Australia is a road tripper’s dream, offering diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you’re chasing rugged coastlines, world-class beaches, or gourmet food and wine, there’s a route to match every traveller’s passion.
To determine which road trips offer the ultimate experiences for travellers, we analysed 40 of Australia’s most popular routes, evaluating them based on the number of campsites, hiking trails, viewpoints, beaches, and national parks along the way. Each amenity was assigned a score out of 10 reflecting the abundance of choices, which was then averaged out to determine an overall score.
We also explored the best road trips for foodies, focusing on the routes with the most recommendations and the greatest culinary variety. Plus, we’ve included some of our favourite al fresco recipes to ensure you’re well-fed no matter where your journey takes you.
The best road trips across Australia
While every corner of Australia has its own unique charm, these road trips capture the very best the country has to offer - delivering the ultimate Aussie adventure. And whether you are part of the 43% that reckon snags belong on the barbie, or part of the 32% who would rather sizzle up some bacon on the stove, there are plenty of spots along the way to pull up, fire up, and get cooking on your adventures.
1. Perth to Kalbarri National Park
Located along Western Australia’s stunning coastline, the Perth to Kalbarri National Park road trip is an outdoor lover’s dream. Picture powdery white beaches, fields of wildflowers, and cliffs so dramatic they look straight out of a movie. This route feels like a living postcard at every turn, and scores 10/10 for its number of camping spots, national parks, and beaches. And, with hiking trails there scoring a solid 9/10, it’s ideal for adventurers craving an active getaway.
Kick things off in Perth, a city basking in more sunlight hours than any other in Australia, where you can explore its unique wildlife before hitting the road. Around the halfway mark, make time for Jurien Bay - perfect for snorkeling in turquoise waters and camping under the stars at Sandy Bay Recreation Park. Don’t miss the chance to spot the playful sea lions while you’re there. Just before reaching Kalbarri, stop at the surreal Hutt Lagoon Pink Lake for a once-in-a-lifetime view. And the final destination? Kalbarri National Park is a masterpiece of nature—complete with time-carved canyons, the iconic Nature’s Window, and epic coastal gorges. But what really makes this road trip unbeatable is the laid-back vibe, endless natural beauty, and countless spots to pull over, fire up the grill, and savor the moment. If you fancy cooking up a storm, Lucky Bay Campground is just 30 minutes south of Kalbarri and allows campfires within a portable, self-contained vessel, making it the perfect spot to set up your portable pizza oven.
2. Sydney to Byron Bay Coastal Drive
The Sydney to Byron Bay Coastal Drive is great for those looking for variety within their trip. This iconic route scores a perfect 10/10 for its breathtaking beaches and epic hiking trails with campsites also scoring a 9.5 - a perfect route for beach bums and adventure seekers alike. It’s a journey where you can surf at sunrise, hike through lush rainforests by midday, and unwind around a campfire under the stars.
Starting in Sydney, the bustling harbor city, you’ll quickly find yourself cruising past golden beaches like Palm Beach and Shelly Beach. Make sure to stop at Port Stephens to kayak with dolphins or climb the Tomaree Head Summit for panoramic coastal views.
Further along, you’ll hit the stunning Coffs Coast, home to the Big Banana (a road trip rite of passage) and plenty of pristine beaches to explore. As you near Byron Bay, the vibe shifts into full-blown relaxation mode. With its iconic lighthouse walk, world-class surf spots, and chilled-out atmosphere, Byron Bay is the perfect finale to this unforgettable road trip.
3. The Legendary Pacific Coast
The Legendary Pacific Coast road trip truly lives up to its name - legendary in every sense of the word. Extending beyond Sydney to Byron Bay Coastal Drive and finishing in the vibrant city of Brisbane, this route offers a perfect mix of bustling cities and natural beauty. Scoring an impressive 9.5 for its national parks, highlights include Wyrrabalong National Park and Dorrigo National Park, both located around the halfway mark. Wyrrabalong is ideal for dolphin spotting, while Dorrigo’s ancient Gondwana rainforests invite you to hike beneath cascading waterfalls. To fuel yourself for adventure, you can follow the Pacific Highway north from Sydney, exit at Kew, and find your way to Crowdy Bay National Park. Here, you will find Diamond Head Campground, where visitors can bring off-the-ground braziers to cook up a feast. Just don’t forget to bring your own firewood!
While viewpoints score a modest 5.5/10, this is the highest rating within the top ten road trips, and Seal Rocks Lookout is an absolute standout. Here, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, and if you’re lucky, catch sight of migrating whales.
