Top-10 greatest Aussie road trip spots revealed in time for summer holidays

It's time to pack the car and hit the frog and toad.

Survey reveals the top-10 greatest Aussie road trip routes. Shutterstock

By Sarah Falson

Updated April 1, 2025, first published September 25, 2024

With road-tripping season just around the corner, Australians have revealed their favourite road trip routes - and ocean drives are king.

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria gets the public's vote, taking out the number-one spot, according to research commissioned by eBay Australia.

Pacific Coast Drive in NSW and Queensland was voted number two, and Great Barrier Reef Drive in Queensland took third place.

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The research showed the great Aussie road trip is growing in popularity, offering the chance to explore Australia's stunning landscapes without breaking the bank.

Great Ocean Road in South Australia. Picture by Alex Shore

With cost-of-living top of mind, three-quarters of Aussies would consider taking a road trip in the next 12 months and millennials are the generation most likely to opt for a road trip over other travel options to save on travel expenses, the survey found.

But cutting costs is not the only appeal for the humble road trip. Almost half of the survey respondents said they loved a road trip to explore lesser-known parts of Australia and the simple enjoyment of driving on the open road.

Australia's Top 10 Favourite Road Trip Routes are:

The Great Ocean Road (VIC): Torquay to Allansford
The Pacific Coast Touring Route (NSW & QLD): Sydney to Brisbane
The Great Barrier Reef Drive (QLD): Cairns to Cape Tribulation
The Grand Pacific Drive (NSW): Sydney to Sapphire Coast
The Great Eastern Drive (TAS): Hobart to Bay of Fires
The Red Centre Way Loop (NT): Alice Springs to Uluru
The Nullarbor Plain (WA & SA): Norseman to Ceduna
The Heritage Highway (TAS): Launceston to Hobart
The South West Edge (WA): Perth to Esperance
The Coral Coast Highway (WA): Perth to Exmouth.

Cummings Lookout, Port Lincoln-Ceduna, South Australia. Picture by Tourism Australia

Road trip enthusiast and resident of Chelsea, Victoria, Kealey Nutt, has travelled the Great Ocean Road over 50 times and said she and her husband love road-tripping with their dog.

"If you do make the trip, I recommend visiting the Prickly Moses Brewery in Barongarook - they have self-contained cottages to stay in with beautiful forest views and are dog-friendly, they even offer a 'barkuterie board' for pups at their brewery cafe," Ms Nutt said.

"Another must-see is the Wye River - a more quiet part of the Great Ocean Road to visit than some of the better known spots like Lorne and Apollo Bay. The houses there are nestled amongst trees on a big hill, and you can usually spot a koala or two from the front porch or backyard."

Cape Byron Lighthouse, Byron Bay, NSW, is on the Pacific Coast Touring Route, Sydney to Brisbane. Picture by Tourism Australia

Paul Maric, automotive expert and road trip enthusiast, said road trips made the perfect family holiday, but checking your car before heading off is important.

"A cheap tread depth indicator and tyre pressure monitor from eBay will give you an indication of whether you are in need of new tyres or need extra air in your tyres before you hit the road. They're both great tools to keep in your glove box," he said.

Captain Cook Highway, Port Douglas, Queensland, on the Great Barrier Reef Drive. Picture by Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree

eBay's head of auto parts and accessories, Courtney Graham, said eBay's research showed we're a nation of explorers.

"From the rugged outback of the Red Centre Way Loop to the stunning coastlines of the Great Ocean Road or the Great Barrier Reef Drive, our love for the open road drives us to uncover Australia's beauty," she said.

Words bySarah Falson

Sarah is ACM’s travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.

My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me.

Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life.

My top travel tip is … Don’t plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what’s within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.