Hit the open road: 7 reasons why Australia is every road-tripper’s dream

There’s no doubt that Australia is on every travel buff's wish list. And why shouldn’t it be? Scenic views, beautiful beaches, snow-capped mountains, arid red dunes - this Land Down Under is home to everything for which you would otherwise travel across different countries.

Every few kilometers, there is a drastic shift in the landscape that will make you pinch yourself. If this is not reason enough, then we have 7 more that will tell you why Australia is a great destination for a road trip adventure, and talk about a few of the best routes.

Don’t have the right car or traveling from abroad? One of the best options is to opt for a car rental. In this blog, we will also discuss car rental policies, essential tips, and how to make your journey smooth.

Not sure whether you should plan a road trip to Australia? Here are a few reasons that will bring some clarity to your decision-making:

Why should you choose Australia for your next road trip?

Not sure whether you should plan a road trip to Australia? Here are a few reasons that will bring some clarity to your decision-making:

• Filled with beautiful beaches

  With more than 10,000 beaches around its coastline, Australia is a dream destination for people who love the seaside. Every beach here has different features; for example, Whitehaven Beach is covered with silica sand that does not retain heat and is soft to walk on. Whereas Lucky Bay has the whitest sand in Australia that squeaks when you walk on it. Such incredible phenomena make Australia worth visiting.

• Clean infrastructure & equipment

  One of the most talked-about features of Australia is its strong and clean infrastructure. For travelers on the road, camping is a convenient option for accommodation. In Australia, you will find many clean campsites as travelers make sure not to litter. Additionally, you can also find sanitary facilities, outdoor gyms, and showers everywhere in tidy condition.

• Incredible fauna and flora

  

  Australia is popular for its unique biodiversity. In fact, approximately 87% of the mammals in this country are endemic. Koalas, platypus, kangaroos, quokkas, and wombats are some of the fascinating species that you can discover here. While taking a road trip, you can plan stops at wildlife sanctuaries, national parks, and other natural habitats to make your journey memorable.

• Diverse landscape

  With a total area of 7,688,287 square kilometers, the Australian landscape gives you an unparalleled experience. You may start your journey from a beautiful beach and reach a tropical rainforest by the end of the day. This is what makes every road trip here remarkable.

• Offers opportunities for various adventure activities

  While many know Australia for its amazing road trips and pristine beaches, there is an adventurous side of this country that you should explore. Some options include Snorkeling & diving in the Great Barrier Reef or skydiving at Mission Beach. Search for popular activities on your road trip route and taste a bit of adventure.

• Wide open roads with fewer crowds

  If you are tired of the hustle-bustle and chaos of the cities, then a road trip in Australia will definitely delight you. With coastal highways and outback landscapes, your whole trip will be filled with some of the world’s most gorgeous views, all while escaping the city’s congestion.

• Long-distance adventure

  Australia is big but sparsely populated. In the north is Darwin, and in the south, Adelaide, which are the most populated cities in their respective regions and separated by 3030 km. It takes approx. 31 hours to cover this distance, and in between this long stretch you will hardly find any major city, town, or village. For adventurous road trippers, this journey is like a dream come true.

Best road trip routes in Australia

The Red Centre Way

Alice Springs - West MacDonnell Ranges - Glen Helen / Tjoritja - Kings Canyon - Uluru - Kata Tjuta - Alice Springs

Distance: 835-kilometer

Time required to cover: 5-7 days

Top Places to Visit: Ellery Creek Big Hole, Kings Canyon, Uluru

An epic road trip in Australia’s northern region, the Red Centre Way starts from Alice Springs through the West MacDonnell Ranges, Tnorala (Gosse Bluff), Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon), and Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. This multi-day circuit is filled with dramatic gorges and cool swimming holes in Tjoritja.

