, the island life of Magnetic Island from Townsville, and the palm lined beaches of Mission Beach. Finally, Cairns welcomes you with reef tours and epic rainforest waterfalls.
Make time for side adventures: watch wallabies at sunrise in Cape Hillsborough, go platypus spotting in Eungella, or swim at Babinda Boulders. And trust me, fresh pineapple from a roadside stand will taste like pure summer.
4. Perth to Exmouth, Coral Coast
📍 Start/Finish: Perth, Australia
📏 Distance: ~2,500 km (round trip)
🕒 Suggested Days: 10-12 days
Western Australia is wild, and this trip shows it all. Start with the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, then meet playful sea lions at Jurien Bay. Drive up to Kalbarri for epic red gorges, then keep going to see the pink waters of Hutt Lagoon.
From there, Shark Bay and Monkey Mia bring dolphins and ancient landscapes, while Coral Bay and Turquoise Bayshow off the magic of the Ningaloo Reef. End in Exmouth, where you can snorkel with whale sharks or watch the sunset from a lighthouse.
Extra tip: try fish and chips in Denham, hike Yardie Creek Gorge, and stargaze under skies so clear you will lose count of the stars.
5. Perth to Margaret River and the Karri Forests
📍 Start/Finish: Perth, Australia
📏 Distance: ~600 km (round trip)
🕒 Suggested Days: 4-7 days
This one’s all about mixing beaches, forests, and good food. Start in Fremantle with coffee and markets, then head to Busselton for the famous jetty. Swim in turquoise waters at Meelup and Eagle Bay, or surf the waves at Yallingup.
Margaret River is the heart of the region: wineries, wood fired pizza at sunset, and farm to table produce that makes every stop delicious. But it is not only about food, explore caves with crystal chambers, meet stingrays at Hamelin Bay, and walk under the towering trees of the Boranup Karri Forest.
If you have got extra time, go all the way to the Valley of the Giants treetop walk or watch the huge waves crash on Albany’s cliffs. And do not miss Sugarloaf Rock glowing at sunrise… it is pure magic.
6. Darwin, Kakadu & Litchfield Road Trip
📍 Start/Finish: Darwin, Australia
📏 Distance: ~1,000 km (round trip)
🕒 Suggested Days: 5–7 days
If you want the ultimate Top End adventure, this round trip is for you. Start in Darwin, where sunset markets buzz with mango smoothies, live music, and that festival feeling. Once you hit the road, wetlands stretch out in every direction, full of colorful birds and the sounds of the wild.
Next stop: Kakadu National Park, where ancient rock art at Ubirr tells stories older than anything you have seen. Take a Yellow Water cruise to spot crocodiles and soaring sea eagles. In the right season, Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls are adventure playgrounds with white sand, cool spray, and epic swimming spots.
Then head to Litchfield National Park, your waterfall hopping paradise. Spend the day exploring Florence Falls, sliding into Buley Rockholes, and discovering secret swimming holes. Rangers know all the best tracks and safe swimming spots, so do not be shy, ask for tips.
Pro tips: bring reef shoes for rocky entries, pack shady picnic spots for breaks, and enjoy your campervan. It is the perfect base for this wild, wet, and wonderful region. Dry season gives endless blue skies, while the wet season delivers roaring waterfalls and lightning filled skies. Either way, it is a Top End adventure you will never forget.
The Best Decision
Australia was made for road trips. Every mile is a new story waiting to happen. Stop at local bakeries, jump in swimming holes, take random detours, and chat with locals, you will always find something unexpected.
The open road is calling. Which adventure will you choose first? Discover here our pick up locations all across Australia.
