Self Drive Tours & Trips in Australia
Have you imagined exploring Melbourne's iconic laneways and cafes, touring Melbourne with local guides, or relaxing in Sydney's Royal Botanic Gardens? Ultimate Australia self-drive delivers east coast freedom. Discover Great Barrier Reef and Fitzroy Island, enjoy Sydney Harbour lunch cruise. Private self-drive means you control timing—sunrise reef snorkeling, extended winery lunches, spontaneous detours.
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10 best Self Drive Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Western Australia Wildflowers Road Trip
- The Ultimate Australia Self-Drive Experience - Private
- Australian Vanlife: East Coast & Sunkissed Wonders
- South Australia Vanlife: Great Ocean Road & Golden Hours (including Port Campbell National Park)
- Australian Road Trip: East Coast & Nature Adventure (12 destinations)
- South Australia Road Trip: Great Ocean Road & Golden Hours (7 destinations)
- Australian Vanlife: East Coast , Waves & Wildlife
- Australian Vanlife: West Coast Wonders & Outback Vibes!
- Australia Vanlife: West Coast Wonders & Outback Vibes
- South Australia Road Trip: Ocean Road & Cute Koalas
A Mitsubishi Mirage carries you along 1,272km of Western Australia's coastline. The route winds through Nambung National Park's Pinnacles, leads to Kalbarri's Nature's Window, and lets you roam freely through Lesueur National Park's diverse wildflower displays.
Duration 8 days Destinations Perth, Cervantes, Nambung National Park, Jurien Bay, Northampton, Kalbarri, Geraldton Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Travel Made Easy Pty Ltd From
- US$1,792
A Toyota Corolla guides you from Sydney's harbor through Blue Mountains National Park and Hunter Valley vineyards. Port Macquarie's beaches, Byron Bay's lighthouse trails, and tropical north Queensland await your discovery.
Duration 15 days Destinations Melbourne, Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $2,785
5% Off- US$2,646You save $139
You'll drive a fully equipped campervan from Brisbane to Cairns along Queensland's East Coast, checking out the Noosa Everglades' mangrove waterways and hiking the Coastal Walk to Alexandria Bay. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef near Lady Elliot Island with wild manta rays, walk the whitest sands at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Islands, and spot wild kangaroos at sunrise on Casuarina Beach. Take a ferry to Fraser Island's Lake McKenzie, feed wild dolphins at Barnacles Dolphin Center in Tin Can Bay, and see koalas on Magnetic Island before wrapping up with 2 nights in Sydney near the Opera House.
No departure dates availableDuration 15 days Destinations Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Bundaberg Central, Lady Elliot Island, Seventeen Seventy, Rockhampton, Mackay, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday IslandsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway South Australia Vanlife: Great Ocean Road & Golden Hours (including Port Campbell National Park)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park, Grampians National Park, Port Campbell National Park, Great Ocean Road, Melbourne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Hervey Bay, Bundaberg Central, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Cairns, Daintree National ParkSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
Plan your own route from Adelaide to Melbourne over 18 days with unlimited mileage in your rental vehicle. Make your way to Kangaroo Island to see the endemic chocolate-brown kangaroos at Pennington Bay and watch New Zealand fur seals at Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park. The route takes you through the ancient Otway Rainforest where you can look for platypuses at Lake Elizabeth. Stop at the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formations along the Great Ocean Road. In Grampians National Park, trek to Pinnacle Lookout and walk down to the natural pools of MacKenzie Falls. Control your own schedule and decide where to go each day throughout this self-drive trip.
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Flinders Chase National Park, Coorong National Park, Grampians National Park, Port Campbell, Melbourne Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Sydney, Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Bundaberg Central, Fraser Island, Noosa, Brisbane Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH
What our customers ask about Self Drive Tours & Trips in Australia
What are the best routes for a Self Drive tour in Australia?
Australia's most rewarding Self Drive routes span the continent's diverse landscapes. The East Coast route stretches 2000km from Brisbane to Cairns leading travelers through Fraser Island the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The Explorer's Way presents a 3000km adventure from Darwin to Adelaide passing through Kakadu National Park Uluru and the Barossa Valley wine region. Along these routes accommodations range from upscale options like the Hydro Majestic in the Blue Mountains to desert retreats such as the Desert Gardens Hotel at Uluru. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The variety of landscapes and freedom to explore at your own pace made the journey unforgettable."
When is the best time for a Self Drive tour in different regions of Australia?
Each Australian region has its optimal travel season. Northern territories including Darwin and Kakadu shine during the dry season from May to October. Southern routes through Adelaide and Melbourne welcome visitors year-round. The East Coast drive from Brisbane to Cairns offers the best conditions between April and November with mild temperatures and minimal rainfall. For the Red Centre including Uluru and Alice Springs winter months from June to August provide comfortable daytime temperatures. A TourRadar traveler shared "Visiting the Red Centre in July provided perfect weather for hiking and outdoor activities."
How long should I plan for an Australian Self Drive tour?
Comprehensive Self Drive tours typically require 14-22 days to fully appreciate Australia's diverse landscapes. The East Coast route demands at least 14 days allowing time to stay at distinctive properties like the RAC Monkey Mia Dolphin Resort and explore natural wonders like Fraser Island. The West Coast journey from Perth to Darwin needs about 21 days to properly discover Kalbarri National Park Karijini and other highlights. According to one TourRadar traveler: "Our 22-day East Coast adventure gave us enough time to explore each stop properly without feeling rushed especially important for places like the Great Barrier Reef."
What are the must-see stops on an East Coast Self Drive tour?
Key destinations along Australia's East Coast include the pristine Whitsunday Islands with Whitehaven Beach the coastal paths of Noosa National Park Fraser Island's Lake McKenzie and the Great Barrier Reef accessed from Cairns or Port Douglas. Travelers can experience unique stays at properties like Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island and explore lesser-known gems such as the Australian Everglades near Noosa. A TourRadar traveler advised: "Don't miss the Noosa National Park coastal walk and definitely plan for at least two nights at Fraser Island - the views from Lake McKenzie are unforgettable."
How much should I budget daily for a Self Drive tour in Australia?
Daily expenses for Australian Self Drive tours range from 150-415 USD per person depending on accommodation and vehicle preferences. This covers stays at properties like Oaks Port Douglas Resort vehicle rental fuel campground fees (25-40 USD nightly) and essential supplies. Budget considerations should include national park entries ferry crossings and optional activities such as Great Barrier Reef excursions. One TourRadar traveler reported: "We spent about 200 USD daily for two people including our campervan camping fees and food plus extra for activities like Fraser Island tours."
How much driving time should I expect each day on an Australian Self Drive tour?
Daily drives typically span 2-6 hours with longer stretches in remote regions. The East Coast route involves average drives of 3-4 hours between major destinations such as the 370km Sydney to Port Macquarie stretch. Western Australia features extended drives including the 615km Broome to Port Hedland route. Major highways offer rest stops every 1-2 hours. A TourRadar traveler noted "The driving distances were manageable with plenty of interesting stops along the way making the journey as enjoyable as the destinations."