The ultimate Australia road trip

A tour of the highlights in Down Under

Starting in Sydney today, I’m taking you on an incredible road trip through six Australian states and to many of the country’s highlights. You’ll also learn what to bear in mind on such a road trip and how much time you should plan for.

It is and remains the undisputed dream of many globetrotters: a road trip through Australia. Some people make this dream come true over a long vacation; others stay for a whole year to get to know the Red Continent during a work & travel adventure. I have already proven to you several times in my travel magazine that Down Under has a lot of lively cities, beautiful coasts and beaches and breathtaking natural wonders to offer – now I will show you my ultimate route for your Australia road trip. It takes you to the highlights of the country over almost 20,000 kilometres.

Sydney – The road trip begins

The first hurdle, the long-haul flight to Australia, has been overcome. The 30-hour journey with a stopover is still in your bones, so you should take a few days to acclimate and see Sydney’s great city. The city in New South Wales, the state on the southeast coast of Australia, is one of the most famous if not THE most famous, cities in Australia.

Images of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge and Bondi Beach are probably the first things that pop into your head when you think of Sydney. But did you also know that Sydney has many trendy restaurants and one of the most laid-back party scenes in the world? Numerous bars, festivals and other events all year round attract locals and tourists alike to the streets and beaches of the city. If there is no big event on, you can stroll through the Surry Hills Market or make a first trip into wild Australia. One of Australia’s most beautiful national parks, the Blue Mountains National Park, is only 135 kilometres from the metropolis of Sydney. But? Yes, during your Australia road trip, you will quickly notice that distances are perceived differently down under than here. In such a large, sprawling country, 135 kilometres is just a stone’s throw away. In my opinion, you should take at least 1 week to get to Sydney and the surrounding area. In my Sydney tips, you will find further suggestions for your first exciting days in Australia.

Things to do in Sydney:

Get a car or camper for the road trip! Either buy a cheap used car to sell again after your trip or rent a vehicle. The former is usually cheaper. You’ll find out more about this topic later. Attractions in Sydney

From Sydney to Canberra

The Australia road trip finally really starts in Sydney. Our destination: Canberra, the capital of Australia. If you have always wondered why the small city with just under 350,000 inhabitants is the country’s capital, now has the answer: the cities of Melbourne and Sydney both wanted to be named the capital. The rivalry was so great that a fight broke out. Finally, a compromise was found with the city of Canberra, which lies in the middle. When two people argue, a third is happy. Whether you drive along the coast to Canberra and plan a stopover in cities like Wollongong and Kiama or head inland, past Campbelltown and Goulburn, is up to your personal interests.

Once you arrive in Canberra, you should take some time to get to know this underrated city and enjoy its young vibe. In addition to the numerous government buildings, most of which you even have access to, you should try out the lively nightlife in the city centre, attend one of the many events or a play for which the city is known nationwide, or watch a Canberra Raiders rugby match. Typically Australian. Thanks to the city’s young population, you will quickly make friends here and can ask other travellers for insider tips and – if you are doing work & travel – ask about potential employers and experiences.

Route information:

• State of New South Wales
• 300 km through the interior, 3.5 hours of driving time
• 380 km along the coast, 5 hours driving time

From Canberra to Melbourne

Our Australia road trip takes us from the busy city of Canberra to a national park that couldn’t be more of a contrast to the image we normally have of Australia in our heads. We’re talking about Kosciuszko National Park, which, with its Snowy Mountains, is also known as the Australian Alps. Alps? Skiing? In Australia? Yes, the Alpine National Park may not be typical of Australia, but it shows how diverse this huge country really is. It’s only about 220 kilometres from Canberra to Kosciuszko National Park, which lies on the state border. You could also stop off in the border town of Albury or Wangaratta, a town on the Hume Highway known for its good wine and the ghost town of Eldorado. A stopover is a good idea since the Hume Highway goes directly to Melbourne.

Once you arrive in Melbourne, you have many options open to you. You can get a good overview of this vibrant city during a free city tour on the City Circle Tram. This will show you some of the city’s sights, including the spectacular Eureka Tower and lively Federation Square. It’s best to read my detailed Melbourne tips to prepare you for your stopover in Melbourne! From Melbourne, you can head to several surrounding destinations. If you are longing for animal Australia, I recommend a trip to the Mornington Peninsula, which is just 75 kilometres away. There you can not only relax and recover from the hustle and bustle of the big city, but also get up close and personal with cute koalas in the local rescue centers. You will also find great beaches, campsites and national parks on the Mornington Peninsula. Another animal-related destination is Phillip Island, around 150 kilometres away, where you can meet penguins. Depending on your interests, you should allow yourself 1-2 weeks to explore the city of Melbourne and its beautiful surroundings.

