7 Most Scenic Drives in Australia
The Great Ocean Road runs 150 miles between Torquay and Allansford. World War I veterans built the road from 1919 to 1932. The Red Centre Way reaches Uluru and the surrounding sandstone country sacred to indigenous Australians. The Grand Pacific Drive starts at the Royal National Park, the second-oldest national park in the world. The seven Australian drives ahead cover coastal scenery, outback color, and reef-edge tropics.
The Great Ocean Road
Perhaps the most awe inspiring of Australia's waterfront views is the Great Ocean Road, a 150 mile thoroughfare running between Torquay and Allansford. Officially listed as B100, the road hugs the southeastern tip of Australia and hardly strays far from the coast. After being built by World War I veterans beginning in 1919 and eventually completed in 1932, the roadway is treasured for its natural beauty.
The Memorial Arch, the most recognizable and photographed site along the route, greets drivers starting their journey. Further down the road are the 12 Apostles, an impressive array of limestone rock formations jutting dramatically out of the sea water. Just three miles further is Loch Ard Gorge, home to some of the clearest, bluest water in the region, and guarded by two imposing cliff faces. Round out this memorable drive with a visit to the Great Otway National Park, a natural area full of waterfalls, the country's oldest lighthouse and exotic wildlife.
Grand Pacific Drive
A sister road on the eastern side of Australia, the Grand Pacific Drive certainly lives up to its name. As it snakes down the coastline you'll find yourself passing through small towns, old-growth rainforests and a variety of attractions to occupy any member of your family wondering "Are we there yet?"
The drive begins at the Royal National Park, established in 1879, which can make the claim of being the second oldest national park in the world. While there feel free to wander the various landscapes you'll be free to explore; grasslands, towering cliffs and sandy beaches are all within reach. Keep in mind, though, some take longer to get to than others. Your next pit stop is Wollongong, an energetic city with an active beachfront commercial district known as the Blue Mile containing an art gallery, small bars, shopping centre and global acts to enjoy. A little more down the drive is Shellharbor, a seaside settlement home to 'The Farm,' a National Surfing Reserve for anyone seeking to "hang ten." Continue cruising to reach Kiama to soak in the historical and bucolic settings, complete with rolling hills and farmhouses. Eventually, all good things come to an end, and in this case it's Shoalhaven, but what an end. Visitors can expect 100 beaches to enjoy, local wineries offering exquisite cuisine and a plethora of opportunities for hiking, swimming and whale watching May through November.
The Great Eastern Drive
Tasmania, Australia's tiny southern island brother, gives us the Great Eastern Drive, stretching over much of Tasmania's eastern coast for 109 miles between Hobart and the Bay of Fires. There you'll drive over rugged terrain overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the bay's striking lichen-covered rocks.
The trip begins in the capital of Tasmania, Hobart, where the peak of Mount Wellington gives access to superb views of the city and neighboring environs. Continue on to Triabunna, a small coastal town from which a ferry takes you to Maria Island National Park, a wildlife sanctuary full of wombats, kangaroos and historical areas that dive into the island's past as a British penal colony. On the drive to Swansea you'll pass by Kate's Berry Farm, a cafe full of fresh, homemade, berry filled deserts and jams with outstanding scenery. Continue driving and the Freycinet National Park will be your next stop, a natural reserve with fine beaches and granite landscapes. Before reaching the town of St. Helens pull into the East Coast Natureworld and you'll be able to spot an actual Tasmanian devil, though avoid getting too close. When you do eventually get to the Bay of Fires, prepare to be greeted by imposing lichen rocks colored orange juxtaposed by beaches full of azure waters.
Red Centre Way
Located in the heart of Australia, you quickly realize why Red Centre Way is sacred to indigenous Aborigines. Fair warning; due to the area being extremely rustic, it's best to take a 4 wheel-drive vehicle when visiting, though 2 wheel-drive is still doable.
