Australian Circumvention - A Single Journey Around Australia.
Road Trip Across Australia: A Comprehensive Guide
Embarking on a self-drive road trip around Australia is an unforgettable adventure, offering diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique experiences. Here's a guide to help you plan your journey, covering starting points, vehicle options, climate considerations, and suggested routes.
Starting Points & Routes ------------------------
### Perth and Western Australia
Perth serves as a popular starting point for exploring the vast and scenic state of Western Australia. A full loop around the region is approximately 6,500km and takes around 68 hours of nonstop driving. Key recommended routes include starting from Perth, heading southwest, then up along the Coral Coast, to Broome, down to Exmouth, and returning to Perth. Highlights include Karijini National Park and the Gibb River Road, if time permits[1]. This journey is best split over 3-4 weeks to accommodate sightseeing and rest.
### Southwest Australia
For a more manageable itinerary, focus on the southwest region, accessible mostly by sealed roads. This area is ideal for shorter trips (e.g., 14 days or even 5 days) and has excellent caravan parks and campgrounds, allowing flexibility in accommodations and travel pace[2].
### Great Ocean Road
For a more iconic coastal experience, the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide can be done in a few days (3-5 days recommended). It offers stunning coastal views and charming towns. Melbourne is a great starting point if focusing on this route[3][5].
### Queensland and Other Regions
For exploring Queensland, planning for road conditions, fuel stops, and permits is important due to long stretches of Outback roads[4]. Similar regional considerations apply based on your chosen states and territories.
Vehicle Buying or Renting Tips -------------------------------
### Car Rental
Renting from major cities like Perth or Melbourne is common. For much of southwest Australia, a standard car on sealed roads is sufficient. Unlimited mileage rental deals should be sought to avoid extra fees, as distances are large[2].
### 4WD Vehicles
If planning to explore off-road tracks or national parks where road conditions are rougher (e.g., Gibb River Road in WA), a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle is essential[2][1].
### Campervans/Caravans
Renting a campervan or caravan is ideal for more flexibility, camping, and saving on accommodation. Services like Travellers Autobarn and Jucy Campervans provide budget to mid-range options. Caravan parks are abundant in popular routes such as southwest WA. Using a campervan lets you avoid daily hotel bookings and can be a more immersive way to experience the outdoors[2][3].
Climate Considerations -----------------------
Australia’s climate varies considerably by region and season. For example, Western Australia’s north is tropical with a wet season in summer, while the south has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. Timing your trip to avoid extreme heat and the wet season is important, especially in northern regions[1].
The Great Ocean Road and southern coastal areas have cooler climates, so plan accordingly with warmer clothing if traveling in the Australian winter (June-August)[3][5].
Additional Planning Tips ------------------------
- Prepare for long distances with sufficient fuel, water, and emergency supplies. - Consider your travel pace to avoid fatigue—driver rotation is recommended if traveling in groups. - Research and book campsites or accommodation in advance during peak seasons. - Check road conditions regularly as some remote roads can be closed due to weather.
By selecting a region or route based on your available time and interests, choosing the appropriate vehicle, and preparing for regional climates, you can enjoy an unforgettable and safe Australian self-drive adventure. Western Australia’s vastness calls for weeks of travel, southwest offers more accessible sealed roads and great camping options, and iconic coastal routes like the Great Ocean Road provide a scenic condensed experience[1][2][3][5].
The author of this article embarked on a road trip around Australia, visiting various cities such as Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth. Due to the devastating bushfires in the summer of 2019/2020, the author had to take a significant detour through the inland, as large areas of the country were closed. The author recommends starting the road trip in Brisbane for easier car acquisition.
In summary, planning a self-drive road trip around Australia involves careful consideration of starting points, vehicle options, climate conditions, and additional planning tips to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-organized journey. Happy travels, and remember to drive safely—don't drive at night and don't drink and drive.
- To complete your Australian adventure, consider exploring fashion-and-beauty trends and lifestyle experiences in the vibrant cities you visit, such as shopping for designer brands in Perth or Melbourne's CBD, or indulging in spa treatments while taking breaks from long drives.
- After a day of exploring the home-and-garden landscapes of the Outback or coastal towns, unwind at unique lodgings like glamping sites, historic lodges, or beachside villas that offer an authentic Aussie experience.
- Planning your road trip route to include travel through regions known for their unique travel experiences, such as the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, or Tasmania's Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, adds unforgettable fashion, lifestyle, and travel memories to your journey.
