Driving through Australia is a truly special experience. Whether enjoying the sea breeze along the coast, navigating through misty mountains, or exploring the outback, a road trip in Australia is more than just a drive. It’s an adventure that helps you connect with the land, your travel companions, and yourself.
But with so many iconic routes crisscrossing our vast country, which road trips truly capture Australians’ and visitors’ hearts? Let’s buckle up and explore the latest trends, hidden gems, and perennial favourites lighting up Australia’s highways and byways.
The legendary Great Ocean Road is topping the charts for good reason. Stretching 243 kilometres from Torquay to Allansford, this coastal masterpiece is a feast for the senses.
With over 83,900 monthly Google searches and a staggering 33 million social media posts, it’s clear this route is more than just a drive; it’s a rite of passage.
The Twelve Apostles, windswept cliffs, lush rainforests, and charming seaside towns make every kilometre a postcard moment—no wonder it boasts a near-perfect 4.73 Google rating and a sky-high popularity score.
Hot on its heels is the Grand Pacific Drive, a 140-kilometre stunner that hugs the New South Wales coastline from the Royal National Park to Shoalhaven.
With its dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge, rolling green hills, and endless ocean views, it’s a favourite for day-trippers and weekend wanderers. It garnered 24,200 monthly searches and a 4.78 Google rating, proving it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Rounding out the top three is Queensland’s Great Beach Drive. This 380-kilometre adventure from Noosa to Hervey Bay is a dream for 4WD enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.
With over 620,000 Instagram posts and a 4.74 average rating, it’s clear that the allure of Rainbow Beach, K’gari (Fraser Island), and endless stretches of sand is as strong as ever.
The most photogenic drives
If you’re all about the views (and who isn’t?), the Great Ocean Road again takes the crown for Australia’s most scenic drive. With nearly 2 million social media posts and 146,000 posts per kilometre, it’s a visual feast of cliffs, surf, and wildlife.
But don’t overlook South Australia’s Epicurean Way. This 223-kilometre route through wine country is a treat for the eyes and the palate, with rolling vineyards, cellar doors, and gourmet pit stops.
It’s a social media darling, with over 537,000 posts and 2,421 posts per kilometre.
The Great Beach Drive also shines in the scenic stakes, with its endless white sands, national parks, and the occasional dolphin sighting making it a must for content creators and nature lovers alike.
Social media darlings
In the age of #vanlife and travel vlogs, it’s no surprise that some routes are more ‘shareable’ than others.
The Great Ocean Road dominates TikTok with over 33 million posts, while the Great Beach Drive and Grand Pacific Drive also rack up impressive numbers.
The same trio leads the pack on Instagram, with the Epicurean Way sneaking into third place thanks to its photogenic vineyards and gourmet delights.
Top-rated road trips: Tasmania’s wild side shines
If you’re after a road trip with rave reviews, look no further than Tasmania’s Western Wilds. With a glowing 4.80 average rating, this route showcases the Apple Isle’s rugged beauty, from the tranquil Gordon River to the cascading Russell Falls.
The Great Eastern Drive, also in Tassie, isn’t far behind, offering pristine beaches and national parks galore.
The Grand Pacific Drive continues its winning streak with a 4.78 rating, thanks to highlights like the Sea Cliff Bridge and Kiama Blowhole.
Trending now: The new stars of the road trip scene
While the classics remain beloved, some routes are enjoying a surge in popularity. The Great Barrier Reef Drive in Far North Queensland has seen a whopping 117 per cent increase in searches, thanks to its jaw-dropping coastal views and proximity to the world-famous reef.
The Grand Pacific Drive and Western Australia’s South West Edge are also rising, with more Australians and international visitors seeking their unique charms.
Interestingly, the Great Beach Drive captures the imagination of overseas travellers, with a 133 per cent jump in global searches.
The South West Edge and Grand Pacific Drive are also gaining international fans, proving that Australia’s road trip appeal is truly global.
Fading favourites
Not every route is basking in the limelight. Once-popular drives like Adelaide to Eyre Peninsula and the Heritage Highway have seen notable drops in search interest locally and globally.
Even the iconic Cairns to Cape York and Tasmania’s Western Wilds have experienced declines, perhaps reflecting changing travel tastes or the lure of new adventures.
Winter wonders: The best cold-weather road trips
Think road trips are just for summer? Think again! The Great Ocean Road remains a year-round legend, with nearly 200,000 winter searches proving its enduring appeal.
The cooler months bring dramatic seascapes, fewer crowds, and cosy coastal towns—perfect for a winter escape.
Queensland’s Great Beach Drive is also gaining traction as a winter getaway, offering warm days and the thrill of driving along the sand.
For those craving outback adventure, the Gibb River Road and Red Centre Way beckon with their dramatic landscapes, star-filled skies, and ideal winter weather.
The Savannah Way is a top pick if you’re chasing the sun. Nearly 40 per cent of its searches happen in winter. This epic route promises vast desert vistas and endless blue skies.
Before you hit the road
As Brendan Griffiths from ROLLiN’ wisely reminds us, preparation is key to a smooth and safe road trip. A little planning now can save a lot of headaches later.
Before you set off, check your tyres, top up your fluids, and pack an emergency kit. Plan your breaks—aim for at least 15 minutes every two hours—and ensure your car insurance is up to date, especially if you’re sharing the driving.
Have you tackled any of these iconic routes, or do you have a hidden gem to recommend? What’s your favourite Australian road trip memory, and what tips would you share with fellow travellers? We’d love to hear your stories, advice, and must-see stops in the comments below.
Also read: Five road trips that Australians are raving about—is your dream trip on the list?
