Last Updated on November 21, 2025
Australia is a country everyone should visit at least once. And when they do, they should definitely embark on a road trip adventure.
Whether that be along the east coast from Sydney up to Cairns, along the west coast from Perth to Broome, or through the guts of the country to Uluru is up to you. However, there is nothing like the feeling and freedom of hitting the open road, with your Spotify playlist blaring and the good vibes rolling!
Roadtripping in Australia is the gift that keeps on giving. To start with, there are over 10,000 beaches you could visit. Additionally, there are more than 600 national parks, as well as 1700 small towns and landmarks. Some with names that would score you a lot of points if allowed in Scrabble. (Fancy a trip to Boomahnoomoonah or Mamungkukumpurangkuntjunya, anyone?)
Given the size of the Great Southern Land, road trips take a bit more planning than you might be used to. This guide will highlight the tips, routes, and essentials that will help you during your travels.
Why Australia Is Perfect for First-Time Road Trippers
Australia is a country built for road trips. Here, some roads extend for over a thousand kilometers, including the fabled Nullarbor and Bruce Highway. Often, you won’t see any other cars on them for significant periods of time!
Whether it’s stunning ocean waters, beautiful bushland, or arid desert, the roads showcase tremendous views. They also bring the promise of something fresh and interesting at every turn. Then, there is the simplicity of it all. On an Australian road trip, you can stop off at a lookout point, a small town, or a rest area whenever you fancy. Time really is of little consequence if you truly embrace the spirit of traveling this way.
That said, if you’re traveling from overseas, for instance, the UK, you might not know what you are getting yourself into. For one, you’ll most probably have to hire a car, which is why you should take heed of this advice for Brits renting a car in Australia before you fly out.
How to Plan Your First Australian Road Trip
Planning your first Australian road trip is half the fun, as there are numerous places to explore. A great idea is to watch numerous YouTube videos, reading relevant blogs, and utilizing Google to aid in your research.
One of the best places to start is to organize the route, and to do this, you’ll need to know what you want to see. This isn’t easy because Australia has plenty of fantastic places you can visit. However, there are some well-worn courses that other road trippers have covered. They include:
- Great Ocean Road
- Grand Pacific Drive
- Pacific Coast
- Nallabor Plain
- Darwin to Uluru
Of course, you don’t have to stick entirely to these routes. You can interchange between them as you see fit. That said, once you have decided where you want to go, you will need to organize your accommodation, work out what sights and attractions you want to see, and factor in transit times between destinations.
You should also consider what time of year you want to go and what your budget should be. This will depend on the route you intend to take, as well as aspects such as the vehicle you will hire, whether you’ll be self-catering, and where you plan to stay.
Hotels are typically the most expensive option, but they arguably provide the highest level of comfort. Conversely, camping can provide an opportunity to save money, although the facilities you have available to you might be rustic in some places.
Should I Rent a Car or Campervan in Australia?
This is a good question, and the answer really does depend on where you want to go. Both cars and campervans are great for road-tripping travels around Australia, and both options are beneficial when you’re short on time and want to get from place to place quicker. That said, campervans are also an option that can provide you with an instant accommodation option, which can save a tidy sum of money.
When you hire a vehicle, it’s a good idea to consult with the rental company to determine the most suitable make and model for your road trip. For example, some dirt roads require a 4WD vehicle, especially during the rainy season. Others, especially those with twisting elevation, might not be suitable for a campervan or caravan to pass through.
Whatever type of vehicle you decide to get, you should always take out insurance to cover you in case of an accident. Here is some further information about rental cars and insurance you might find useful.
What You’ll Need To Take With You
When it comes to packing for your road trip, it pays to be organized. One of the first things to do is pack various clothes that can be worn in layers. This will ensure you can cope with whatever temperatures the weather gods throw at you.
It is also worth taking a well-stocked first-aid kit, a torch, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Camping and cooking gear can be useful while on the road, and it is worthwhile to invest in a good GPS or upgrade your phone coverage. Starlink is a terrific option for when you are in really remote areas.
Be sure also to pack chargers, power banks, and cables, and most importantly, take lots of water, hydralytes and food with you for the trip. Sometimes, the nearest town or petrol station can be a significant distance away. So, it is always best to be prepared.
