How to take a world-class holiday without forking out a fortune for flights? The answer, when you live in Australia, is simple: set aside a week (or two) for one of the breathtakingly beautiful road trips our sunburnt country has to offer.
Road trips are only made better by travelling in style, so if you’re looking to upgrade your drive, we suggest you check out the all-new 7-seater Volvo XC90. It comes equipped with ample storage space and a larger screen, meaning no matter what trip you take – you’re taken care of.
Below, you’ll find five of the most photogenic driving routes every Australian should tick off their list.
1/ Great Ocean Road, VIC
Easily one of the country’s most iconic road trips, the Great Ocean Road hugs the stunning cliffs and coastline past the Twelve Apostles, historic lighthouses, sandy beaches and verdant rainforest. Start from Melbourne and wind your way to the fishing village of Port Fairy, keeping an eye out for roos, koalas and whales (between June and October) along the way. You could do it as a day trip, but it’s better enjoyed across three.
2/ Great Eastern Drive, TAS
Spend five awe-inspiring days traversing the east coast of Tasmania, from Hobart to the jaw-droppingly beautiful Bay of Fires. This trip is all about dips at pristine beaches, national park hikes and food, food, food (and wine). You’ll pass the famous Wineglass Bay in Freycinet National Park, sample fresher-than-fresh seafood and spot wildlife along the way.
3/ Red Centre Way, NT
Prepare to cover close to 700-kilometres on this five-day outback adventure, which takes you from Alice Springs all the way to Uluru via highlights like the Kings Canyon and West MacDonnell Ranges. Swim in ancient watering holes, marvel at amazing waterfalls and see Aboriginal rock art, mulga forest, dramatic gorges and more as you drive through Australia’s striking red desert sands.
4/ Great Barrier Reef Drive, QLD
Experience postcard-perfect far north Queensland by spending a week road tripping from Cairns all the way up to Cape Tribulation. The drive soaks up stunning views out to the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea; use the equally photogenic Port Douglas as your base for a day or two to explore the reef, before visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites Mossman Gorge and the Daintree.
5/ Ningaloo Reef, WA
Spanning 260-kilometres, UNESCO World Heritage listed Ningaloo is the world’s largest fringing reef – and in parts it’s mere metres from the shore. Take around 10 days to explore it fully, stopping along at private beaches for swimming and snorkeling (Gnaraloo Bay, Coral Bay and Turquoise Bay are divine). From March to July, you can swim with the gigantic whale sharks that visit each year.
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