Australia’s 10 Best Scenic Drives You Have to Experience
Australia is a land made for road trips. With its vast landscapes, dramatic coastlines and wide open roads, there’s no better way to soak in the country’s natural beauty than behind the wheel. Whether you’re cruising through rolling hills, oceansides or red desert plains, every journey brings a new postcard-worthy view. In this blog, we’ve rounded up some of Australia’s most breathtaking scenic drives. These are routes that aren’t just about getting from A to B, but about making the journey itself unforgettable. So fuel up, pack your camera and get ready to explore the best drives Australia has to offer.
1) Great Ocean Road (Lorne to Apollo Bay, Victoria)
The stretch of the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Apollo Bay is a captivating 44-kilometre drive that showcases some of Victoria’s most stunning coastal scenery. As you wind along this section, you’ll be treated to sweeping ocean views, towering cliffs and lush greenery that spills down to the shore. Highlights include the tranquil Erskine Falls near Lorne and the peaceful Great Otway National Park, where ancient trees and cascading waterfalls invite exploration.
2) Great Alpine Road (Victoria)
The Great Alpine Road is Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road, stretching around 339 kilometres from Wangaratta in the north-east to the coastal town of Bairnsdale. This breathtaking drive takes you through a diverse range of landscapes - from the rolling vineyards of King Valley to the historic gold-mining town of Beechworth and the alpine peaks of Mount Hotham. In winter, the mountains come alive with snow sports, while in summer, the region transforms into a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Towns like Bright and Omeo brim with country charm and offer cosy stops along the way.
3) Tasman Peninsula Loop (Tasmania)
The Tasman Peninsula Loop is a captivating drive that showcases the wild beauty, dramatic coastlines, and rich history of southeastern Tasmania. Starting from Hobart and going through the stunning Tasman National Park, this route spans around 295 kilometres and can easily be done as a day trip or a leisurely weekend escape. Along the way, you’ll witness some of Australia’s most impressive natural formations, including the Blowhole, Tasman Arch, and the towering sea cliffs of Cape Hauy. The drive also offers a deep dive into the past with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site, where Tasmania’s convict history comes to life.
4) Gibb River Road (Western Australia)
The Gibb River Road is one of Australia’s most legendary 4WD adventures, cutting through the remote heart of the Kimberley region in Western Australia. Stretching approximately 660 kilometres from Derby to Kununurra, this rugged track offers access to some of the most spectacular and untouched landscapes in the country. Along the route, travellers can explore towering gorges like Windjana, Bell, and Manning, swim in crystal-clear waterholes, and camp under vast outback skies. The journey is also rich in Aboriginal culture, with ancient rock art sites and traditional lands scattered throughout the region. While the road demands a well-prepared vehicle and a sense of adventure, the rewards are immense. This is raw, wild Australia at its finest.
5) Grand Pacific Drive (New South Wales)
The Grand Pacific Drive is a spectacular coastal journey that stretches around 140 kilometres from Sydney to the Shoalhaven region, offering a perfect mix of sea views, rainforests, and charming seaside towns. The route winds through the Royal National Park (the world’s second-oldest), the beachside town of Thirroul, and vibrant Wollongong, before continuing south to Kiama and its famous blowhole. With opportunities for surfing, hiking and hang gliding or paragliding if you’re into that, the Grand Pacific Drive delivers a relaxed yet visually dramatic experience that’s ideal for a weekend escape or a scenic day trip out of Sydney.
6) Sea Cliff Bridge Loop (New South Wales)
Spanning about 10 kilometres, this loop takes you over the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge - a curved, elevated roadway that hugs the cliffs and stretches out over the Pacific Ocean, offering panoramic views of crashing waves and rugged coastline. The drive winds through the charming towns of Coalcliff and Clifton, where you can stop for a coastal walk, a beachside picnic, or a coffee with an ocean view. Nested just south of Sydney, it’s perfect for a quick escape from the city.
7) Dandenong Ranges Scenic Drive (Victoria)
The Dandenong Ranges Scenic Drive is a peaceful and picturesque route winding through lush forests just an hour’s drive from Melbourne. Stretching about 45 kilometres, this drive takes you through towering mountain ash trees and fern gullies. Along the way, you can stop to explore highlights such as the iconic Puffing Billy steam train, the tranquil Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens, or the lookout points offering sweeping views over the Yarra Valley and Melbourne skyline.
8) Margaret River Wine Route (Western Australia)
The Margaret River Wine Route is a delightful scenic drive of about 80 kilometres through one of Australia’s premier wine regions in Western Australia’s southwest. This route winds through rolling vineyards, ancient forests, and picturesque farmland, offering endless opportunities to sample world-class wines, gourmet foods, and craft brews. The route also offers access to stunning beaches, towering limestone caves, and rugged coastline for everyone else.
9) Tamborine Mountain Circuit (Queensland)
The Tamborine Mountain Circuit is a scenic 35-kilometre drive through the lush rainforest and charming villages of the Gold Coast hinterland. This loop takes you along winding roads lined with ancient trees, vibrant gardens, and stunning lookouts that offer panoramic views over the coastline and hinterland below. Nature lovers will enjoy walking trails through rainforests, visiting waterfalls, or exploring the Tamborine National Park.
10) Pacific Coast Drive (New South Wales to Queensland)
Probably the most iconic and well travelled route, The Pacific Coast Drive is a sun-soaked journey that takes you from Sydney to Brisbane, weaving through some of Australia’s most beloved coastal towns and beaches. Spanning roughly 900 kilometres, this route offers a perfect blend of surf culture, natural beauty and relaxed holiday vibes. Highlights include the sparkling shores of Port Stephens, the lush hinterlands of Coffs Harbour, and the iconic lighthouse at Byron Bay - the easternmost point of mainland Australia. Whether you’re chasing waves, soaking in spectacular views, or just a relaxing road trip, the Pacific Coast Drive is a quintessential Australian coastal experience.
Conclusion
Australia’s scenic drives offer an incredible way to experience the country’s diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines and alpine forests to vast deserts and tropical savannahs. These drives not only showcase Australia’s natural beauty but also invite you to connect with local culture, history, and unique communities along the way. So, next time you’re planning a getaway, consider hitting the road to explore these unforgettable scenic drives—you’re guaranteed memories that will last a lifetime.
