posted on January 14, 2024
The Land Down Under might be far removed from the rest of the world, but with its diverse landscapes and natural beauty, there are countless amazing holiday destinations in Australia to explore. Whether you’re road tripping across the country, are planning a relaxing getaway or are visiting from overseas and want to experience a once in a lifetime holiday, Australia’s impressive scale and unique characteristics mean that a journey across any region is sure to deliver unforgettable scenery and adventure.
Whether you’re looking to cover a great expanse with a multi-day road trip that takes in the best holiday destinations the country has to offer, you want to explore Australia’s big cities, or you simply want to explore more of your backyard with a day trip or weekend getaway, you’ll be sure to find enchanting scenery along the way with memories that prove unforgettable. Naturally, the hard part is choosing a route and deciding which holiday destinations to tick off your list!
We’ve got you covered with an extensive list of the best holiday destinations in Australia. Whatever your travel needs or preferences, you’ll find the perfect itinerary below. Let’s dive in!
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- The best day trip holiday destinations in Australia
- The best weekend getaways in Australia
- The best multi-day road trips in Australia
- Top tourist attractions in Australia
An overview of holiday destinations in Australia
It’s not hard to see why Australia tops the list as one of the best holiday destinations. For many, it presents a unique mix of varied landscapes, from pristine beaches with turquoise waters, UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountain ranges, and coral reefs to desert plains, red earth, and swimming holes nestled amongst rugged cliffs. This variety in natural beauty makes a visit to Australia one that’s guaranteed to see you immersed in nature.
That said, there’s plenty on offer for those who prefer their holidays to be based around culinary delights and the arts. With South Australia boasting world famous wineries like Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, and McLaren Vale, and various cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Tasmania having a flair for producing delicious food with local flavours, you’ll be sure to be entertained on your travels.
The best day trip destinations in Australia
You don’t need to drive far to experience the breathtaking beauty of Australia. From its stunning coastlines to mountain ranges and iconic beaches, you only need to hit the road and find yourself mesmerised by incredible scenery within an hour or two.
Whether you’re a local looking to explore your own backyard with a day trip in the holidays or you’re an international traveller who only has a day to spare, these day trip holiday destinations give you the best Australia has to offer.
Grand Pacific Drive, NSW
- Total distance: 200 kilometres
- Total driving time: 4 hours
Take in the stunning national parks and coastal beaches of New South Wales with the Grand Pacific Drive, an immensely popular holiday destination in Australia. You’ll be able to visit top attractions like the Royal National Park, Australia’s oldest national park with 15,000 hectares of nature and beaches to enjoy a dip post-hike.
Sea Cliff Bridge offers glorious views of the Pacific Ocean and is one of Australia’s most scenic drives as it hugs the cliffs. Explore the coastal town of Wollongong with its delicious food and friendly locals before venturing to Shellharbour, Kiama, Seven Mile Beach, and Jervis Bay.
Expert tip: For foodies, there’s still plenty to explore on this drive that goes beyond natural beauty. Follow Seven Mile Beach along the coast to enjoy a wine tasting at Coolangatta Estate Winery, home to the South Coast’s first European colony. A cellar-door experience allows you to sip award-winning wines paired with delicious food.
The Heritage Highway, Tasmania
- Total distance: 176 kilometres
- Total driving time: 3 hours
If you want your holiday destination to be rich with history, tackle the Heritage Highway in Tasmania. Once used by convict road gangs in the early 19th century, you can still traverse convict-built bridges and explore sandstone towns that boast heritage buildings. There are plenty of stops to make along the way, such as the Ross Female Factory Historic Site, which was later converted to a female factory where female convicts and their babies were taken between 1847 and 1854.
Grafton to Glen Innes, NSW
- Total distance: 162 kilometres
- Total driving time: approx. 2 hours
Though this drive is relatively short, it offers several adventures for nature lovers by way of hikes around the Gibraltar Range National Park. Here, you’ll find several walking tracks catering to all fitness levels. Wind your way through the stunning ranges as you come to find waterfalls and spectacular views of the region. You’ll end up in Glen Innes, a charming town and a great holiday destination in Country NSW.
Great Alpine Road, Victoria
- Total distance: 339 kilometres
- Total driving time: 5 hours
Nature lovers will delight in the Great Alpine Road, which winds its way through Ovens Valley to Harrietville before reaching the alpine resort Mount Hotham and the coastal village of Metung on the Gippsland Lakes. You’ll be treated to a wide range of landscapes on this drive, from incredible mountain ranges, lush forests, and plunging valleys to rolling vineyards and the coastal scenery of Gippsland.
Expert tip: Year-round, this drive proves spectacular, but for those who want to enjoy some snow-based activities on their holiday, consider making this road trip during the winter months. You’ll likely get snow up on Mount Hotham, making for a stunning photo opportunity and endless fun.
