Australia Road trips & rail journeys

If you’re considering an Australia road trip, the Great Ocean Road will probably be one of the first to spring to mind. Running between Melbourne and Adelaide, this is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the world. While the Twelve Apostle might be the most famous spot, there are surprises around every corner. Explore pretty Lorne and visit Loch Ard Gorge. See wild koalas in the trees at Kennett Rive, and go surfing at Bells Beach. Walk 25 metres above ground at Otway Fly Treetop Walk. And, in winter, don’t miss Warrnambool – from June to September, southern right whales give birth and raise their calves in these calm waters.

There lots of hotels and campsites dotted along the Great Ocean Road, suitable for all tastes and budgets. Five days gives you plenty of time to make the most of this, but you can get to the Twelve Apostles and back in a day from Melbourne. To beat the crowds, though, we recommend staying overnight nearby – you’ll have the chance to see the Twelve Apostles at both sunset and sunrise, when the day trippers have dispersed.

Explore the Northern Territory at your own pace and uncover a world of ancient culture, local wildlife and mind-blowing sunsets. To see the best of the Top End – without needing four-wheel drive – look no further than the Nature's Way. This takes you from Darwin to the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and Nitmiluk National Park, before circling back to Darwin via Litchfield National Park.

In Kakadu – Australia’s largest national park – you can walk through ancient Aboriginal rock art galleries and admire the stunning views from Ubirr Lookout. Time your visit to take in the sunset, as it’s sure to be a showstopper.

Meanwhile, in Nitmiluk National Park, you can see spectacular sandstone formations and the majestic of Katherine Gorge. Hire a canoe and paddle past waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art. Cool off in the tranquil waters and picture-perfect Edith Falls, or take to the skies for a scenic flight over the park.

Finally, Litchfield National Park is renowned for its accessible, unspoiled wilderness of monsoon rainforests and waterfalls. Go for a dip in the falls’ plunge pools and follow walkways in search of gigantic termite mounds.

Western Australia’s picturesque and rugged beauty was made to be explored by car. Pristine coastlines, premium wine regions and spectacular Outback are all waiting, just beyond sun-soaked Perth. Venture north and you will discover the Coral Coast and its two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Ningaloo Reef and Shark Bay. Along the way you’ll discover the unique landscape of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, and see dolphins feeding at the shoreline in Monkey Mia. Spend a day hiking in Kalbarri National Park, where you can take a seat in ‘Natures Window’. Between March and July, you can even swim with wild whale sharks in Exmouth.  

Alternatively, a journey south of Perth offers a unique road trip through wine regions, towering forests and stunning coastline. Walk along the longest timber jetty in the southern hemisphere in Busselton. Hop from cellar door to cellar door in Margaret River. Walk through the canopy of 400-year-old tingle trees on the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk near Denmark. Visit the National Anzac Centre in Albany. And discover Cape Le Grand National Park, where you’ll see kangaroos hopping along the pure white sands.

For an unforgettable journey, travel in unparalleled style on board one of Australia’s iconic trains. You can expect sumptuous dining, elegant private cabins and attentive service, made all the better by the camaraderie with your fellow travellers. And, to top it off, all your meals, wines and drinks are included.

Ride the rails of history onboard The Ghan, where you’ll travel from Darwin to Alice Springs before reaching Adelaide, or vice versa. And, when the train stops, the adventures begin. Choose from a range of included excursions in Katherine and Alice Springs, where you can explore Australia’s Outback and Top End, and admire dark night skies where you’ll be able to see every star.

For an epic trans-continental crossing, opt for the famed Indian Pacific. This train will whisk you between Perth, Adelaide and Sydney – or vice versa – in comfort and style. You’ll make your way across the longest stretch of straight railway track in the world, traversing mountains, valleys, deserts and goldfields.