Looking for a trip away this Easter? Take advantage of Australia’s best road trips. With scenic drives from north to south and everywhere in between, our great country is the perfect playground to explore.
If you’ve always wanted to drive the Great Ocean Road, Captain Cook Highway, or the Grand Pacific Drive, this Easter could be your chance to do it.
Victoria
Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s best-known road trips for a reason. Just a few hour’s drive from Melbourne, it’s a convenient weekend trip, but chances are you’ll want to spend longer.
The road hugs the coast from surf town Torquay and snakes its way 243 kilometres to fishing village Port Fairy. Expect stunning coastal views, headlands, rocky cliffs, nature spotting, and the famous 12 Apostles.
Spot Koalas, take a zip line trip through treetop canopies, visit surf towns, and, if you’re game, take a helicopter ride over the 12 Apostles. With so much to do, allow a few days to take in the landscape and enjoy the local area.
Great Alpine Road
This 310-kilometre drive is Victoria’s highest road taking you from Bairnsdale to Wangaratta. The Great Alpine Road, used part of the year to access ski resorts in Mount Hotham, has plenty to see outside ski season.
The road is nestled right beside the scenic Tambo River offering plenty of picturesque moments. Stop in at Beechworth – a gold town – to learn about the 1800s gold rush history and even stop in at the courthouse where the Ned Kelly trial was held, take a hike at Mount Feathertop, and buy some wine and cheese from gourmet town, Milawa.
Once you reach Bairnsdale, there’s still plenty to see and do. Explore Mitchell River National Park, visit museums to learn about the history of the area, and see the Gippsland Lakes and beyond.
New South Wales
Grand Pacific Drive
New South Wales isn’t short on coastal drives, the Grand Pacific Drive being the most well-known. If the sound of epic sea vistas, lush rainforests, and driving over Sea Cliff Bridge – which is just as scenic as it sounds – is appealing, then Grand Pacific Drive could be your ideal choice.
The 140-kilometre coastal trip starts in Royal National Park – roughly an hour south of Sydney – and passes through Wollongong and Shellharbour before ending at Shoalhaven.
Explore quiet beaches, rocky outlooks, and picturesque towns, then keep heading south to enjoy the stunning white sand beaches of Jervis Bay.
Waterfall Way
If waterfalls, lush greenery, and national parks are your jam, then Waterfall Way offers that in droves. Waterfall Way is a well-known 185-kilometre scenic drive between Coffs Harbour and country town Armidale.
Stop by Point Lookout to see panoramic views of New England National Park, visit the tallest waterfall in NSW, Wollomombi Falls, and take a dip at Dangar Falls.
Either overnight at Armidale or, given the trip takes only a few hours, there’s the option to head back to the coast for the night.
Queensland
Captain Cook Highway
The Captain Cook Highway linking Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest area, is world-renowned for good reason. The drive hugs the coast, offering panoramic views of the postcard-perfect Queensland coast.
Think palm-tree-bordered beaches, crystal clear water, and golden sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. Stop atop Rex Lookout to enjoy the view, get an Instagram-perfect shot at picturesque Palm Beach, and drop by Port Douglas to walk famous Four Mile Beach.
Wanting to extend the drive? Head north to the Daintree Rainforest and cruise all the way to Cape Tribulation enjoying the lush natural beauty on your way.
Go 4WDing on K-gari
If you’re ready for a 4WD off-road adventure, the World Heritage-listed K-gari (previously Fraser Island) could be just the place. The island, made entirely of sand, is the ultimate place to drive almost free reign.
Stop by Lake McKenzie to swim in some of the cleanest waters in the world, have a spa-like bath experience at the Champagne Pools, go on a hiking trail, and spot dingos as you drive.
Keep in mind, the roads on K-gari can be daunting, so do your research first.
Find your perfect road trip ride
Looking for the perfect car to take you, and your family, on adventures? Our team offers a concierge service to help you find the ideal ride at the right price.
Get in touch with our friendly team today. Call us on 1300 551 987 or send us an email info@iedge.com.au.
