Best Road Trips in Australia for First Time Visitors

Australia is one of the best countries in the world for a road trip, but planning your first one can feel overwhelming. Distances are huge, seasons change dramatically between regions, and it’s hard to know which routes are actually worth your time.

After years of travelling Australia and mapping out routes myself, I’ve narrowed it down to the road trips that are genuinely ideal for first time visitors. These routes are realistic, incredibly scenic, and easy to customise depending on how much time you have.

Below, you’ll find the best road trips across Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. If you want exact routes, stop by stop planning, and ready to use itineraries, I’ve also linked my Australia travel guide throughout, which includes all of these trips mapped out in one place.

Why Road Tripping Australia is the Best Way to See the Country

Australia is made for road trips. Many of the country’s most iconic beaches, national parks and landscapes are only accessible by car, and travelling by road gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

For first time visitors, a road trip also allows you to:

• See more than just the major cities
• Stop at hidden beaches and regional towns
• Adjust your itinerary based on weather and travel style
• Experience the true scale and diversity of Australia

If you’re planning your first trip, having a clear route and realistic timeline is key. That’s exactly how I’ve designed my Australia travel guide, so you can focus on the experience rather than the planning.

The Best Road Trips in Australia for First Time Visitors

Perth to Esperance Road Trip (14 Days)

Best for: white sand beaches, national parks, relaxed coastal driving

Best time to go: November to April

The Perth to Esperance road trip is one of the most scenic drives in Western Australia. This route takes you through the South West and along a rugged stretch of coastline known for its turquoise water and untouched beaches.

Highlights include Cape Le Grand National Park, Esperance’s famous white sand beaches, and charming coastal towns along the way.

This road trip is ideal for first time visitors because distances are manageable, roads are well maintained, and there’s a great mix of coastal scenery and national parks.

Full route planning, must see stops and accommodation options for this trip are mapped out in my Australia travel guide.

Perth to Exmouth Road Trip (14 Days)

Best for: adventure, snorkelling, dramatic landscapes

Best time to go: April to October

The Perth to Exmouth road trip showcases some of Western Australia’s most diverse landscapes. From red rock gorges to world-class snorkelling, this route offers a completely different side of the country.

Highlights include Kalbarri National Park, Shark Bay, and Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel straight from the beach.

This route combines several iconic WA destinations into one action packed journey, making it perfect for first time visitors.

Brisbane to Cairns + Cape Tribulation Road Trip (19 Days)

Best for: tropical landscapes, reef and rainforest

Best time to go: May to October

The Brisbane to Cairns road trip is one of Australia’s most popular routes, and for good reason. It takes you through Queensland’s best beaches, islands and rainforests, finishing in Far North Queensland.

Highlights include the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest, with the option to continue north to Cape Tribulation.

This is a great road trip for first time visitors thanks to easy to follow roads, clear signage and plenty of accommodation options along the way.

You can see the full mapped itinerary and recommended stops in my Australia travel guide.

Red Centre Road Trip (Alice Springs to Uluru) – 6 Days

Best for: iconic outback scenery and cultural landmarks

Best time to go: April to September

If you want to experience Australia’s outback, the Red Centre road trip is a must. This short but jam-packed route takes you through the heart of the country.

Highlights include Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, with dramatic desert landscapes and deep cultural significance throughout the journey.

Perfect for first time visitors who are short on time but want to see one of Australia’s most iconic regions.

Northern Territory Top End Road Trip (8 Days)

Best for: waterfalls, national parks and wildlife

Best time to go: May to September (dry season)

The Northern Territory Top End road trip is perfect if you’re travelling during the dry season and want to experience Australia’s tropical north.

Highlights include Litchfield National Park, Kakadu National Park and Darwin, with swimming holes, waterfalls and wildlife encounters along the way.

Compact but incredibly scenic, this route is ideal for first time visitors.

Gold Coast Itinerary (6 Days)

Best for: short trips, beaches and easy driving

Best time to go: March to May or September to November

The Gold Coast is a great option for first time visitors who want a shorter road trip with plenty of flexibility. This itinerary combines beaches, coastal towns and hinterland day trips.

It’s ideal if you’re limited on time or want to ease into road tripping in Australia.

Sydney to Byron Bay Road Trip (7 Days)

Best for: coastal towns, surf beaches and cafe culture

Best time to go: September to November or March to May

The Sydney to Byron Bay road trip is a classic east coast drive that follows New South Wales’ stunning coastline.

Highlights include Port Stephens, Crescent Head and Byron Bay, with endless beaches and relaxed coastal towns along the way.

A fully mapped route and itinerary tips are included in my Australia travel guide.

Sydney to Bermagui Road Trip (5 Days)

Best for: quieter coastal escapes and fewer crowds

Best time to go: November to April

If you’re looking for a more relaxed alternative to the NSW North Coast, the Sydney to Bermagui road trip is a great option.

This route takes you south through Jervis Bay, Batemans Bay and along a less crowded stretch of coastline.

Ideal for first time visitors who want coastal scenery without the busier tourist hotspots.

How to Choose the Right Road Trip for Your First Visit

When choosing your first Australia road trip, consider:

• How much time you have available
• The time of year you’re travelling
• Whether you prefer beaches, cities or outback landscapes
• Your comfort level with long driving distances

Australia is huge, and you don’t need to see everything in one trip. Choosing the right route will make your experience far more enjoyable.

Plan Your Australia Road Trip with Confidence

Planning an Australia road trip takes time, especially when you’re trying to connect routes, choose the best stops and avoid missing the highlights.

If you want all of these road trips fully mapped out with exact routes, must see stops, accommodation ideas and flexible itineraries you can customise, I’ve put everything together inside my Australia travel guide.

It’s designed for first time visitors who want to travel confidently without spending weeks researching. You can use it to plan one trip or save it for future adventures across Australia.

👉 View the Australia Travel Guide here: https://www.rexby.com/lolahubner/australia