Top 9 most scenic drives in Australia

Australia is a land of diverse and breathtaking landscapes, offering some of the world’s most scenic drives. From coastal routes that hug the shoreline to rugged outback trails that traverse the heart of the continent, these drives provide travelers with unforgettable views and experiences. Whether you’re cruising along the Great Ocean Road with its stunning ocean vistas, exploring the ancient landscapes of the Red Centre, or taking in the lush rainforests and beaches of the Pacific Coast Touring Route, Australia’s scenic drives cater to all types of adventurers. Each route showcases the country’s natural beauty, from towering cliffs and serene lakes to expansive deserts and vibrant rainforests. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely coastal drive or an epic outback adventure, Australia’s most scenic drives offer a perfect way to explore the diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that make this country a dream destination for road trippers.

Here are some most scenic drives in Australia.

1. Victoria’s Great Ocean Road: 

The Great Ocean Road, which stretches over 240 kilometers along Victoria’s untamed coastline, is arguably the most well-known scenic drive in Australia. Beautiful views of the Southern Ocean, immaculate beaches, and verdant rainforests can be found along this well-known route. The Twelve Apostles, a group of limestone stacks rising majestically from the ocean, are the driving route’s high point. Travelers can explore Great Otway National Park, make stops at quaint seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery at every turn. Anyone wanting to see Australia’s natural beauty must take this drive.

2. The Pacific Coast Touring Route through Queensland and New South Wales:

 From Sydney to Brisbane, the Pacific Coast Touring Route transports you on an amazing journey that stretches over 900 kilometers along Australia’s east coast. Some of the best beaches, coastal towns, and national parks in the nation can be seen on this drive. Highlights include the luscious hinterland of the Gold Coast, the lively beach culture of Byron Bay, and the sparkling waters of Port Stephens. The route is ideal for both nature lovers and adventure seekers because it provides plenty of spots to stop and take part in outdoor activities like whale watching and water sports.

3. Victoria’s Great Alpine Road:

The Great Alpine Road, Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road, winds through the Victorian Alps. Beautiful alpine scenery, including snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and dense forests, can be seen along this 339-kilometer route. The drive from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale passes through several quaint towns, including Bright, which is well-known for its vivid fall foliage, and Mount Hotham, a well-liked ski resort. The Great Alpine Road is one of Australia’s most picturesque and varied drives; it is especially lovely in the fall and spring when the surrounding countryside is a riot of colour.

4. Drive along Tasmania’s East Coast: 

Traveling along Australia’s most pure and untouched coastline is possible with the Tasmanian East Coast Drive. From Hobart to Bay of Fires, this route spans more than 300 kilometers and offers breathtaking views of the coast, isolated beaches, and charming towns. The Freycinet Peninsula, which is home to the well-known Wineglass Bay, and the historic town of Port Arthur are among the highlights. You can taste some of Tasmania’s best wines as you travel through verdant vineyards. This drive is the highlight of any trip to Tasmania because of its unique blend of rich history and stunning natural surroundings.

5. Northern Territory’s Red Centre Way : 

The Northern Territory’s breathtaking scenery can be seen as you travel down Australia’s heartland on the Red Centre Way. This 1,100-kilometer journey passes through some of the most well-known natural wonders in the nation, including Kings Canyon, Kata Tjuta, and Uluru. The drive provides amazing views of the wide-open skies, tall rock formations, and red desert sands. You can hike through breathtaking gorges, discover ancient Aboriginal rock art, and get a taste of the Outback’s distinct culture along the way. Australia’s soul can be discovered via a trip along the Red Centre Way.

6. Northern Australia’s Savannah Way:

 From Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia, the Savannah Way is a legendary road trip spanning over 3,700 kilometers across Northern Australia. This drive passes through a variety of environments, such as broad Savannah plains, untamed outback terrain, and tropical rainforests. Highlights of the trip include the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, the vibrant wetlands of the Gulf of Carpentaria, and the ancient rock art of the Kimberley. A truly adventurous journey, the Savannah Way provides a rare look into Australia’s most isolated and untamed areas.

7. Nullarbor Plain, connecting Western Australia and South Australia:

 One of the most famous road journeys in Australia is the 1,200-kilometer drive from South Australia to Western Australia across the Nullarbor Plain. This drive offers a singular and stark beauty as it passes through one of the nation’s most isolated and arid areas. Along the Great Australian Bight, the route passes through breathtaking coastal cliffs and the longest straight road in Australia, the 90 Mile Straight. The journey takes you into Australia’s vast interior, where the rugged and breathtaking scenery gives the impression that the sky will never end.

8. Grand Pacific Drive, NSW: 

The magnificent Grand Pacific Drive is a 140-kilometer coastal route that connects Sydney with the Shoalhaven area. Marvelous views of the Pacific Ocean, imposing sea cliffs, and quaint coastal towns can all be found on this drive. The Sea Cliff Bridge, an architectural wonder that juts out over the ocean and provides breathtaking views, is a highlight of the trip. Along the way are the lush rainforests of the Illawarra Escarpment and the Royal National Park, one of the oldest national parks in the world. The Grand Pacific Drive, which combines scenic natural beauty with seaside charm, is an ideal day trip destination from Sydney.

9. Australia’s Gibb River Road, Western: 

Traveling the fabled Gibb River Road through the heart of Western Australia’s Kimberley region is an iconic outback adventure. Some of the most untamed and untamed scenery in the nation can be found along this 660-kilometer drive, which features enormous cattle stations, dramatic gorges, and prehistoric rock formations. The breathtaking Windjana Gorge, the prehistoric Aboriginal rock art of the Mitchell Plateau, and the secluded splendor of El Questro Wilderness Park are some of the drive’s highlights. A true 4WD adventure, the Gibb River Road takes you through one of Australia’s last great wilderness areas.

Conclusion

Australia’s most scenic drives offer an unparalleled way to experience the country’s diverse and breathtaking landscapes. From the iconic Great Ocean Road to the remote beauty of the Gibb River Road, each route presents a unique perspective on Australia’s natural wonders. Whether you’re drawn to the coastal splendor of the Pacific Coast Touring Route or the rugged outback adventure of the Red Centre Way, these drives promise unforgettable memories and stunning views at every turn. For international travelers, exploring these scenic routes is an essential part of the Australian experience. Securing an Australia visa is your first step toward embarking on these incredible journeys, where the road itself becomes as much a destination as the sights along the way. So, prepare your travel plans, secure your Australia visa, and get ready to discover the awe-inspiring beauty of Australia’s most scenic drives.