Maroochydore Coastal Drive, Sunshine Coast
- Total distance: 73 kilometres
- Total driving time: 2 hours
With its stunning beaches and variety of attractions, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect destination for those who want to soak up coastal views or relax on the beach. From Maroochydore, you can stroll along the iconic Esplanade with its local shops and artisan markets before heading to Buderim Forest Park and Noosa National Park for walking trails through coastal scenery.
Top stop: If you’re thinking of tackling this coastal drive as part of a multi-day trip, experience beautiful Sunshine Coast camping at Habitat Noosa Everglades Eco Camp. Situated on the edge of the beautiful Lake Cootharaba, you’ll enjoy camping, waterfront activities, wildlife, the CootharaBAR & Bistro and even an onsite micro-brewery.
Cape to Cape, Western Australia
- Total distance: 143 kilometres
- Total driving time: 2 hours
Experience the stunning Margaret River region on this Cape to Cape road trip across Western Australia. With natural beauty in the form of countless pristine beaches, you’ll be able to explore towering cliffs and panoramic views. Consider visiting Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse, Meelup Beach for a swim, and Yallingup for those who enjoy surfing.
Known for its wineries and gourmet foods, Margaret River town is a great spot to put your feet up and delight in local produce. On your way to Cape Leeuwin, the southwestern tip of Australia, you’ll also pass Vasse Felix Winery, one of the most renowned in the Margaret River wine region.
Expert tip: As one of the longest wooden jetties in the southern hemisphere, a detour to Busselton to stroll along the iconic Busselton Jetty is a must. Here, you can also visit the Underwater Observatory to take in the abundance of marine life.
If you want to explore more of Western Australia’s top sights, consider this road trip that takes you from Perth to Broome.
The best weekend getaways in Australia
Looking to soak up Australia’s amazing scenery with a weekend getaway? These overnight holiday destinations are the perfect option for those who may not have the time for a week-long holiday road trip but still want to experience the full spectrum of landscapes contained Down Under.
Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania
- Total distance: 220 kilometres
- Total driving time: 2 to 3 days
Tasmania is known for its tranquil setting and the kind of natural beauty that envelops you and this drive is no exception. Winding your way along the east coast and the dramatic Bay of Fires, you’ll take in charming coastal towns and the rich history of the region.
Delight in the fresh local produce of seaside towns as you enjoy fish and chips overlooking the water. There are plenty of key attractions to see here, too, including Maria Island, which can be accessed by ferry from Triabunna and Freycinet National Park, where you can hike to Wineglass Bay for incredible views of the beaches.
Expert tip: Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking along the trails of Derby before you make your way to Launceston for panoramic views courtesy of Cataract Gorge. As the second-largest city in Tasmania, Launceston is also known for its vibrant food scene and rich history.
Adelaide to Cape Jervis, South Australia
- Total distance: 107 kilometres
- Total driving time: 2 days
Journey from the vibrant South Australian capital to the picturesque Cape Jervis with its coastal scenery. Along the way, explore wine regions like McLaren Vale and the historic town of Victor Harbor, before making your way to Cape Jervis where you can then take a ferry to Kangaroo Island. The island itself deserves a day of exploration, with plenty of wildlife to see and local food to taste.
Want to extend your travels with a road trip from Adelaide to Melbourne? This itinerary takes in all the best stops and attractions along the way.
The Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
- Total distance: 140 kilometres
- Total driving time: 2 to 3 days
If you’re looking to soak up warm weather, white sandy beaches, and a tropical climate, you’ve come to the right place. The Great Barrier Reef Drive doesn’t just deliver on major tourist attractions, but it also takes you through countless beaches that make for the perfect rest stop to recharge.
Home to the world’s largest coral reef, you’ll want to take your time exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the abundance of marine life. Consider visiting the beachside village of Palm Cove for delicious food, before heading to Port Douglas.
Expert tip: Though the beautiful coral reef demands your attention, it would be amiss to skip Mossman Gorge, which serves as the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and Daintree National Park. Having stood for 135 million years, the Daintree Rainforest is home to one of the most complex ecosystems in the world. Walkways take you deep into the greenery and rainforest canopies, while guided Dreamtime walks are also available, giving insight into the spiritual resonance of this place with the Kuku Yalanji people.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
- Total distance: 243 kilometres
- Total driving time: 2 to 3 days
For those wanting a holiday set amongst charming coastal towns with the best surf spots, it doesn’t get much better than Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Begin your journey in Torquay, a beautiful seaside town known for its surfing culture and home to the Surf World Museum. You’ll continue to Lorne, passing Anglesea and Aireys Inlet before coming to Otway National Park where you can hike amidst ancient rainforest.