Route information:

• State of New South Wales & Victoria
• 220 km from Canberra to Kosciuszko National Park, 3 hours driving time
• 550 km from Kosciuszko National Park to Melbourne, 7 hours driving time Melbourne Tips

Detour: From Melbourne to Tasmania

Now is your best chance if you’ve always wanted to travel to Tasmania, Australia’s largest island. Tasmania is located around 240 kilometres from the mainland and can be reached by a short domestic flight from Sydney, Melbourne, or by ferry. In addition to the breathtaking nature, which is unparalleled even in Australia, the island is home to the island’s most famous animal, the Tasmanian devil. UNESCO has also recognized that Tasmania’s flora and fauna are special and declared a quarter of the island a World Heritage Site. Nature lovers should include Tasmania in their Australia road trip.

From Melbourne to Adelaide

You have now travelled 1200 kilometres through Australia and yet have only seen a fraction of what the Red Continent offers. The next section of our Australia road trip takes us from Melbourne to Adelaide in South Australia. You should make your first stop after around 75 kilometres, in the lovely port city of Geelong. Here you have some of Victoria’s most beautiful beaches right in front of you, and you can prepare for your journey along Great Ocean Road, one of the most beautiful roads in the world. The Great Ocean Road takes you from Torquay to Allansford, past world-famous sights such as the 12 Apostles rock formation and wonderful beaches. Just enjoy, let the wind blow through your hair and stop wherever you like – that’s what an Australia road trip should be like, right?

Route information:

• State of Victoria & South Australia
• 75 km from Melbourne to Geelong, 1 hour driving time
• 253 km on the Great Ocean Road, 3 hours driving time
• 211 km on the Southern Ocean Drive, 2.5 hours driving time

As soon as we leave the Great Ocean Road, another popular coastal road in Australia begins at Mount Gambier, a city with a beautiful lake: the Southern Ocean Drive, on which you can drive 211 kilometres directly towards Adelaide. On the Southern Ocean Drive, you will see highlights such as the Coorong National Park, where you can see whales and dolphins, among other things. A detour to Naracoorte, where you can visit a world heritage site, the Cave National Park, is also a nice destination if you travel in South Australia. Once you arrive in Adelaide, it gets no less exciting because, in addition to the diverse city, numerous activities in the surrounding area await you that you should not miss. You should visit the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and the Cleland Wildlife Park, just a few kilometres from the city centre and where you can get very close to the animals in South Australia. A trip to Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest island, is highly recommended.

Detour: From Adelaide to the Outback

After driving so many kilometres along the coast, it’s finally time to head into the Australian Outback, the Red Center of the continent. To reach the destination of this section, the world-famous Ayers Rock, you first drive around 300 kilometres along the so-called Seafood Frontier until you reach Port Augusta. There you leave the coastal road and drive inland. I recommend a detour to the Ikara-Flinders Range National Park if you want to visit another worthwhile national park. The national park can be reached from Port Augusta via the 170 km long Flinders Ranges Way, and with its large kangaroo population and seemingly endless expanses, it is one of Australia’s most beautiful national parks. Lake Eyre, located near the national park, is also one of the highlights of South Australia.

Route information:

• State of South Australia & Northern Territory
• 300 km on the Seafood Frontier, 3.5 hours driving time
• 170 km on the Flinders Ranges Way, 2.5 hours driving time
• 1300 km from Port Augusta to Uluru, 14 hours driving time
• 340 km from Uluru to Alice Springs

From Port Augusta, the National Highway A87 leads directly towards Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park, where you can marvel at Australia’s landmark, Uluru or Ayers Rock. But besides the breathtaking rock formation, other destinations in the Outback are waiting to be discovered. The town of Alice Springs, the lesser-known rock formations Kata Tjuta and the impressive Kings Canyon are definitely among them. You should also not miss out on learning about the history of Australia’s original inhabitants, the Aborigines. Their culture is omnipresent all over Australia and can be experienced in various places. Did you know, for example, that Ayers Rock is a sacred site of the Aborigines? In various museums, such as the Museum of Central Australia in Alice Springs, you can learn more about the way of life and the history of the Aborigines and get to know their interesting culture. For me, it’s a must on an Australia road trip! Another must, by the way, is good preparation before you drive into the wild Outback. A first aid kit, plenty of water and petrol, a satellite phone and a detailed map are absolutely essential. To be safe, you should also tell someone where you are going and when you plan to arrive or return. It is better to be safe than sorry!

Note: Alternatively, you can drive to Uluru from Darwin in northern Australia and instead follow the Seafood Frontier from Adelaide towards Perth.

