Last Updated on August 25, 2023
How Long Does It Take To Drive Around Australia?
- 14 Days. Driving over 15,000 km / 9380 miles on Highway 1
- 172 hours & 11 minutes, according to Google!
- If you drove each day, staying overnight briefly in places, without stopping to see the many natural attractions – it would take a couple of weeks.
- This would not include Australia’s smallest state, Tasmania.
- Realistically, a road trip around Australia could be done in 3 months. Preferably longer.
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Traveling Around Australia
Traveling around Australia is a dream for many people. It can take years to really get to know the country, many people planning a trip to Australia do not have the luxury of unlimited time, but a road trip can be done over about 12 weeks if the itinerary is carefully planned.
Known to Aussies as ‘The Big Lap’, a self-drive holiday around Australia covers over 15,000 km via National Highway 1. Planning a travel itinerary can be confusing, the maps below will help you to plan a road trip and provide an idea of how long each section might take.
Many people tow caravans or camper trailers, others have motorhomes or buses, and many people camp on their big lap of Australia. If you have never camped before, read our very basic set up and easy camping trip.
East Coast Australia Road Trip
The National Highway touring route covers some of the best parts of Australia including, arguably, the most famous drive of all, the East Coast Road Trip and Great Barrier Reef.
Touring off National Highway 1 – What is there to see?
Optional diversions to include the center of Australia and legendary drives such as the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley region of Western Australia make an Australian road trip vacation a great adventure.
Keep in mind that the distances mentioned do not include the numerous side trips to famous as well as lesser-known tourism destinations that most travelers will want to make, the total distance on a drive around Australia can easily be doubled.
The circumference or length of Australia’s coastline is 25,760 kilometers, (just over 16,000 miles) and there are more than 10,500 beaches to explore, many of which you can camp near and drive on, such as on Fraser Island. Read about the size of Australia compared to other countries.
Tasmania should also be included on a road trip around the country, read our favorite 35 things to do and see in Tassie to decide if you can include the Island in your itinerary too.
Sealed all the way, a lap of Australia, driving on Highway 1, can be driven in any type of vehicle. 2 or 4 Wheel Drive.
How long does it take to drive from…
- Melbourne to Sydney Drive: 1045 km / 649 miles ~ 12 hours & 34 minutes
- Sydney to Brisbane Drive: 922 km / 573 miles ~ 10 hours & 30 minutes
- Brisbane to Cairns Drive: 1705 km / 1060 miles ~ 20 hours & 40 minutes
- Cairns to Darwin Drive: 2385 km / 1481 m ~ 26 hrs
- Darwin to Broome Drive: 1871 km / 1162 miles ~ 21 hours 13 minutes
- Broome to Perth Drive: 2811 km / 1747 miles ~ 30 hours
- Perth to Adelaide Drive: 2696 km / 1675 miles ~ 29 hours
- Adelaide to Melbourne Drive: 900 km / 559 miles ~ 10 hours & 10 minutes
- Adelaide to Darwin Drive: 3027 km / 1881 miles ~ 35 hours
- Devonport to Hobart Drive: 280 km / 174 miles ~ 3 hours & 16 minutes
How far is the drive across Australia from Sydney to Perth?
Driving across Australia from Sydney to Perth alone takes 41 hours, covering 3,933 km / 2,444 miles. This is an epic road trip that crosses the Nullarbor Plain and skirts around the edge of the Great Australian Bight, this trip is well worth doing by itself let alone combined with a complete self-drive big lap of the country.
What is the Recommended Minimum Time to Road Trip Australia?
A suggested minimum time to tour all the way around Australia would be 6 months, though 12 months (or more) would be a better length of time to travel around the country.
It could be done in just 3 months and many travelers do the lap in this amount of time as not everyone has the luxury of taking longer… and not everyone wants to be on the road for an extended length of time.
We have friends who spent 10 years road-tripping, working as they went and really exploring every part of Australia – traveling with a 4 wheel drive and camper trailer.
Deciding how long to drive around Australia will be the biggest decision to make and this will, naturally, depend on the travel budget available too.
Planning a Trip To Australia – Weather & Climate Zones
When planning a trip to Australia, visitors need to be aware of the different climate zones that we have and when the ideal time of year will be to travel. Find out the average city temperatures and learn about the climate and weather in the Outback.
Plan A Road Trip, Australia – Camping
We have some fantastic camping parks all around Oz and travelers can choose between paid campgrounds with all the facilities anyone could wish for, or, save money to spend on other things and free camp!
Use the Wiki Camps Au App (for Android and Apple) to find some of the best camping and caravan parks, including free camping in Australia.
Highway 1 Australia – Distances and Drive Times
Melbourne to Sydney
1045 km / 649 m ~ 12.5 hrs
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 7-14 Days
Driving from Melbourne to Sydney via the coast on Highway 1 takes a bit longer than the direct route up the Hume Freeway, but it is a lovely way to explore the country.
Historic country towns, beautiful lake regions, and access to the Australian Alps for anyone wishing to divert inland off the National Highway.