4. Great Sunshine Way
The Great Sunshine Way is a sun-drenched road trip beginning and ending in Brisbane, offering a stunning showcase of some of Queensland's coastal gems. With a respectable 8/10 for camping, one standout spot is the award-winning Cotton Tree Holiday Park near Maroochydore, where waterfront campsites let you fall asleep to the sound of the waves and BBQ facilities mean you can grill fresh seafood whilst watching the sunset.
Beaches, however, are the true highlight of this route, scoring an impressive 9/10. Noosa Main Beach, with its golden sands and calm waters perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, is a must-visit, as is the iconic Surfers Paradise. Be sure to explore Noosa National Park’s scenic coastal trails - equipped with plenty of picnic spots with BBQ facilities - and treat yourself on bustling Hastings Street. Before heading back to Brisbane, venture to K’gari (Fraser Island) to hike the breathtaking Cathedral Cliffs and camp right on the beach.
5. Pacific Coast Way
If the Great Sunshine Way doesn’t quite satisfy your appetite for adventure, the Pacific Coast Way, also starting in Brisbane, offers a journey that spans nearly the entire coast of Queensland. One of the route’s standout stops is the stunning Whitsundays, earning the trip an impressive 9.5/10 for beaches. The iconic Whitehaven Beach, with its pristine white sand and turquoise waters, is an absolute must-visit. Make sure to pack a gas stove or pizza oven, as it offers the ultimate picnic spot.
Near the northern end of the route, less than an hour from Cairns, lies the world-famous Great Barrier Reef - perfect for those seeking a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Hiking enthusiasts will also be spoiled with the route’s 9/10 trail score, featuring gems like the Conway Circuit, a breathtaking trek through lush rainforests with panoramic coastal views. While campsites score a more modest 5/10, what they lack in quantity, they make up for in quality—Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park, for instance, offers the incredible experience of waking up alongside kangaroos on the beach. And for rum lovers, a visit to Bundaberg’s iconic rum distillery is a must-add to the itinerary.
The best states for road trips in Australia
Western Australia takes the crown as Australia’s best state for road trips, with nearly half of the top ten routes calling it home, including the first-place Perth to Kalbarri National Park drive. The state offers an unbeatable mix of experiences, from serene coastal drives to rugged outback adventures, showcasing breathtaking natural wonders like the turquoise waters of Esperance, the red cliffs of the Kimberley, and unique stops like Ningaloo Reef. Its remote charm means fewer crowds, endless camping spots beneath star-studded skies, and plenty of opportunities for outback cooking. With something extraordinary around every corner, Western Australia is a true paradise for road trippers.
Queensland and New South Wales also shine as road-tripping hotspots, each featuring routes that appear in four of the top ten drives. Renowned for their stunning golden and white-sand beaches—like those in the Whitsundays, Gold Coast, and Byron Bay—these states perfectly blend natural beauty with urban energy, thanks to their vibrant capital cities, Brisbane and Sydney. Iconic drives such as the Sydney to Byron Bay Coastal Drive and The Legendary Pacific Coast span across both states, delivering the ultimate coastal adventure.
The ultimate foodie road trips across Australia
For foodies and wine lovers, Australia’s road trips are as much about the flavours as the views. So, to balance out the outdoor cooking, we’ve created a list of the best road trips to satisfy your taste buds.
Perth to Margaret River Wine Region
The road trip spanning from Perth to the Margaret River Wine Region is a food and wine lover’s dream, blending world-class vineyards with stunning coastal scenery. Margaret River, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions, is home to over 200 wineries that serve up exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
The list of must-visits includes Vasse Felix, one of the region's first vineyards with a rich history and standout wines; Leeuwin Estate, known for its Art Series wine labels and gourmet lunches overlooking serene meadows framed by majestic karri trees; Voyager Estate, an immersive experience that means tasting wine straight from the barrel; and, Aravine Estate, a family-friendly spot something for everyone. With the route starting in Perth, it is a great opportunity to try their Asian and Mediterranean-infused foods from the likes of Le Vietnam, My Bayon, and Rusty Fig - some of the highest-rated restaurants in the city.
The Legendary Pacific Coast
The Legendary Pacific Coast not only offers stunning views and unforgettable adventures but also delivers a culinary journey to remember. Sydney’s vibrant food scene is a feast for the senses, where world-class cuisine meets spectacular harbor views—seafood lovers shouldn’t miss the freshly shucked oysters whilst lovers of fine dining should check out restaurants like Quay and Aria, which are both rated 4.5 stars on Google.
