Self Drive Tours & Trips in Australia
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10 best Self Drive Australia tour packages
Compiled by
SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Australian Vanlife: East Coast & Sunkissed Wonders (from Brisbane to Great Barrier Reef)
- Tropical Top End
- Norfolk Island All-Inclusive with Sightseeing, Meals & Car Hire
- Western Australia Wildflowers Road Trip
- Magical Moments in the Heart of Australia
- East coast & dream islands (from Brisbane to Cairns)
- Great Ocean Road & Barossa Valley
- Experience the Red Center
- Red Center & Kings Canyon
- Coastal Explorer
Duration 15 days Destinations Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Noosa, Fraser Island, Lady Elliot Island, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Whitsunday IslandsSee all destinations Age Range Ages 99+ Operator journaway DACH From $3,048
33% Off- NZ$2,051You save $997
Duration 8 days Destinations Darwin, Jabiru, Kakadu National Park, Katherine, Nitmiluk, Litchfield National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
33% Off- NZ$8,317
Your 7-day automatic car rental connects Kingston's UNESCO sites, Cascade's lookouts, and Norfolk Island National Park trails. Oceanfront Seaview Resort serves as your base, while dining vouchers open doors to four Kingston museums and local restaurants.
Duration 8 days Destinations Norfolk Island, Norfolk Island National Park, Kingston, Cascade Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
33% Off- NZ$2,516
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, Kalbarri, Geraldton Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
33% Off- NZ$2,187
Drive through Australia's iconic Red Centre with detailed route guidance and National Park access included. Optional 4WD hire for Mereenie Loop Road exploration, with flexibility to return vehicles in either Uluru or Alice Springs, covering approximately 450km of outback terrain.
Duration 6 days Destinations Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluru Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
33% Off- NZ$4,528
Brisbane to Cairns unfolds across 1,600km of spectacular coastline. K'gari's beaches, Rockhampton's Capricorn Caves, and Hamilton Island await your arrival, with pre-arranged accommodation and island transfers.
Duration 14 days Destinations Brisbane, Fraser Island, Rockhampton, Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach, Hamilton Island, Townsville, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
33% Off- NZ$10,806
Melbourne's urban landscape gives way to Adelaide's wine country on this driving route. Tower Hill, Flinders Chase National Park, and Barossa Valley's vineyard roads lead to strategic overnight stays at DULC Cabins.
Duration 16 days Destinations Melbourne, Apollo Bay, Port Campbell, Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Robe, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley, Adelaide Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
33% Off- NZ$8,587
Duration 7 days Destinations Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
33% Off- NZ$2,622
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 Operator DERTOUR From
33% Off- NZ$1,801
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 Operator DERTOUR From
33% Off- NZ$3,107
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."