Things to see and do between Melbourne and Sydney
- Melbourne – Capital city of Victoria and a good base for a holiday. Nearby the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley are worth exploring as well as discovering the city itself.
- Wilson’s Promontory – Mainland Australia’s most southerly point and a spectacular region with gorgeous beaches and hikes.
- Walhalla – This tiny settlement in the hills is well worth seeing. Step back in time to an authentic goldrush town.
- Dargo – This little mountain town in the Victorian High Country is worth a deviation off the main highway. The pub is a classic Aussie establishment and there is terrific free camping in the area.
- Lakes Entrance & The Snowy River – There is a rather spectacular drive into the mountains and over the mighty Snowy River that many travellers might just enjoy!
- Read our guide on a round trip from Melbourne to Sydney via the Mountains and returning along the coast to see the best options for this part of the road trip.
- Camp at or visit Pretty Beach where kangaroos graze and hang out on the beach.
Sydney to Brisbane – East Coast Australia
922 km / 573 m ~ 10.5 hrs
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 7-14 Days
Traveling north on Highway One from Sydney to Brisbane, passing through outrageously beautiful coastal regions and famous places such as Byron Bay.
Driving north from Sydney there is a lot more to see besides the beautiful coastal areas. Explore, mountains, and the outback regions of New South Wales.
Things to see and do between Sydney and Brisbane
- Sydney itself has so much to experience, read our guide to Australia’s famous harbour city.
- The Blue Mountains – Not to be missed, the views, hikes, and beauty of the region deserve to be included in a lap around Australia. Drive or visit the mountains on a tour.
- The Waterfall Way – Drive into the Mountains to Dorrigo, visiting many waterfalls along the way.
- The East Coast touring route is one of the most popular in Australia, read our complete East Coast self-drive itinerary from Sydney to Cairns in Far North Queensland.
Brisbane to Cairns – East Coast of Australia
1705 km / 1060 m ~ 20 hrs
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 21-28 Days
The East Coast is one of the most popular destinations in the country. Heading north from Brisbane to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland is a major part of the trip around Australia.
On-route will be Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island where 4-wheel driving on the beach is one of the most popular things to do.
The Great Barrier Reef can be accessed from a number of points along the coast, snorkeling and diving on the reef are the best-known activities in Oz.
Things to see and do between Brisbane and Cairns
- The Glass House Mountains and Hinterland Towns – View the mountains from the Wild Horses Mountain Lookout, visit the towns of Montville and Maleny, in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
- Noosa – One of the most popular towns along the Sunshine Coast. The National Park has some great walking tracks and a canoe trip through the Noosa Everglades is a highlight. Skydive, stand up paddleboarding…
- Fraser Island – The largest sand island in the world and one of the top destinations along the coast. Catch the ferry across and tour the island if you have a 4 Wheel drive or book a tour.
- Camp by Smalley’s Beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park where Kangaroos hang out on the beach…
- The Whitsunday Islands – A tropical paradise with self-charter yachts to hire or book a day tour on a catamaran.
- Raft the Tully River – This was one of my favorite activities. Warm, tropical water, adrenaline-filled white water adventure tour…
- Find out more information about the Tully, Whitsundays, Fraser Island, and what to see and do along the East Coast.
Cairns to Darwin – Across the top of Australia
2385 km / 1481 m ~ 26 hrs
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 7-14 Days
Australia’s National Highway One does not extend up to Cape York and the very top of Queensland, a detour is an option, providing your vehicle is suitable for off-road driving.
Highway One from Cairns to Darwin crosses the ‘top end’ where the real outback journey of a trip around Australia begins, road-tripping from the coast of Queensland into the Northern Territory via the Savannah Way.
Major attractions on this drive include Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks, remote cattle stations, and vast expanses of land.
It is an unbelievable journey that can still be experienced with a regular two-wheel drive car. This is a fun article on some adventures along this route with options to consider depending on whether the sealed road or somewhat rougher tracks suit your comfort levels.
Best Travel Time – Weather Conditions
May to September, this is the dry season and the ideal time for a road trip in northern Australia. Having said that, the wet season opens up new possibilities such as seeing Kakadu when flooded.
You can do the road trip during any time of the year, the temperatures are higher during the summer months, but the choice is yours so a trip can be planned around your available time frame.
Things to see and do between Cairns and Darwin
- From Cairns cross over the Atherton Tablelands.
- Visit the Undara Lava Tubes
- Boodjamulla National Park / Lawn Hill – Book ahead to experience this incredible part of the country.
- Lorella Springs Wilderness Park – This one million-acre family-owned cattle station is one of those places you must add to the list of places to stay and experience. Book ahead, spend a few days at the very least…
- Thermal Springs – The Savannah Way is ‘littered’ with hot springs! Some of the best known include Bitter Springs, Mataranka, Katherine, Tjuwaliyn (Douglas) Hot Springs…
- Daly Waters Historic Pub – I’m not even going to begin to tell the story of this famous watering hole, read it for yourself!
- Kakadu & Litchfield National Parks – Two of the major drawcards to a Northern Territory holiday. If you prefer to join a guided camping tour from Darwin, this 3-day Kakadu/Litchfield adventure is the perfect option.
