Sometimes, it’s more about the trip than the destination and nothing illustrates this point more than a long scenic drive. With the heat of summer upon us, we explore some of the great driving experiences Australia has to offer, from the Snowy Mountains to the Bungle Bungle Range. Feel like waxing up the old Mazda MX-5 and hitting the open road? Pondering a family trip in the Kia Carnival? Let us guide the way with 5 of the most satisfying scenic drive experiences in Australia.
Grand Pacific Drive
The Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales unfolds as a picturesque trip, weaving its way through some of Australia's most enchanting landscapes. Starting in the city of Sydney, this scenic drive sets you off on an adventure that seamlessly blends urban excitement with the raw beauty of nature. As travellers traverse the route, they find themselves immersed in the stunning vistas of the Royal National Park, where dense forests give way to dramatic sea cliffs and pristine beaches.
The highlight of the journey is undoubtedly the Sea Cliff Bridge, an architectural marvel that spans the crystal waters of the Pacific Ocean, giving you a breathtaking view of the beauty of the shoreline. This suspended roadway offers panoramic views, creating a sense of awe as waves crash against the cliffs below. From here, the Grand Pacific Drive winds through the charming coastal towns of Wollongong and Shellharbour, giving you a glimpse of this classic home of Aussie working class culture. There’s something truly impressive about Wollongong’s skyline, complete with its historic steelworks.
Beyond the road trip, there are plenty of ideal locations for a morning tea stopover or a bit of a wander. From coastal lookouts to hidden coves, the Grand Pacific Drive gives you the essence of New South Wales, offering a captivating blend of coastal grandeur and natural splendour. It's not just a road trip; it’s an education in what makes New South Wales so great.
The Savannah Way
The Savannah Way, spanning from Queensland to Western Australia, beckons drivers on an epic scenic drive through some of Australia's most remote and captivating landscapes. Stretching across nearly 3,700 kilometres, this transcontinental route traverses the tropical rainforests of Queensland, the expansive Northern Territory, and culminates in the rugged beauty of Western Australia.
Embarking on The Savannah Way allows adventurers to witness a kaleidoscope of environments, from lush rainforests and river valleys to vast savannahs and arid outback expanses. This journey will let you see all flavours of the Australian countryside, with vibrant hues painting the landscapes at different times of the day. If you’re looking for an outback The Savannah Way spoils you for choice with iconic landmarks like Katherine Gorge, Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, and the World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park with its famous Bungle Bungle Range.
The road weaves through Indigenous communities, offering the opportunity to engage with and explore Aboriginal culture. As the red dirt tracks transition to bitumen, the Savannah Way becomes an incredible bridge between the many climates and habitats Australia has to offer.
Adelaide to Melbourne Coastal Drive
The Adelaide to Melbourne Coastal Drive stands as a testament to the sheer beauty that unfolds when the coastal wonders of South Australia and Victoria merge along the Southern Ocean. This captivating scenic drive, spanning approximately 1,000 kilometres, will take you through a symphony of landscapes, blending coastal splendour with charming seaside towns.
Starting in Adelaide, the drive meanders through the Fleurieu Peninsula, revealing rolling hills adorned with vineyards and overlooking pristine beaches. The route continues along the Coorong National Park, a wetland haven for birdlife, before reaching the iconic Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
As the road winds along the spectacular coastline, travellers are treated to a series of natural wonders, including the limestone formations of the Twelve Apostles, the rugged cliffs of the Shipwreck Coast, and the lush rainforests of the Otway Ranges. Beautiful coastal towns like Robe and Port Fairy beckon, offering a blend of maritime history, local cuisine, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
The Adelaide to Melbourne Coastal Drive isn't just a scenic route; it's an immersive experience, with the great coastal skyline shifting colours and textures as you make your way along this perfect-for-cruising stretch of the Australian coastline.
The Alpine Way, New South Wales and Victoria
The Alpine Way, weaving through the majestic Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and Victoria, is Australia's own alpine wonderland. This scenic drive covers approximately 400 kilometres, presenting a captivating blend of alpine meadows, serene lakes, and it own share of inviting villages and stopovers.
Beginning in Jindabyne, the gateway to the Snowy Mountains, the Alpine Way winds through Kosciuszko National Park, treating travellers to panoramic vistas of Australia's highest peaks. During the winter months, snow-capped landscapes create a serene and magical atmosphere, attracting skiing enthusiasts to the slopes of Thredbo and Perisher - something to consider even outside of the summer season.
As the road eases through the mountains, it unveils the shimmering waters of Lake Jindabyne and Lake Crackenback, providing tranquil settings for picnics or water activities. The journey continues through alpine valleys, where wildflowers carpet the meadows in vibrant hues during the warmer months - something to look out for at the moment.
The laidback local regions like Thredbo and Khancoban punctuate the drive, offering a delightful mix of local hospitality and outdoor adventures. Hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and fishing spots abound, providing opportunities for nature enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the pristine alpine environment.
Tasmanian East Coast Drive
The Tasmanian East Coast Drive provides an astonishing journey through the natural wonders of Tasmania. Once again, like other drives on this list, you will witness incredible diversity in habitat, ranging from pristine beaches to lush rainforests. Stretching approximately 300 kilometres, this scenic drive explores Tasmania's east coast, revealing the island's unique charm and natural beauty.
Beginning in the capital city of Hobart, the drive winds its way through picturesque coastal towns and villages, including Orford, Swansea, and Bicheno. The route provides glimpses of the Tasman Sea on one side and the rugged beauty of the Tasmanian bushland on the other, creating a visual feast for those behind the wheel.
One of the highlights of the journey is the iconic Freycinet Peninsula, home to the world-famous Wineglass Bay. Here, pristine white sands curve around crystal-clear waters, framed by granite peaks, offering a postcard-perfect vista. The Freycinet National Park itself beckons with hiking trails, showcasing diverse flora and fauna, if you’re looking for a stopover.
Continuing north, the drive unveils the Bay of Fires, renowned for its white sandy beaches, orange lichen-covered rocks, and azure waters. This untouched coastal stretch provides a stunning contrast to the deep greens of eucalyptus forests that line the route and leads you through regions that promise encounters with local wildlife, secluded bay and maybe even the opportunity for some fresh local seafood.
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