Australia Self-Drive Tours & Itineraries

Explore 22 self-drive trips designed by local kimkim specialists to get ideas for your trip to Australia.

We've planned self-drives in Australia catered to various trip durations and areas of interest. If you're short on time, consider an itinerary like this 5-day route, where you'll experience Melbourne's urban charm, zipline in the Otway Ranges, and pass by the beautiful Twelve Apostles rock formations. For those craving an off-the-beaten-path adventure, check out a route like this 11-day Melbourne and Tasmania road trip, where you'll encounter native wildlife, learn about the country's rich colonial history, and indulge in culinary delights on Bruny Island. If you can dedicate three weeks to the drive, opt for an itinerary similar to this 21-day drive from Melbourne to Sydney, where you'll visit cities, reefs, rainforests, and the outback.

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Durations: 8 days · 9 days · 15 days · 18 days

Melbourne to Great Ocean Road: Self Drive Tour - 5 Days

On this five-day self-drive trip, explore the coastal capital city of Melbourne and then hit the open road. One of Victoria's most scenic drives, Great Ocean Road provides plenty of exciting pit stops—explore the surfing town of Bells Beach, discover the waterfalls of Lorne, zipline through the Otway Ranges, and visit The Twelve Apostles rock formations. On the way back to Melbourne, do some sightseeing in Ballarat, known for its Gold Rush heritage and indigenous art.

The Best of Brisbane & the Gold Coast - 6 Days

Experience the best of Australia's less-visited yet beautiful East Coast. This includes highlights of Queensland, like the eclectic metropolis of Brisbane and the endless beaches and shimmering skyscrapers of the Gold Coast. You'll also take day trips to charming Byron Bay, visit a koala sanctuary, and go off-the-beaten path on self-drive road trips to rainforest-covered national parks.

Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Tour - 20 Days

Explore the East Coast of Australia at your own pace on this 20-day self-drive tour. Stop in Sydney and the beautiful Gold Coast, learn to surf, and go hiking in the rainforest in Queensland. See unique Australian animals in the many nature preserves and enjoy the sun-soaked beaches on the coast. Snorkle to see the Great Barrier Reef, venture to the Australian outback to visit a sacred site, and go white-water rafting as you experience all Australia has to offer.

Stop to check out the iconic Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road

Self-Drive Tour: From Melbourne to Adelaide - 14 Days

Explore the natural beauty and diverse wildlife on this two-week coastal adventure of Victoria and South Australia. Starting and ending in Melbourne, you'll drive along Australia's southern edge navigating the Great Ocean Road and choosing to stop on your schedule until you reach Adelaide. Along the way, you'll discover dramatic rock formations like the famous Twelve Apostles, meet kangaroos and fur seals on Kangaroo Island, and learn about aboriginal culture in Grampians National Park.

Australia East Coast Family Road Trip: Brisbane to Sydney - 10 Days

Independent travelers will love this 10-day family road trip across Australia's spectacular east coast. Traverse the stunning Gold Coast hinterland as you wind through charming towns, rainforest detours, and sweeping bays before experiencing the iconic sights of Sydney. You and the family will get to cuddle koalas, surf 100-foot dunes, and marvel at the majestic humpbacks during a whale watching cruise.

Off-the-Beaten Path Australia: Melbourne & Tasmania Road Trip - 11 Days

Explore the rich history of Melbourne and Tasmania on this itinerary, which includes guided tours and a self-guided road trip across Tasmania. Spend two days in Melbourne and travel down the epic Great Ocean Road. Fly to Tasmania's capital, Hobart, and drive north to historical convict towns like Longford and Oatlands. Take in Tasmania's lake country and a glimpse of the southern lights along the way.

Drive through the heart of Australia "red center" in the outback

Australian Outback Self-Drive Tour- 18 Days

Cover the rugged terrain and sweeping desert landscape of the Australian Outback on this epic self-drive excursion through Victoria, South Australia, and Northern Territory. Begin your 18-day tour in trendy Melbourne and fly to arty Adelaide where you'll pick up your rental car and drive on your schedule to Darwin on the opposite coast. You'll explore four major national parks, spot endemic wildlife in their natural habitat, visit rural towns, and discover ancient Aboriginal art.