- Don’t be fooled into thinking there is a lot of open lands and ‘nothingness’ in the Aussie Outback. This list only starts to crack at the surface of adventures to be had!
Darwin to Broome – Remote West Coast of Australia
1871 km / 1162 m ~ 21 hrs
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 7-14 Days
Heading south from Darwin to Broome, staying on National Highway 1 is an incredible drive, but this direct route will mean passing by the Gibb River Road and the heart of the Kimberley with world-famous spots such as Windjana Gorge (A 4 wheel drive vehicle is required for the Gibb).
However, Highway One does pass the junction of the road into Purunulu / Bungle Bungles National Park. The road in is rough and requires a 4 wheel drive, Birgit from the ‘Kimberley Australia‘ website has all the info required to make this one of the most memorable drives of a lifetime.
Things to see and do between Darwin and Broome
- Lake Argyle – This area is one of the top places travellers say to visit in West Australia.
- Helicopter tours over the famous Purunulu/Bungle Bungle National Park is a popular way to see the remote region or drive into the National Park.
- The Gibb River Road! 4wd vehicle required, open only during the dry season.
Broome to Perth – Western Australia
2811 km / 1747 m ~ 30 hr
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 7-14 Days
Another huge part of the great Australian road trip, driving from Broome all the way down to Perth on Highway One.
Must-see destinations on this driving route include Ningaloo Reef, the UNESCO World Heritage area of Shark Bay, The Pinnacles, and Karijini National Park, in what is known as Australia’s Coral Coast.
Things to see between Broome and Perth, Western Australia
- Broome – Famous for stunning sunsets and camel rides along Cable Beach, plus much more…
- Cape Leveque and Horizontal Falls – 4WD in or take a scenic flight over this awesome area.
- Ningaloo Reef – Dive or snorkel, this is one of the best places to get up close with the marine life.
- Karijini National Park
- The Pinnacles – A unique Western Australian attraction. Self-drive or join a tour from Perth.
Perth to Adelaide Drive – Crossing the Nullabor Plain
3181 km / 1976 m ~ 34 hr
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 7-14 Days
After exploring the sights of Western Australia’s Capital city of Perth, visit Rottnest Island, home to the famous Quokkas, and maybe divert from Highway One with a drive down south to the Margaret River Area then over to see amazing places such as the Trees walks.
Esperance is another awesome place to visit with fantastic beaches where kangaroos hang out and a chilled atmosphere.
Highway One now heads East across the incredible Nullarbor Plain.
Deciding how long to drive across Australia will depend on whether you like to take the experience slowly and relax, for people who enjoy isolation and being completely away from major cities, the Nullarbor Plain is definitely going to be a road trip to fall in love with.
Longest highway in Australia
Traveling across the Nullabor Plain from Western Australia and into South Australia you will be on the longest straight stretch of highway in Australia, the Eyre Highway. Known as the ’90 mile straight’, this section of highway is 146.6 km / 91.1 miles.
Adelaide to Melbourne – Direct driving route or via the Great Ocean Road?
900 km / 559 m ~ 10 hr
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 7-14 Days
Adelaide, Capital city of South Australia. Another diversion off Highway One, on the road trip around Australia, can take visitors south down to Kangaroo Island or north up to the Flinders Ranges.
The drive passes through some lovely areas such as one of the oldest towns in South Australia, Robe as well as Mt Gambier and the Blue Lake, Portland, and Warrnambool.
Keeping on Highway one to Melbourne would mean forgoing The Great Ocean Road... a diversion via the Grampian Mountains and south to see the Twelve Apostles drive this world-famous coastal road is a must.
The direct driving route from Adelaide to Melbourne is the quickest way to get between the two major cities and does offer some interesting attractions too.
Darwin to Adelaide, through the center of Australia
3027 km / 1881 m ~ 35 hr
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 14-21 Days
Highway One does not pass Australian icons such as Uluru/Ayers Rock or Kings Canyon. To include that section, the drive has to cut right through the very center of Australia.
We did a family self-drive trip from Melbourne to Uluru and return over two weeks. A highlight of an Uluru experience is to do a helicopter flight over Australia’s most famous rock!
Tasmania – Australia’s Island State
280 km / 174 m ~ 3.25 hr
Recommended Minimum Trip Duration: 14-21 Days
An Australian road trip is not complete without visiting the tiny island of Tasmania. There is so much to see and do in ‘Tassie’ that it is worth spending a few weeks here if at all possible.
Is a 4 Wheel Drive vehicle required when traveling around Australia?
A 4WD will give you access to many remote regions that an ordinary car simply cannot cope with. Research needs to be done to weigh out the costs of buying a suitable 4Wd before a big trip.
- How long will the road trip be for?
- Are you experienced enough to drive in remote regions on difficult terrain or prepared to gain the experience beforehand?
- Will your accommodation be sleeping in tents that can be in the vehicle or will you need an off-road camper or trailer?
- What will the extra costs be with maintaining and fuelling a 4WD vehicle?
