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
- Western Australia Wildflowers Road Trip
- Tropical Top End
- Tasmania's magic on 4 wheels
- Kakadu & Co - pure nature in the Top End
- Experience the Red Center
- Magical Moments in the Heart of Australia
- East coast & dream islands (from Brisbane to Cairns)
- Tasmania on your own
- East coast on your own (from Brisbane to Cairns)
Duration 15 days Destinations Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Bundaberg Central, Lady Elliot Island, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 99+ Operator Journaway From $4,412
29% Off- NZ$3,122You save $1,290
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
29% Off- NZ$2,857
Duration 8 days Destinations Darwin, Jabiru, Kakadu National Park, Katherine, Nitmiluk, Litchfield National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
29% Off- NZ$8,403
Duration 9 days Destinations Hobart, Strahan, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Launceston, Freycinet National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
29% Off- NZ$4,549
This 1,110-kilometer self-drive adventure unfolds from Darwin's waterfront to Kakadu via Arnhem Highway. Nourlangie's rock art, Katherine Gorge cruises, and swims at Litchfield's Buley Rockholes await, with comfortable hotels throughout.
Duration 6 days Destinations Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Jabiru, Katherine Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
29% Off- NZ$1,681
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
29% Off- NZ$1,332
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 Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
29% Off- NZ$4,041
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 Operator MEIERS WELTREISEN From
29% Off- NZ$6,566
Tasmania's treasures unfold from Hobart's Salamanca Place to Freycinet's Wineglass Bay. Scenic routes wind through UNESCO wilderness to Russell Falls in Mt Field National Park and historic Port Arthur. Premium stays include Crowne Plaza Hobart and Freycinet Resort.
Duration 12 days Destinations Hobart, Strahan, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Launceston, St Helens, Bicheno, Port Arthur Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DERTOUR From
29% Off- NZ$4,718
Duration 13 days Destinations Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay, Rockhampton, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Mission Beach, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DERTOUR From
29% Off- NZ$2,346
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."