Exploring Australia: The Top 20 Destinations for Your Ultimate Road Trip

Australia is a vast and beautiful country, filled with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage. One of the best ways to explore this vast and diverse land is by taking a road trip. Australia offers a vast network of roads, many of which are well-maintained and offer easy access to some of the country’s most stunning scenery.

Because of the distance between locations, there is no better way to undertake a road trip in Australia than in a campervan. A campervan hire provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, and with a little planning, you can create an unforgettable adventure that will be the envy of your friends.

To help you make the most of your road trip in Australia, we have compiled a list of the top 20 unmissable locations. Each of these destinations offers something unique and will provide memories that will last a lifetime.

Great Ocean Road

Stretching along the southern coast of Victoria, the Great Ocean Road is one of the most iconic road trip destinations in Australia. This 243-kilometer-long scenic drive offers breathtaking ocean views, towering cliffs, and unique rock formations. One of the most famous attractions along the route is the Twelve Apostles, a series of limestone stacks that rise majestically out of the ocean. Other must-see sights include the Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and the Gibson Steps.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Located in the heart of Australia, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is one of the most culturally significant places in the country. Home to the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), this national park is a sacred place for the Anangu people and offers incredible scenery and cultural experiences. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the local Indigenous culture, take a walk around the base of Uluru, or watch the sunrise or sunset over the iconic rock formation.

Fraser Island

Located off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and a natural wonderland of pristine beaches, crystal-clear lakes, and dense rainforests. Visitors can explore the island by four-wheel drive, swim in the freshwater lakes, or take a scenic flight over the island to see the stunning scenery from above.

Kakadu National Park

Located in the Northern Territory, Kakadu is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park that is home to an abundance of wildlife and offers incredible landscapes, including ancient rock art and stunning waterfalls. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the local Indigenous culture, take a boat ride on the Yellow Water Billabong to spot crocodiles and other wildlife, or take a hike to the top of Gunlom Falls for panoramic views of the park.

The Kimberley

The Kimberley region in Western Australia is a vast and remote wilderness area that offers rugged landscapes, towering gorges, and stunning waterfalls. Visitors can explore the region by four-wheel drive, take a scenic helicopter flight to see the stunning landscapes from above, or go on a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline and spot marine life such as dolphins and whales.

The Great Barrier Reef

One of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef is a vast and colourful underwater paradise that is home to a vast array of marine life. Visitors can take a snorkelling or scuba diving tour to explore the colourful coral reefs and spot marine life such as turtles, rays, and tropical fish. Other popular activities include sailing, kayaking, and taking a scenic flight over the reef to see its stunning beauty from above.

The Whitsundays

A group of 74 islands off the coast of Queensland, the Whitsundays offer white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and an abundance of marine life. Visitors can take a sailing tour to explore the stunning islands, go snorkelling or scuba diving to explore the colourful coral reefs, or simply relax on one of the many beautiful beaches.

The Daintree Rainforest

Located in Far North Queensland, the Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and is home to an incredible array of wildlife and plant species. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the local Indigenous culture, go on a rainforest walk to spot rare birds and animals, or take a river cruise to explore the stunning mangrove forests and spot crocodiles and other wildlife.

Blue Mountains National Park

Located just a short drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. The park offers a diverse range of attractions, from towering cliffs and deep valleys to cascading waterfalls and dense forests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The Three Sisters is a popular rock formation that is iconic to the park and offers breathtaking views of the valley. Visitors can also explore the Jenolan Caves, one of the world’s oldest and most impressive cave systems.

The Nullarbor

The Nullarbor Plain is a vast and barren landscape that stretches for over 1,200 kilometres between South and Western Australia. The name “Nullarbor” means “no trees,” and visitors will be struck by the vast open spaces and stark beauty of the area. Along the way, visitors can spot kangaroos, emus, and other wildlife, and there are plenty of roadside stops and lookout points to take in the scenery. One of the most popular attractions is the Bunda Cliffs, which offer stunning views of the Great Australian Bight.

