7 of the best Australian road trips for families

Australia is a country rich with vast and diverse landscapes. From desert plains and rolling rural hills to coastlines, cities, rainforests, and everything in between, Australia has it all. One of the best ways to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Australia is a road trip across every state and territory. We’ve compiled a selection of the best road trips for families in Australia. Read on and prepare to be inspired.

Queensland road trip: Cairns to Cape York

Travel time: 7-10 days

Show the kiddies what adventure really looks like with a Cape York odyssey: creek crossings, croc-infested waters, monsoonal wet seasons and lush rainforest brimming with elusive wildlife (think tree kangaroos and cassowaries) are just the very beginning.

The route: The only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – exist side by side. The 1,200-kilometre track begins at Cairns and ends at Australia’s most northern point, aka ‘The Tip’.

Don’t miss: Taking a dip at stunning (and croc-free) Fruit Bat Falls. It’s one of the very few waterholes you can actually swim in along the way.

Driving tip: This scenic route is an off-roading nirvana – a 4WD, spare tyre and extra toilet roll (or 10) are a must.

Where to stay: Roughing it is the name of the game up here. Enjoy some bush camping before indulging in a hot shower at the beachfront Cape York Camping Punsand Bay.

The route: The only place on Earth where two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest – exist side by side. The 1,200-kilometre track begins at Cairns and ends at Australia’s most northern point, aka ‘The Tip’.

Don’t miss: Taking a dip at stunning (and croc-free) Fruit Bat Falls. It’s one of the very few waterholes you can actually swim in along the way.

Driving tip: This scenic route is an off-roading nirvana – a 4WD, spare tyre and extra toilet roll (or 10) are a must.

Where to stay: Roughing it is the name of the game up here. Enjoy some bush camping before indulging in a hot shower at the beachfront Cape York Camping Punsand Bay.

Western Australia road trip: Great South West Edge

Travel time: 10-12 days

The southwestern corner of WA has it all, and more. Encompassing undulating farmland, ancient forests, world-class wineries and sheltered swimming bays. As well as fields of wildflowers and pods of dolphins frolicking offshore.

The route: Traversing a hefty 1,200 kilometres from Perth to Esperance along the Great South West Edge. This family road trip route showcases the very best of Margaret River, Denmark, Albany and Busselton.

Don’t miss A beach photo-op with the kangaroo residents at Lucky Bay.

Driving tip: If you’re not short on time, circle back to Perth via Hyden to check out the weather-sculpted Wave Rock.

Where to stay: St Mary Inlet, Moingup Springs and Boranup are just three of countless back-to-nature campsites in the region.

Nullarbor Plain – South Australia to Western Australia

Travel time: 4-6 days

Got a thing for wide, open spaces? Set your sights on the legendary – and (almost) treeless – Nullarbor Plain. First impressions (that it’s flat and empty) aside, there’s bundles to see and do. You’ll spot bountiful wildlife (emus, kangaroos, dingoes, camels and falcons, just to name a few) and explore an enigmatic collection of caves or tee off at the world’s longest golf course.

The route: Over a minimum of four days you’ll cross three-time zones. At 1,675 kilometres, the Nullarbor Plain is the longest stretch of straight road anywhere in the world. It’s a two-lane bitumen highway between the Eyre Peninsula and the WA border.

Don’t miss: Standing atop the remarkable Bunda Cliffs. The cliffs drop spectacularly into the Southern Ocean below and offer a great vantage spot to spy passing whales.

Driving tip: While the road may be sealed, it is very much off the beaten track. Make sure you fuel up and pack some extra water.

Where to stay: Take your pick of motels attached to roadhouses or numerous caravan parks with campsites. Be sure to spend a night in the historical shearers’ quarters at Fraser Range Station.

South Australia road trip: The Seafood Frontier

Travel time: 5-7 days

When it comes to Aussie seaside drives, the Great Ocean Road is always front of mind. But if you’ve been there and done that – or don’t fancy fighting the traffic – head to the Eyre Peninsula. Here, you will encounter a string of deserted beaches, an abundance of seafood and oceanic encounters – fancy swimming with sea lions or great whites?

The route:  The Seafood Frontier stretches 700 kilometres from Whyalla to Ceduna via Port Lincoln, with a long list of side trips.

Don’t miss:  Plucking oysters straight from the sea at Coffin Bay, snorkelling among the changing colours of Whyalla’s giant cuttlefish during their migration, sandboarding at Gunyah Beach and discovering the jaw-dropping caves of Talia Beach.

Driving tip: Combine this journey with the Nullarbor Plain for an epic adventure through the Great Australian Bight

Where to stay: Beachside campsites are scattered along the coastline. Or treat yourself to a deluxe cabin at BIG4 Ceduna Tourist Park or Discovery Parks – Streaky Bay Foreshore.

Read the story below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in South Australia

The best South Australia road trips from Adelaide

Victoria road trip: Great Ocean Road

Travel time: 3 days

Simply put, the Great Ocean Road is a rite of passage for Aussie families, with its koala-filled canopies, ace surf breaks, pretty seaside towns, crashing waves of the Southern Ocean and, of course, those striking 12 Apostles (of which there are now eight).

The route: Perhaps the most famous road trip on the list. The Great Ocean Road stretches 243 kilometres along Victoria’s southern coast, from Torquay to Allansford.

Don’t miss: Pit stops at Gibson Steps, Loch Ard Gorge and the rainforests of Great Otway National Park.

Driving tip: Driving one way? Start in Torquay so that you are always on the ocean side of the road.

Where to stay: Nestled beside Anglesea River and Surf Beach, Anglesea Family Caravan Park offers water fun galore right on your doorstep – and you can bring your pooch along, too.

Read the story below for our top picks of the best road trips for families in Victoria

The best road trips in Victoria from Melbourne

What is the best road trip in the world?

According to recent research compiled by CarMats.co.uk, The Savannah Way from Queensland to Western Australia is the best road trip in the world. It spans 3700km and takes around three-to-four weeks to complete. With high temperatures, minimal rainfall, an abundance of national parks and the dramatic landscapes of the outback, this route has all the ingredients you need to create the perfect road trip recipe. Sightsee some of Australia’s most recognised wildlife, such as crocodiles, wallabies and even wild horses on your trip, or engage with the indigenous history of the area, with numerous communities and ancient rock art sites dotted throughout the route.

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Australian family accommodation