Best Australian Road Trip Destinations: Top Family-Friendly Routes Across Australia

Planning a family road trip is one of the most affordable, flexible, and downright fun ways to explore Australia. Whether you’re dreaming of beachside drives, wildlife encounters, or outback adventures, finding the best Australian road trip destinations that suits every kind of Aussie family – including the ones with five kids in the back asking, doesnt have to be a challenge, and Australians are certainly spoilt for choice. Surviving the kids asking “Are we there yet?” every 20 minutes is a different story though.

In this post, we’re diving into the best Australian road trip destinations that are perfect for families. These routes balance stunning scenery, budget-friendly activities, and enough variety to keep the little ones entertained (and you sane). From iconic drives to underrated gems, pack the snacks and let’s hit the road.

Lets start off with probably one of the most famous of the best Australian road trip destinations.

1. Great Ocean Road, VIC

The classic Aussie road trip – and for good reason. Winding along Victoria’s southern coast, the Great Ocean Road is a jaw-dropping mix of cliffs, beaches, and rainforests.

Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and beachside towns like Apollo Bay and Lorne. There are loads of family-friendly stops along the way, including koala-spotting in Kennett River and the Otway Fly Treetop Adventures.

Accommodation ranges from budget motels to camping spots and family-friendly resorts, and with so many lookouts, beaches, and picnic areas, it’s easy to enjoy the journey without spending a fortune.

2. Tasmania’s East Coast

Tassie’s East Coast feels like it was designed for road tripping families. Think turquoise bays, dramatic coastlines, sleepy seaside towns, and wildlife galore.

Start in Hobart and head north through Orford, Bicheno, and St Helens. Don’t miss the chance to explore Freycinet National Park and snap a family selfie at Wineglass Bay. You can spot wombats at night, penguins waddling ashore, and dolphins playing just offshore.

The distances between stops are short, making it perfect for families with younger kids. Plus, there are loads of low-cost stays, free nature walks, and hidden beaches to explore.

3. Sydney to Byron Bay, NSW

If you’re after a mix of surf towns, waterfalls, national parks, and quirky roadside stops, this one’s a winner. Head north from Sydney and stop at Port Stephens for dolphin cruises, then on to Coffs Harbour for the Big Banana (a must-do Aussie icon).

The drive winds through charming coastal towns like Yamba and Lennox Head before you roll into Byron Bay’s laid-back vibe. Campgrounds and motels dot the coast, and there’s no shortage of free beaches, family hikes, and seaside playgrounds to break up the journey.

4. Cairns to Cape Tribulation, QLD

Where the rainforest meets the reef – and family adventure hits a whole new level. This short but spectacular drive is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Start in Cairns and head north through Palm Cove and Port Douglas, then enter the Daintree Rainforest. Highlights include Mossman Gorge, the Daintree Discovery Centre, and croc-spotting river cruises.

Accommodation ranges from budget rainforest cabins to beachfront holiday parks, and many activities are free or low-cost for families.

5. Coral Coast, WA

Western Australia’s Coral Coast is criminally underrated for family road trips. Starting in Perth, head north along the coast through Geraldton, Kalbarri, and Exmouth.

You’ll find pink lakes, desert landscapes, and marine adventures at every turn. Feed wild dolphins at Monkey Mia, snorkel the Ningaloo Reef, and explore the dramatic gorges of Kalbarri National Park.

There are plenty of caravan parks and beachside holiday rentals that won’t break the bank, and the wide-open roads are camper-trailer friendly.

6. Alice Springs to Uluru, NT

Nothing says iconic Aussie adventure like the red centre. This outback road trip is a chance to experience Australia’s heartland—raw, rugged, and full of wonder.

Start in Alice Springs and travel the Red Centre Way toward Uluru, passing through Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park. The drive offers unforgettable desert landscapes, ancient Aboriginal culture, and family-friendly hikes.

Stay at camping grounds or affordable accommodation in Yulara, near Uluru. Sunrise and sunset over the rock are must-see moments. There are also cultural tours and ranger-led kids’ activities that bring the stories of the land to life.

While it’s remote, this road trip is well-serviced and surprisingly doable with kids—just plan fuel stops and bring plenty of snacks and water.

7. Adelaide to Port Lincoln, SA

This coastal drive through South Australia is a seafood lover’s dream and a fantastic alternative to the more tourist-heavy eastern routes.

Start in Adelaide and head west along the Eyre Peninsula. Port Lincoln is known for its national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and epic views of the Southern Ocean.

Families can swim with sea lions, explore sand dunes, and even try oyster tasting (if the kids are brave enough). There are holiday parks along the way, plus relaxed beach towns like Whyalla and Coffin Bay.

It’s a quieter, more laid-back journey—but filled with unforgettable wildlife encounters and natural beauty.

8. Canberra to Kosciuszko National Park, ACT/NSW

Perfect for families who love alpine adventures, this road trip is great year-round. In winter, it’s all about snow play and skiing in Thredbo or Perisher. In the warmer months, it transforms into a bushwalking, mountain biking, and stargazing paradise.

Start in Canberra and head towards Cooma, Jindabyne, and then into Kosciuszko National Park. Don’t miss the scenic chairlift rides, picnic spots, and gentle hiking trails suitable for kids.

Accommodation options range from cosy cabins and ski lodges to budget-friendly holiday parks. Pack layers, and don’t forget the marshmallows for hot chocolate nights by the fire.

9. The Silo Art Trail, VIC

This one’s ideal for artsy families or anyone wanting a slower-paced regional adventure. Stretching over 200km through Victoria’s Wimmera and Mallee regions, the Silo Art Trail features towering murals painted on disused grain silos in tiny towns.

