Itching to hit the open road for a holiday? Check out some of the most iconic and stunning road trips around Australia.

From highways that snake around the very edge of our breath-taking coastline to red dirt tracks winding through some of Australia’s most ruggedly impressive bushland – there’s no shortage of ways to explore our beautiful country from the open road.

Here are 10 of the most iconic road trips around Australia. Buckle up and let’s go.

The Alpine Way, NSW

Australia isn’t usually associated with snow-capped mountains, but that’s exactly what you’ll find along The Alpine Way, which is a 308km route stretching from Wangaratta to Bairnsdale on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Gippsland Lakes. It passes through awe-inspiring mountain range, lush valleys and lots of local vineyards, so be sure to reserve some time to stop off, enjoy a great glass of wine, and take in your surroundings.

The 75 Mile Highway, QLD (Fraser Island)

If off-roading is your thing, then the 75 Mile Highway on Fraser Island is not to be missed. Simply hop into your 4WD (or hire one on the island), rev the engine, and get set to explore 75 miles of pristine coastline. You can drive directly on the beach, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife – you could see anything from dingoes to turtles and whale sharks. Nature lovers should also stop off for a hike through the rainforest bordering the drive.

Great Ocean Road, VIC

It’s one of the most famous roads in Australia, and with good reason. There’s so much to love about this drive. You can take in the sweeping coastal vistas, have a break at quaint seaside towns like Lorne and Port Campbell, and stop off to see the magnificent Twelve Apostles of the Port Campbell National Park. This is a road trip that every Australian should take to truly appreciate the land we live in.

Heritage Highway, TAS

Stretching from Hobart to Launceston, the Heritage Highway drive gives you the opportunity to see some of the incredible beauty Tasmania has to offer. Dotted with historic villages and gorgeous heritage architecture, this trip is the perfect way to explore the state’s colonial past by travelling the same route forged by road gangs, woolgrowers and bushrangers of days gone by.

Red Centre Way, NT

When people use the phrase “down under”, it usually evokes images of wild, rugged desert – and that’s exactly the type of landscape you’ll see when you take a trip along the Red Centre Way. Get a taste of true Australiana as you journey through red sands, spinifex grass and stark desert. The whole 690km trip takes about five days starting at Alice Springs and ending at Uluru – plan to arrive at dusk for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the rock at sunset.

Mighty Murray Way, SA

The Mighty Murray Way follows one of the world’s longest rivers through a jaw-dropping array of South Australian scenery. From shearing sheds and microbreweries, to adventure parks, canoe and bike trails, there’s something for everyone along this iconic stretch of land. For a real treat, be sure to stop off at Monarto Zoo, Australia’s biggest open range zoo.

Perth to Broome, WA

Stretching across an enormous 3283km of West Australian coastline, the Perth to Broome drive is for serious road trippers. The entire journey takes about two weeks, and along the way, you’ll experience natural wonders like The Pinnacles, world heritage-listed Shark Bay, and Ningaloo Reef Marine Park – Australia’s largest and most accessible fringing reef. If you’ve been thinking of a caravanning holiday, this road trip is the way to go.

Legendary Pacific Coast, NSW & QLD

How do sweeping beaches, boutique wineries, enchanting rainforests and quaint villages sound? You can experience all of that and more on the Legendary Pacific Coast drive, which starts in Sydney and ends at the Gold Coast. It’s a great way to see a good chunk of the east coast, including the Hunter Valley, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay, and it’s best stretched out over about a week so you can fully appreciate every stop-off.

The Nullarbor Plain, SA & WA

“Long”, “flat” and “straight” are the words generally associated with the Nullabor Plain, but don’t let that deter you. This is wide open land at its most stunning, and it’s the perfect opportunity to experience the Australian outback in all its glory. Expect to see plenty of wildlife, like camels, kangaroos, and emus, and have a yarn with some of the locals. You can even play golf at the world’s longest course –1365km long, with a hole at each town along the way.

Planning your next road trip? Chat to a car rental agent and get your ride sorted.