From Port Augusta to Perth

Back in Port Augusta, the Australia road trip now continues west. We drive the remaining 470 kilometres of the Seafood Frontier to Ceduna, which has many restaurants and great beaches to offer. Enjoy the region’s fresh seafood again before taking the almost 2000 km long journey along the National Highway A1 towards Lucky Bay in Western Australia. On the way, you should stop at the numerous whale-watching spots on the country’s south coast. If you’re really lucky, you might even be able to see whales with their calves in the bays. At the town of Eucla, you finally cross the border into South Australia and drive into Australia’s largest state, Western Australia. You’ll soon reach Lucky Bay, which is a real insider tip among travellers to Australia. The bay’s beach is popular because you can see kangaroos here and the crystal clear seawater. You can spend the night in the towns of Castletown or Esperance. You should not miss this stop on your way to Perth!

Wine lovers should then follow National Route 1 from Esperance to Margaret River. South Australia and Western Australia are considered the country’s culinary hotspots, so you should be prepared to put on a few extra pounds on your Australia road trip through these states. The west coast around Margaret River is known for its excellent wine and its surfing spots, attracting athletes from all over the world. Just hop on a board yourself and experience the fascination of surfing. It’s another must on an Australia road trip.

After a further 270 kilometres on the Forrest Highway, you finally reach Perth, which is not only the sunniest but also the happiest city in Australia. At least, that is what the studies say. You should test out for yourself whether there is anything to the findings of the happiness researchers on the numerous beaches or convivial evenings in the city’s bars and restaurants. Socialising is very important in Perth, so you will be happy to make one or two new acquaintances. You should also get to know the cute inhabitants of Rottnest Island. Quokkas, the smallest kangaroo in the world, live on the small island of Perth. You will certainly already be familiar with the funny photos visitors can take here, and now you can take your own quokka selfie. You can reach Rottnest Island by ferry from Perth, but your car must stay on the mainland.

Route information:

• State of South Australia & Western Australia
• 1900 km from Port Augusta to Lucky Bay, 20 hours driving time
• 770 km from Esperance to Margaret River, 8 hours driving time
• 270 km from Margaret River to Perth, 3 hours driving time
• More information about Perth

From Perth to Darwin

The next part of our Australia road trip takes us another 4000 kilometres along the coast to other highlights of Western Australia until we finally reach the city of Darwin in the north of the country. We reach our first stop after around 580 kilometres because you simply have to stop at Kalbarri National Park, which is an impressive sight with its red rocks and breathtaking gorges, before continuing on National Route 1 to the Shark Bay peninsula, where you will find one of the coolest beaches in all of Australia.

On the peninsula, which you reach after around 420 kilometres, the unique beach of Monkey Mia awaits you. There is no other beach in Australia where you will get as close to dolphins as here. The bottlenose dolphins are so trusting that they even come right onto the beach to be fed by visitors. It’s a dream for all dolphin lovers. Due to its uniqueness, the beach was even declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you then follow National Route 1, after 580 kilometres, you will reach Coral Bay, which is considered one of the best diving and snorkelling spots in Western Australia. Whale sharks, dolphins and colourful corals can be observed not far from the Ningaloo Reef, and the beautiful beaches along the coast will quickly win over even the sun worshippers among you.

The next destination on our Australia road trip is the town of Broome, which is particularly known for its endless Cable Beach and stunningly beautiful sunsets. On the 1350km long route along National Route 1 and National Highway 1, you will pass other interesting towns such as Karratha, Port Hedland and Eighty Mile Beach, where you can stop and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of the wild Kimberly region. Through the Kimberly region, which is almost as big as Germany and Austria combined (!), we continue through incredible steppe landscapes to Purnululu National Park, which, with its unusual rock formation in the middle of barren nature, is one of Western Australia’s must-sees. After a further 1100km on National Highway 1, we finally arrive in Darwin, the largest city in the state of Northern Territory. Of course, you can stop off at places like Cambridge Gulf, Lake Argyle or Timber Creek to break up the long journey into meaningful sections.

The city of Darwin itself is as colourful as its inhabitants, who mostly have Asian and European roots, and many are also of Aboriginal descent. In addition to the many cultural opportunities, Darwin is also known and popular for its fantastic nightlife and the national parks in the surrounding area. For example, you should definitely visit the Charles Darwin National Park, which has mangrove forests, and the Kakadu National Park, which has a unique alligator and crocodile population. As already explained in the Adelaide section, you can also plan trips to the outback and to Ayers Rock from Darwin.

