Best Australian road trips - Ultimate guide to exploring the country by campervan Days Kms Stops Australia doesn’t just do road trips – it defines them. Few places on the planet offer this kind of scale, variety and freedom, all wrapped into one country. One day you’re parking up in a lush rainforest surrounded by birdsong, the next you’re crossing wide open outback with nothing but red earth and road trains for company. This is one of the world’s ultimate road trip destinations. Think coastal highways, wine regions, vast national parks and desert drives – all with plenty of space to stop, stay and explore along the way. And when you’re travelling by campervan, you’re free to go where the itinerary apps don’t. No hotel check-ins, no rigid schedules, just you, the road and a solid plan (that you can change any time). In this guide, we’ll cover the most iconic routes across all of Australia’s states and territories. You’ll get tips on how long to plan for your campervan road trip, when to go and who each trip is best suited to – whether you’re travelling with kids, with a partner or just with a good playlist. Use it to weigh up your options, figure out where to start, and plan a trip that fits your timeframe, interests and sense of adventure. Why a campervan is the best way to explore Australia When you’re covering serious ground, the way you travel matters. A campervan gives you the freedom to explore Australia without the hassle of constant check-ins, restaurant bills or repacking your bag every other day. It’s one of the most practical and rewarding ways to experience the country – especially if you like the idea of having everything you need with you, wherever you go. Here’s why hiring a campervan is a smart way to road trip in Australia: Save on travel costs by combining your transport and accommodation, cooking your own meals, and skipping hotel bookings across long distances. Change plans on the go, stopping at beaches, walking tracks or lookout points as you find them – or detouring when the weather shifts. Stay comfortable with modern campervans that offer built-in beds, kitchen essentials, power systems and decent storage. Get closer to nature, from coastal campgrounds to national parks and outback stopovers (where overnight stays are allowed). Australia is well set up for campervan travel, with a strong network of holiday parks, reliable roads, clear signage and Apollo branches in every major region – making both loop and one-way trips easy to plan. READ MORE: The ultimate Aussie road trip: How to plan your driving holiday in Australia. Essential Campervan Travel Tips for Australia A bit of planning goes a long way when you’re exploring a country as vast and varied as Australia. From coastal drives to remote outback tracks, each region comes with its own unique considerations – so it pays to be prepared. Here are some practical tips to help you travel smarter and safer in a campervan: Road conditions and distances Stick to sealed roads unless your rental agreement allows off-road driving. Unsealed tracks can be rough and often off-limits in standard campervans. Expect long stretches between towns, particularly in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and outback South Australia. Plan fuel stops in advance and avoid letting your tank drop too low – some areas have limited service stations. Camping and holiday parks There’s a good mix of holiday parks, national park campgrounds and free or low-cost camps across the country – just make sure you follow local rules. Book ahead during peak seasons like school holidays or if you’re travelling popular routes such as the Great Ocean Road or Coral Coast Highway. Packing essentials Bring clothing for hot days, cool nights and sudden changes – especially in desert or alpine regions. Pack sun protection, including a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and carry plenty of drinking water. Offline navigation tools, a first aid kit and some basic recovery gear are useful if you’re heading into remote areas. Timing The dry season (May to October) is ideal for the Top End and Red Centre. For southern coastal areas, aim for late spring, summer or early autumn. If you’re not tied to school holidays, the shoulder seasons are a good call – fewer crowds, milder weather and more availability at campgrounds. Safety and regulations Know the road rules: drive on the left, wear seatbelts, stick to speed limits and take regular breaks to avoid fatigue. Watch for wildlife on the roads at dawn and dusk, especially in rural and remote regions. Always check local regulations around freedom camping, campfires and waste disposal. Before you hit the road, download the thl Roadtrip app and a few handy camping apps to help you find campsites, fuel stops and local tips. And keep an eye on regional conditions, especially if you’re heading off the beaten track. Australia’s most iconic road trips by campervan Australia is packed with road trips worth planning a holiday around. Whether you’re after surf beaches, red dirt or rainforest, there’s a route that delivers – and each one is better experienced behind the wheel of a campervan. Below are some of the most iconic drives across all states and territories, with practical tips to help you choose the one that fits your plans. Great Ocean Road, Victoria Overview: A coastal drive from Torquay to Allansford, roughly 240 km with 4–5 hours of driving. Why go: Surf beaches, dramatic cliffs, the Twelve Apostles and lush forest in Great Otway National Park. Highlights and must-see stops: Bells Beach, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Great