As many of us plan to flock to our glorious coastlines this summer to soak up the best of the sun, sand and sea, the hardest decision we face is choosing which one. But why choose just one when you can enjoy a collection of them thanks to a good old fashioned road trip. Australia is home to some of the most picturesque road trip routes in the world and they are unquestionably the best way to experience and admire this beautiful country of ours. If you’re ditching the daily grind for longer than a few days this summer, it’s time to pick your coastline and hit the open road. The best part about a road trip? The journey becomes just as memorable as the destination. Here are Australia’s most scenic summer road trips.
Great Ocean Road, VIC
Image via Instagram user @weownthemoment.
The Great Ocean Road is one of the country’s most famous road trips stretching along the southern coast from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria and is an Australian rite of passage. The 243-kilometre trip features a diverse landscape from rugged cliffs to rainforests, and is where you can witness the beauty of the famous Twelve Apostles. Be sure to stop into the quaint beachside towns that dot the route — think Port Fairy, Lorne and Apollo Bay — to experience some of the country’s most laid-back locations. With postcard-like coastal scenery, wildlife, waterfalls, hiking and friendly locals, this is a summer vacation you won’t forget anytime soon.
Pacific Coast, NSW
Image via Instagram user @al_mac1987.
For the Sydneysiders and Brisbane locals, you can start the Pacific Coast road trip from the comfort of your own home. This iconic road trip spans over 900 kilometres from Sydney to Brisbane (or vice versa) through some of the country’s most popular beachside towns — think Port Stephens, Newcastle, Forster, Coffs Harbour (hello, Big Banana!), Ballina and Byron Bay. Don’t miss the NSW North Coast hotspot of Yamba which has been dubbed the new Byron Bay. It’s here we suggest you start your days by watching the sunrise with a cup of joe at Café Angourie and end them with a sundowner (or two) at the iconic cliff-side Pacific Hotel. If you love beautiful golden beaches, charming seaside towns, lush hinterland and national parks, this is the road trip for you. Top tip: spend as little time on the Pacific Highway as possible to avoid the traffic and ensure you don’t miss a beach, a bay or a small-town bakery opportunity.
Tasmania’s East Coast, TAS
Image via Instagram user @mooski_adventures.
From rocky coastlines to ultra-white beaches with cerulean waters and world-class vineyards, Tasmania's picture-perfect east coast has a something for everyone. Stretching from historic Hobart to the exquisite Bay of Fires — via St Helens, Swansea and Bicheno — this road trip is equally beautiful as it is blissful. Be sure to take a detour to Coles Bay and Freycinet National Park, where you'll find some of the country’s freshest seafood, peaceful bays, wildlife and, of course, the iconic Wineglass Bay. Get your cameras and oyster shuckers at the ready.
The Great South West Edge, WA
Image via Instagram user @@margaretriver.
As winter weather can be less than desirable in southern WA, summer is by far the best time to road trip along the coast from Margaret River south to Augusta and then east to Albany and beyond to Esperance. The Great South West Edge road trip is famed for its exceptional wineries, some of the best surfing beaches in the country and rugged terrain that is unexpectedly met with turquoise seas. You don't need a 4WD for this trip, but if empty untouched beaches and remote national parks sound like your dream holiday, then we suggest considering a vehicle upgrade.
Cairns to Cape York, QLD
Image via Instagram user @lorahkulas.
This 1000-kilometre drive begins at Cairns and ends at mainland Australia’s most northern point and Queensland’s tip, Cape York. Complete with everything from tropical rainforests, dusty red roads, croc-infested river crossings, ancient rock art and a sparkling coastline, this scenic route is full of surprises. Not to mention the bucket list-worthy destinations you’ll experience along the way — from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation and Lakefield National Park. It is also home to the not-to-be-missed Wet Tropics of Queensland, an area where two World Heritage areas — The Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest — meet. Adventure lovers, set your out of office for couple of weeks and get ready for a trip of a lifetime.
Image via Captain and the Gypsy Kid.
