Road Trip & 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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- Choose from 41 Australia tours
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The accommodations and the transfers to and from hotels/ airport was good. We had three toyr provided by Vio Travel. The one in Melbourne was excellent. The one in Sidney didn't really have enough substance. The Fitzroy Island tour in Cairns was excellent although I would have liked to have gone to the Great Barrier Reef as well. I guess another trip to Australia is needed.😊
10-Day Australia Starter Package - Private
10 best Road Trip & Self-Drive Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Western Australia Wildflowers Road Trip
- Western Australia: A Road Trip at a Slow Pace
- Around Sydney - mountains, wine & sea
- Reef & Rainforest
- Coastal Explorer
- South Australia Vanlife: Great Ocean Road & Golden Hours (including Port Campbell National Park)
- Red Center & Kings Canyon
- Experience the Red Center
- Norfolk Island All-Inclusive with Sightseeing, Meals & Car Hire
- Kakadu & Co - Pure Nature in the Top End
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$1,793
Duration 13 days Destinations Sydney, Perth, Rottnest Island, Busselton, Margaret River, Albany, Bremer Bay, Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Worldee From
- US$1,908
The 780km New South Wales route winds from Sydney to UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains, through Hunter Valley's vineyards, to Port Stephens' coastal beauty. Distinguished properties like Hydro Majestic and The Convent Hunter Valley provide comfortable stays.
No departure dates availableDuration 6 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR 
The 385km self-drive route stretches from Cairns to Atherton Tablelands (80km). A scenic ferry crossing leads to Cape Tribulation and the Great Barrier Reef Drive, with stops at Mossman Gorge Cultural Center and Port Douglas's Four-Mile Beach.
Duration 7 days Destinations Cairns, Atherton, Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, Daintree National Park, Port Douglas Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
- US$726
The path from Sydney to Byron Bay offers two options: a scenic 230km inland route through Wollemi National Park or a 180km coastal path, featuring Tomaree headland, Port Macquarie's boardwalks, and Lennox Point's surf breaks.
Duration 9 days Destinations Sydney, Manly, Hunter Valley, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
- US$883
No departure dates availableDuration 18 days Destinations Adelaide, Glenelg, Barossa Valley, Port Noarlunga, Cape Jervis, Kangaroo Island, Victor Harbor, Granite Island, American River, Seal BaySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator journaway DACH 
The 770km route from Alice Springs to Uluru cuts through Australia's heart. Red sand dunes and casuarinas line desert roads, offering freedom for sunrise visits at Uluru and Kings Canyon's rim walks.
Duration 5 days Destinations Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluru Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
- US$568
What our customers ask about Road Trip & 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."