The Best Road Trips in Australia—By Car Type

The Best Road Trips in Australia

Find the route that suits your ride

Australia is made for road trips. With vast coastlines, rugged outback tracks, and scenic alpine routes, there’s a journey to match every kind of vehicle. Whether you’re in a zippy hatchback or a fully equipped 4WD, the road ahead can be unforgettable—if you match the right trip to your car’s capabilities.

Compact Cars: Smooth City-to-Coast Cruising

If you’re driving a small car, stick to sealed highways and well-serviced roads. One perfect option is the drive from Sydney to Jervis Bay. Just a few hours south, it offers coastal views, national parks, and some of the whitest sands in the world—all with easy road access.

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of the best road trips. With its sweeping corners and ocean cliffs, it’s one of Australia’s most iconic drives. Compact cars handle its twists well and make parking in small coastal towns much easier.

SUVs: Versatile Touring Across Mixed Terrain

For those in an SUV, longer and more varied trips come into play. The Brisbane to Cairns coastal route offers everything from beach drives to lush hinterland escapes. You’ll enjoy sealed roads most of the way, with some optional detours onto gravel tracks or into rainforest areas that suit SUVs with moderate clearance.

The Tasmanian East Coast is another standout—smooth bitumen, short stretches of gravel, and enough variety to justify a few days behind the wheel.

4WDs: Off-Road Adventures and Remote Trails

For real adventure, you’ll want a 4WD and a taste for the wild. Cape York is one of the most remote drives in Australia, and it’s only possible in a high-clearance four-wheel drive. Water crossings, corrugations, and deep red dirt tracks make this a true test of both driver and vehicle.

The Gibb River Road in Western Australia also offers an epic off-road experience. With access to waterfalls, gorges, and remote camping spots, it’s a bucket list route for off-roaders.

Touring and Family Vehicles: Scenic Comfort and Space

If you’re packing the family or want a bit more space and comfort, the drive from Adelaide to the Barossa Valley is one of the best road trips, or even along the Newell Highway through New South Wales, is a great fit. These roads are smooth, well-serviced, and filled with roadside attractions, vineyards, and historic towns.

Be Ready Before You Hit the Road

No matter your destination or vehicle type, preparation is key. Before you head out, make sure your car is road-trip ready—tyres, battery, lighting, and electrical systems should all be in top condition. A quick check now can save you hours of frustration later.

At Sandgate Auto Electrics, we specialise in auto electrical services to get your vehicle prepared for any road trip—whether it’s the coast, the country, or somewhere in between.

📞 Call: 07 3269 3158
📍 Visit: 101 Connaught Street, Sandgate QLD 4017
📧 Email: mail@sandgateautoelectrics.com.au

Wherever you’re going—make sure your vehicle’s ready for the journey.

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