It’s a budget-friendly, low-crowd option with wide open roads, quirky country pubs, and community-run bakeries. Kids will love spotting new silo artworks, and many towns have small playgrounds or historic sites to explore.

Great for caravans or a long weekend road trip with a creative twist.

10. Brisbane to Noosa, QLD

Short and sweet, this is the perfect road trip for a weekend escape. Just a couple of hours north of Brisbane, this coastal route winds through the Sunshine Coast’s most beloved towns.

Stop at Caloundra for its calm family beaches, explore Eumundi Markets for handmade treasures, and let the kids run wild at Australia Zoo. End the trip in Noosa with its stylish boardwalks, gentle surf, and national park hikes.

Accommodation suits all budgets—from beachside caravan parks to luxe resorts with kids’ clubs. It’s an easy, low-stress getaway that still feels like a proper holiday.

11. Bonus Route: The Big Lap, Australia-Wide

The #1 on many peoples list, no ‘Best Australian Road Trip Destinations’ list would be complete without it. For families dreaming of the ultimate adventure, The Big Lap is the holy grail of Aussie road trips. It’s a full circumnavigation of Australia—yes, the entire continent—covering over 14,000km and taking in all the major highlights from coast to outback and everything in between.

This isn’t a weekend trip. Most families spend anywhere from 3 months to a year doing The Big Lap, often in a caravan or campervan. It’s a lifestyle shift, a family bonding experience like no other, and an incredible way to explore Australia’s diverse landscapes.

You’ll hit iconic destinations like the Great Ocean Road, the Kimberley, the Red Centre, the Daintree, and far-flung gems like Broome, Esperance, and the Nullarbor. Many families choose to homeschool on the road, meet other travelling families, and live a more minimalist, intentional lifestyle for the duration.

Costs can vary wildly depending on how you do it, but with careful planning, it can be surprisingly affordable—especially if you’re camping, staying at free rest stops, and cooking your own meals.

If you’ve got a spirit of adventure and a desire to show your kids all the corners of Australia, The Big Lap could be the journey of a lifetime.

This trip is not to be taken lightly as it is a bit of a mammoth drive. It is strongly suggested to take this with 2 drivers and/or take your time to allow for a lot of breaks between drives.

2WD vs 4WD: What You Need to Know

Before tackling any of these Australian road trip destinations, it’s important to understand which routes are suitable for your vehicle—especially if you’re not travelling with a 4WD. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you plan:

✅ Suitable for Standard 2WD Vehicles:

These routes are sealed and accessible with most standard cars:

• Great Ocean Road, VIC
• Tasmania’s East Coast
• Sydney to Byron Bay, NSW
• Cairns to Cape Tribulation, QLD (stick to main highways)
• Coral Coast, WA (main route is sealed; check side roads)
• Adelaide to Port Lincoln, SA
• Canberra to Kosciuszko National Park, ACT/NSW
• The Silo Art Trail, VIC
• Brisbane to Noosa, QLD

⚠️ Routes That May Require 4WD or Caution:

• Alice Springs to Uluru, NT – Main roads are sealed and fine for 2WD, but detours via the Red Centre Way (especially Kings Canyon) may involve unsealed sections that are better suited for 4WD, particularly after rain.
• The Big Lap – While the core route is mostly sealed, many of the most scenic side adventures (like the Gibb River Road or Savannah Way) are 4WD-only. If you’re planning to go off the beaten path, a 4WD is recommended.

If you’re unsure, always check road conditions before you travel, especially in remote or outback regions. Local visitor centres and road safety apps can be lifesavers.

Tips for Road Tripping with Kids

Family road trips are full of magic—but also chaos, crumbs, and chorus after chorus of “how much longer?” Here are a few real-life survival tips to keep your road trip fun and meltdown-free:

• Pack smart: Use clear tubs or ziplock bags to separate clothes, snacks, toys, and essentials. Keep must-haves (like wipes, chargers, first aid) within arm’s reach.
• Entertainment arsenal: Download movies, audiobooks, or podcasts ahead of time. Bring colouring packs, car games (like I Spy or bingo), and playlists the whole family loves.
• Plan fuel and toilet stops: Use apps like Fuel Map Australia and WikiCamps to find cheap fuel and clean rest stops. Factor in breaks every 2–3 hours to avoid restlessness.
• Snack wisely: Pack a mix of healthy snacks and treats to avoid hangry kids. Freeze juice boxes—they double as ice packs!
• Stay flexible: Leave room in your schedule for unexpected fun—or naps, tantrums, and roadside detours. It’s part of the adventure!

Budget Apps & Tools That Help

Keeping your trip affordable (and organised) is easier with the right tools. Here are a few Aussie-friendly favourites:

• Fuel Map Australia – Find the cheapest fuel near you, updated in real-time.
• WikiCamps – Discover free or cheap campsites, holiday parks, dump points, and more.
• Roadtrippers – Map your route, find attractions, and budget fuel, food, and stays.
• Google Maps Offline Mode – Download maps ahead of time for remote areas with poor reception.
• Splitwise – Travelling with extended family or friends? Track shared costs easily.

With a little prep and the right mindset, road trips can be an affordable way to make lifelong family memories—snacks, singalongs, and all.

Final Thoughts

There’s something uniquely magical about loading up the car, cranking the music, and hitting the road with your family. Whether it’s a weekend getaway to Noosa or a full-blown outback adventure to Uluru, Aussie road trips offer flexibility, affordability, and unforgettable memories.

From coastal drives and mountain escapes to quirky country towns and wild outback tracks, these road trip routes prove that adventure doesn’t have to come with a massive price tag. With the right preparation, a few good apps, and a sense of humour, road-tripping with kids can be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have.

So go ahead—plan that dream route, pack the snacks, and get ready to explore the best of Australia, one stop at a time.

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