Australian Journey - One Circumnavigation of Australia ♪ BOXIO's Exploration Beneath the Southern Skies ♪
Exploring Australia's Coastal Wonders: A Self-Driven Journey
Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you traverse the stunning coastline of Australia, taking in the breathtaking landscapes, iconic destinations, and diverse wildlife that this vast continent has to offer.
Recommended by many travel enthusiasts, the "WikiCamps" app is a handy tool for finding camping sites, hostels, water stations, and attractions throughout Australia. With this guide, we'll take you on a self-driven road trip around Australia, starting from the southwest and making our way up the coastline, before heading down the east coast.
Southwest to Northwest (Perth to Exmouth via Coral Coast)
Begin your journey in Perth and head north along the Coral Coast Highway towards Exmouth. Key stops along the way include the Pinnacles Desert near Cervantes, Geraldton, Monkey Mia for dolphin interactions, and Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth, where you can snorkel with whale sharks and explore coral reefs. This well-maintained route offers stunning coastal and desert landscapes, with fuel stops aplenty. Aim for legs of around 4-5 hours driving each day to allow time for sightseeing.
Eastern Coast and Great Ocean Road
Next, venture to the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, a shorter but spectacular coastal drive from Torquay to Allensford (approximately 243 km). Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Cape Otway Lightstation. This route features rainforests, waterfalls, pristine beaches, wildlife adventures, and charming towns. A 4-day itinerary is common here to fully enjoy the scenery and activities.
Planning Your Trip
A full Australia coastal road trip can take several weeks (4-6+ weeks) depending on pace and side trips. For Western Australia coastline alone (Perth to Exmouth and back), 10-15 days is recommended to explore key sites and allow rest days. The Great Ocean Road is manageable in 3-4 days for a thorough trip.
Popular Destinations to Include
- Perth, Pinnacles Desert
- Geraldton
- Monkey Mia (wild dolphin interactions)
- Ningaloo Reef at Exmouth (snorkeling with whale sharks and coral reefs)
- Margaret River region (wineries and forests)
- Great Ocean Road highlights: Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Cape Otway Lightstation
- Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and the Great Barrier Reef (if extending to other states)
Travel Tips
- Plan fuel stops carefully in remote areas, as some stretches on the Coral Coast can be long between fuel stations.
- Book accommodations ahead in popular spots, especially during peak season.
- Carry plenty of water, snacks, and a physical map or GPS as some remote areas have limited mobile coverage.
- Consider a reliable car with adequate ground clearance if venturing off major highways.
- Observe local wildlife and safety regulations; some roads may have kangaroo crossings, especially at dawn/dusk.
- For long trips, balance driving days with rest days to avoid fatigue and enjoy sightseeing.
Regional Climate Considerations
- Western Australia is best visited outside of the extreme heat of summer; autumn and spring are ideal. Northern parts like Exmouth can be very hot in summer and wet during the tropical season (Nov-Apr).
- The southern coast including the Great Ocean Road is cooler and wetter in winter; late spring and early autumn offer mild and pleasant weather.
- Northern Queensland (Great Barrier Reef area) has a wet tropical climate; the dry season (May to October) is best for road trips.
Exploring Beyond the Coast
While this guide focuses on coastal destinations, there are many other amazing places to discover in Australia. Townsville was reached after crossing the entire country, and Agnes Water, a small town, marked the end of one journey. The author lived there for almost 2 months. The Noosa National Park on the Sunshine Coast is worth a visit, and a 2-day tour was booked for K'Gari (Fraser Island) due to a lack of a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
COVID-19 Considerations
During the journey, the COVID-19 pandemic started, and all travelers were advised to fly home. Always check the latest travel advisories and safety guidelines before embarking on your journey.
Further Recommendations
The author also recommends the "Petrol Spy" app for comparing fuel prices and found a perfect VW T4 camper in Brisbane for the journey. The south coast is mostly red desert, apart from the sea, and the Nullarbor Plain, or "90 Mile Straight," has a long, straight highway. Sydney's New Year's fireworks display is the biggest and most elaborate the author has ever seen.
The West Coast vs. the East Coast
The author did not express a preference between the East Coast and West Coast of Australia, stating they are like comparing different countries. The West Coast offers more adventure due to its lesser population and more untouched land, while the East Coast is known for its vibrant cities and stunning beaches.
Safety Tips
The author advises against driving at night and not to drink and drive in Australia. Byron Bay, once a hippie village, now attracts a diverse mix of travelers and celebrities like Brad Pitt. Always respect local customs and regulations and drive safely to ensure a memorable and enjoyable journey.
Embark on this self-driven road trip around Australia, and create unforgettable memories as you explore the diverse coastal regions of this magnificent continent.
Embrace the exhilarating adventure of electric vehicles as you traverse Australia's picturesque landscapes, integrating environmentally-friendly car-maintenance practices into your travel lifestyle. Along your journey, visit popular attractions such as the Twelve Apostles and Ningaloo Reef, while considering a relaxing break at adventure-travel destinations like Monkey Mia or Byron Bay. Don't forget to explore the latest advancements in car-maintenance technology for electric vehicles to ensure a seamless adventure in this amazing country.
