9 Best Scenic Drives In Australia

Explore the red continent of Australia by taking a drive along one of the many scenic roads that the country has to offer. From beautiful coastlines to the beauty of the rugged outback, taking a road trip in Australia will offer visitors stunning views of the picturesque great outback. So if you’re looking for a bit of adventure consider taking a cruise along one of the scenic roads. These listed routes are considered some of the best in Australia.

1. Cape York to Brisbane

An absolutely gorgeous drive to take if visiting Australia is the road from Cairns to Brisbane. This road is one of the more popular and famous for many reasons. Numerous popular beaches and islands dot this coastal route.

This road will take you past the picturesque islands of Whitsunday and Frase. You will also get to see Mission Beach and Cape Tribulation. One of the highlights of driving this route is that this road will also take you to the famed Great Barrier Reef. This road is chocked full of attractions and scenic landscapes along the route.

2. Great Alpine Road, Victoria

The Great Alpine Road stretches a full 188-miles long and is one of Australia’s most accessible roads. Taking a drive along this highly tracked road will reward you with amazing views of the majestic Australian Alps surrounded by beautiful forests.

You can snap a picture of some of the gorgeous historic towns that you’ll pass through along the way. As you encounter the green rolling hills of farmland and landscaped vineyards, you will see why the Great Alpine Road is considered to be one of the best scenic drives in Australia.

3. The Coral Coast

Taking a drive on the Coral Coast from Perth to Broome is a great way to see a side of the country that is less traveled. Unlike the eastern coast, the western coast sees fewer visitors on road trips and is less touristy and a lot more laid-back.

You can see the landscapes dramatic switch from the dry desert to the turquoise waters of the ocean. As you drive past a number of beautiful national parks and stunning beaches you’ll also see the untouched and undeveloped land of the great Australian outback.

4. Tasmania Loop

The island of Tasmania is a beautiful place that demands its own allotment of time to explore when visiting Australia. One of the most scenic drives as well as the best way to see the island is by driving the Tasmania Loop that goes around the entire island.

Along your drive, you will come across multiple national parks and bays such as Wineglass Bay, Port Arthur, Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park and historic Hobart to name a few. You can easily spend several weeks exploring the island of Tasmania, however, the circle can be completed in just a matter of days.

5. Savannah Way

This highly scenic route passes through 15 national parks and five World Heritage sites. Connecting Broome and Cairns, this drive cuts through from one side of the country to the other. Some of Australia’s most impressive and wild landscapes can be seen driving this route.

By driving this road, you will have access to get to Australia’s northern savannahs. You’ll also have plenty of chances to learn about Australia’s history and the culture of the Aborigines in the region.

6. Sydney to the South Coast

The Grand Pacific Drive is an 87-mile stretch of road that starts in Sydney and continues to Kiama. This New South Wales coastal drive is considered by many to be Australia’s most scenic coastal drive. Beginning in The Royal National Park, the Grand Pacific Drive includes crossing the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.

Towards the end of the drive, you have a number of places to stop for more amazing coastal scenic views. Some popular spots to check out are Jervis Bay and Hyams Beach, Eden, and Bateman Bay. Also, you can see the kangaroos that hang out at Pebbly Beach.

7. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of the best drives and is certain to make any list of best scenic drives in Australia. A drive between Torquay and Warrnambool is quite rewarding with its beautiful scenic views.

However, during the summer months, the drive can be rather sluggish with the massive influx of tourists and visitors all wanting to take in the amazing views. With the beautiful islands that dot this coastal drive, you may find yourself having a problem putting your camera down.

8. Flinders Ranges, South Australia

You will be hard pressed to find anything but pure beauty when you take a drive to Flinders. This area of the southern outback has more than a few views that are extraordinarily beautiful and picturesque.

While there, take a drive on Moralana Scenic Drive, Brachina Gorge Road or Blinman-Parachilna Road. These roads offer some of the best scenic drives in all Australia. Although you could really use an off road vehicle, it’s not required to take advantage of the amazing views. No matter the road, a drive along Flinders Ranges will not disappoint.

9. Great Barrier Reef Drive

The Great Barrier Reef Drive may not be the longest road but it does offer some stunning scenery. The road is 87-mile and connects Cairns to Cape Tribulation. The road actually sits between the Daintree Rain Forest and the Great Barrier Reef. Along the way, you will pass some amazing beaches and the beautiful coastal town of Port Douglas. With gorgeous views of the coastline blending into rain forests you get really picturesque landscapes and a beautiful scenic drive.

Taking a trip to Australia and going on a road trip is a great way to see the scenery. There are a number of roads that you can drive to experience some of the best scenic drives in Australia. Offering a wide range of picturesque landscape and beautiful coastlines, Australia is a great place to explore to see some amazing scenery.

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