14 fabuloursly scenic drives

14 fabulously scenic drives

Southern Ocean Drive - Rapid Bay

Australia is made for road trips. Coast-hugging touring routes, rainforest-clad paths, inland adventures, and trails showcasing anything from waterfalls to wineries.

We’ve rounded up some of the most scenic drives in Australia that you simply must follow. Prepare for roads full of visual feasts and enthralling encounters.

Northern Territory

Red Centre Way

Where: Alice Springs loop via Watarrka/Kings Canyon and Uluru Distance: 1135km, or 1750km for a completely sealed road In a nutshell: Witness some of Australia’s most mesmerising, iconic, and significant natural creations, including rock formations, gorges, and watering holes. Central Australia’s famous red desert sands are a signature of this unforgettable, epic touring route, which is rich in Indigenous history and culture. Must-see attractions: UluruKata Tjuta National Park, the many highlights of Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, and Kings Canyon. Where to stay: BIG4 MacDonnell Range Holiday Park in Alice Springs.

Nature’s Way

Where: Darwin loop via Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks

Distance: 735km

In a nutshell: This route joins a trio of captivating national parks, led by World Heritage-listed Kakadu along with Nitmiluk and Litchfield. Be enchanted by their bountiful natural treasures and couple this with visits to inviting townships, refreshing springs, and other Top End delights. Must-see attractions: Ancient rock art and Yellow Water Billabong in Kakadu, Nitmiluk Gorge and Leliyn/Edith Falls in Nitmiluk, termite mounds and Florence Falls in Litchfield, and Berry Springs Nature Park.

Where to stay: BIG4 Howard Springs Holiday Park near Darwin.

New South Wales

Waterfall Way

Where: Coffs Harbour to Armidale

Distance: 210km

In a nutshell: A path bursting with spectacular scenery. Expect to encounter World Heritage national parks, swathes of seemingly never-ending rainforest, and a handful of enthralling waterfalls among more. And the two cities that mark the route’s start and end points warrant extended stays thanks to their many excellent attractions.

Must-see attractions: Dorrigo National Park’s Skywalk lookout and Crystal Shower Falls, Wollomombi Falls in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, Ebor Falls in Guy Fawkes River National Park, and the Dangar Falls near Dorrigo. Where to stay: BIG4 Park Beach Holiday Park or BIG4 Sawtell Beach Holiday Park in Coffs Harbour, and BIG4 Armidale Highlander Van Village.

Source: Jem Cresswell

Grand Pacific Drive

Where: Royal National Park to Jervis Bay Distance: 180km

In a nutshell: Sparking coastal vistas abound on this snaking path that begins south of Sydney in the world’s second-oldest national park. The sparkling water views contrast with sharp towering coastal cliffs and rainforest-dominated vistas. A highlight is the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge, which exemplifies the breathtaking beauty for 665 metres. Must-see attractions: Royal National Park, Symbio Wildlife Park, Nan Tien Temple, and Kiama Blowhole.

Where to stay: BIG4 Easts Beach Holiday Park in Kiama.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Source: Tourism Events QLD The Epicurean Way - Seppeltsfield Road Source: SA Tourism Commission

Queensland

Great Barrier Reef Drive

Where: Cairns to Cape Tribulation Distance: 140km

In a nutshell: This coast-clutching route exposes two of Tropical North QLD’s signature attractions, reef and rainforest. It all comes to a head at Cape Tribulation, accessed via a cable ferry, which is famous as a rare meeting point of two World Heritage sites, the Wet Tropics of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef.

Must-see attractions: Palm Cove, Ellis Beach, Daintree National Park and its two distinct sections, Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Where to stay: BIG4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park, BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Cairns Coconut Resort, and BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Where: Brisbane to Montville

Distance: 140km

In a nutshell: While sparkling waterways are a hallmark of this famous region, its hinterland is just as impressive. Lush rainforest, famed national parks and their towering peaks, charm-rich towns, and welcoming wineries all feature on this path. And the beauty of a return drive is you can follow the inland route one way and combine it with the coastal path for the other. Must-see attractions: Glass House Mountains, D’Aguilar and Kondalilla National Parks, Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World, and the Chapel Montville. Where to stay: BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort, BIG4 Caloundra Holiday Park, BIG4 Maroochy River, and BIG4 Ingenia Holidays Noosa.

South Australia

The Epicurean Way

Where: Adelaide loop via four prominent wine regions Distance: 400km

In a nutshell: Incorporating some of Australia’s most famous wine regions, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, the Barossa, and Clare Valley, this route is all about indulgence, glorious scenery, and relaxation. Prepare for a taste of the good life. Must-see attractions: Aside from the many iconic cellar doors, highlights include Port Willunga Beach, the German-themed town of Hahndorf, Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, and Mount Crawford Forest Reserve.

Where to stay: BIG4 Adelaide Caravan Park, BIG4 West Beach Parks, BIG4 Port Willunga Tourist Park, BIG4 Hahndorf Resort, and BIG4 Barossa Tourist Park.

