road trips

The Ultimate 10-Day Iceland Road Trip

Your Ring Road and Golden Circle itinerary — complete with must-see detours, travel tips and can’t-miss stops you’ll brag about for years. 

Rectangular rock formations and pink clouds at Reynisfjara Beach

Reynisfjara Beach

Why visit Iceland? The country begs to be circled, zigzagged, detoured and lingered over — with waterfalls misting your windshield, lava fields stretching to the horizon, and hot springs steaming under the midnight sun. The best way to do that? Hit the road.

This guide maps out a wow-per-minute route that loops the island on Route 1 (the famous Ring Road), layers in the Golden Circle, and sprinkles in a few side quests you’ll be humblebragging about for years.

Whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise, you’ll pass glacier tongues, black sand beaches, alien geothermal zones, and sleepy fishing towns that look straight out of a Nordic fairy tale.

Below: a 10-day Iceland itinerary that balances drive time and jaw-dropping moments, plus tips on timing, packing, and how to drive like a local without becoming an accidental sheep herder.

A round rock formation filled with water by a turbulent sea and overlook at Brimketill in Iceland

Brimketill natural pool

Why the Ring Road (Plus a Few Smart Detours) Is “The One

Route 1 loops the entire country in about 1,332 kilometers (828 miles). Whether you go clockwise or counterclockwise, you’ll pass glacier tongues, black sand beaches, alien geothermal zones, and sleepy fishing towns that look straight out of a Nordic fairy tale.

Sure, you could do the loop in seven days — but 10 gives you breathing room to wander, soak and say “wow” every few miles. Toss in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Golden Circle, and a Highlands teaser (if roads allow), and you’ve got yourself the greatest hits album of Iceland.

Aerial view of Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik

The 10-Day Ultimate Iceland Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Reykjavik Arrival and Prep

  • Land, stock up and ease in. Pick up your campervan or car, grab groceries at Bónus or Krónan, and explore Reykjavik’s colorful streets (don’t miss Hallgrímskirkja and Harpa). And there’s always the Icelandic Phallological Museum if that’s your thing. 

  • Overnight: Reykjavik or a nearby campground (Mosskogar, Hafnarfjörður)

  • Driving: Minimal (airport to city)

A waterfall and rocks in the stream at Þingvellir National Park in Iceland

Þingvellir National Park

Day 2: The Golden Circle Warm-Up

  • Þingvellir National Park: Tectonic plates and Viking-age drama. Walk the rift valley. Bonus points for snorkeling between continents at Silfra.

  • Geysir Geothermal Area: Strokkur erupts every 5 to 10 minutes. Perfect for slo-mo footage.

  • Gullfoss: A two-tiered roar that sets the tone for Iceland’s waterfall game.

  • Secret stop: Reykjadalur hot spring hike — geothermal soak with a view.

  • Overnight: Campsite in Selfoss or Flúðir (the Secret Lagoon is rustic and steamy).

  • Driving: About 230 kilometers / 143 miles

The Solheimasandur plane wreck on the black sand beach in Iceland

Solheimasandur plane wreck

Day 3: South Coast Icons: Waterfalls to Black Sand

  • Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi: Walk behind one, then find the other hiding in a canyon.

  • Skógafoss: Perfect rectangular power. Climb up for panoramic payoff.

  • Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck: Eerie DC-3 remains in a black desert. It’s a 7-to-8-kilometer  round trip, so bring snacks.

  • Vík and Reynisfjara Beach: Basalt columns, sea stacks and sneaker waves. Keep a healthy distance.

  • Overnight: Vík or Kirkjubæjarklaustur.

  • Driving: About 200 kilometers / 124 miles

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon in Iceland with a river running through the moss and rocks

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon

Day 4: Glaciers, Icebergs and Lava Fields

  • Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: A mossy, winding marvel (check road access)

  • Skaftafell (Vatnajökull NP): Hike to Svartifoss or strap on crampons for a glacier walk.

  • Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach: Icebergs to the ocean, glittering ice on black sand. Straight-up magic

  • Overnight: Höfn area (soak at Hoffell hot tubs if you’re feeling fancy).

  • Driving: About 270 kilometers / 168 miles

The village of Seyðisfjörður, Iceland on a lake by flowers

Seyðisfjörður

Day 5: The Eastfjords: Switchback Beauty and Tiny Towns

  • The drive: Narrow roads cling to fjords, with surprise tunnels and gasp-worthy views.

  • Stops: Djúpivogur’s giant eggs, Petra’s Stone Collection, maybe a reindeer cameo near Egilsstaðir

  • Optional detour: Seyðisfjörður, a rainbow-road artsy escape in a deep fjord

  • Overnight: Egilsstaðir or Seyðisfjörður

  • Driving: About 260 kilometers / 162 miles

Geothermal pools steam sulfur in an orange landscape in Hverir, Iceland

Hverir

Day 6: Northbound to the “Capital of the North”

  • Dettifoss and Selfoss: One’s raw power, the other’s elegance. Use Route 862 if you prefer paved.

  • Hverir: Bubbling mud pots and sulfurous steam. Welcome to Mars, Iceland edition.