- Depending on your time frame for the trip, would it be better to use a regular car and then take organized tours into the remote regions?
Travelers have used regular vehicles to tour Australia since the motor car was invented. These days you will see people driving every type of vehicle around Australia, many travelers use rooftop tents on their vehicles.
An old VW Beetle was seen coming from the famous Gibb River Road, the Beetle was painted gaily with a grinning driver waving victoriously – this is a road that is not considered suitable for anything other than a 4WD as it has river crossings and corrugations, plus remote regions that can be explored if you have a 4WD or take a tour.
What is the best way to travel around Australia – Car, Motor Home, Tours?
This all depends on how much time is available. Driving across Australia from Melbourne to Perth, for example, is just over 3,400 km’s/2,000 miles and generally takes about 3 days, at least. A holiday of 2-4 weeks would be best done by flying between destinations or concentrating on just one area. See a size comparison of Australia compared to other countries here, to get an idea of distances.
Our comparison table of flight times and driving times around the country may help to make a decision about driving or flying between places in Australia.
The range of tours available in Australia is brilliant and flying between cities and then connecting with a guided tour is a good way to see the country if you are on a limited time frame or prefer not to drive.
Car and Campervan Rental or Hire in Australia
When traveling around Australia, most people probably own their own vehicles but if you are on vacation from overseas, then a rental or hire car may be the best option. Read about car and campervan or RV hire in Australia on our Great Ocean Road website and compare prices from the major vehicle rental companies or browse deals in the search box below.
Which Direction is Best for a Road Trip around Australia?
This depends on personal preference as well as where the journey around Australia is starting from, plus the time of year.
Summer in Australia means it is hot in most places, but it is also the wet season up North, not ideal perhaps – it has the advantage of enabling people to see places when they are green and lush, plus has a totally different feel to when it is dry.
Places like Kakadu in the Northern Territory open up a to a whole different experience – BUT, many roads, towns, and communities are cut off due to higher river levels, plus it is extremely humid.
May to August is generally considered the best time to head north, warm dry days for the most part, though can be very cold overnight in central Australia.
Most unsealed roads are accessible at this time. During these months it is winter down south, so a great reason perhaps to head north.
Expedition Australia – The Big Lap DVD Series
This is a fabulous family adventure doing the ‘Big Lap’ with two small kids. Going to every extreme of Australia, driving on remote outback roads and filming as they went.
The Baile family will keep viewers entertained for hours. Recommended to anyone planning a big lap of Australia or as a gift to a traveler. Read more…
Read more of our Road Trip Australia Itineraries
Hello,
Thank you for your post. I have recently got approval for a 12 month working holiday visa to Australia I am from the UK. I was thinking of travelling end of October/start of November I want to follow the nice weather so to speak and I want to circumnavigate the country. I am unsure about which city I should fly into.
I am also unsure about renting a car or campervan for the trip or part of the trip. I don’t mind public transport so could happily use Greyhound.
I have the option to work if need be but if I don’t have to that would be even better.
It would be great if you could provide me with some advice on where to start my trip and itinerary for that time of year thank you
Hi Hayley, exciting times ahead for you! 12 months around Australia is a good time frame, and if you can do it without having to work, even better. The bus system is ok, but the freedom of your own vehicle is way better, especially if you can live in it too as it will save a lot of $. Having said that there is the initial cost outlay. I think Travellers Auto Barn is a good place to start to get an idea of how much money you’d need to spend then compare it to buses and accommodation ( https://www.travellers-autobarn.com.au/ )
Have a hunt on Facebook for travel groups here, quite a few are established for people travelling and you may well find someone to share expenses with and will certainly get more tips.
Starting in Oct/Nov, I’d suggest flying into Perth, Western Australia, and heading across to Melbourne and up the East Coast so that you avoid the wet season up around the top of Australia. Having said that, it will be getting hot already in Western Australia, so the option of flying into Melbourne and slowly cruising up the East Coast may suit better. Personally, I’d start in Perth.
I hope you have a brilliant time!
I forgot to mention factoring in possible border closures in this country. Each State Premier needs a reality check as their following of the ‘science’ differs from state to state and we have had borders close on a whim. Keep well informed of what is going on here and use that as a guide too. You might be able to find Australian-based FB groups that can give better information than what is on the mainstream.
This is really a guide that I need, planning to take a road trip in east cost, thank you for providing every important detail.
Hi there. Love youre site lots of good info. We in initials stages of planning a six month lap from Brisbane. We thinking leaving October 2022 and heading to Nsw , SA, WA and NT. What are your thoughts on this? Would this be a good time to leave or should we leave earlier or hold off a month or two. Trying to follow the seasons. We have travelled coastal Qld so happy to leave this section off. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks Fiona and Glenn
Hello Fiona and Glenn, it is an exciting time when planning a big trip. October is not a bad time to be leaving as you have six months and it means you will be in NSW and Vic in the late spring but heading into WA towards the summer months. Personally, I’d want to leave earlier or later to be in the north of Australia in the winter months (or late spring/Autumn) Especially if you plan to do the Gibb River Road and Kimberley region etc.
