Explore Australia by Road: Alternatives to the Great Ocean Road 

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Discover scenic road trip routes in Australia beyond the famous Great Ocean Road. From coastal drives to rugged outback trails, explore hidden gems, breathtaking landscapes, and unique adventures perfect for travelers seeking unforgettable journeys across Australia.

 

Australia is a country of massive landscapes and beautiful coastlines that have been waiting to be discovered by road. Though the Great Ocean Road is without a doubt one of the most well-known driving routes in the country, it is not the only one. When you want to have unique road trips other than the normal tourist routes, Australia has a lot to offer in terms of wilderness, old towns, secluded beaches, and wildlife. 

Travelers in the UAE will find it a memorable experience to travel on the open roads of Australia, and it is advisable to plan the trip in advance. However, prior to your bag packing, you need to apply for Australia visa from Abu Dhabi with authorized visa agencies such as Go Kite Travel, which will provide you with a smooth visa service and professional travel arrangement. When your visa is accepted, you are free to travel the Australian roads. There are other great places to visit along the Great Ocean Road. 

1. The Savannah Way (Queensland to Northern Territory) 

The Savannah Way stretches across 3,700km between Cairns in Queensland and Broome in Western Australia, and it is an outback adventure that takes you through tropical rainforests, rugged escarpments and Aboriginal cultural sites. This cross country route can be enjoyed by those who love nature in the raw, unpasteurized form and those that love to have unique wildlife experiences. 

Highlights: 

Undara Lava Tubes in Queensland 

Katherine Gorge in Nitmiluk National park 

Fishing villages and remote cattle stations 

Kakadu national park crocodile spotting 

Savannah Way is most suitable to adventurous drivers or those traveling on 4WD tours and provides a great exploration into the extensive topography as well as the Indigenous culture of northern Australia. 

2. The Nullarbor plain (South Australia to Western Australia) 

If you want to feel the sheer size of Australia, the Nullarbor Plain will be able to provide you with that. This is a long and straight road between Ceduna and Norseman and is renowned to have the longest straight highway in the nation with few bends. 

Highlights: 

Bunda Cliffs, and the Great Australian Bight 

Whale watching at Head of Bight (JuneOctober) 

Wacky roadhouses and outback camping sites 

Seafood and surf towns of the Eyre Peninsula 

It is a legendary road trip that is all about isolation and size--just the thing for a traveler who wants to experience the heartbeat of the Australian outback. 

3. The East Coast Drive, Tasmania 

Tasmania is the smallest state in Australia but it is full of jaw-dropping coastal beauty. The East Coast Drive, Hobart to Bay of Fires, is all about clean beaches, national parks, and fishing towns. 

Highlights: 

Freycinet national park wineglass bay 

Bicheno Blowhole and animal park 

The crystal clear sea and the granite rocks of orange color of Bay of Fires 

Local wines and cool climate wines Local seafood 

It is a short enough road to be covered in 3-5 days, which is why it is a perfect choice of travelers who want to have a relaxing but still beautiful alternative to the Great Ocean Road. 

4. Red Centre Way (Northern Territory) 

The Red Centre Way is the ultimate cultural and natural experience in the spiritual heart of Australia. This loop begins and ends in Alice Springs and takes in some of the most famous attractions in the country, including Uluru, Kings Canyon and the MacDonnell Ranges. 

Highlights: 

Sunset and sunrise at Uluru 

The domes of Kata Tjuta 

The Rim Walk of Kings Canyon 

Aboriginal rock art and narration 

It is recommended to hire a 4WD vehicle to drive this route and guided tours are offered to those who wish to get far cultural knowledge. It is an essential activity when one is interested in the Indigenous culture and the desert of Australia. 

5. The Coral Coast Drive (Perth to Exmouth) 

The Coral Coast Drive extends more than 1,200 km along the Indian Ocean, and is an aquatic-themed road trip full of snorkeling, marine life and national parks. Between Perth and Exmouth, this coastal road is less congested and ideal to all beach and nature lovers. 

Highlights: 

Ningaloo Reef Snorkeling (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 

Whale shark snorkeling (MarchJuly) 

The Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park 

Dolphins and stromatolites of Shark Bay 

In case you have not found the beauty of the Great Ocean Road on its coastal location, then the Coral Coast will not disappoint you as much as the crowds will do. 

6. Great Alpine Road (Victoria) 

In case you are still interested in seeing Victoria but without retracing your steps on the Great Ocean Road, then the Great Alpine Road is another fresh and mountainous option. This is a 339km drive between Wangaratta and Metung, which passes through the Australian highest accessible sealed road. 

Highlights: 

Winter snow-capped mountains 

Wine and gourmet food regions of Victoria 

Snowy towns such as Bright and Omeo 

Opportunities to fish, ride bikes and hike 

It is an excellent all-year-round path, and this route can be skied in winter and cycled or winery-hopped in the summer. 

7. Gibb River Road (Western Australia) 

For true off-road explorers, the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley region is one of Australia's most rugged and rewarding drives. It’s a former cattle route that now offers access to gorges, waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art. 

Highlights: 

  • Bell Gorge and Manning Gorge 

  • El Questro Wilderness Park 

  • Boab trees and remote swimming holes 

  • Aboriginal tours and bushwalking trails 

A sturdy 4WD is essential, and this route is best explored between May and October to avoid the wet season. 

Conclusion 

While the Great Ocean Road remains a popular attraction, Australia’s true magic lies in its diversity. Whether it’s the tropical waterfalls of Queensland, the red sands of the Northern Territory, or Tasmania’s untouched coasts, there’s no shortage of breathtaking road trip alternatives for every type of traveler. These hidden gems offer immersive, less-crowded experiences that highlight the raw beauty and cultural depth of the land Down Under. 

Before setting off, be sure to apply for Australia visa from Abu dhabi well in advance. Partner with a trusted travel expert like Go Kite Travel, who will guide you through visa requirements, travel insurance, and itinerary planning. Whether you're after outback adventures, coastal serenity, or mountain air, your dream Australian road trip is just a drive away. 

 

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