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Best Scenic Drives in Australia for Road Trips

I remember staring at the cracked asphalt of the Nullarbor in January 2018, sweat stinging my eyes as my coolant gauge danced into the red zone. The silence out there isn’t peaceful; it’s predatory. In 2026, mainland fuel has stabilised around $1.85/L, which might tempt you to think Australian road trips are a budget exercise. Wrong. The real cost of driving across this continent isn’t just the pump; it’s vehicle maintenance, precise packing, and the margin for error when you’re hundreds of kilometres from the nearest mechanic. I’ve tracked conditions across every state and territory for over a decade. What separates a legendary trip from a rescue call is route selection, remote travel safety, and respect for the environment. Australia’s scenic drives are physical challenges that demand practical planning. Below, I’m breaking down three iconic routes with 2026 pricing, safety protocols, and the gear you need to survive them.

The Great Ocean Road: Coastal Drama Meets Practical Planning

Running along Victoria’s southern coast, the Great Ocean Road delivers some of the most accessible coastal scenery on the planet. At 243 km of sealed highway, it’s completely free to drive, though pulling into the Twelve Apostles visitor precinct will set you back $10.00 for parking and facility access. The route is heavily trafficked in summer, meaning overtaking blind corners requires patience, not aggression.

⚠️ Seasonal Closures Alert: Coastal landslips are common after heavy rain or summer storms. Always check the latest VicRoads road status updates before departure. Sections near Anglesea and Lorne have been closed for extended periods due to erosion; plan detours via the Princes Highway if alerts are active.

Most travellers underestimate coastal driving hazards like wind shear and sudden fog banks rolling off the Southern Ocean. In my experience, keeping your tyres properly inflated is non-negotiable when stopping near cliff edges. The gravel pull-offs are loose, and a misjudged brake can send you sliding toward the drop-off. I always recommend anchoring your vehicle with wheel chocks before stepping out.

**Must-Have Kit: Great Ocean Road

Must-Have Kit: Great Ocean Road Survival Essentials. Beyond the wheel chocks, your glovebox needs a high-lumen torch, a reflective warning triangle, and a first-aid kit rated for remote stretches. Mobile reception can vanish near the basalt stacks; carry a physical map and offline GPS as backup. Pack extra water and non-perishable snacks—detours via the Princes Highway can add significant time to your itinerary. Finally, don’t forget a high-vis vest; if you break down on a gravel shoulder, visibility is your lifeline against heavy traffic and sudden coastal fog.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Driving the GOR

Q: Are there specific road restrictions or weight limits? A: The Great Ocean Road is open to standard vehicles, but during severe weather events, VicRoads may impose weight restrictions on certain bridges or close sections due to rockfall risk. Always monitor the GORRA (Great Ocean Road Regional Authority) alerts for real-time access information.

Q: Can I complete the drive in a single day? A: Technically yes, but rushing defeats the purpose. The official driving time is roughly three hours, but that doesn’t account for stops, wildlife crossings, or photo ops. I always advise allocating a full day or splitting the journey with an overnight stay in Apollo Bay or Lorne to truly absorb the landscape without fatigue.

Q: What should I do if I encounter deer on the road? A: The GOR has a significant population of Sambar deer, which are often more active at dawn and dusk. If you spot one, slow down immediately. Do not swerve; deer often travel in pairs or groups, and a second animal may follow. Brake firmly and steer only if there is a clear escape path off the gravel shoulder.

Q: Is fuel available along the entire route? A: No. Fuel stations are plentiful in Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell, but gaps exist between these towns. Never let your tank drop below half when heading toward the Twelve Apostles or Cape Otway.

Q: How do I handle narrow sections with oncoming traffic? A: The GOR has been widened significantly in recent years, but bottlenecks remain near historic landmarks. If you see a passing bay ahead, yield to traffic coming from the opposite direction if space is tight. Aggressive driving here is not only dangerous but often unnecessary; patience ensures everyone reaches their destination safely.

📝 Conclusion: Driving with Respect by Jake Morrison

As you wrap up your journey along this iconic stretch of asphalt, remember that the Great Ocean Road rewards those who respect its rhythm over those who race against it. It is not merely a commute between points; it is a negotiation with a dynamic landscape where the ocean constantly reclaims the land and weather shifts in seconds. My years on these roads have taught me that the true beauty of the GOR lies in the quiet moments—the fog lifting off the Apostles at golden hour or the sudden silence of a secluded cove—moments that are stolen from you if you’re too busy chasing the next checkpoint.

Trust your preparation, heed the seasonal warnings, and never underestimate the power of a loose gravel shoulder. The road will always be there for another visit, but nature operates on its own timeline. Plan with care, drive with patience, and leave no trace behind. When you navigate with that mindset, you don’t just survive the drive; you connect with one of the world’s most spectacular coastal experiences. Safe travels, mates, and may your wheels stay firm and your spirit inspired.

Jake Morrison Coastal Driving Specialist & GOR Local Guide

About the author: Jake Morrison is a Outdoors & Adventure Contributor at Owlno. Jake covers camping, hiking, fishing, and 4WD adventures across Australia. He writes from firsthand experience exploring Australian bush, coastlines, and outback tracks.