Am planning a trip from melb, up middle to see alice onto Darwin and heading down west coast to adelaide and back to melb across Nullabor.
Is two months in regular vehicle enough time
Hi Donna, You can certainly do the trip in 2 months, we spent 2 weeks from Melbourne to Uluru and back, though would have loved to have had an extra week. A regular car can do the trip but will limit where you can go as the Gibb River Road would not be ideal for a regular car. Plenty of people do the trip without a 4wd/all wd. You’ll find the time will fly by, and you may not be able to stay long in different locations. What time of the year do you plan on going?
Hi
Thanks for the info. Seems helpful. Hubby and I plan to do the whole of Australia in 12 months and are wondering if we should take longer. We can work while the road, just need internet access. We would also like to do the top end which you seem to cut off, is there a reason for that?
Thanks
Sorry, also – best weather routes for the Trip. Some people say Chase Winter. I was thinking chase Autumn?
Thoughts?
What would be the best month to leave Brisbane to start the journey.
We’re thinking to start our travels in 2023
Thanks
I’d say Autumn is a good time to travel too, heading into winter and getting the best of both seasons.
The only reason the top end was cut off somewhat is that the web post follows Highway One. But there is so much to see off the main route too, of course. 12 months is a good length of time, but the longer the better, especially if you plan to work on the way around. I have friends who spent 10 years doing the big lap!
Hi, thanks for all the info!
We would love to do the whole lap in 4-5 months, starting in May from Melbourne and going to the West first. Do you think this is plenty of time or would it probably be a rush?
We’ve seen the Great Ocean Road multiple times, spent a few days in South Australia, visited the red center so we would be skipping that this time. We’ve also seen Kakadu, Litchfield and Katherine and the area around Cairns. And also Wilsons Prom and Lakes Entrance. So we definitely have already seen quite a bit but are still wondering if it might be too rushed. We will be traveling with our 4 year old and not sure how much driving and traveling will work for him.
Thanks so much for any advice!
Hello Willemijne, I’d say you would have enough time to do the trip as you have already seen quite a lot of Australia. We found that travelling with our kids at the same age was no problem and we did some long trips too. It depends so much on your 4-year-old of course. It does sound like you go adventuring quite a bit!
Hi, I would like to travel the whole of Australia in around 3 months,
I’m not sure which cities to travel to and from the quickest way,
please help, would it be better for me to get a camper van?
Hi Jessica, It is a lot to do in 3 months, if you rent a campervan you have the advantage of stopping where you please and it could be done but it would be rushed. Perhaps flying between major cities and hiring a car for a week or so at each one would be the best option. It all depends on what things are highest on your list of ‘must-sees’? Are you Australian? And where do you want to start? The weather and time of year can impact your travels too, do you have a specific time of year you plan to do the trip?
Hi. we are looking at doing a trip in june/july for 6 weeks from sydney -uluru-kakadu then over to broome, and I really wanted to see Karijini, and then possibly flying out of Broome or somewhere near?? Do you think 6 weeks would be enough time to fit all that in or would we be better to just stop at Broome and miss Karijini?? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
Hi Lisa, It is a big trip you have planned, it is a good time of the year to do it though. I watched a video Steve from Expedition Australia recently made in answer to a question someone posted about a similar trip. I’ll add the link for you as it may help too. I’d probably make the trip as you are planning but miss Karijini unless you feel there is time once you get to Broome? We all travel differently and many people will say it should be done over a longer period of time, but then, we do not all have that much time available. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/7sDLanmJ5l0 Keep us posted on your travels and what you do end up doing!
My wife & spent 18 months travelling a ‘figure 8’ – 45,000kms around the country 10 years ago & loved it. Since 2017 we have been back on the road travelling fulltime with our 4wd & off road camper & as yet have no plan to return home to Victoria. Since September ’18 we have been in the Top End, exploring from the east Kimberley across to the Daintree but have yet to visit Arnhemland & re-visit the Darwin/Kakadu area. The next 8 months or so will see us exploring Cape York, including part of that during the wet season. We have kept a regular blog detailing our travels with maps & lots of photos.
What amazing trips and adventures you have had here in Australia. We live in the Dandenongs, so not so far from your first farm. Your blog is a great read!
Hi, we’re in our 40s with two children in tow (7 and 9) contemplating 8-10 weeks in a motorhome. Ideally we would love to start in Perth, drive up to Broome and end in Melbourne (via Darwin/Alice Springs and down QLD) in December (the hottest months) but we’re restricted to school holidays. I’m wondering if we’re being too ambitious? It’s not likely we’ll have the time to do this trip again so we want to see the best of what Oz has to offer and really make some lifelong memories as a family in great destinations without feeling rushed. Guidance welcome! I’m really confused on what the ideal itinerary is for us given weather/duration and what we’re wanting the trip to represent for us as a family.
Hi Vicky, It certainly will be hot at that time of year, plus it will be the wet season which means some areas are harder to access (though also means that places like Kakadu come alive). It is possible to do a trip through northern and central Australia, are you used to extreme heat as a family? Where are you coming from, Australians or overseas residents?