Otway National Park, Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge. Best time to go: November to April for warmer weather and swimmable beaches. Suggested duration: 3 to 5 days, or longer if you include nearby wine regions or inland loops. Campervan tips: Roads are sealed and well maintained. Holiday parks can book out in peak summer and school holidays, so plan ahead. Read more: Explore the Great Ocean Road route. Great Alpine Road, Victoria Overview: From Wangaratta to Bairnsdale, around 300 km through alpine towns and scenic high country. Why go: Mountain views, cosy regional towns and lakeside stops with alpine walking trails. Highlights and must-see stops: Bright, Mount Hotham, Dinner Plain, Omeo, Bruthen, Metung. Best time to go: December to March for hiking and warm weather. June to August for snow sports. Suggested duration: 3 to 4 days. Campervan tips: The road includes steep alpine sections – check conditions in winter and carry snow chains if required. Campgrounds available in most towns. https://www.apollocamper.com/be-inspired/itineraries/pid/7494/filtermenu/7495/filtercategories/131 Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales Overview: A short but scenic drive from Sydney through the Royal National Park to Wollongong and beyond, around 140 km. Why go: Coastal views, beach stops and the photogenic Sea Cliff Bridge. Highlights and must-see stops: Bald Hill Lookout, Sea Cliff Bridge, Austinmer, Wollongong, Kiama. Best time to go: September to April. Suggested duration: 1 to 3 days as part of a longer New South Wales road trip. Campervan tips: Roads are sealed with plenty of access to holiday parks. Great short trip for first-timers. Read more: Explore more New South Wales road trips. Waterfall Way, New South Wales Overview: Inland route between Coffs Harbour and Armidale, about 185 km of sealed highway through forest and farmland. Why go: Waterfalls, rainforest, walking trails and national parks. Highlights and must-see stops: Dorrigo National Park, Ebor Falls, Wollomombi Falls, Bellingen, Cathedral Rock National Park. Best time to go: Spring and autumn for mild weather and flowing waterfalls. Suggested duration: 2 to 4 days. Campervan tips: Sealed road with some winding sections. Holiday parks in Coffs Harbour, Armidale and Bellingen. Read more: Explore more New South Wales road trips. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland Overview: From Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas – about 140 km one way. Why go: Reef, rainforest, tropical beaches and World Heritage sites. Highlights and must-see stops: Palm Cove, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree River crossing, Cape Tribulation. Best time to go: May to October (dry season). Suggested duration: 2 to 4 days, longer if you include tours or hiking. Campervan tips: Sealed roads up to Cape Tribulation. Daintree River requires a cable ferry crossing. Good range of holiday parks along the way. Read more: Explore the Great Barrier Reef road trip Coral Coast Highway, Western Australia Overview: From Perth to Exmouth, around 1,250 km following WA’s west coast. Why go: Unique landscapes, snorkelling at Ningaloo Reef, desert formations and marine wildlife. Highlights and must-see stops: Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia, Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef. Best time to go: April to October. Suggested duration: 10 to 14 days. Campervan tips: Sealed road all the way. Fuel stops can be far apart – plan ahead. Popular parks should be booked early in peak months. Read more: Explore the Coral Coast Highway road trip Caves Road, Western Australia Overview: A scenic 110 km stretch through the Margaret River region. Why go: Wine tasting, forest drives, surf beaches and limestone caves. Highlights and must-see stops: Busselton Jetty, Yallingup, Canal Rocks, Lake Cave, Margaret River, Hamelin Bay. Best time to go: October to April. Suggested duration: 2 to 3 days. Campervan tips: Easy driving on sealed roads. Excellent selection of holiday parks and campgrounds with power. Read more: Explore more Western Australian road trips The South West Edge, Western Australia Overview: From Perth to Esperance via the south-west corner of WA, approx. 1,200 km. Why go: Wine regions, forests, coastline, beaches and unique national parks. Highlights and must-see stops: Margaret River, Pemberton, Walpole, Albany, Bremer Bay, Esperance. Best time to go: October to March. Suggested duration: 10 to 14 days. Campervan tips: All main routes are sealed. Fuel and supplies are easy to access in most towns. Read more: Explore the South West Edge road trip. The Nullarbor Plain, South Australia and Western Australia Overview: Crosses from Ceduna (SA) to Norseman (WA) via the Eyre Highway, around 1,200 km of mostly flat open road. Why go: Big skies, wildlife, remote roadhouses and coastal cliffs. Highlights and must-see stops: Head of Bight, Bunda Cliffs, Eucla, Nullarbor Roadhouse, Fraser Range. Best time to go: April to October. Suggested duration: 5 to 7 days. Campervan tips: Fuel stops are widely spaced – top up at every chance. Basic facilities at roadhouses and designated rest stops. Read more: Explore the Nullarbor Plain road trip. Adelaide road trip gateway, South Australia Overview: Short routes from Adelaide to nearby regions like Barossa Valley and Victor Harbor. Longer options include the Flinders Ranges and Limestone Coast. Why go: Wine country, coastlines, historic towns and outback ranges. Highlights and must-see stops: Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, Flinders Ranges, Victor Harbor, Limestone