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Located in Tasmania, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park offers stunning alpine scenery, ancient rainforests, and pristine lakes. Visitors can explore the park’s many hiking trails, which range from short walks to multi-day treks, including the popular Overland Track. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Tasmanian devils, wombats, and wallabies. Visitors can stay in one of the park’s lodges or campsites and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and starry nights. With its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor activities, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a must-visit destination for any road trip through Tasmania.

The Great Alpine Road

The Great Alpine Road winds its way through the mountains of Victoria and offers stunning scenery, charming towns, and an abundance of outdoor activities. The road stretches from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale, and visitors can enjoy driving through the picturesque countryside, stopping at wineries and local cafes along the way. There are also plenty of hiking trails and outdoor activities, including skiing, mountain biking, and fishing. The Alpine National Park is a highlight of the road, offering rugged mountain landscapes and stunning vistas.

The Gippsland Lakes

The Gippsland Lakes are a network of lakes, lagoons, and rivers in Victoria and are the largest inland waterway system in Australia. The area is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and water sports, and visitors can also enjoy hiking and wildlife spotting in the surrounding bushland. The Lakes Entrance is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing, while the nearby town of Metung offers a range of restaurants, cafes, and art galleries.

The Barossa Valley

Located in South Australia, the Barossa Valley is Australia’s premier wine region and offers a range of vineyards, wineries, and cellar doors to explore. Visitors can sample some of the country’s best wines, as well as enjoy the stunning scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns. The Barossa is also home to a range of gourmet food experiences, from artisanal cheeses and locally made chocolates to fine dining restaurants.

The Grampians

The Grampians is a mountain range in Victoria that offers rugged landscapes, towering cliffs, and stunning waterfalls, as well as an abundance of hiking trails. Visitors can explore the many hiking trails, taking in the breathtaking views from lookouts such as the Balconies and the Pinnacle. The Grampians is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and emus.

The Flinders Ranges

Located in South Australia, the Flinders Ranges offer stunning landscapes, unique geological formations, and an abundance of wildlife. The region is home to the impressive Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheatre of mountains that offers stunning views and incredible hiking trails. Visitors can explore the region’s rugged landscapes, take a scenic drive through the mountains, and learn about the area’s rich Aboriginal history and culture.

The Murray River

The Murray River is Australia’s longest river, winding its way through multiple states and offering stunning scenery, great fishing, and a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the river on a houseboat, take a scenic paddle-steamer ride, or enjoy a range of water-based activities, including fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The region is also home to a range of charming towns and historic landmarks, including the Echuca Wharf, which is home to a range of restored paddle steamers and offers a glimpse into the region’s rich riverboat history.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island is one of Australia’s hidden gems, located off the coast of South Australia. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, and more. The island is also home to a large population of sea lions and fur seals, which can be seen basking on the beaches and rocks around the island. Visitors can explore the island’s stunning coastal scenery, which includes towering cliffs, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Kangaroo Island is also home to a range of wineries, galleries, and restaurants, showcasing the island’s local produce and culture.

Port Arthur

Located on the Tasman Peninsula in Tasmania, Port Arthur is a former penal settlement and is now a World Heritage-listed historic site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the convict settlement and learn about the harsh conditions endured by the prisoners who were sent there.

The Tarkine

The Tarkine is a vast wilderness area located in north western Tasmania. It is home to some of the last remaining tracts of old-growth rainforest in Australia, as well as wild rivers and rugged coastlines. Visitors can explore the area on foot, with a range of hiking trails available, or take a scenic drive through the stunning landscape. The Tarkine is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and wedge-tailed eagles.

Conclusion

Australia is a country that offers an incredible range of road trip destinations, from stunning coastlines to rugged mountains, pristine lakes to barren deserts. Exploring the country in a campervan is the ultimate way to undertake this adventure, offering freedom, flexibility, and the ability to get off the beaten track. The 20 unmissable locations listed above offer a taste of the incredible diversity and beauty of Australia, and are sure to make any road trip an unforgettable experience.