Australia is a large continent, with vast distances between its towns, landmarks, and attractions. Combined with the fact that it also has unique and diverse landscapes spread out across its states and territories, it makes for the perfect place to embark on a road trip adventure.
One of the most popular methods of road-tripping in Australia is by campervan or motorhome, which is also the most convenient option. Campervan hire allows you to combine your accommodation, amenities, and transport… affording your holiday freedom like no other. This flexibility will come in handy when you want to spend an extra day or two in a favourite location, or want to move on quickly from one that didn’t take your fancy.
Here is a list of 10 Best Campervan Road Trips in Australia, to provide inspiration for your next self-drive holiday.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
This unparalleled stretch of scenic road along the Victorian coastline, between Warrnambool and Torquay, is Australian National Heritage listed. Constructed by 3,000 soldiers between 1919 and 1932, the entire road is now a war memorial, dedicated to Australia’s WWI fallen soldiers.
The road is not the only thing that features in this itinerary, the sights along the way are breathtaking. The renowned twelve apostles rock formations can be viewed along this route, and the road travels through the Great Otway National Park, home to ancient trees, ferns, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.
It also visits spectacular seaside towns with pristine beaches, like Torquay, the home of iconic surf brand Rip Curl, which was founded in 1969.
Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania
Experience 220 kilometers of picturesque coastal beachscapes and superb national parks, along the remarkable east coast of Tasmania. This itinerary extends from Orford in the south and runs up to St Helens in the north, the short distance makes this road trip feasible for a weekend away, or can easily be extended to allow time to enjoy its wonders.
This region is famous for its Bay of Fires; beaches that are strewn with large granite rocks and boulders, which are flaming with a bright orange hue. Not the only thing that makes the beaches striking, the water along this coastline is crystal clear, making it the perfect place to stop and swim, snorkel, or simply enjoy the phenomenal scenery.
South West Edge, Western Australia
This round-trip itinerary that starts and ends in Perth, takes you through some of Western Australia’s most spectacular regions and attractions.
The coastal journey takes you through the world-renowned Margaret River wine region and past ancient caves, with fossils containing remnants of megafauna that roamed here 50,000 years ago.
Continue on to National Parks that contain some of Australia’s best beaches, and diverse plant species, and are havens for native wildlife. Fitzgerald River National Park and Cape Le Grand National Park are nothing short of exceptional, and both are included on the South West Edge road trip.
On the inland drive back to Perth, visit the notorious Wave Rock, a naturally formed granite structure, towering 14 metres high and shaped like a surfable wave.
The Scenic Rim, Queensland
An easy campervan trip from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or even Sydney, the Scenic Rim is a route filled with ancient natural wonders, charming wineries, fresh produce, and quaint villages.
The most famous of the Scenic Rim’s natural attractions is Lamington National Park. This ancient piece of Gondwanan rainforest has existed for over 225 million years and has a plethora of hiking trails to explore its one-of-a-kind beauty.
Tamborine Mountain is another fabulous stop en route, home to a variety of breweries, wineries, and cellar doors. This pretty mountain town also has an exceptional National Park and a quaint gallery walk filled with boutique shops and lovely cafés.
The Blue Mountains, New South Wales
Less than two hours from Sydney, this magical region of New South Wales is an outdoor delight. Katoomba is the gateway city to the Blue Mountains, allowing you to explore the renowned Three Sisters rock formation, Echo Point and Scenic World, where you can enjoy the mountain views from a Sky Railway vantage point.
Continue through the region to discover ancient cave systems, wander through outstanding botanical gardens, chase waterfalls and hike your choice of national park trails.
Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
Traveling from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, the dazzling tropical coastline of North Queensland is a perfect combination of beach and rainforest.
Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere in towns like Palm Cove or Port Douglas, where you can wander along the Marina and enjoy a local restaurant. Explore the incredibly bio-diverse Daintree Rainforest, which is over 180 million years old, making it the oldest tropical rainforest in the world.
Visit the beach at Myall, with the rainforest as a backdrop, or go on a day trip to snorkel the nearby Great Barrier Reef.
West Coast, Western Australia
The drive from Broome to Perth along the coastline is over 2,500 kilometers, but worth the ride if you have the time to spend.
Some of the amazing destinations along the route include the Pinnacles and Nambung National Park, Monkey Mia, Geraldton, and Coral Bay.
Enjoy the ever-changing scenery of the North West, from its rugged gorges and rock formations, through ancient outback landscapes with glittering night skies, to enchanting towns fringed with awe-inspiring beaches.
Pacific Coast, New South Wales to Queensland
A classic Australian road trip, filled with coastal gems that easily turn this ten-hour drive from Sydney to Brisbane, into a week or two-holiday experience.
This adventure takes in beautiful beach towns like Coffs Harbour, iconic Byron Bay, and infamous Surfers Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast. There is no shortage of white sand and water sports, native wildlife, and trendy eateries on this itinerary.
Explore the National Parks along the way, visit the Big Banana landmark and get your fill of thrills at the Gold Coast theme parks.
Explorers Way, South Australia to Northern Territory
Taking you straight through the heart of Australia, this road trip begins in Adelaide and finishes in Darwin.
A massive endeavor, you will want at least a few weeks to take your time and experience the variety of landscapes. Stop in at Wilpena Pound, the ancient natural arena of the Flinders Ranges, and continue to Coober Pedy, where you will see underground dwellings and churches.
You can’t miss a stop in Yulara to marvel at the iconic red rock, Uluru, and onto the MacDonnell Ranges to cool down in the numerous swimming holes or hike its many trails. Head further north to Katherine, and relax in the thermal hot springs, before stopping at picture-perfect Litchfield National Park to admire the cascading waterfalls and reflective pools.
The Nullarbor, Western Australia to South Australia
Arguably the most epic of all Australian road trips, the Nullarbor Plain is famed for being the longest span of straight road in the world. Not for the faint hearted, this one stretch of road is 146.6 kilometres long, but the distance between Perth and Adelaide is around 3000 kilometres.
The drive will take you past the Great Australian Bight, providing once-in-a-lifetime views of the impressive Bunda Cliffs and the fierce Southern Ocean below.
The vast Nullarbor landscape is home to wild camel herds, wedge-tailed eagles, emus, wombats, and kangaroos.