After arriving in the town of Alice Springs head west on State Route 6 until hitting Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park, known for cool watering holes to take a dip in amid the dry climate. Looking to beat the heat some more? Keep cruising west to Redbank Gorge and stop off for a dip in the shade of its rockwalls. Keep driving west, there you'll discover Kings Canyon, a hiker's heaven with 328 foot sandstone walls that offer phenomenal views. Upon exiting the canyon head south where State Route 6 turns into State Route 3 and make a stop at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Here you can't miss Mount Conner, nicknamed "Fooluru" because passing drivers often mistake it for Uluru. However, one really has to witness the even more captivating Uluru/Ayers Rock, a 1,142-foot monolith roughly 550 million years old and one of Australia's most widely recognized sights.
The Gibb River Road
Looking for something a little more adventurous? You could try a 4 wheel-drive spin on the Gibb River Road, also known as "the Gibb." The journey starts in Broome, a small enclave on the northwestern side of Australia. Head east on National Highway 1 to the lonely, outback town of Derby, the first settlement in the Kimberly region. If you're up to it, there you can do a self-guided tour of the Pigeon Heritage Trail and see with your own eyes the 1,500 year old Boab Prison Tree, a landmark hallowed to local Aboriginal tribes. Following that, go 91 miles east to Windjana Gorge National Park, a land derived from the 375 million year old Devonian reef system, and make camp. In the morning you can venture into the Dimalurru (Tunnel Creek), the oldest cave system of Western Australia. Drive another 91 miles to soak in the cleansing waters of Bell Gorge, you'll be surrounded by 328 foot waterfalls providing an extraordinary backdrop. Speaking of waterfalls, stay eastward then north to reach Mitchell River National Park where you can get a first hand view of the country's more astonishing waterfalls.
Gillies Highway
At only 12 miles, skilled drivers will still have their expertise put to the test. Found in Tropical Queensland, the Gillies Highway runs between Gordonvale and Atherton, winding around 293 corners in between. Officially opening on July 10, 1926 as a one way road, it has since expanded into a larger thoroughfare with its own itinerary.
Once leaving Gordonvale, you'll find yourself following the Mulgrave River, ultimately leading to the Little Mulgrave National Park, full of wetlands and waterfalls. Beyond the park down the road is Heales Lookout, a superb spot to enjoy views of the tropical forest. Keep going to Crater Lakes National Park and learn where it got its name from. Two volcanic eruptions formed Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham, twin lakes that are perfect for hiking, kayaking, swimming and picnicking. Toward the end of the highway, just before Atherton, are the Yungaburra Markets, where up to 260 stalls sell the goods of local farmers and artisans since 1977.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive
Not too far away is the Great Barrier Reef Drive, 201 miles of clear travel up Queensland via National Route 1 and State Route 44. Beginning in Cairns, where you can visit the actual Great Barrier Reef, drive north to the beachside village of Palm Cove, regarded as the spa capital of Australia. A short ways further down the road is Port Douglas, the luxury capital of North Queensland hosting over 60 restaurants and high end stores. Approximately 20 minutes away from Port Douglas is Mossman Gorge, situated in the 135 million year old Daintree Forest and its multifaceted ecosystem. Famished? Stop at Daintree Ice Cream Co. to indulge in fresh, tropical ice cream flavored fruits. Afterwards, quench your thirst with some organic tea at Daintree Tea on the Cubbagudta Plantation. When your driving expedition ends at Cape Tribulation, grab a snorkel and swim out to the Mackay and Undine Reefs, another part of the Great Barrier Reef, which offers a more secluded, less touristy setting.
Way Down Under
These drives vary in length, from short, punchy daytrips to multi-day cruises. If you're itching for a one of a kind road trip in a country like no other, make like a kangaroo and hop to Australia. Each one of these amazing roads is a ready-made trip of a lifetime, or at least a weekend. Your grandkids will thank you for the stories.