The Great Ocean Road

Melbourne - Torquay - Anglesea - Lorne - Apollo Bay - Great Otway National Park - 12 Apostles - Port Campbell - Warrnambool

Distance: 240km

Time required to cover: Approximately 2 days

Top places to visit: Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Port Campbell

The Great Ocean Road starts from Torquay, which is 90 minutes southwest of Melbourne, and ends at Allansford. This is considered one of the most spectacular coastal road trips in the world. Although you can tackle the road in just 2 days, the longer you take to complete it, the more scenic views you will get to enjoy.

Great Barrier Reef Drive

Cairns - Palm Cove - Port Douglas - Mossman - Mossman Gorge - Daintree Village - Daintree Rainforest - Cape Tribulation

Distance: 140km

Time required to cover: 2.5 to 3 hours

Top places to visit: Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Rainforest, Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation

Road trips do not mean that they should take many days to complete. Even in the shortest span of time, you can witness the best of Australia. Great Barrier Reef Drive falls perfectly into this narrative. All the way from Cairns to Cape Tribulation along Queensland’s tropical coast, travelers get the opportunity to witness a world heritage-listed environment.

The Great Eastern Tasmania

Hobart - Orford - Triabunna - Swansea - Bicheno - Coles Bay - Freycinet National Park - Wineglass Bay - St Helens - Bay of Fires

Distance: 350–450 km

Time required to cover: 4-5 days approximately

Top places to visit: Orford, Swansea, Bicheno, Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay, St Helens and Bay of Fires

Spectacular beaches, national parks, seafood, and cool climate these are a few words to describe the Great Eastern Tasmania Loop. Starting from Hobart all the way to Bay of Fires and St Helens, this route is not about rushing from one point to the other but enjoying the journey itself.

Legendary Pacific Coast

Sydney - Newcastle - Port Stephens - Port Macquarie - Coffs Harbour - Yamba - Byron Bay - Gold Coast - Brisbane

Distance: 621 miles

Time required to cover: 7-10 days

Top places to visit: Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, and the Gold Coast.

Starting from Sydney to Brisbane, you will find some incredible scenery along this journey that is no less of a monumental attraction. With endless ocean views, vibrant coastal towns, and vibrant wildlife, every mile will give you another reason to explore this route.

Essential driving rules in Australia

• Drive on the left: Australians drive on the left side of the road and have their steering wheel towards the right-hand side.
• Road signs: There are two types of speed limit signs in Australia:
  • regulatory limits (black numbers with a red circle border) and
  • advisory limits (yellow signs with black numbers). It’s best to follow both types of signs.
  Apart from that, you will find wildlife and livestock signs as well while traveling, so make sure to slow down.
• Seat-belt requirements: Seat belts are not optional but a legal requirement for both driver and passenger. Failure to do so can lead to hefty fines.
• Check parking rules: Australia has some strict parking rules that are legally binding, so make sure to read the instructions on the board while parking.
• Phone Usage: Using phones while driving is not allowed in Australia. However, if you have to take urgent calls or use navigation apps, you can do so using a permitted hands-free system or a secure mount. The penalty for illegal phone usage is hefty, so make sure to obey the rules.
• Speed limits: In urban areas, the speed limit is typically 50km/h whereas on rural roads or highways it may go up to 100 to 110km/h depending on the road conditions and state/territory. But make sure to keep an eye on the speed signs on the road.
• Take periodic breaks: Traveling by car can become exhausting, especially in regions like Australia where every major city is miles away from each other. By taking periodic breaks, you allow your body to rest and prepare it for another long stretch.
• Tolls: Almost all the tolls in Australia are cashless. They use electronic free-flow gantries that require an active tag or pass to pay.

Planning to rent a car in Australia? Know these important rental policies

One of the best ways to road trip in Australia is by car, but not all travelers or locals have an ideal vehicle to travel in. This is where choosing to rent a car comes into consideration. So, before you hop on to the idea, let’s discuss some important rental policies.

• Fuel policy

  Fuel policy means the amount of fuel the car should have when returning the vehicle, and every car rental supplier has a different policy. The most common types are full to full or full to empty.

  • In full to full, you need to return the car with the exact amount of fuel that the supplier provided you before commencing your journey.

