February 21st, 2022
When it comes to road trips, we truly are spoilt for choice in Australia. Our country is home to some of the best and most scenic road trips in the world so you’re bound to find an option that suits all of your needs and ends up exceeding all expectations. What’s more, with travel restrictions being implemented there’s no better time to start exploring our own backyard and all it has to offer. Below are our picks for the top 5 road trips in Australia:
Brisbane to Sydney
Byron Bay, New South Wales
If a beautiful coastal road trip is what you’re looking for, then Brisbane to Sydney (or Sydney to Brisbane) may be exactly what you’re looking for. Opt for the scenic route and head off the beaten track as you drive along the Pacific Coast of Australia and you’ll end up discovering some true Aussie gems from national parks to the rugged coastline to quaint towns.
Must-see places along the way
- Gold Coast
- Byron Bay
- Lake Macquarie
- Hunter Valley (especially if you’re a wine enthusiast)
- Newcastle
- Port Macquarie
- Coffs Harbour
How far is it?
1000km+
How long does it take?
It would be possible to do this road trip in 1 week but we recommend taking 2-3 weeks if possible just so you really get a chance to soak up the stunning sights.
The Big Lap
Uluru, Northern Territory
As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much more epic than this. The Big Lap is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: an entire lap of the circumference of Australia. You can take Highway 1 around Australia going via 7 of the country’s capital cities; Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Sydney. Don’t worry though, it isn’t all just about the big cities, you’ll also get the chance to explore rainforests, dusty outback, sleepy beach towns and some of the most awe-inspiring scenery Australia has to offer. We recommend using a 4WD to help you access the outback and some of the places that are particularly off the beaten track.
Must-see places along the way
- Uluru and Alice Springs
- Margaret River
- Cape York
- Cape Range National Park
- Lake Eyre
- Cape Le Grand National Park
- The Blue Mountains
How far is it?
40,000km-ish; it will vary depending on which stops you decide to make.
How long will it take?
We recommend having at least 6 months for this road trip, although realistically you could have a year and it still may not be enough because Australia is such a vast country with so many wondrous things to see!
The Great Ocean Road
Twelve Apostles, Victoria
We simply can’t talk about Australia’s best road trips without mentioning the Great Ocean Road. It is one of the country’s most famous roads for a reason after all. Taking a trip along the Great Ocean Road, or at least part of it, has become somewhat of an Australian rite of passage. The entire road follows the Victorian coastline from Torquay to Warrnambool and will give you views of the rainforest, jagged cliffs, and pristine beaches, not to mention the famous 12 Apostles.
Must-see places along the way
- Port Campbell National Park
- The 12 Apostles
- Gibson’s Steps
- Great Otway National Park
- Loch Ard Gorge
How far is it?
240km
How long will it take?
2-3 days
The Savannah Way
Millaa Milla Falls, Queensland
The Savannah Way is known as Australia’s adventure drive, which is really saying a lot given how much competition it has. This trip links Cairns, Queensland with Broome in the Kimberly region of Western Australia. This road trip will take you through 15 national parks and 5 world heritage sites. Explore the unbelievably expansive landscapes and horizons, ancient gorges, tropical wildlife and immerse yourself in Aboriginal heritage.
Must-see places along the way
- Millaa Millaa Falls
- Atherton Tablelands
- Undara Lava Tubes
- Cobbold Gorge
- Karumba
How far is it?
3700km
How long will it take?
We recommend allowing about 6-7 days.
Perth to Ningaloo Reef
Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia
Drive along the beautiful stretch of road where the crystal blue waters of the Indian Ocean meet the dusty red outback. In fact, a lot of people who have done The Big Lap list this as one of their favourite parts of the road trip, so if you don’t have 6 months to spare but still want a bit of an epic road trip, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Must-see places along the way
- The Pinnacles
- Shark Bay
- Kalbarri National Park
How far is it?
1,200km
How long will it take?
Go at a leisurely pace and take about 5 days to do this road trip. While it’s only 1,200km, there are so many detours to take and beautiful scenery to witness so there’s no point in rushing it.
If you’re planning a road trip, make sure to stock up on a few INOX products before you go. Our lubricants can be used for car maintenance, camping equipment, 4 wheel drive maintenance and fishing gear. Head to our website to learn more about the various uses for our lubricants and greases or get in touch with us today!
