Australia. It’s a land of extremes: golden beaches, rugged outback, rain forests, deserts. There’s no better way to take it all in than by buckling up and hitting the open road. From the tropical coast to the middle of the Outback, the ideal Australian road trip will take you through some of the country’s most famous landscapes — and possibly a few you’ve never heard of.
Begin your travels along the eastern coastline in Sydney, whose glimmering beaches are a brilliant introduction to Australia’s natural wonders. Stroll along Bondi Beach, then drive up the Pacific Coast Highway to Byron Bay. Byron Bay has great beaches and the chilled vibe just begs for a visit. You could spend a few days here, easy, but you have a long road ahead.
Go north toward the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a perfect jumping-off point for exploring this world-renowned natural wonder. While you’re there, take a day to cruise out to the reef, or, if you’re more adventurous, dive into the turquoise waters to watch the colorful coral and fish swim by. Then hop back in the car and cruise through the lush Daintree Rainforest — it feels like another planet.
After Beach and Tropical Forest Time, head inland. It is a long drive from Cairns to the Outback, but it is worth it. En route you’ll go through the Atherton Tablelands — a surprising highland region with waterfalls, vineyards and lots of odd little towns to explore. The difference between the wet coastline and the dry interior of Australia is extreme, and it’s part of the magic.
When you reach the Outback itself, the landscape changes. The red dirt, the blue sky, the wide open spaces go on as far as the eye can see. Your first major stop will be Alice Springs, the gateway to the continent’s heart. Alice is a small but vibrant town rich in Indigenous history and an ideal launching pad for Uluru exploration. Its rock formation — one of Australia’s most sacred sites — is an absolute must-see. If you’re fortunate, you can see the rock change colors at sunset — an amazing sight.
Road trip: Detour to Kings Canyon from Alice Springs The Rim Walk here leads through ancient sandstone cliffs and affords spectacular views of the surrounding desert. The silence of the Outback is both eerie and curiously soothing.
With your journey almost completed, head further south to Adelaide. It is a long road from Alice to Adelaide, but the Australian Outback is still inspirited in its own way. You’ll pass through sprawling salt lakes, dusty plains and a ghost town or two.
The drive across Australia will leave you with a profound respect for the country’s variety — its ability to change from tropical rainforest to parched desert, from bustling cities to backwoods. Then it is time to pack the bags, grab a map and embark on a road trip to remember.
Australia is pretty much one of a kind.