Perhaps starting in Melbourne and traveling up the East Coast will be an easier trip to make with kids? t will still be mid summertime but there is the option to head for the mountain ranges as well as the beaches.
It is a difficult decision as building great memories as a family is so important, you definitely need to make it as easy on everyone as possible. 7 and 9-year-olds, from our experience, are still fabulous ages as everything should still be exciting for the kids.
In terms of budget and trying to work all it out, how did you do it and how much was it ruffly altogether?
Hi Georgina, We have spent an average of $800 a week, that is including rego and insurance etc. We usually try to free camp and eat out just occasionally as we love to cook and eat around the campground.
Mamy people traveling full time around Australia budget for around the $1000 a week mark.
Jane,
We are planning to come down to Australia next summer and travel around for about three months. Not enough to see everything, but should be enough time to see a lot. My question is about transportation. Without researching it, renting a car for that period of time seems as though it would be expensive. Buying a car and reselling it seems extravagant. Any thoughts here? While a 4WD would be handy, I don’t think we’d need it that much and would be quite okay with your earlier suggestion of taking a guided trip at those points where the car wouldn’t go. I appreciate your help
Hello Steven, If you are planning to be in Australia during our summer please remember it is really hot in Central Australia particularly, this does not mean no one travels at that time of year though. 3 months is a good time frame to see a lot of the country. Renting or buying can be a difficult decision. On Facebook you can join groups for backpackers selling cars and find some good deals but the pitfalls of buying a dodgey car, cost of registering a vehicle and time involved if you need to have a roadworthy test done would be a challenge. Travellers Auto Barn in Sydney is worth looking into as they hire, sell and rent vehicles of all types and sizes. They offer a buyback price on cars too, plus usually have loads of camping gear with vehicles. Have a look at their site: https://www.travellers-autobarn.com.au/
Hiring a 4wd to do places like Fraser Island is a good option and popular.
In 3 months, maybe you could concentrate on the East Coast, then maybe fly into Uluru for a few days? Keep us updated with your travels!
very helpful!
thanks for the useful advice and information and posts
Your sailing trips look fantastic if you would like to have a link included in this post, email me for rates. Hooroo.
Hello, looking for some advice please 🙂
We have already travelled the east coast up to Cape Trib and the southern coast as far as Adelaide. We will be travelling Tasmania for most of March then plan to head west, heading all the way up to darwin (we will fly to Alice Springs for a trip to Uluru) and then across to South Qld where we will finish the trip.
We are planning 2-3 months for this trip, do you think that is enough time?
It will be a push to do the whole trip you are planning in 3 months. We spent 5 weeks in Tassie and did not see everything we had planned. To cross the Nullabor it takes a few days and then it all depends on how long you want to stop going up the west coast. Many people would say it is not enough time, but it all depends on if you feel you’ll have the opportunity again too. Would we do it if we only had a few months? Yes. It would mean skipping some places and not spending as much time along the way but you would still have an epic experience. Are you travelling with kids?
Planning 2-3 months in apr-Jun 2019 with week stays at time shares. Would like to make it all around the country and it looks feasible. Any cautions?
BTW, we are in our 70’s. Have done 2 months in NZ and driven in UK numerous times with stick shifts.
Hi Mike, The main caution is to not underestimate distances here. If you have 2-3 months and stay for a week at a time in places you will be able to fully explore each area, though it does mean some long drives to travel all around the country. It will mean being on the go all the time, perhaps just do the East Coast or West Coast and aim to return another time to see the rest? Have a fantastic trip and I hope you enjoy our country.
Looks like the most difficult part is the drive from Cairns to Darwin and then Darwin to Perth.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot of towns on those routes or places to stop for the night? Or am I just reading Google maps wrong.
Also places to stop for Fuel?
Hi Michael, It’s true that few towns are to be found along those routes, but they offer plenty of places to stay, including on cattle stations. Maybe join a couple of Facebook Groups to ask more questions from people on the road currently or who have been there and done that! https://www.facebook.com/groups/planningalapofaustraliahintsandtips/ OR https://www.facebook.com/groups/aussiebiglappers/
Lots of people are on the road travelling, so there is plenty of information available. I hope you do the trip!
Adelaide to Melbourne – you’ve marked almost all of it through Victoria and into South Australia via Highway 8, not Highway 1 (Princes HWY).
Quite right! Corrected now, thanks for mentioning it.
Great article. I just did Brisbane to Hobart over 5 days and while it was a bit rushed, we had so much fun.
That is certainly a quick trip you did, but it can be a matter of working in with available time and making the most of it to have fun.
I’m a newly intrigued gal that has had the idea to travel around Aus before i journey off into life and other parts of the world, I will be traveling with my partner and was wondering if 6 months would be enough? although I would love to travel Aus forever we have things to do back home! Thank you!
Hi Tayla, 6 months will be enough time to get a good idea of all that Australia has to offer. Like many countries, it can take years to see everything, but 6 months should be enough time to see a lot of the country. A lot of travellers spend years but many do it in only 3 months- though that is a tight time frame! Have fun when you get here and let us know how you go!