From there, continue to the coastal town of Apollo Bay. Before reaching Port Campbell, be sure to stop off at the iconic landmarks of Loch Ard Gorge and London Arch, two unique rock formations that offer sweeping views over the water. You’ll then continue to Warrnambool where you can explore more of the Shipwreck Coast, before completing your journey in Allansford.
Looking for more road trips to pass the Australia holidays in Victoria? Check out these 12 Victorian road trip itineraries that take in the best sights.
The best multi-day driving itineraries in Australia
To fully appreciate the beauty of Australia, we recommend spending some time on the road. As well as being granted the luxury of travelling at your own pace as you soak up the great food of these beautiful cities and the year-round temperate climate, you’ll also be able to tick off world-famous attractions and iconic landmarks, like Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
Ideal for families looking for the perfect holiday destination or those who have the time to explore the diverse landscapes Australia is known for, these multi-day holiday itineraries are sure to satisfy nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Nullarbor Crossing, South Australia to Western Australian
- Total distance: 1,200 kilometres
- Total driving time: 5 to 7 days
It’s the iconic Australian road trip that tops everyone’s bucket list, and while you can expect long, flat stretches of road that extend for kilometres (1,675 to be exact), you’ll also be in for some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Drive along the Eyre Highway from Port Augusta to Norseman in Western Australia, where you’ll be sure to see native wildlife, camels, and enchanting landscapes.
Expert tip: For an authentic experience, why not stay in roadhouses along the way? These serve as essential stops for travellers and provide food, fuel, and various services. Many boast a rich history, such as Norseman, Cocklebiddy, and Nullarbor Roadhouse.
The Pacific Coast, NSW to Queensland
- Total distance: 1,000 kilometres
- Total driving time: 7 to 9 days
There’s no shortage of activities on the Pacific Coast drive from NSW to Queensland. From getting outdoors and exploring nature as you swim with dolphins and ride the sand dunes in Port Stephens to wine tasting at the esteemed wineries of the Hunter Valley, this road trip has it all. With Byron Bay rapidly becoming a go-to holiday destination for many, you’ll even be able to tick that off your list, too.
If you want to make Byron Bay and Gold Coast the focal point of your travels, consider this road trip from Brisbane to Byron Bay. You’ll pass Mount Tamborine and key attractions like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
- Total distance: 1,174 kilometres
- Total driving time: 5 days
The drive through the Northern Territory’s Red Centre will see you bask in the rich Aboriginal heritage and natural beauty of the region. From ancient Aboriginal rock art to sprawling plains and red cliffs, this drive delivers the quintessential Aussie Outback experience! There’s plenty to explore here, from the West MacDonnell Ranges and Larapinta Trail to Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, Kings Canyon, and, of course, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Looking to tackle the Red Centre Way but coming from Melbourne? This Melbourne to Uluru road trip is the ultimate itinerary for those venturing from the Victorian city to the red desert of the Outback.
The Explorer’s Way, South Australia and Northern Territory
- Total distance: 3,000 kilometres
- Total driving time: 8 to 10 days
Ticking off some of the biggest attractions and iconic landmarks in Australia, the Explorer’s Way is the perfect route to experience the vibrant city of Adelaide before embarking on an Outback adventure.
You’ll explore the underground homes and opal mines of Coober Pedy, the spiritual heritage of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and take on hikes across Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges before visiting Tennant Creek and Daly Waters. From there, visit Litchfield National Park before arriving in Darwin, where you’ll be treated to local food, open-air markets, and a year-round festive atmosphere.
The Savannah Way, Queensland and Western Australia
- Total distance: 3,700 kilometres
- Total driving time: 2+ weeks
If you’re looking to experience mesmerising World Heritage sites in northern Australia, be sure to take on the Savannah Way. You’ll traverse the Kimberley region of Western Australia before finding yourself immersed in the rugged landscapes of the Northern Territory.
Expert tip: Given the remote location of various stops along this route, it’s important to be well-prepared. If you’re not camping, ensure you’ve booked your accommodation well in advance to avoid unforeseen hassles. And with some towns being a sizeable distance from one another, be mindful of fuel stops and stock up on supplies upon arrival at each location.
Top tourist attractions in Australia
Though the world’s smallest continent, it comes as no surprise to those who have taken a road trip across Australia that it’s also the world’s largest island. There’s no shortage of attractions and landmarks to tick off on your road trip around Australia. From iconic beaches to national parks and top food destinations, these tourist attractions are certainly worth visiting.
Sydney Opera House
An iconic landmark that is synonymous with Australia, the Sydney Opera House boasts a rich history and culture. With its distinctive design and architecture, it’s the perfect holiday destination for those looking to enjoy great food along the harbour followed by an artistic performance. The venue frequently holds ballet, theatre, and music concerts.
Expert tip: Visit the Sydney Opera House at night to see it lit up with spectacular lights. Why not have a drink at Opera Bar alongside the water to toast to a great day?
