Here's why this is the best road trip for families in Australia
Australia offers some of the most spectacular road trips in the world, ranging from rugged coastlines to ancient rainforests.
But anyone with kids knows that wrangling the whole family into the car for an extended period can be tricky.
Experts from iSelect analysed popular Aussie road trips for important travel details like attractions, accommodation, safety and mobile coverage.
The research highlights the best routes for families, making it easier to plan your next adventure.
Here are the ten best to add to your list.
10. Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef Drive connects the Far North Queensland towns of Cairns and Cape Tribulation.
This scenic road is where the rainforest meets the reef. Family-friendly stops include Hartley's Crocodile Adventures for a thrill, and taking a dip in the refreshing swimming holes of Mossman Gorge.
9. Great Beach Drive, Queensland
This unique 4WD adventure uses the sand as the highway, connecting the Sunshine Coast to K'gari (Fraser Island).
Families can explore the multi-colored cliffs of Rainbow Beach and float down the crystal-clear Eli Creek.
8. Heritage Highway, Tasmania
Tracing the historic route between Launceston and Hobart, this 176km trip feels like stepping back in time with its convict-built bridges and colonial villages like Ross.
Kids will enjoy the wildlife at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the quirky "Penny Farthing" history in Evandale.
5. Legendary Pacific Coast, NSW and Queensland
This one's a long one, stretching from Sydney to Brisbane, though can easily be cut down into shorter chunks.
This route is packed with family fun like sandboarding at Port Stephens and visiting the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour. It offers a perfect blend of surf beaches, holiday parks, and lush hinterland detours.
4. The Coral Coast Highway, WA
A true adventure through desert and sea, this one stretches from Perth to Exmouth, and has some seriously amazing nature along the way.
It features the otherworldly Pinnacles Desert and the chance to meet wild dolphins at Monkey Mia. Families can snorkel directly off the beach at Ningaloo Reef to see turtles and colourful coral.
3. South West Edge, WA
The South West Edge route is a 12 day adventure that traverses 1200km from Perth to Esperance.
This expansive loop takes you from the wine regions of Margaret River to the "surfing" photo-op at Wave Rock.
Wave Rock is a natural rock formation about 340 km east of Perth in the small town of Hyden. It is a large granite cliff that has been eroded over time into the shape of a breaking wave.
Kids will love the friendly stingrays at Hamelin Bay, the iconic Busselton Jetty nearby, and driving through Boranup Forest.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
This iconic drive is famous for a reason.
The Great Ocean Road is widely considered Australia's top road trip, especially for families, because it packs an incredible variety of experiences into a relatively short, manageable distance.
While other trips might involve long, flat stretches of "nothingness," this 243km route is a constant highlight reel of dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests, and world-class wildlife.
