Australia is a country of almost unparalleled beauty, full of wide open spaces. Featuring true wildernesses which range from the arid, scorched red earth of the deserts to the windswept greenery of the coast, as well as vibrant, buzzing cities and centres of culture, there’s probably nowhere on earth quite so perfect for a road trip.

So, put the roof down, download a killer playlist, and head out onto the open road with our five greatest Australian drives.

 

Grand Pacific Drive

New South Wales is a treat for all the senses, but this drive will open your eyes to the sheer majesty of the Aussie coastline. The Grand Pacific Drive – not far south of Sydney – heads through the immense natural beauty of the Royal National Park, before sticking close to the shore on the way to Shoalhaven. Want white sand beaches? The finest in the world are at Jervis Bay, a perfect stop for a picnic and swim. Also, make sure you don’t miss Sea Cliff Bridge, a dramatic rock formation that will take your breath away.

 

Kangaroo Island

For a wild adventure, take your motor across the water from Adelaide and check out the 1600 kilometres of winding, beautiful roads on Kangaroo Island. This is the perfect location for getting back to nature – you’ll see the fur seal colonies taking over the beaches, dozens of koalas and hordes of penguins, as well as some of the best views Australia has to offer as you drive around this piece of paradise.

 

Northern Territory Tour

For an iconic Australian road trip, take the five day drive from Uluru to King’s Canyon in the Northern Territory. Red earth, wide skies, star-filled nights and some of the longest, straightest roads you’ve ever seen – perfect for checking out what your car can do.

 

Sydney to Melbourne

What could be better than starting and ending a trip in two of this country’s greatest cities? This is one of the great Australian drives, taking in coastal towns as you hug the edge of the ocean in your car. Don’t forget to stop off at Pebbly beach, where the kangaroos pose for photos with other roadtrippers.

 

Great Ocean Road

Arguably one of the best drives in the world. This trip along the Victoria coast takes in the famous ‘Twelve Apostles’ rock formations, stretches of pristine rainforest, and some of the best seafood locations anywhere in Australia. One for foodies, photographers and adventurers, it’s the ultimate in freedom, beauty and liberation – it will remind you exactly why you have a car in the first place.