Southeast Australia Self-Drive - 22 Days

Explore southeast Australia on this combination self-drive and flying tour on this comprehensive 22-day itinerary. Start your trip in quirky Melbourne to explore hidden alleyways and eclectic coffee shops, then pick up a car and explore the coast. Spend a few days in Tasmania, then end your trip in Sydney and the beautiful nature of the Blue Mountains and the Hunter Valley Vineyards.

Drive Australia's Great Ocean Road and checkout iconic sites like the Twelve Apostles

Great Ocean Road, Melbourne & the Grampians - 9 Days

Feel the freedom of the open road as you wind your way along Australia's most iconic coastal drive. This nine-day Aussie itinerary gives you three days on the Great Ocean Road, soaking up views of the famous Twelve Apostles and more. The journey begins and ends in Melbourne, stopping by the Grampians mountain range and the historic gold rush town of Ballarat. Buckle up for a memorable Australian adventure.

Melbourne & the Great Ocean Road Self-Drive Adventure - 8 Days

Embark on an eight-day adventure down Australia's marvelous southeastern coast. Begin with city tours of Melbourne, an eclectic coastal capital quickly emerging as a tourism hotspot. Then get behind the wheel for an unforgettable road trip down the famous Great Ocean Road, which stretches for 150 miles (241 km) amid golden beaches and unspoiled natural parks. In these natural wonderlands, you'll enjoy outdoor adventures and First Nations culture in equal measure.

Travel at your own pace and make as many swim stops as you'd like

Southern & Eastern Australia Road Trip - 15 Days

Enjoy an epic 15-day road trip to the most incredible cities, towns, and landmarks throughout the south and east of Australia. It starts in Melbourne, the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, and from there you'll drive north, stopping at wildlife reserves and coastal towns along the way. In Sydney, you'll hit the highlights before continuing to gorgeous beach areas like Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.

Ultimate Australia: Cities, Reefs, Rainforests & Outback - 21 Days

This packed three-week adventure delivers the best of Australia. Discover the nation's culture capital of Melbourne on food tours and wildlife excursions before heading down the famed Great Ocean Road to the romantic fishing villages and rugged outback of South Australia. Then, fly north and explore the Great Barrier Reef before finishing the trip in Sydney with tours of its famous sights and hiking trips to nearby mountains.

The setting sun turns the cliffs at Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park a brilliant red

Australia & New Zealand Natural Wonders Road Trip - 21 Days

Natural beauty is at the forefront of this three-week road trip through Australia and New Zealand. Explore Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef in tropical Cairns, and take in the breathtaking beauty of Uluru in the Red Centre. Once you hop over to New Zealand, you'll see frozen glaciers, steaming thermal vents, and everything in between as you crisscross some of the most scenic highways in the world.

Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay is Australia's most easterly point

Australia's East Coast Road Trip & Great Barrier Reef Tour - 11 Days

This tour of Australia's east coast is ideal for travelers drawn to the sun and sea. You'll start with a few days in Sydney cruising around the harbor and tasting wines in the nearby Hunter Valley. Then pick up your rental car and drive north along the Legendary Pacific Coast—a 621-mile (1,000 km) route from Sydney to Brisbane—with overnight stops in cool surf towns like Byron Bay. Catch a flight to Cairns, where you'll snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef to finish the adventure.

Ultimate Outback Self-Drive Adventure: Darwin to Uluru - 12 Days

For sheer outback adventure, there's no beating this 12-day Aussie road trip, which starts at the tip of the Northern Territory. From there you'll hit the road south to visit protected wetlands, sacred Aboriginal sites, unspoiled national parks, deep gorges—even the alien abduction capital of Australia. The last stop is the vast deserts of the Red Plains and the iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock), where you'll immerse yourself even more in Aboriginal culture and enjoy an otherworldly dinner you won't soon forget.

Northern Australia Road Trip: Kakadu, Katherine & Litchfield - 8 Days

See the highlights and hidden corners of Northern Australia's "Top End" on this eight-day, self-drive adventure. Start in Darwin and drive east, staying in secluded inland towns before looping back toward the coast. Explore remote national parks, cruise down rivers for spectacular views (and crocodile spotting), meet the native wildlife at a local sanctuary, and search for First Nations rock art on a sunset hike.