  • In full to empty, you can return the car with an empty tank, but if there is any amount of fuel left, you won’t be refunded for that.

  • In same-to-same, you have to return the car with the same amount of fuel as it is provided to you before starting the ride.

• Mileage limits

  There are two types of mileage limits: limited and unlimited. Before booking the rental, browse through the deals and review the mileage allowance being offered to find the most suitable option for your trip.

  Pro Tip: For longer road trips, it’s best to go for unlimited mileage. But for shorter commutes, limited mileage works fine.

• Additional driver fees

  An additional driver is any person other than the main renter who is officially listed on the rental agreement and is authorized to drive the car. Charges for adding a driver to the booking vary based on the supplier, vehicle type, and rental terms.

• Age restriction and limits

  The minimum age limit for most rental companies is set around 21 years. As for the maximum age limit, the requirements vary from supplier to supplier. Check the rental terms thoroughly to get the most accurate information.

• Vehicle use restrictions

  Australia has diverse terrain; that’s why car rental companies suggest choosing different types of vehicles for a smooth journey. For example, 2WD cars are banned on beaches and in unpaved areas, and for traveling to remote islands like Kangaroo Island or Fraser Island, 4WD cars are required. Some companies even discourage driving the rental during the night due to wildlife collision risks.

• Document requirements

  If you are a local Australian, you will need a valid driver’s licence that you have held for at least 12 months, a credit card in your name, or any other document mentioned by the supplier. But if you are travelling from abroad, make sure to carry:

  • your original driver’s licence

  • International Driver’s Permit (IDP)

  • a government-approved ID proof or passport

  • and a valid credit card in the main driver’s name

• Late or early return charges

  Most car rental companies provide a grace period before levying any charges for late return of cars. For early returns, you may be charged depending upon the supplier’s rental terms.

• No-show or cancellation

  A no-show happens when you fail to pick up your rental within the suggested time period mentioned in the rental voucher and do not cancel the reservation in advance as per the cancellation policy. In such cases, no refund will be issued.

How can you make your car rental journey smooth?

• Carefully plan one-way trips

  As road trips in Australia mean traveling large distances, you need to plan accordingly. Many car rental companies provide one-way rental options which allow customers to pick a car from one location and drop it at another. Review the supplier’s rental terms before making any decision.

• Choosing a vehicle

  Midsize SUVs and sedans are a practical choice for traveling on highways and main roads. Their comfy interiors and superior stability make long travel times smoother. For rugged roads and rough terrain, a 4WD is one of the ideal options, as it provides better traction on uneven surfaces.

• Download offline maps

  Remote locations lack cellular connectivity, which could make it difficult to find your route. It’s best to download offline maps for better navigation.

• Keep track of petrol stations

  There is little to no chance that you will find petrol stations every few kilometers in the outback areas. So whenever you see one, make sure to refuel.

• Booking in advance

  People tend to leave booking a car rental for the last moment and end up paying more. Make sure to book your car at least 2-4 weeks before your trip to get the best deals at competitive prices.

FAQs

• What is the best road trip route in Australia?

  The Great Ocean Road is one of the most celebrated and popular road trip routes in Australia. Apart from that, the Great Eastern Tasmania is also a famous route that you can choose to drive.

• What should I be aware of while driving in remote locations of Australia?

  The remote and outback regions of Australia have limited mobile coverage and long distances between petrol stations and other services. Ensure that you have downloaded offline maps, have proper information about the nearest petrol station, and keep the roadside assistance number ready in case of an emergency.

• When should you go for a road trip in Australia?

  The best months for a road trip in Australia are: March to May (Autumn) and September to November (Spring). Weather during these months is milder, allowing you to make the most of outdoor activities.

• What driving rules should you follow while road tripping in Australia?

  Some of the basic rules that drivers need to follow in Australia are: drive on the left-hand side of the road, texting and calling while driving are forbidden, maintain the posted speed limit, and seat belts are mandatory for both the driver and passengers.