Route information:

• State of Western Australia & Northern Territory
• 580 km from Perth to Kalibarri National Park, 6 hours driving time
• 420 km from Kalabarri National Park to Monkey Mia, 4.5 hours driving time
• 580 km from Monkey Mia to Coral Bay, 6 hours driving time
• 1350 km from Coral Bay to Broome, 14 hours driving time
• 830 km from Broome to Purnululu National Park, 10 hours driving time
• 1100 km from Purnululu National Park to Darwin, 14 hours driving time

From Darwin to the Whitsunday Islands

The next part of our Australia road trip takes us through the interior of the Red Continent to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach on the Whitsunday Islands. On the almost 3000-kilometre route to the country’s northeast coast, you will not only drive through untouched landscapes but also past numerous towns along the highway that you should use for a stopover. After all, you don’t drive 3000 kilometres in one day. In the info box, you will find a few larger cities where you can stop off.

The destination of the long journey is the city of Proserpine, from where we can best reach the paradisiacal offshore island group. The Whitsunday Islands consist of 74 small and large islands, only 17 of which are inhabited at all, some of which are even owned by hotel chains. Due to their beauty and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, most of the islands have been declared nature reserves, intended to prevent the construction of hotels and other tourist facilities. The absolute highlight is the largest island in the group, Whitsunday Island. You can visit the uninhabited island on a day trip or relax for a few days in one of the campsites and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful Whitehaven Beach. What makes this beach so special? The high quartz content makes it one of the whitest beaches in the world. To treat yourself during your Australia road trip, you should take a helicopter flight over the Whitsunday Islands. It’s a bit more expensive, but you’ll never forget the views you’ll have on such a flight. Simply stunningly beautiful!

Also unforgettable is a snorkelling or diving trip in the largest reef on our planet, the Great Barrier Reef, off the east coast of Australia. The 2300-kilometre-wide reef has an almost limitless variety of species and should beat the hearts of divers among you faster.

Route information:

• State of Northern Territory & Queensland
• 1720 km from Darwin to Cloncurry, 18 hours driving time
• 400 km from Cloncurry to Hughenden, 4 hours driving time
• 600 km from Hughenden to Proserpine, 6 hours driving time

From the Whitsunday Islands to Brisbane

With more unforgettable memories in our luggage, our Australia road trip is entering its penultimate stage. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t much to discover along the coast between Proserpine and Brisbane. Quite the opposite: The Capricorn Coast and the legendary Sunshine Coast, one of Australia’s most densely populated coastal regions, await you on this stretch. For the route to Brisbane, I have also listed a few larger cities where you can stop off and enjoy the expansive beaches of this unique coast.

You should head to the city of Maryborough, which is part of the Fraser Coast. From Maryborough, you can take a trip to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Viewing the island’s unique natural wonders, such as the Red Canyon, Pinnacles, Butterfly Lake and Lake Birrabeen, should be on your agenda on such a trip. Occasionally, you might even come across a dingo on Fraser Island.

Just 130 kilometres from Maryborough, Noosa is another paradise for surfers and sun-seekers. Stock up on fresh fruit and relax with a cocktail in hand on the busy beaches of Noosa while you watch the surfers. There is no better way to enjoy the Sunshine Coast feeling, is there? After another 150 kilometres along the Sunshine Coast, you finally arrive in Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Brisbane is a very young student city, and the relaxed lifestyle of the Sunshine and Gold Coasts characterizes the culture. In contrast are the high-rise and modern buildings, whose lighting gives the city a special flair, especially in the evenings.

Route information:

• State of Queensland
• 550 km from Proserpine to Rockhampton, 5 hours driving time
• 380 km from Rockhampton to Maryborough, 4 hours driving time
• 130 km from Maryborough to Noosa, 2 hours driving time
• 150 km from Noosa to Brisbane, 2 hours driving time

From Brisbane to Sydney

We say goodbye to Brisbane relatively quickly because another big highlight of the Australia road trip is waiting just a few kilometres away, the Gold Coast with its centrepiece, Surfers Paradise. Whether you want to surf, party, watch whales and other animals or just shop, Surfers is the right place for you.

If you’ve treated yourself to a (longer) break on the legendary Gold Coast and still haven’t had enough of the easy life, the next destination on your road trip should be Byron Bay. Byron Bay is the easternmost point of mainland Australia and is one of the coolest places on the east coast. A bit of hippie charm paired with a surfer feeling and diverse nature – and you’ve got the perfect dropout paradise. Saying goodbye to this place and driving on to Sydney won’t be easy, but our big Australia road trip is slowly ending. Only 770 kilometres separate Byron Bay from Sydney, the city where our road trip began. We have almost 20,000 exciting kilometres and even more experiences and impressions behind us, and yet the desire to return to Australia at some point comes to see the remaining tens of thousands of kilometres on another exciting road trip through Australia.

Route information:

• State of Queensland & New South Wales
• 80 km from Brisbane to Surfers Paradise, 1 hour driving time
• 95 km from Surfers Paradise to Byron Bay, 1 hour drive time
• 770 km from Byron Bay to Sydney, 8.5 hours driving time