Discover the rugged terrain of the Grampians National Park, Victoria, Australia

Southern Australia Road Trip: Great Ocean Road, Melbourne, Phillip Island & Adelaide - 8 Days

This eight-day self-drive itinerary takes you on a road trip across southern Australia, combining spectacular nature with cosmopolitan city stops. Kick off in creative Melbourne before hitting the road for Phillip Island to meet the wild penguins. Next, drive the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles from land and the sky (on a scenic helicopter tour). Continue to vibrant Adelaide, then onto the rugged Grampians mountains. See ancient Aboriginal art and Ballarat's gold rush history before handing over the car keys.

Byron Bay's famous lighthouse watches over its coastline

Ultimate East Coast Australia & Uluru - 18 Days

Get ready for the Australian adventure of a lifetime. Over 18 days, you'll take in the dazzling sights of Sydney and witness the magnificent Uluru at sunrise and sunset. Move on to Cairns to snorkel the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and trek the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Then it's time for a road trip as you set out along the beautiful east coast of Australia from Brisbane to Sydney, soaking up laid-back vibes of the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and more.

Enjoy spectacular scenery as you drive from Christchurch to Queenstown

Sydney & New Zealand's South Island Ultimate Adventure - 10 Days

There's so much to see and do in Australia and New Zealand, and this 10-day itinerary bites off the perfect chunk. Start with three days in sunny Sydney, where you'll see a show at the Opera House and hug a koala, then cross over to New Zealand's South Island for an adventurous self-drive holiday. Land in Christchurch, where you'll enjoy a historic tram dinner, then drive south to Lake Tekapo and take a heli-hike up Mount Cook. Finally, reach Queenstown, where local wine and adrenaline activities await.

Enjoy the views from southern Australia's Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island

Cities, Wildlife & Wilderness in Australia: Sydney, Kangaroo Island, Uluru & Melbourne - 15 Days

In 15 days, you'll explore exciting cities, spot wildlife, and visit iconic landmarks of Australia's southern states and interior. You'll start in Sydney for a biking excursion, bridge climb, and food tour before heading to Kangaroo Island to mingle with its endemic animals. Then it's time for a wilderness road trip to Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru in Northern Territory. Your trip comes to an end in the cultural hotspot, Melbourne, with day trips to Phillip Island and the Great Ocean Road.

Byron Bay on the east coast of Australia

The Ultimate Australian Self-Drive Adventure: Outback, Great Ocean Road & Pacific Coast - 20 Days

This epic 20-day self-drive adventure explores Australia's diverse landscapes and iconic destinations. Over 20 days, you'll take in dazzling Sydney and witness the magnificent Uluru. Continue to Melbourne to cruise the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles. Then road trip along the beautiful east coast from Brisbane to Sydney, soaking up the laid-back vibes of Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, the Hunter Valley, and more.

Whitehaven Beach is stretch along Whitsunday Island in Australia

Great Ocean Road & the Whitsundays - 9 Days

Get set for a fantastic nine-day adventure across Australia. Start in Melbourne, rent a car, and hit the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia's most iconic drives. Fly north to tropical Queensland to see the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Witness the magnificent Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pristine white silica sand, and go snorkeling. Drive south to Rockhampton, Australia's Beef Capital, then fly to beautiful Brisbane.

See Hokitika's famous Pancake Rocks on the west coast of New Zealand

New Zealand South Island Road Trip & Melbourne - 10 Days

Discover the natural wonders of New Zealand and Australia on this 10-day road trip. Start with scenic drives across New Zealand's South Island, stopping to marvel at pancake rocks and tour glittering glowworm caves. You'll take a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier and sail the UNESCO-listed Milford Sound / Piopiotahi before jetting to Australia. Here, adventures include touring the iconic Great Ocean Road to admire its dramatic sea stacks and soaring over Melbourne in a hot-air balloon.

Witness stunning scenery on this Australia-New Zealand road trip, like the coast of sunny Queensland

New Zealand & Australia Road Trip Highlights - 14 Days

Explore New Zealand and Australia's highlights on this two-week self-drive adventure. Start in New Zealand, where you'll wander geothermal landscapes and discover Maori culture on the North Island, then enjoy gondola rides, scenic hikes, and stargazing on the South Island. Jet to Australia next to experience its UNESCO wonders; you'll snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef and tour mighty Uluru, watching the sun rise and set over this Indigenous landmark.

