Australia’s landscape can only be described as richly interwoven with its history, culture, and natural beauty. And there is simply no better way to experience it than through the winding paths of its historic highways. If you’re also planning to If you’re also planning to road trip through the country, we more than recommend taking its heritage routes, with iconic landmarks and landscapes along the way. Immerse yourself in the stories of the past, while revelling in the scenic beauty of the present!
Preparations, Preservation, and Heritage
Australia is an excellent place for a road trip thanks not only to its sheer vastness but also to amazing landscapes. Thanks to that, locals, even small towns, usually have a caravan park, glamping locations, petrol stations and open arms for everyone passing through. Make sure you’re well-prepared for your trip before setting off and take all important documents such as your Australian visa if you’re a UK citizen, your passport, insurance, and other relevantdocuments – and have the national emergency number saved up (which is 000!).
It’s also important to appreciate the efforts to preserve and protect Australia’s heritage for future generations. And if you’re planning a trip toward or alongside them – you’ll become part of this effort. From conservation initiatives to heritage-listed landmarks, the routes below serve as reminders of Australia’s past and provide fantastic opportunities for education, reflection, and appreciation of the diverse cultures and landscapes that define its identity. So please be careful, considerate and sustainable during your visit!
The Great Ocean Road
But now – onwards to our journey. We start along the Great Ocean Road, one of Australia’s most iconic routes. Why? Well, it stretches along Victoria’s stunning coastline, and you could follow it if you wanted to, all the way from Portland to Melbourne. This route offers rugged cliffs, amazing beaches, ancient rainforests – and a whole bunch of incredibly fantastic stops along the way. How about the towering limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles? The lush Otway Ranges? Or just some breathtaking vistas of the Southern Ocean crashing against the shore? Yep, it has it all.
Exploring the Red Centre
Let’s just preface this with the fact that we think the “Red Centre” is an absolutely fantasticname. It’s the heart of Australia’s outback, of course, and it is where ancient landscapes and the Aboriginal culture converge. The Red Centre Way is a massive, vast expanse – so make sure you are well-prepared. Once you’re here, you’ll be able to marvel at things like Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. There are a lot of sacred places with high spiritual significance here – and learning about the Aboriginal heritage before you get here is highly recommended.
The Convict Trail of Tasmania
You’ll also be able to step into the footsteps of Australia’s early settlers along the Convict Trail of Tasmania. It’s a route steeped in tales of hardship, resilience, and redemption – and a lot of the stops alongside the trail will tell them. It’s the island’s colonial past you can journey through here, passing quaint towns, rugged wilderness, and convict-built landmarks, such as the Port Arthur Historic Site. It’s a truly beautiful route, untamed, featuring mist-shrouded forests and untouched coastlines alike.
The Legendary Oodnadatta Track
And last but not least, we got the legendary off-road adventure in the arid landscapes of the South Australian Outback – the Oodnadatta Track. A four-wheeler is definitely required for this one and you are going to be rewarded with remote desert plains, ancient Aboriginal trade routes, and iconic outback towns. These are the footsteps of explorers and pioneers you’ll be following – be prepared for historic railway sidings, natural springs, and Aboriginal rock art sides hidden amidst the rugged beauty of the Australian outback.