Coast. Best time to go: September to May. Suggested duration: 3 to 7 days per region. Campervan tips: Roads are sealed with good access to parks and holiday spots. Easy option for first-timers or shorter breaks. Read more: Explore the Adelaide road trip gateway route Red Centre Way, Northern Territory Overview: A 1,000+ km loop from Alice Springs via Uluru, Kings Canyon and West MacDonnell Ranges. Why go: Iconic desert landscapes, Aboriginal cultural sites and outback scenery. Highlights and must-see stops: Alice Springs, Simpson’s Gap, Glen Helen Gorge, Kings Canyon, Uluru, Kata Tjuta. Best time to go: May to September. Suggested duration: 7 to 10 days. Campervan tips: Some sections are unsealed – check rental conditions. Fuel up in larger towns and book sites at Uluru early. Read more: Explore the Red Centre Way road trip. Darwin to Broome, NT and WA Overview: Over 1,800 km via sealed roads through the Top End and Kimberley. Optional detours may require 4WD. Why go: Waterfalls, gorges, Aboriginal culture and remote wilderness. Highlights and must-see stops: Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge, Victoria River, Kununurra, Broome. Best time to go: May to September (dry season). Suggested duration: 14 to 21 days. Campervan tips: Long distances between towns. Some detours may require 4WD – check route conditions and rental terms. Read more: Explore more Western Australian road trips Gibb River Road, Western Australia Overview: A legendary Kimberley track between Derby and Kununurra, approx. 660 km. Why go: Remote gorges, waterfalls, rugged outback driving. Highlights and must-see stops: Windjana Gorge, Bell Gorge, Manning Gorge, El Questro. Best time to go: June to August – dry season only. Suggested duration: 7 to 10 days. Campervan tips: 4WD required. Not suitable for standard campervans. Always check seasonal access and road conditions. Read more: Explore more Western Australian road trips. Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania Overview: Coastal drive along Tasmania’s east coast, about 176 km from Orford to St Helens. Why go: Coastal walks, national parks and relaxed towns. Highlights and must-see stops: Maria Island, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Bicheno, Bay of Fires. Best time to go: November to April. Suggested duration: 4 to 6 days. Campervan tips: Roads are sealed and easy to navigate. Good mix of powered sites and freedom camping options. Read more: Explore the Great Eastern drive Tarkine Drive, Tasmania Overview: A loop through north-west Tasmania’s ancient rainforest and rugged coastline, around 200 km. Why go: Forest walks, coastal lookouts and remote scenery. Highlights and must-see stops: Arthur River, Julius River Forest Reserve, Trowutta Arch, Sumac Lookout. Best time to go: December to March. Suggested duration: 2 to 4 days. Campervan tips: Mostly sealed roads with a few gravel sections. Check local conditions during or after heavy rain. Read more: Explore more great Tasmanian road trips. Australia road trip itineraries to inspire you Not sure where to start or how much you can fit into a week or two? These outline itineraries give you a sense of what’s possible depending on how much time you’ve got. They combine well-known routes with some lesser-known stops, giving you flexibility to build a trip that works for you. 7 day coastal taster (NSW or VIC) Option 1: Sydney to Coffs Harbour Start with a coastal cruise through the Royal National Park, Sea Cliff Bridge and Wollongong, then on to Kiama, Jervis Bay and the beaches of the NSW South Coast. From there, head inland via the Waterfall Way or continue north along the coast. Option 2: Melbourne return loop Hit the Great Ocean Road and loop back via inland routes through forest, small towns and wildlife reserves. Spend time in Great Otway National Park, check out the Twelve Apostles and allow for beach stops and short walks. Best for: First-time visitors, families, and travellers looking for a relaxed pace with short drive times. 10 to 14 day Red Centre and outback adventure (NT and SA) Start in Alice Springs and take the Red Centre Way loop, linking Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges. Add in stops like Glen Helen Gorge and Simpson’s Gap for walking trails and outback views. Optional extras include a side trip to Coober Pedy or continuing north or south to link with a Darwin or Adelaide route. Best for: Travellers who want that remote, outback feel and are comfortable with longer distances and warmer, drier conditions. 14 to 21 day Western Australia epic (WA) The Western Australia epic road trip takes you from Perth to Exmouth along the Coral Coast Highway, with key stops at the Pinnacles, Kalbarri, Shark Bay, Monkey Mia and Coral Bay. Snorkel at Ningaloo Reef or join a boat tour to spot whale sharks (in season). If you’ve got extra time, add the South West Edge and Margaret River region before or after the Coral Coast section. Best for: Travellers wanting a longer, more remote road trip with a mix of wildlife, coastlines and national park stops. This length allows time for a few extra nights in standout spots. Budgeting for an Australia campervan road trip Planning a campervan holiday in Australia doesn’t need to break the bank, but it does pay to know where your money’s likely to go. Costs will vary depending on where you travel, the time of year, and how far you’re driving – but here are the key areas to factor into your budget: Campervan rental: Prices fluctuate by season, and larger vehicles typically cost more. One-way hires can add flexibility but may come with an additional fee. Fuel: Australia’s