Australian Driving Holidays – Apex Car Rentals Australia

Australia is a great place for a driving holiday and the size of the country makes renting a car the ideal way to get around. Australia’s roads are well maintained and outside of the main city centres are largely uncluttered. Australia also boasts a world class tourism infrastructure that makes it easy to access places of interest and the spectacular natural environment.

An Australian self-drive holiday allows you the freedom to create your own unique and memorable experiences. The following road trips highlight the variety of journeys you can take in Australia. From tropical far north Queensland to the temperate island of Tasmania, there is so much to explore. And when you’re ready to hit the road, book your car hire at one of our Apex Car Rental locations in Australia.

Cruising the Cassowary Coast: a road trip from Cairns to Townsville

Man and woman sitting on rock looking out over a bay, Hawkings Point, Magnetic Island, Townsville, North Queensland

It’s a spectacular part of North Queensland. And for intrepid road trippers, Chris and Sarah, there’s plenty to see – waterfalls, cassowaries and tropical islands among them – along the way.

Read about this road trip from Cairns to Townsville.

Tropical Temptation: a road trip from Cairns to Port Douglas

A woman swims below the ocean’s surface with a number of coral bommies and many small fish, near Cairns, North Queensland

This is the part of Queensland where the rainforest meets the reef. On their road trip from Cairns, Chris and Sarah discover there’s plenty to explore – waterfalls, mountain villages and Indigenous culture – on the way to Port Douglas.

Read about this road trip from Cairns to Port Douglas.

Long Way From The Top: a Cairns to Airlie Beach road trip

Aerial view of Airlie Beach, North Queensland, showing the marina, town and surrounding islands

Want to see the best North Queensland has to offer? Then come along with Sarah and Chris as they take a driving holiday from Queensland’s northern capital to the Whitsundays central.

Read about this road trip from Cairns to Airlie Beach.

Short and Sweet: Cairns to Daintree Rainforest road trip

A woman stopped on a boardwalk in the midst of a rainforest setting, Cape Tribulation, North Queensland

When you think you’ve seen it all, there’s still the Daintree. It’s where two World Heritage Sites, the rainforest and the reef, meet and the opportunities to explore both seem almost endless.

Read about this road trip from Cairns to Daintree Rainforest.

Country Roads: a Brisbane to Toowoomba road trip

A red bridge over a lake in the manicured Japanese Gardens, Toowoomba, Queensland

The most obvious route is not always the best one. Chris and Sarah take the long road to the Darling Downs and discover the interesting history and gourmet goodness of southern Queensland.

Read about this road trip from Brisbane to Toowoomba.

Best of the Scenic Rim: a Brisbane to Stanthorpe road trip

A person is dwarfed by a seemingly teetering boulder near a sheer rock face in Girraween National Park, Queensland

In search of the good life in all its forms, Chris and Sarah go an adventure that includes epic hikes but also the chance to kick back and relax with a nice glass of red.

Read about this road trip from Brisbane to Stanthorpe.

Beach and Beyond: a Sunshine Coast to Noosa road trip

Aerial view of Noosa, showing the town, beach and headlands, Sunshine Coast, Queensland

In these parts, you don’t have to spend hours on the highway to get the best of both worlds: the sun, surf and sand of Noosa and the lush tropical vibes of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Read about this road trip from Sunshine Coast to Noosa.

Beach Meets Bush: a Gold Coast to Springbrook road trip

A woman goes down boardwalk stairs towards the ocean, Greenmount Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland

You don’t need much time to see the best of both worlds. Sarah and Chris head to Queensland where its southeast corner is packed with adventure, even if you only have a few days to enjoy it all.

Read about this road trip from Gold Coast to Springbrook.

Valley Vision: an Adelaide to Barossa Valley road trip

An emu on the road, with more behind it, on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia

Wine is absolutely fine, but when you’re heading to Australia’s best-loved gourmet region, you should also add a side of the Yorke Peninsula’s outstanding wildlife and beaches.

Read about this road trip from Adelaide to Barossa Valley.

Just Add Lime(stone): an Adelaide to Mount Gambier road trip

A person snorkelling in dark blue water near a rock ledge, Kilsby Sinkhole, Mount Schank, South Australia

Raise a glass of shiraz, paddle past coastal dunes and dive into a salt lake. Taking the road south, Chris and Sarah discover they can indulge their connection to nature and love for some of the finer things in life.

Read about this road trip from Adelaide to Mount Gambier.

Leaps and Bounds: an Adelaide to Kangaroo Island road trip

A view through a cave-like formation at rocks surrounded by sea. Some fur seals can be seen on the rocks, Kangaroo Island

You better believe there’ll be animals. On a five-day trip to South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, Sarah and Chris get in touch with their wild sides. Hiking, nature trails, ocean swimming… This is a destination with it all.

Read about this road trip from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island.

Heading for the Coast: an Adelaide to Port Vincent road trip

Browns Beach, Yorke Peninsula

To enjoy a beach holiday without the crowds, Sarah and Chris take off to South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula and its 700 kilometres of pristine coastline just two hours’ drive from Adelaide.

Read about this road trip from Adelaide to Port Vincent.

Coral Coaster: a Perth to Geraldton road trip

Southern Coral Coast Jurien Bay Jetty

When spring arrives in Western Australia, wildflowers transform the landscape. Sarah and Chris make the most of the beauty while exploring the very best the Coral Coast has to offer.

Read our Perth to Geraldton Road Trip.