Planning for 2019. Want to start in Melbourne and end in Brisbane. Want to spend 6 to 7 weeks total. Roughly 10 days in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. The remainder of the trip would be to see what is in between. IOW, not necessary to get from one city to the next in one day. What would be the best locations to stop between Melbourne and Sydney & Sydney and Brisbane. Don’t mind spending 2 to 3 days at the in-between locations.
Also recommendations about going the coastal route versus the inland routes. Not a hiker although moderate walks of 3 to 5 miles (5 to 8K) would be no problem. More of a sightseer. I’m not in a race; I;m traveling without a clue. Recommendations?
Hello, 6-7 weeks between Melbourne to Brisbane will be a good length of time to see a variety of places. From Melbourne, both the inland and coastal routes are lovely, though I tend to lean towards the coastal route as I love the seaside towns and parks along the way. Wilson’s Prom is well worth visiting on the way and I recommend spending a week between the cities at least if you can. 10 days in a city is quite a long time but it depends on what interests you most. Loads of fabulous walks in the Blue Mountains near Sydney as well as some stunning walks around the harbour too. Definitely, stop in at local tourism information places as you go. If you are camping, download the Wiki Camps AU app as it is so useful. If you are on Facebook, search for Australian Travel groups to ideas too.
I hope you have a wonderful trip!
I Have 6 weeks after 1st Jan 2018 to travel from Melbourne to include Brisbane and around back in a campervan – 1st visit to Australia. Happy to share the trip to include hiking, camping, couchsurfing etc.
I’ve visited Australia twice as a tourist and I so much want to do the big lap. I’m not sure I want to do it solo though (my family and friends are not crazy like me! lol). Anybody looking for a partner please hit me up – wickedwalkabout@anand123.33mail.com (it forwards to my email address)
If you do a Facebook search you may find a group that people can post on for travel companions?
I would love to do a trip around the country in a really economical car, free camping and enjoying the bush! It is a looooong drive for sure!
I hope you make the trip soon!
Did you do the trip? I am planning a similar one mid 2019, any tips?
Hi Franki, We have self-drive touring itineraries that may help you with planning your trip – https://hikecamppaddle.com.au/travel-australia/ Also, Facebook groups can be really helpful to get more tips from travellers as well as discovering tonnes of places using Pinterest. I hope you have a great time when you visit Australia!
I loved Australia so much when I visited in February this year. Unfortunately, my husband and I only had 3 weeks, so we had to fly….it is a vast country. We used the Quantas “walk about pass” and we managed to see quite a lot in the short period of time, it was great. We will most definitely go back for a road trip and stay a lot longer. I have saved your blog for future reference 🙂
The ‘Walk about pass’ sounds like it was a great way to get around. It is surprising how much can be seen in a short time frame if planned well. Enjoy your road trip when you return, Gilda!
Wow, this is very comprehensive! I’m excited to try some of these routes. I have a 4WD with suspensions and the cool guys from http://www.westcoastsuspension.com.au/ helped me with my suspensions and accessories needed for a long drive earlier this year. I’m not sure with my next route and things needed for the trip, so I guess I have to show them this post. This is really helpful, thanks! 😉
Hi there! So first of all, I have never really traveled. I am 23 and an Aussie born and bread. I have been to Tassie when i was a kid with my aunt for a couple weeks and it was gorgeous but I havent traveled outside or inside of Aus. Most of my friends or people I knew have traveled to Europe/the Americas/Asia etc but not so much of Aus. It made me have a brilliant idea. I would love to see this country first. I have envisioned a plan for some time now, and I would love to do the lap before I sort out my life and settle down. And I think it’d be a really good soul searching journey. I plan to buy a Toyota hiace, fully equipped with a bed and shelving, spare fuel and parts, if necessary etc. I estimated buying and getting insurance/registration etc to be around $6000, then aother couple $1000 for parts and things, that I will save up for. I’ve researched enough to know it should be all wheel drive and preferably diesel. Although I dont know if it would be okay to go over all terrain. I dont plan to go across the outback or too much off the beaten track however I would like to stray from Highway 1 to visit some of the coastal fringes up north if possible. Upon researching how long it is estimated to do a whole lap, and seeing your extremely helpful guide, (sticking to Highway 1) I would just like to know how long it would take to steer away? How much petrol roughly should I be saving for, or, alternatively, are there many places to go fruit picking to earn some extra cash for petrol? Are there any areas that are not suitable to drive in a van? How much should I save for food or other necessities (as I wont be needing accommodation because I can sleep in my van). Am I biting off more than I can chew?
So many questions I know, I’m very sorry, however I have looked into it and no one comes close to my plan as your above blog does. I dont have anyone in my life that has accomplished this yet either and since I have no experience, I’m not entirely sure where to turn.
I hope I haven’t bombarded you with all my questions.
Many thanks in advance,
Sarah
Hi Sarah, A great plan and good on you for all your research so far. Are you on Facebook? Loads of great travel groups there and helpful people who are travelling too. One good one that I am in too is https://www.facebook.com/groups/planningalapofaustraliahintsandtips/ By the time you are on the road for a little while, you’ll feel experienced! Also, the wiki phone app for free camp sites in Australia is a very worthwhile app to have, costs about $7, great value. Keep us posted how you progress with the plan and the trip!
