5 Best Aussie Road Trips

Ready to hit the road? Tick these dream drives off your bucket list. Whether it's a romantic drive along coastal roads with a summertime breeze blowing through your hair or an inexpensive winter getaway through the luscious countryside, there’s nothing like a road trip to recharge your zest for adventure.

Luckily for us, Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to hitting the road. Here are 5 of the best to get you revved up for your next road trip…

1. Grand Pacific Drive, NSW

Just one hour south of Sydney, Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most spectacular driving routes, dotted with breathtaking highlights including Stanwell Tops, Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole and gorgeous beaches. Grand Pacific Drive is an award winning 140km drive that starts at Royal National Park – the second oldest National Park in the world. Themed directional signage is visible all along the route to the best natural sites and activities this part of NSW has to offer.

2. Great Ocean Road, VIC

Arguably the best known coastal drive and certainly one of the world's most scenic roads, the Great Ocean Road covers south-west Victoria and encompasses among other treasures, the famous 12 Apostles. Start your journey in Melbourne and drive via Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula where you will discover beautiful beaches, restaurants, charming small towns and a range of recreational activities such as fishing, golfing and surfing.

3. The Nullabor, SA – WA

From Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth you can drive west to east or east to west along the Eyre Highway. With no trees in sight, you'll find spectacular views of wooded hills that flatten into blue bush-studded plateaus and even mobs of kangaroos. There are cattle stations, historic homesteads and remote railway outposts. Also, close by are the Bunda Cliffs, which is a perfect spot for whale-watching.

4. Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Known for its relaxed coastal culture, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a serene environment with many activities the whole family will enjoy. From wine-tasting to biplane acrobatics and sunny beaches to-boot, Fleurieu Peninsula is sure to leave you speechless. Close by, you'll find green hills bound by clifftops, coves and the winding Murray River. The Fleurieu Peninsula is also close to Adelaide making it easy for you to also explore the state’s capital city.

5. The Savannah Way, QLD

The Savannah Way is a 3700km route that links Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia's Kimberley region. The drive passes through 15 national parks and five World Heritage areas. The Savannah Way offers beautiful rainforest walking tracks and waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands as well as Normanton’s historic minerals at Georgetown. Between Normanton and Karumba, you can spot herons, Jabiru and Brolga before finishing your trip at the breathtaking Gulf of Carpentaria.

In summary

While the good company and beautiful scenery are key ingredients for a great road trip, a reliable car is a must! If you don’t have a car or the one you have is too risky to rely on beyond the next suburb, now is an ideal time to consider purchasing a new set of wheels, thanks to better value car loan options from IMB.

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