Great Barrier Reef
Located off the coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is home to the world’s largest coral reef system. Covering 344,400 square kilometres with over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, you’ll be able to take in the abundant marine life that includes sea turtles, sharks, rays, and fish species.
Uluru
Previously known as Ayers Rock, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sandstone monolith is located in the heart of the Northern Territory and is a sacred site for the Anangu people. At 348 metres tall and with a circumference of 9.4 kilometres, Uluru is a mesmerising site, particularly when you take in its colour during sunrise or sunset. While climbing is no longer permitted, you can do a base walk that takes 3 to 4 hours and takes in the beauty of the rock from every angle.
Expert tip: For those wanting to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you’ll need to purchase a park pass ahead of visiting. The passes can be purchased online for quick and easy entry and are valid for three days. If you want to extend your stay, you can even extend the pass to five days at no extra cost.
Not only does the pass cover for entry, but the money also helps maintain the park’s facilities and goes towards preserving its beauty and cultural history. Your contribution also helps to support the traditional owners and their community.
Sydney Harbour Bridge
A must-see for anyone in New South Wales, the Sydney Harbour Bridge connects the CBD with the North Shore and affords breathtaking views of the harbour and city lights. For the adventurous, why not take on Sydney BridgeClimb, which offers guided climbs that take you right to the top of the bridge for unbeatable views?
Blue Mountains National Park
Located 1.5 hours from Sydney, the UNESCO World Heritage site is named after the blue haze emitted from the countless eucalyptus trees lining the mountains. For those looking to explore nature, you’ll find countless hiking trails offering panoramic views of the mountains. Additional attractions include the Three Sisters, the sandstone rock formation that rises above the Jamison Valley, while towns like Katoomba and Leura boast a laidback atmosphere.
Daintree National Park
This World Heritage-listed national park is located in tropical Far North Queensland and is known for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems. You can journey through the national park with its diverse wildlife, even looking to spot crocodiles, while birdwatchers will find themselves in heaven with the variety of species.
Barossa Valley
Just 60 kilometres northwest of Adelaide, you’ll find the renowned wine region of the Barossa Valley. Known for its high-quality wines and cellar door experiences that allow you to sample a wide variety of wines in tasting rooms as they are paired with delicious food, it doesn’t hurt that the setting is a stunning one of countryside and rolling hills.
Top stop: If you’re visiting the Barossa Valley, don’t miss Whistler Wines. This family-owned winery is perfect for groups seeking a sunny day out, offering a delightful mix of wine tasting for adults and (for families) plenty of outdoor fun for kids – including a playground, treasure hunt, and the chance to meet rescued kangaroos.
Top tips for the ultimate Australian road trip experience
If you’re planning turning your holiday into a road trip, we don’t blame you for being impatient to get your adventure on the road! Though you can largely expect sealed and well-maintained roads for much of your travels apart from regional areas and roads in the Outback, it’s important to be prepared for anything a trip might throw at you.
Consider these handy tips before departing for your next holiday destination to ensure you get the most out of your road trip.
- Start early: Begin your journey with the sun by setting off early in the day. Not only does this offer the chance to witness breathtaking sunrise views, but it also helps you beat the rush hour traffic, allowing for a smoother ride.
- Book a car: If you’re not using your own vehicle, consider booking a hire car that suits your travel needs. Maybe you want to zip around city centres in a small car, or you’re a family that needs the extra space of a van or 4WD. Whatever the case, Turo gives you the freedom to choose the perfect vehicle for your journey.
- Consider a national parks pass: With so many national parks located throughout Australia, it’s worth getting a NPWSA Pass that provides access to those in the region you may be visiting. Prices range from $12 for a one-day pass to $100-120 for an annual pass that allows unlimited entry to parks for 12 months. If you want to maximise your time outdoors by camping, some national parks and conservation areas also require a permit.
- Avoid driving at night: Though most roads in Australia are well maintained, in certain regional areas and Outback roads, you can expect to find wildlife on or near the road, particularly at night when they are most active. To avoid the risk of collision, leave adequate time in the morning and leave early to reach your destination before nightfall.
Ready to take on your Australian holiday adventure in style? With Turo, you can find the perfect ride for your journey. No matter where you’re starting your adventure, let Turo connect you with the perfect vehicle for your trip.
Jess Campbell
Jess is Sydney-based and loves the outdoors. While she likes to think she has what it takes to compete on ‘ALONE’, her survival skills need some work. Born in Singapore and raised in South Africa, she’s hiked across Ireland, surfed in Hawaii, spent six months in Kenya and covered much of Africa. Having spent a year in the north of Spain, she’s resolved to come back to tackle the Camino de Santiago. Until then, you can find her providing the best snacks and playlists on Aussie road trips.
