Australia’s ‘most scenic’ road trips, according to new ranking
Updated . First published at
An Aussie road trip remains one of the most popular ways to holiday. But which road trips offer the most nature-filled scenery?
Car rental company Redspot measured the 25 major tourist routes against ten criteria to reveal the best road trips for sublime natural views.
Here are the top 10.
10. Pacific Coast Way, QLD
This route links coastal havens, hinterland towns, and major cities all along the east coast, from the Gold Coast to Cairns. iStock
9. Kosciuszko Alpine Way, NSW
A driving tour here is a great way to discover spectacular mountain views, serene campgrounds and magnificent walks along the 108km stretch. iStock
8. Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Drive
Stopping points to discover along this drive are Hyams Beach at Jervis Bay, which has some of the whitest sand in the world. iStock
7. Great Alpine Road, VIC
This 345km route stretches from Wangaratta in the north-east to Metung on the Gippsland Lakes. Visit Victoria says it’s Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road. iStock
6. Legendary Pacific Coast NSW/QLD
This is the easiest route in Australia to camp along, researchers say. The Sydney to Brisbane drive has 23 listed campsites per 100km. iStock
5. Waterfall Way, NSW
The study reckons this route in the state’s north passes through more distinct environments than any drive in the country. iStock
4. Western Wilds, TAS
Discover Tasmania describes this 544km trip as remote, dramatic touring route spanning the island’s rugged west coast, temperate rainforests, and central highlands, featuring iconic stops like Queenstown, Cradle Mountain, and Lake St Clair. iStock
3. Great Eastern Drive, TAS
Researchers say this is the most coastal in Australia. Of its 199.9km, 75 per cent is within 5km of the sea, narrowly ahead of the Great Ocean Road. Pictured is the Bay of Fires. iStock
2. Great Tropical Drive, QLD
Some 26 different routes make up this drive, which covers more than 2,000km along the world-renowned coast. You can do a round trip from Cairns, down to Townsville and Charters Towers. iStock
1. Grand Pacific Drive, NSW
This famous road south of Sydney tops the ranking despite being. It takes about three hours to drive but offers beautiful views of nature. iStock