For a taste of local flavours, Byron Bay shines with its farmer’s markets and fresh artisan goods. The true culinary highlight, however, lies in the Hunter Valley, where you can indulge in fine dining at acclaimed restaurants like Muse and EXP, paired with the region’s signature Semillon wines at its renowned vineyards.
Tasmanian Loop
Just off the mainland, Tasmania is a food lover’s paradise, celebrated for its exceptional seafood, meats, cheeses, and wines. For a true taste of the island, explore the Northwest Tasting Trail between Launceston and Smithton, where you'll discover some of Tasmania’s finest local produce. Winter visitors can dive into black truffle season with a truffle hunting experience, while those seeking something different can detour to 41° South Tasmania and Georgie’s Cafe for a self-guided salmon farm tour and mouthwatering hot-smoked salmon - earning it a rating of 4.4 on Google.
In the south, Hobart’s iconic Salamanca Market offers fresh local produce and gourmet delights with a vibrant atmosphere. The highly rated Fico and Templo both serve up Italian-inspired dishes, bringing a Tasmanian twist to your favourite comfort food.
For cider and wine enthusiasts, a visit to the Huon Valley—just 30 minutes from Hobart—is a must, where fresh apples, craft ciders, and cool-climate wines await.
Barossa Valley Wine Trail
The Barossa Valley Wine Trail takes you through two of Australia’s premier wine regions—the Barossa Valley, famous for its bold and smooth Shiraz, and the Clare Valley, renowned for its crisp and elegant Rieslings. For a truly unforgettable experience, soar over the vineyards in a hot air balloon and take in the stunning landscapes where your favourite wines are crafted.
The region is also a haven for food lovers, offering artisanal cheeses, fresh local ingredients, and indulgent dining at acclaimed restaurants like Hentley Farm and Appellation, which rate a 4.8 and 4.5 on Google, respectively. Don’t miss a visit to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop to sample local produce or join a hands-on cooking class.
The rise of cooking al fresco
Making the most of food on your road trip isn't just about fine dining or famous vineyards - it’s also about the simple joy of cooking local produce by your tent. Al fresco dining transforms meals into immersive experiences, whether it’s grilling fresh seafood by the beach, enjoying a vineyard picnic, or a cosy campsite cookout under the stars. It’s the perfect way to connect with your surroundings, savour local flavours, and elevate your adventure.
And, with millions of TikTok videos tagged ‘campfire cooking’, it’s clear that outdoor cooking is booming. Many content creators are making gourmet cooking videos outdoors with beautiful scenery as a backdrop, and the rest of the world is catching on. Because of this recent boom in outdoor cooking, we shared our favourite recipes that are perfect for cooking al fresco as they’re pretty easy to whip up with limited resource, so you can make the most of your road trip picnics:
- Marinara Pizza - This delicious and easy-to-prepare pizza is ready in just fifteen minutes, perfect for when you’re hungry after a long day of exploring. With only two main ingredients (plus seasonings), this one is as easy to make out in the woods as it is delicious.
- Upside Down Pizza - A fun and flavorful twist on classic pizza, baked with all the cheesy, saucy goodness on the bottom and flipped for the ultimate crispy bite! All you need is dough, tinned tomatoes, cheese and some flavourful seasonings to get started, making it the perfect option for outdoor adventures.
- Steak Sandwich - This recipe combines juicy, sizzling steak layered with bold flavours and served in a toasted bun. This is an outdoor feast that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible.
- Pesto Pizza - A classic bursting with garlicky basil pesto, gooey cheese, and crisp, golden crust, perfect for al fresco summer cooking. Again, a perfect option for convenience when cooking “off the beaten path”, with ingredients you can prepare beforehand and a delicious taste.
- One Tray Breakfast - This is a hearty, hassle-free breakfast cooked all in one tray, perfect for a breakfast of champions on your camping trip. And with sausages revealed to be the number one choice for Brits when cooking a meal outdoors, with nearly half saying this is their favourite, this recipe is sure to be a hit when you’re huddled by a campfire at sunrise!
Sources and Methodology
To find out which road trips in Australia are the best, we put together a seed list of the 40 most popular routes across the country. Using Google Maps, we then ranked these routes based on:
- Number of campsites available along the route
- Number of hiking trails available along the route
- Number of beaches available along the route
- Number of national parks available along the route
- Number of viewpoints available along the route
Each metric was capped at 20, and was therefore allocated a score out of 10 based on how many recommendations were provided.
To find out the best road trips for foodies, desk research was conducted to find those with the best food hotspots and vineyards. Those with the most recommendations or largest variety of food and drink-based activities were ranked the highest.
