With international travel restrictions likely to be in place for some time, you may be dreaming of a local escape as soon as it's safe to travel. We have some of the world’s most diverse and spectacular scenery right here in Australia, and your holiday spend can help support local businesses. It’s just a case of checking state and territory travel restrictions and planning when and where to go. If you're planning to load up the camper van, here are five iconic Australian road trips to inspire you:
1. The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive – Sydney to Tweed Heads, NSW
How long do I need? 4 days*
How far is the drive? 900km
This scenic drive takes you through the beautiful Central Coast and Port Stephens regions which are renowned for their stunning beaches, and you will also experience the natural beauty of the Northern Rivers region. Your route will take you to Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay before reaching Tweed Heads.
See Visit NSW.
2. The Great Ocean Road – Torquay to Port Fairy, VIC
How long do I need? 3 days*
How far is the drive? 664km
The Twelve Apostles
A world-famous scenic drive along some of Australia’s most beautiful coastline, your trip highlights may include the Twelve Apostles (of which there are now eight), Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson Steps, London Arch (also known as London Bridge), Port Campbell National Park, Lorne, Apollo Bay and Bells Beach, as featured in the movie Point Break.
See Visit Victoria and Great Ocean Road.
3. Nature’s Way Drive – Darwin to Litchfield National Park and back to Darwin, NT
How long do I need? 8 days*
How far is the drive? 818km
A nature lover’s dream trip. This drive, which loops back to Darwin, includes World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park and the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge at Nitmiluk National Park. Highlights of your trip may include browsing the stalls at the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, cruising Kakadu’s waterways to spot crocodiles and birds, admiring the majestic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, and enjoying waterfalls and plunge pools at Litchfield National Park.
See Tourism NT and Northern Territory Government.
4. The Grand Pacific Drive – Royal National Park to Jervis Bay, NSW
How long do I need? 2 days*
How far is the drive? 220km
Sea Cliff Bridge
One of Australia’s iconic drives, you may feel like you are living a car advert as you cross the 665 metre Sea Cliff Bridge (both the bridge and coastline have inspired various ads). On this road trip you will experience the beautiful Kiama and Shoalhaven regions. Your itinerary may include Royal National Park, Wollongong, Kiama and Jervis Bay.
See Visit NSW.
5. Dubbo to Broken Hill, NSW
How long do I need? 4 days*
How far is the drive? 790km
Mundi Mundi Plains at sunset
Dubbo is home to the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Warrumbungle National Park, the Wellington Caves and Phosphate Mine, as well as Mount Arthur Reserve and Old Dubbo Gaol. And that’s before you even start the drive. Your route will take you on to Nyngan, Cobar and Wilcannia before you reach Broken Hill, one of Australia’s most famous outback towns.
See Visit NSW.
Practicalities
COVID-19 travel restrictions
While planning your trip, please be mindful of COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines regarding travel. Book your accommodation and activities ahead and consider appropriate insurance. Anyone who is unwell or has been in contact with someone with COVID-19 symptoms must not travel.
Confirm the opening hours of tourist attractions in advance of your visit, as these may have changed because of the pandemic. You may also be required to book in advance.
As the COVID-19 pandemic situation can change rapidly, you may find these websites useful for updates:
- Regional NSW Government – COVID-19
- Australian Government Department of Health – Coronavirus (COVID-19) domestic travel restrictions
- NSW Government border regions - border restrictions
- Regional Development Victoria – Victoria’s Cross Border Commissioner
- Northern Territory Government coronavirus (COVID-19) information
*Road trip safety
A well-planned road trip provides the opportunity to explore at your own pace, but do not try to cover too great a distance each day. It is important to avoid fatigue by remembering to stop, revive, survive. Review the NSW Government’s Transport Roads & Maritime Services Trip information page. The timeframes specified above are an approximate guide only.
Do you need a little extra help financing your trip?
At G&C Mutual Bank we have over 60 years’ experience in helping our members reach their financial goals. If you need a little extra help financing your trip, we’re ready to help you. Our award-winning Fair Rate Personal Loan is unlike most personal loans from large financial institutions where a standard rate is usually applied. The rate for our Fair Rate Personal Loan is guided by your credit worthiness, so you may be rewarded with a better rate based on your borrowing history.
If you prefer the flexibility to book your trip online, our award-winning Low Rate Visa Credit Card might be more your style. With one of the lowest ongoing purchase rates in the market and a low annual fee, it all adds up to great value.
Apply online or contact us to find out more.
Article sources:
Visit NSW
Visit Victoria
Great Ocean Road
Tourism NT
Northern Territory Government