How the South West is Won: Perth to Margaret River road trip

Aerial view of a woman on a boardwalk over shallow water and ancient thromobolites, Yalgorup National Park, WA

On a trip to Western Australia, Sarah and Chris discover you don’t have to venture far from the capital to find the best of the good life. Combine surfing, hikes and fine food and wine to unleash your wild side.

Read our Perth to Margaret River Road Trip.

Beach Life: A Perth to Esperance Driving Holiday

A kangaroo on a white sand beach in front of a turquoise ocean with people swimming and an offshore island, Lucky Bay, WA

When it comes to Western Australia, most people go north. Chris and Sarah decide to buck the trend and instead explore the state’s stunning southwest in a 12-day driving holiday. It doesn’t disappoint.

Read about this road trip from Perth to Esperance.

Land and Water: a Perth to Exmouth Driving Holiday

In deep blue water, a snorkeller swims above a huge whale shark, Ningaloo Reef, Exmouth, Western Australia

That’s a lot of blacktop. Chris and Sarah drive more than a thousand kilometres along the West Australian Coral Coast, staying at sheep stations, visiting remote islands and making their dream of swimming with whale sharks a reality.

Read about this road trip from Perth to Exmouth.

East Coast Exploration: a Hobart to Launceston Driving Holiday

Great Eastern Drive Mayfield Bay

After listening to friends talk about Tasmania for years, Chris and Sarah head south for the first time to take on the Great Eastern Drive, a road trip that includes all the highlights the Apple Isle has to offer.

Read about this road trip from Hobart to Launceston.

The Great Escape: a Hobart to Port Arthur road trip

Port Arthur Historic Site

It’s just a quick trip from Tasmania’s capital to Australia’s most famous gaol. Chris and Sarah take off to check out the convict ruins and find out what natural wonders the Tasman National Park has to offer.

Read about this road trip from Hobart to Port Arthur.

Northern Exposure: a Launceston to Cradle Mountain Driving Holiday

Dove Lake and Cradle Mountain

When it comes to adventure, Chris and Sarah are always up for a challenge. And that’s just what they find on a three-day trip in Tasmania’s north, taking in the world-famous Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.

Read about this road trip from Launceston to Cradle Mountain.

Coastal Dreaming: a Launceston to Freycinet Driving Holiday

Bay of Fires

Ready to indulge two of their favourite passions – good wine and seaside adventures – Sarah and Chris head to northern Tasmania, where the grapes are plentiful and the next Bay of Fires beach is more beautiful than the last.

Read about this road trip from Launceston to Freycinet.

Up and Away: a Sydney to Blue Mountains Driving Holiday

Water flowing down Empress Falls on the Wentworth Path in the Blue Mountains National Park

It’s hard to believe you’re only a 90-minute drive from Sydney. The Blue Mountains are wild in the truest sense of the word, and Sarah and Chris are ready to immerse themselves in nature with a side of small-town life.

Read about this road trip from Sydney to Blue Mountains.

Wine Ol’ Time: a Sydney to Hunter Valley Driving Holiday

Couple enjoying the sunrise from Caves Beach, Lake Macquarie, NSW

Keen to take a more leisurely approach to their latest driving holiday, Sydneysiders Sarah and Chris are heading for one of NSW’s best-known destinations, and a magnet for lovers of fine food and wine.

Read about this road trip from Sydney to Hunter Valley.

Seaside Sojourn: a Sydney to Jervis Bay Driving Holiday

A man wading through water at Murrays Bach sea cave in the Booderee National Park near Jervis Bay

Sydney may have great waves, but Sarah and Chris are heading further afield to what some describe as the most beautiful beaches in Australia. But that’s not all that Shoalhaven offers – there are also wineries, welcoming towns and national parks.

Read about this road trip from Sydney to Jervis Bay.

Northern Neighbour: a Sydney to Newcastle Driving Holiday

Surfers at sunrise at Nobbys Beach on the Bathers Way in Newcastle

Eager for an easy Sydney getaway, Chris and Sarah take three days to head north to NSW’s second largest city, where the waves are big, the adventures numerous and the atmosphere relaxed.

Read about this road trip from Sydney to Newcastle.

Heart of Gold: a Melbourne to Bendigo Driving Holiday

The Vintage Talking Tram travelling along the historical streets of Bendigo

He used to visit this gold-rush town during his school days, but Sarah convinces Chris to give Bendigo another go. What they find – local wineries, excellent restaurants and cafes, and places to explore nature – doesn’t disappoint.

Read about this road trip from Melbourne to Bendigo.

Straight to the Top: a Melbourne to Falls Creek road trip

Falls Creek Victoria

When it comes to adventure and nature, there’s no better destination than Victoria’s Alpine National Park. Chris and Sarah drive through the northeast wine regions to a place where they can hike and bike to their hearts’ content.

Read about this road trip from Melbourne to Falls Creek.

By the Sea: a Melbourne to Port Fairy Driving Holiday

A man walks along a beach at the 12 Apostles, Great Ocean Road

It’s Australia’s best-known drive, but so far they’ve never got there. Chris and Sarah, who love sun, sea and sand adventures, have decided they can’t wait any longer to explore Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

Read about this road trip from Melbourne to Port Fairy.

Piece of the Valley: a Melbourne to Yarra Valley Driving Holiday

A view of the vineyards at De Bortoli Wines at Dixons Creek in the Yarra Valley, Victoria’s best-known wine region

When you’re ready to raise a glass, Victoria’s best-known wine region is an easy drive from Melbourne. Chris and Sarah are ready to taste some cold-climate gems and see what else the Yarra Valley has to offer.

Read about this road trip from Melbourne to Yarra Valley.