Australia, with its vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and iconic landmarks, is a road tripper’s paradise. Traveling by road allows you to immerse yourself in the continent’s natural beauty, vibrant cities, and unique cultures. If you’re looking to embark on the best road trips in Australia with kids, we’ve got you covered. We’ll take you through three exceptional road trips in Australia routes, what to do and see at each stop, and where to find the best eats and accommodations along the way.
The Great Ocean Road: A Coastal Marvel
Route: Melbourne to Adelaide
Distance: Approximately 243 miles (391 kilometers)
Duration: 3 to 5 days
What to Do and See:
1. Melbourne: Kickstart Your Adventure
Must-Visit: Federation Square, Queen Victoria Market, and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Where to Eat: Try local flavors at Hardware Lane or explore the diverse cuisine at Queen Victoria Market.
Where to Stay: The Langham Melbourne for luxury or Melbourne Central YHA for budget travelers.
2. Torquay: Surf Capital
Must-Visit: Surfworld Museum, Bells Beach, and the Great Ocean Road Surf Tours.
Where to Eat: Enjoy seafood at Fisho’s Torquay or casual dining at Frontbeach Taphouse.
Where to Stay: Peppers The Sands Resort for a touch of luxury or Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park for budget options.
3. Great Ocean Road Highlights: Natural Wonders
Must-Visit: The Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps.
Where to Eat: Grab lunch at Port Campbell or Princetown.
Where to Stay: Port Campbell Hostel or Southern Ocean Villas in Port Campbell for a bit of indulgence.
4. Coonawarra: Wine Country
Must-Visit: Coonawarra wineries for wine tasting and Penola’s charming streets.
Where to Eat: Savor fine dining at Fodder or enjoy pub fare at The Royal Oak Hotel.
Where to Stay: Coonawarra Motor Lodge for comfort or Coonawarra Bush Holiday Park for a budget-friendly stay.
5. Adelaide: Journey’s End
Must-Visit: Adelaide Botanic Garden, Art Gallery of South Australia, and Adelaide Oval.
Where to Eat: Explore Adelaide Central Market or dine at Penfolds Magill Estate Restaurant.
Where to Stay: InterContinental Adelaide for luxury or Adelaide Central YHA for budget-conscious travelers.
The Red Centre Way: Discover the Outback
Route: Alice Springs to Uluru
Distance: Approximately 321 miles (517 kilometers)
Duration: 5 to 7 days
What to Do and See:
1. Alice Springs: Gateway to the Outback
Must-Visit: Alice Springs Desert Park, Royal Flying Doctor Service, and Anzac Hill.
Where to Eat: Sample local flavors at Page 27 Cafe or enjoy international cuisine at Hanuman.
Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters for comfort or Alice Springs YHA for budget travelers.
2. West MacDonnell Ranges: Rugged Beauty
Must-Visit: Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, and Ormiston Gorge.
Where to Eat: Pack a picnic or dine in Alice Springs before heading out.
Where to Stay: Glen Helen Homestead Lodge for a rustic experience or camp in the national parks for a more immersive adventure.
3. Kings Canyon: Epic Hikes
Must-Visit: Kings Canyon Rim Walk, Garden of Eden, and Kathleen Springs.
Where to Eat: Dine at Kings Canyon Resort or enjoy a picnic in Watarrka National Park.
Where to Stay: Kings Canyon Resort for comfort or camp at Kings Creek Station for a unique experience.
4. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: Sacred Land
Must-Visit: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), and the Cultural Centre.
Where to Eat: Dine at Ayers Rock Resort’s various restaurants or enjoy a Sounds of Silence dinner.
Where to Stay: Sails in the Desert for luxury or Ayers Rock Campground for budget travelers.
The Pacific Coast: Beaches and Rainforests
Route: Sydney to Brisbane
Distance: Approximately 551 miles (887 kilometers)
Duration: 7 to 10 days
What to Do and See:
1. Sydney: Start in Style
Must-Visit: Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.
Where to Eat: Explore The Rocks or dine at ARIA Sydney for fine dining.
Where to Stay: Park Hyatt Sydney for luxury or Sydney Harbour YHA for budget travelers.
2. Hunter Valley: Wine and Relaxation
Must-Visit: Hunter Valley wineries, Hunter Valley Gardens, and the Hunter Valley Chocolate Company.
Where to Eat: Savor wine country cuisine at Bistro Molines or dine at a winery.
Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley for comfort or Hunter Valley YHA for budget options.
3. Port Stephens: Coastal Delights
Must-Visit: Sandboarding at Stockton Bight, Port Stephens Dolphin Watching, and Tomaree Head Summit Walk.
Where to Eat: Enjoy seafood at Rick Stein at Bannisters or dine at one of the local cafes.
Where to Stay: Anchorage Port Stephens for a touch of luxury or Samurai Beach Bungalows for a budget-friendly stay.
4. Coffs Harbour: Natural Wonders
Must-Visit: The Big Banana, Dorrigo National Park, and the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
Where to Eat: Savor seafood at the Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Co-op or enjoy local flavors at the Pier Hotel.
Where to Stay: Pacific Bay Resort for comfort or Coffs Harbour YHA for budget-conscious travelers.
5. Byron Bay: Beach Bliss
Must-Visit: Byron Bay Lighthouse, Main Beach, and Cape Byron State Conservation Area.
Where to Eat: Explore local eateries in Byron Bay or dine at Three Blue Ducks.
Where to Stay: The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa for luxury or Cape Byron YHA for budget options.
6. Gold Coast: Thrills and Nightlife
Must-Visit: Surfers Paradise, Dreamworld, and Warner Bros. Movie World.
Where to Eat: Explore Surfers Paradise dining options or enjoy seafood at Omeros Bros.
Where to Stay: Palazzo Versace for luxury or Surfers Paradise YHA for budget-conscious travelers.
7. Brisbane: Journey’s End
Must-Visit: South Bank Parklands, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
Where to Eat: Dine at River Quay or explore Brisbane’s vibrant food scene.
Where to Stay: Stamford Plaza Brisbane for comfort or Brisbane City YHA for budget travelers.
These three incredible road trips in Australia offer a taste of the country’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and culinary delights. Whether you choose the coastal marvel of the Great Ocean Road, the rugged beauty of the Red Centre Way, or the beach bliss of the Pacific Coast, each journey promises a tapestry of experiences. From vibrant cities to natural wonders, local flavors to unique accommodations, Australia’s road trip routes have it all. Embarking on the best road trips in Australia is an adventure like no other.