  • Lake Mývatn: Lava labyrinths, pseudocraters and the blue Grjótagjá cave

  • Godafoss: Horseshoe-shaped and heavenly

  • Overnight: Akureyri

  • Driving: About 300 kilometers / 186 miles 

A group of people on a boat watch a whale breach at Húsavík, Iceland

Whale watching at Húsavík

Day 7: Whale Tails and Turf Roofs

  • Morning in Akureyri: Coffee and a botanical stroll

  • Húsavík Whale Watching: Prime humpback territory. Book ahead.

  • Glaumbær Turf Farm: Sod-roofed time travel

  • Overnight: Varmahlíð or Blönduós

  • Driving: About 260 kilometers / 162 miles

Multiple waterfalls by grass and rock formations at Snæfellsnes, Iceland

Snæfellsnes

Day 8: West Iceland & Snæfellsnes Teaser

  • Short hikes: Glanni Waterfall and Grabrok Crater

  • Snæfellsnes (optional start): Kirkjufell, Arnarstapi cliffs, Djúpalónssandur beach and the glacier-capped Snæfellsjökull

  • Overnight: Stykkishólmur, Grundarfjörður or Hellissandur

  • Driving: About 300 kilometers / 186 miles (less if you save Snæfellsnes for tomorrow)

Bizarre clear formations in a cave at Vatnshellir, Iceland

Vatnshellir lava cave

Day 9: Finish Snæfellsnes & Return to Reykjavik

  • Catch anything you missed: Vatnshellir lava cave, the moody Búðir black church

  • Optional soak: Krauma Baths — steamy serenity powered by Europe’s most powerful hot spring

  • Overnight: Reykjavik or Keflavik

  • Driving: About 250 kilometers / 155 miles

Lava spurts from a volcanic rock formation on the Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland

Reykjanes Peninsula

Day 10: Blue Lagoon, Reykjanes, and Farewell

  • Lagoon of your dreams: Sky or Blue Lagoon. Yes, they’re touristy. They’re also glorious.

  • Reykjanes Peninsula: Lava cliffs at Brimketill, bubbling Gunnuhver, and a bridge between tectonic plates

  • To do: Return your ride. Ooh and ahh over your photos. Cry a little.

  • Driving: About 80 to 120 kilometers / 50 to 75 miles 

A bright blue pool amid a snowy landscape in Hveravellir, Iceland

Hveravellir

Bonus Detours (If You’ve Got Extra Days) on Your Iceland Road Trip

  • The Westfjords: Rugged, wild and crowd-free. Dynjandi waterfall, Látrabjarg puffins, Rauðasandur’s red beach. Add 3 to 5 days.

  • The Highlands: Summer only, 4x4 required. Rhyolite mountains of Landmannalaugar, steamy Hveravellir. Check F-road status before you go.

  • Thórsmörk Valley: Epic hikes and glacier views — reached via rough roads and worth every bump.

The Northern Lights above the waterfalls at Godafoss, Iceland

Godafoss

When to Go on Your Iceland Road Trip (And What That Means)

  • Summer (June to August): Midnight sun, most accessible, priciest and busiest. Reserve everything early.

  • Shoulder Seasons (May and September): Fewer crowds, lower prices, decent daylight. Road conditions can vary.

  • Winter (October to April): Northern lights, snow-globe vibes, but also storms and limited daylight. Consider shorter loops unless you’re a seasoned winter driver.

A car drives the Ring Road in Iceland, past mountains and water

The Ring Road

Island Road Trip Logistics: Campervan vs. Car

My take: campervans = ultimate freedom + a rolling kitchen. If you want to be spontaneous, cook your own meals and sleep by waterfalls, this is the way. Iceland’s campsites are everywhere, and a fully equipped premium campervan makes logistics easy-peasy.

A curved rock formation with waterfalls at Selfoss, Iceland

Selfoss

Driving and Safety Tips for Iceland

  • Weather: Vedur.is and road.is are your new besties. Wind can literally rip doors off.

  • Single-lane bridges and blind hills: Yield, go slow, stay alert.

  • Gravel and F-roads: That F stands for fjall (Icelandic for “mountain”). Most insurance won’t cover damage. Know what you’re driving.

  • Sheep patrol: If one crosses, assume more are on the way.

  • Fuel: Fill up when you can — especially in the East and North.

Diamond-like rocks on Diamond Beach in Iceland

Diamond Beach

Iceland Road Trip Budget Snapshot (Per Day for Two)

  • Campervan: $150 to $300+

  • Fuel: $60 to $100

  • Campsites: $15 to $25 per person

  • Food: $30 to $50 (DIY), double if you eat out

  • Activities: $60 to $200 per tour

  • Pro tip: Tap water = glacier-fresh and free. Bring a refillable bottle.

Long houses covered with grass by a red-roofed church at Glaumbær Turf Farm in Iceland

Glaumbær Turf Farm

Packing Essentials for Your Iceland Road Trip That You’ll Actually Use

  • Clothing: Waterproof shell, warm layers, quick-dry everything, swimsuit, gloves — even in July.

  • Shoes: Waterproof boots, camp shoes, microspikes for shoulder season.

  • