Road Trips Around Australia – Edition 1

If you have ever had the pleasure of completing a road trip around Australia, you will know how unique the landscape is. With every road you take you will see something new and beautiful. 

While The Big Lap is a dream for many, being able to find the time or money it takes to complete it is a challenge. So why not break it up into smaller journeys, and still embark on your Australian road trip. 

Check out these 5 great Australian road trips for those who have limited time.

1. The Savannah Way

Visit 3 Australian states with this road trip itinerary. The Savannah Way will take you 8 days, as long as you don’t get sick of the stunning nature this journey has to offer. 

There you will get to see breathtaking views, waterfalls and sacred indigenous sites. It is recommended to take a 4WD as the terrain is quite diverse. Be ready to see and learn new things about indigenous culture and see the raw beauty of Australia.

Depending on if you start the trip in Queensland or Western Australia then you may want to add another bucket list-worthy trip. if time permits, check out number 5 on the list, Gibb River Road. 

2. Cairns to Cape York

You are definitely going to need a four wheel drive for this one. It’s not a well-known trip, and certainly not for the faint hearted, but it is a journey like no other. 

Home to  one of the country’s untouched wilderness: ancient rainforests meet red dusty landscapes that lead to deserted beaches. Bring your walking shoes to complete the two famous walks; known as the Top Walk and the Bottom Walk. Here you can explore the rock pools and unique coastal landscape. 

The goal is to make it to the famous sign, which obviously points out where you are. When you arrive, really take the time to take it all in, and truly realise where you are – the top most point of Australia. Just don’t forget to take a photo! 

3. Kangaroo Island

Some of Australia’s most stunning beaches are located in Kangaroo Island, and fortunately you do not need a four wheel drive to see those. Head from mainland South Australia via ferry with your own car, or hire a car on arrival to the island. 

Kangaroo Island is also a hidden gem when it comes to amazing local produce. Find lavender farms that make their own products, or become addicted to the awesome honey you can try at several locations. And don’t even get me started on the seafood!  If you love your wine, check out the many cellar doors and vineyards around the island, especially Dudleys,  where you can enjoy a glass while actually looking at mainland Australia! 

When living overseas, anytime I mentioned being from Australia to someone, they ask about our big scary kangaroos. And if a person knows about Kangaroo Island, they ask if it is full of those big scary kangaroos. While it is not full of them, the beautiful (not scary) Kangaroo Island kangaroo can be spotted in the wild as well as other unique Australian wildlife.

4. Great Eastern Tasmania

Heading to Tasmania again, this trip can take up to 4 or 5 days. It can really be tiring but in the end, you will be in love with this place.

Each day you will be near mother nature and each day you’ll enjoy every second of it. This place, in general, has a lot to offer, from beautiful villages and morning walks, to eating awesome food.

The more time you spend here, the more you will discover and enjoy, so take your time, just stop and wonder.

5. Gibb River Road

As mentioned above, you can get to Gibb River Road by completing The Big Lap or as a stand alone trip. It is a 660-kilometre stretch of road which is only open from April to October due to the possibility of unpredictable weather. Gibb River Road can be a trip full of adventure or it can be an enjoyable and relaxing scenic drive. However, A four wheel drive , with a complete set up with enough supplies to camp is a must. 

Get ready to be in awe of waterfalls, wild swimming holes and the possibility to fish for barramundi. Of course never assume any waterhole or river is safe to swim in unless advised that it is safe to do so by local authorities. Afterall, this is Australia. 

Final Thoughts

While this list is only a handful of amazing road trips that can be done within Australia, they are certainly ones that will be life changing and will create adventures that will be spoken about for a lifetime. Don’t forget to plan and be prepared for your Australian road trip, and of course don’t forget to bring a fully charged camera to capture the breathtaking scenery.