Australia was made for road trips.
The long distances, stunning scenery and warm weather are ideal – whether you want to cruise along the coast swimming at secluded beaches along the way, or go on an adventure to remember under the vast skies of the outback.
But, with so many places to choose from, how do you decide where to go?
This is where local knowledge comes in handy. Our SIXT Australia team members have put their heads together to work out the very best places in Australia to visit by car.
Here they are – along with some tips for driving in Australia that everyone needs to know.
Why rent a car in Australia?
Before getting onto destinations, let’s look at why renting a car will help you make the most of your time down under.
First up, travelling around Australia by car lets you experience all the country has to offer. With Australia being nearly 4,000 km wide and 3,800 km long, public transport can be a detriment to exploring off the beaten path. It’s no secret that many of Australia’s most beautiful spots are hidden away in national parks – where other modes of transport may struggle to reach.
Rather than having to rely on the restrictive timetables of public transport, you can explore at your own pace, in your own time. Found somewhere you love? Why not stay an extra couple of days?
Top destinations to visit in Australia by car
Determining which destinations to include in this blog wasn’t easy. Travellers in Australia are spoilt for choice when it comes to the best road trips to experience.
However, after some tough decision-making, we did it – and here’s our round-up.
Sydney and surrounds (NSW)
Sydney, the capital of NSW, is, of course, Australia’s most famous city, known the world over for its spectacular harbour, dreamy beaches and legendary landmarks.
With a car, you can see them all without any stress. Start with a drive over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, before dropping by Sydney Opera House for a behind-the-scenes tour or show.
From there, it’s an easy 20-minute drive to Bondi Beach. Take a late afternoon dip in the surf, followed by a sunset stroll along the beach and dinner at a local eatery.
Beyond the city limits, there’s even more to see. Day trip to the Hunter Valley for fabulous wineries and excellent restaurants, the Blue Mountains for incredible views of the Australian bush, Wollongong for more sun and surf, and Newcastle for a vibrant arts scene and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
If you’ve an extra couple of days up your sleeve, head down the Hume Highway to Canberra, the capital of Australia. From there, you can road trip all the way to Melbourne.
Great Ocean Road (Victoria)
The Great Ocean Road, which runs along the southwest coast of Victoria, is undoubtedly one of the best road trips Australia has to offer.
This 240-kilometre-long adventure begins at Torquay – around 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne – and finishes in Allansford, near Warrnambool. Must-see landmarks include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and the Great Otway National Park.
Between breathtaking views, stretch your legs on scenic walking trails, cool off with a swim at a secluded beach, and explore the charm of nearby coastal towns.
The Outback (Northern Territory and South Australia)
If you’re looking for adventure, then add the Outback to your Australia road trip itinerary.
There’s no other place like it in the world. Think vast blue skies (filled with stars at night), magical deserts and dramatic rock formations.
Spots you shouldn’t miss include Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kings Canyon and Alice Springs. One way to see them all is on a 3,000 kilometre drive through the heart of Australia – from Darwin in the north to Adelaide in the south.
Tropical Far North Queensland
Tropical Far North Queensland is where two UNESCO Heritage-listed natural wonders come face to face: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Everything here is larger than life, from the bright fish and coral underwater, to the giant flowers and plants on land.
When you’re not snorkelling or hiking, jump in the car and take a scenic drive to one of Far North Queensland’s most popular towns, like Port Douglas or Mission Beach.
Another option is to visit the region on an epic road trip from Brisbane to Cairns, or on a shorter (yet no less spectacular) drive from Mackay to Cairns.
Tasmania
Also known as the Apple Isle, Tasmania offers the best road trips in Australia for wilderness.
In fact, it’s home to one of the world’s biggest temperate wilderness areas. Highlights include Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park (famous for Wineglass Bay, which looks exactly as the name suggests).
With a car rental, you can get to all these and even more remote spots, including forgotten beaches, charming villages and heavenly walking trails. You might even eat your way around Tasmania at the state’s best gastronomic spots, or take a road trip from Hobart to Launceston.
Perth and Western Australia
Perth, located around 3,000 kilometres west of Sydney, is known for its magnificent beaches and diverse scenery.
Start your holiday in the city, then head to Fremantle to experience convict history and Swan Valley to visit more than 40 wineries.
You’ll then be ready to follow the Indian Ocean Drive, a 1,226-kilometre journey taking in impressive red rock gorges, brilliant meadows of wildflowers and charming fishing towns. Must-sees include the Pinnacles Desert and Kalbari National Park.
With enough time, you could road trip all the way from Perth to Broome, finishing with a camel ride on the beach at sunset – one of Australia’s iconic experiences.
Essential travel tips for road trips in Australia
Before driving in Australia, there’s a few things you should know.
To drive safely, you need to know the basics of the road rules. Cars drive on the left, and speed limits are strictly enforced. They’re usually around 50 km per hour in residential areas and 110 km per hour on freeways – but, they do vary, so you should always check the signs.
All drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times, and drink driving is prohibited. Anyone who drives with a blood alcohol limit above 0.05% may get a criminal record – and the limit is lower for some drivers, such as those on provisional licences.
Road trips in Australia should be planned carefully. Navigation isn’t always easy, so it could be a good idea to download an app. For example, Google Maps can help with finding directions and locating amenities.
Other useful apps include WikiCamps (for camping spots), Roadtrippers (which doubles as a road trip planner for Australia), National Public Toilet Map (self-explanatory) and Emergency AUS (for keeping abreast of bushfires, floods and other extreme weather events).
There can be long distances between facilities, including petrol stations, and, depending on where you’re going, not much accommodation might be available. Before leaving home, work out where you’ll take breaks, where you’ll refuel and where you’ll stay.
Now, it’s time to get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. A road trip in Australia is an experience you’ll be talking about for decades to come. For more road trip ideas, check out the SIXT Australia Magazine.