long distances and remote routes mean fuel can be a significant cost. Use fuel price apps to find cheaper stops, and always top up in larger towns before heading into rural areas. Campsites and park fees: Holiday parks and national park campgrounds vary in price, with popular areas booking out quickly during peak seasons. Mixing in the occasional free or low-cost camp spot can help reduce overall costs. Food and dining: Cooking most meals in the campervan is a great way to save, but there’s room to enjoy a few local cafes, bakeries or pubs along the way – especially in regional towns. Activities and attractions: Many national parks, walking tracks and lookouts are free, but you might also want to set aside budget for standout experiences like snorkelling at the reef, a scenic flight, or a cultural tour. Money-saving tips: A few smart choices can make a big difference to your trip budget. Here are some easy ways to keep costs down without missing out: Plan your route around major towns for cheaper fuel and groceries – remote stops often charge significantly more. Travel in shoulder seasons for lower hire rates and fewer crowds. Stay at campgrounds with free barbecue areas and kitchen facilities to reduce gas use in your campervan. Use local visitor centres for free maps, park updates and tips on free or low-cost local attractions. Pick up a national parks pass if you’re visiting multiple parks – it often works out cheaper than paying entry individually. FAQs What is the best road trip in Australia? There’s no single answer – it depends on what kind of trip you’re after. The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is a popular choice for first-timers thanks to its coastal views, short distance and well-developed infrastructure. If you’re drawn to the outback, the Red Centre Way in the Northern Territory offers big landscapes and iconic landmarks. For a longer route with marine wildlife and wide open space, the Coral Coast Highway in Western Australia is a standout. What is the most beautiful road trip in Australia? Beauty is subjective, but three routes often top the list: the Great Ocean Road (VIC), Great Barrier Reef Drive (QLD) and the Great Eastern Drive (TAS). Each delivers something different – from sea cliffs and surf beaches to tropical rainforest and wild coastline. Your idea of ‘most beautiful’ might come down to whether you’re chasing ocean views, remote beaches, ancient forest or desert horizons. What is the best month to visit Australia? It depends on the region. For the Red Centre and Top End, May to September brings cooler, dry weather. For southern states like Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania, late spring to early autumn (October to March) is generally ideal – warm days, fewer road closures and good swimming conditions along the coast. How many days do you need for an Australia road trip? You can get a great trip in 3 to 7 days if you stick to one region. For example, the Great Ocean Road or Tasmania’s east coast work well in a week. If you’re combining routes, allow 10 to 21 days. A full lap of Australia takes several months, so most travellers focus on one or two regions per trip. Which part of Australia is best for a campervan? Much of the country is campervan friendly, but some areas are particularly well suited to hire travellers. The Great Ocean Road, South West WA, parts of Queensland, and the New South Wales coast all offer good roads, regular fuel stops and well-equipped holiday parks. More remote areas like the Red Centre, the Kimberley and the Nullarbor are incredible too – but they require more preparation and confidence with long distances. Is it cheaper to travel Australia by campervan? It can be, especially if you’re travelling with others and cooking your own meals. You’re covering transport and accommodation in one go, and you’ll avoid daily check-ins and check-outs. But fuel, campsites and activities can still add up – particularly in remote areas. Planning ahead and travelling outside peak season helps keep costs down. Final tips for an unforgettable Australia road trip There’s a reason Australia is high on the list for road trip lovers – the scale, the variety, and the sheer freedom of the open road. Whether you’re keen on coastal drives, desert tracks or forest routes, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. Exploring by campervan makes it even easier, letting you follow the road signs, not a strict schedule. The key to a great experience is planning a trip that suits your timeframe, travel style and the season you’re visiting. With the right route and a bit of flexibility, you’ll see just how rewarding campervan travel in Australia can be. A few reminders before you hit the road: Choose a route that matches your timeframe, driving confidence and interests Check local conditions, park alerts and seasonal weather before you set off Respect local communities, Aboriginal cultural sites and national park rules Leave time for slow mornings, unplanned stops and extra nights in places you love Take a look through our beginner’s guide to planning a campervan holiday. Start shortlisting routes, compare what each region offers, and map out a trip that works for you. Your next road trip is closer than you think. Plan your great Australian road trip with Apollo Ready to hit the road? Apollo has a range of well-equipped campervans, a nationwide network of branches, and tools to help you travel with confidence. Download the thl Roadtrip App to find campsites, watch helpful videos and plan your route – then book your campervan and start your Australian road trip with ease.