Southern Ocean Drive

Where: Adelaide to Mount Gambier via Kangaroo Island Distance: 650km (not including Kangaroo Island ferry crossing) In a nutshell: Explore two treasurestuffed regions, the Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast, with its mix of stunning, dramatic landscapes. Be greeted by long stretches of astonishing coastline and glistening beaches, captivating caves, vivid lakes, and much more. And a side trip from Mount Gambier to the Coonawarra wine region and Naracoorte Caves is highly rewarding.

Must-see attractions:

Kangaroo Island, Victor Harbor, Coorong National Park, Cape Jaffa, Tantanoola Caves, and Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake.

Where to stay: BIG4 Cape Jervis Accommodation and Caravan Park, BIG4 Port Elliot Holiday Park, BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park at Tailem Bend, BIG4 Blue Lake Holiday Park at Mount Gambier, and BIG4 Naracoorte Holiday Park.

Tasmania

Great Eastern Drive

Where: Orford to St Helens

Distance: 175km

In a nutshell: Embracing Tasmania’s enchanting east coast, the drive unveils a plethora of bedazzling scenery. Expect to witness beautiful beaches, majestic mountains, rows of vineyards, quirky formations, and iconic national parks while indulging in fresh and tasty homegrown produce. Must-see attractions: Freycinet National Park and its hero attraction, Wineglass Bay, Maria Island, Bicheno Blowhole, Binalong Bay, and the Bay of Fires.

Where to stay: BIG4 Iluka on Freycinet Holiday Park in Coles Bay and BIG4 St Helens Holiday Park.

Great Eastern Drive - Little Beach

West Coast Wilderness

Where: Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair

Distance: 275km

In a nutshell: It’s no stretch to say this drive encounters some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, including sections of the enormous Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. Towering peaks, tapestries of rainforest, and sparkling lakes and rivers all feature alongside captivating heritage towns and plenty of other surprises. Must-see attractions: Cradle Mountain - Lake St Clair and Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Parks, the timeless streetscape of Zeehan, Montezuma Falls, the West Coast Wilderness Railway, and the ‘moonscape’ scenery around Queenstown. Where to stay: BIG4 Strahan Holiday Retreat and BIG4 Ulverstone Holiday Park.

Victoria

The Great Ocean Road

Where: From Torquay to Warrnambool

Distance: 255km

In a nutshell: One of Australia’s most famous touring routes was built as a memorial to those who died fighting in World War I. A succession of astounding coastal vistas and sparkling beaches contrast with glorious rainforest, and some of Victoria’s mostloved holiday destinations are dotted along the way. A bucketlist experience. Must-see attractions: The rockstar like Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and the dazzling waterfalls and rainforest within Great Otway National Park. Where to stay: There are plenty of BIG4 parks in the Great Ocean Road region.

Source: Lisa Kuilenburg

Great Alpine Road

Where: Wangaratta to Metung Distance: 340km

The Indian Ocean Drive

In a nutshell: An assortment of stunning, diverse scenery makes this an irresistible route. Be wowed by majestic mountains and alps, colourful vineyards, and expansive forests before reaching glittering waterways. The route slices through vibrant towns and sleepy townships that add to its rich allure.

Must-see attractions: Mt Buffalo and Alpine National Parks, including Mt Hotham and Mt Feathertop. Charm-packed Bright is an essential stop, as is the old-gold town of Omeo.

Where to stay: BIG4 Wangaratta North Cedars Holiday Park, BIG4 Bright Holiday Park, and BIG4 Porepunkah Holiday Park.

Western Australia

Best of the South West

Where: Perth to Albany and return Distance: 1185km

In a nutshell: A first-class mix of exceptional coastline, dramatic formations, towering trees, stunning caves, and fabulous wine regions are just some of the many highlights of this terrific trail. Along the way are vibrant towns and cities that ensure this touring route is one that is best served unhurried.

Must-see attractions: Busselton Jetty, Walpole-Nornalup, LeeuwinNaturaliste, Torndirrup and William Bay National Parks, Margaret River wine region, and National Anzac Centre in Albany. Where to stay: BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park and BIG4 parks in South West WA.

Where: Perth to Kalbarri and return

Distance: 1780km

In a nutshell: This is a road trip for the ages, encompassing a raft of mind-blowing scenic wonders from colourful formations to mesmerising coastline. Witness amazing sunsets, feast on delectable seafood, and soak up fascinating histories. Must-see attractions: Pinnacles Desert in Nambung, spring wildflowers in Lesueur, limestone caves in Stockyard Gully, and Nature’s Window in Kalbarri. Hutt Lagoon, also known as the Pink Lake, is not to be missed either. Where to stay: BIG4 Perth Midland Tourist Park, BIG4 Ledge Point Holiday Park, BIG4 Dongara Denison Beach Holiday Park, BIG4 Geraldton Sunset Beach, and RAC Cervantes Holiday Park.

Isn’t it time you went on a road trip? Start planning your touring route adventures at BIG4.com.au now.

Please note: All distances are approximate and don’t include detours. On any road trip, it’s advisable to stop regularly for breaks. Don’t drink and drive but do have fun.

Great Ocean Road Source: Visit Victoria