Cape Le Grand National Park, Australia's Golden Outback, WA © Australia's Golden Outback

Road trips and itineraries for backpackers

From self-drive journeys to coastal adventures, here are a few ways to start exploring Australia.

With one-of-a-kind wildlife and unforgettable nature, Australia offers countless itineraries that are packed with adventure. One of the best (and most budget-friendly) ways to travel is on one of Australia's many awe-inspiring road trips. Cruise along the coast, wind through weaving country roads and hire a 4WD to get off the beaten track. From clifftop sunsets to kangaroos lounging on the sand, an itinerary will ensure that you see the best of Australia.

Explore Australia's top road trips

Kata Tjuta, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT © Tourism Northern Territory

Youth travel

Australia's Red Centre in 8 days

The Red Centre is rich in both culture and beauty. Here's your how-to guide on experiencing one of the most epic Australian icons.

Aerial view of Duke of Orleans Bay, near Esperance, WA © Tourism Western Australia

Youth travel

Perth to Esperance in 11 days

Get set for an epic journey taking in over 100 kilometres (62 miles) of the beautiful beaches and forests in Australia’s...

Stuart Highway, Alice Springs, NT © Tourism NT

Youth travel

8-day road trip through Australia's Top End

A serious road trip through Australia’s central far north from Darwin to Katherine taking in Kakadu National Park gets you to the...

Sea Cliff Bridge, South Coast, NSW © Destination NSW

Youth travel

4-day road trip from Sydney to Melbourne

On this 1,000-kilometre drive with a stop in the nation’s capital, you’ll enjoy a wealth of highlights of the southeast, including...

Broome, WA © GoPro and Tourism Australia

Youth travel

8-day backpacker road trip from Broome to the Kimberley

A 4WD trip taking in Broome, the Dampier Peninsula and down the legendary Gibb River Road – this is back country adventure at its...

The Ghan, Adelaide, SA © Journey Beyond

Trips and itineraries

3 days on board The Ghan train

Travel through the vast outback from the south to the north of Australia (or vice versa) on the world's longest north-south train...

Coles Bay, Freycinet, TAS © Tourism Australia

Youth travel

Wild West Coast to Hobart in 8 days

Hit the road on a driving circuit of the stunning island state of Tasmania. You’ll discover remote wilderness, intriguing art and...

Wategos Beach, Byron Bay, NSW © Destination NSW

Youth travel

Sydney to the Gold Coast in 11 days

Get ready for coastal views, cool bars, epic nature and laid-back beach towns.

Hammock, Moreton Island, QLD © Tourism and Events Queensland

Youth travel

8-day road trip from Hervey Bay to Brisbane

Go 4WDing on spectacular island beaches, cuddle a koala, dive a shipwreck and finish up in the bright lights of Queensland’s...

Indigenous symbol - Natural Beauty

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

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*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

*Product Disclaimer: Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

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