Stay two nights in Byron Bay for sunrise beach walks, kayaking, and surfing

East Coast Australia Tour & Road Trip: Cairns to Sydney - 15 Days

This East Coast road trip takes you from the tropics to the big city over 15 fantastic days. Start in Queensland, where you'll snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and float through the Daintree Rainforest. Then, fly south to Brisbane to cuddle koalas and collect a rental car for a multi-day road trip, which takes you to Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and the Hunter Valley. The fun ends in Sydney where you'll return the keys and zip around the city sights with local guides before waving goodbye.

Drive at your own pace through the Australian outback

Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Outback & Top End Road Trip - 15 Days

This 15-day Australia tour and partial road trip combine the best of the tropics with the Top End and the vast plains of the outback. Start with some beach time and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, then fly to Darwin, where the real adventure begins. Connect with Indigenous culture and crocodiles, then fly to Australia's red center, where the Uluru monolith lies. Experience the best of the desert, from spectacular sunrises to starry desert dinners, before your final night in Sydney.

Canoe along the Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge in the Northern Territory

Northern Australia Top End Road Trip: Kakadu, Katherine, & Litchfield - 9 Days

This intrepid Australian adventure explores the best of the Northern Territory. Land in Darwin, the tropical capital, where you'll collect keys and begin your Top End road trip. Explore the UNESCO-listed Kakadu National Park, with its wildlife and ancient Aboriginal rock art. Then, cool off with swims in the crystal-clear pools of Katherine Gorge and Litchfield National Park. Over nine epic days, you'll see breathtaking landscapes, connect with Indigenous cultures, and come face-to-face with crocodiles.

Pick up your car in Alice Springs and enjoy a free afternoon to explore

Outback Road Trip Adventure: Sydney, Alice Springs & Uluru - 8 Days

Experience the best of Australia's rugged outback and biggest city with this eight-day bucket-list itinerary. The fun starts in cosmopolitan Sydney, where you'll explore iconic sights, including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and walk the coastal Bondi to Coogee trail. Then, it's time to fly to the heart of Australia, landing in Alice Springs. You'll take a road trip across the outback, driving the rustic Mereenie Loop, hiking Kings Canyon, seeing Kata Tjuta, and marveling at the magnificent Uluru monolith.

Take a scenic road trip from Brisbane to Sydney, stopping at surf towns like Byron Bay along the way

Australian East Coast Road Trip: Reefs, Rainforests & Beaches - 16 Days

Australia's east coast awaits on this active 16-day adventure that includes an epic road trip from Brisbane to Sydney along the legendary Pacific Coast drive. The fun begins in the Wet Tropics, where you'll visit two UNESCO-listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and connect with Aboriginal culture. Then fly south to Brisbane to begin your 620-mile (1,000 km) drive south to Sydney via beachfront gems and surf meccas like Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie.

Take part in active adventures, such as kayaking in Byron Bay while looking for dolphins

Australia's Active Great Barrier Reef & East Coast Road Trip - 19 Days

This 19-day trip along Australia's gorgeous east coast is perfect for outdoor lovers. Begin in the tropical paradise of Palm Cove, with lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and the Great Barrier Reef as your backdrop. Then, fly to Brisbane, where you'll explore the city before beginning your epic road trip. Make several stops, including three days in Byron Bay, en route to your final destination: Sydney. This active itinerary is packed with kayaking, cycling, hiking, and surfing for an adventure of a lifetime.

Stay overnight near the Twelve Apostles to see the spectacle at sunset and sunrise

Australia's Ultimate Self-Drive Adventure - 19 Days

This 19-day self-drive itinerary bounces between Australia's most famous sights and beautiful landscapes. Kick off with a cruise on the Sydney Harbour, then marvel at the Uluru monolith and hike Kings Canyon in the outback. Return to urban life in Melbourne, then drive the Great Ocean Road and see the Twelve Apostles. Finally, drive along Australia's east coast from Brisbane to Sydney, stopping at the relaxed coastal towns of Byron Bay and Port Macquarie, with wine tasting in the Hunter Valley.

Follow the Kings Canyon / Watarrka Rim Walk in the Northern Territory outback

Australia Great Barrier Reef, Top End & Outback Adventure - 16 Days

This adventurous 16-day Australia itinerary favors remote destinations and scenic landscapes over the big cities. Starting in the tropics of Queensland, explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest before flying to the Northern Territory's "Top End." Land in the diverse, offbeat city of Darwin, where you'll board a crocodile cruise and venture through Kakadu National Park. Then you're off to the heart of the Red Centre for the rugged outback drive from Alice Springs to Uluru via Kings Canyon.

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