Hey there! Sorry its taken me a while to get back. I actively dont have facebook right now. I go on and off it quite a bit, however, I will have a good read up. Thank you so much for your reply, and i will definitely keep you posted!!
Hi my name is Damian from Campbelltown I’m 42 years young and u know this might sound crazy but I would like to see if u could possibly help out in any way with a route all the way around outskirts of Australia in fact this is why help is needed
I am going to attempt to walk entire distance and would like to make sure it is the furthest longest route possible by foot Within reason of course So I am looking to see about trying to get as many kilometres as possible in one route
I haven’t put alot of thought into this as of date but am determined WILLING able So if I am going to hike around australia it is either just start walking and go my own way but I would rather put in extra effort and make a cause of some kind I don’t know exactly I have no experience hiking but I do know how to walk lol I am thinking possibly 1 or 2 months time
Could u possibly let me know Wat u think cheers
Damian Asciak
Hi Damian, That is a massive challenge you are thinking about doing! I’d suggest you follow smaller roads that go as close as possible to Highway 1, pack efficiently and thoughtfully and research where you can sleep and eat when in remote regions. Maybe start a FB page to keep people up to date, or a travel blog!
I want to do this trip all the way around Australia!
Make you dream a reality, David!
Hi! I read your blog, and I found it fascinating. I love to travel and also to read on travel journeys. The minute detailing you have provided in your blog is commendable. I will surely consider all these details whenever I travel around Australia or any of its places.
Hi, We did the big lap in 2015 in 12 months – with 2 children (11 & 8yrs) in a Jayco expanda 14ft pop top van – for detailed info/stats on our trip see http://jksj.org/2016/01/29/a-year-in-numbers-the-big-lap-vital-statistics/ . Even taking this long we didn’t get to see everything. Australia is a big place with lots to see. WA was awesome, with the Gibb River Road, Cape Le Grand NP and Ningaloo rating pretty highly. Loved Bitter Springs in the NT as well as Litchfield NP. Outback QLD was also pretty impressive – the Winton outback festival was great.
We are planning our belated Tassie leg for Summer 2017/18 – so will look with interest at your blog.
Cheers, Kristen.
Sounds like a fantastic trip you did, Kirsten. I was looking at your page and the map is brilliant. We still have to complete the big lap…Tassie is done (with loads of posts to do still) and Victoria is ticked off… Add your blog to australiantravelbloggers.com.au and join the FB group for bloggers too!
That’s not long go to America
I’m not saying it’s the longest trip out.. I certainly know America is huge and so much to do too, I love touring there. Still, it’s good to have an idea of what to expect of a road trip.
Enjoyed the post Jane, interesting. Los Angeles to New York takes 41 hours, also according to google. So not much of a difference with some of the longest drives in Australia. But then there’s a lot of idiots like Donald who have no idea…
Same sort of distance, but then so many more stopping points and cities across America and loads more road options!
Did the trip (5 month – too short! ) in 1990.
Often do it in my mind and inteality, bits of it almost every year . The space, the wastness, the bizzare biology and the geological antiquity become part of you daily feel of ‘place’ on this amazing planet in this most interesting timeframe of uncertain human prospects.
Life happens on a delicate thin vail …….
Sounds like you need to re-visit Australia then, Hans! you clearly had a great time here.
Fantastic read. Stumbled upon due to random curiosity. Maybe one day!!
– Texas, USA
Make sure you do the trip one day, Evan! Of course, you have a lifetime of trip options in the U.S!
looking to take motorcycle around in 2-3 months staring Sept. What direction from Sydney would give best weather?
Hi Pete, I would head north to Queensland from Sydney, personally, as the rainy season will start up late in your trip maybe. It extends across the top of Australia. Weather will he heating up too, so he prepared. Will be an awesome trip for you. Have fun!!
Can anyone tell me how further is to travel clockwise around Australia than anti clockwise using exactly the same Highway 1?
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/canwehelp/txt/s1742232.htm ….not too sure it would be worth the worry!
Im currently doing Sydney to Cairns. In Airlie Beach at the minute and decided we will settle here but will be having a trip to Cairns soon! So far there has been plenty to do on the way! Australia Zoo is a must!
Happy Travels
Yes, I agree, Australia Zoo is a terrific place to se too! Enjoy your travels!
Nice post! I’ve only driven from Sydney to Perth, and up to Exmouth but would have to explore the rest of Australia one day. Now I’ve got some ideas on different routes! Thanks!
It’s a great drive across to Perth on the Nullabor. Maybe you two could ship your bikes to Darwin and do the ride down and across!
Wow! Great insight 🙂 we plan to land in Melbourne in March and will be slowly making our way up to Cairns, luckily not in one sitting haha 😛
Yes, it is quite a hike around Australia. Make sure you visit the Dandenong Ranges when you get to Melbourne… pity we will not be here in March, or I’d be sending out an invite for you to stay!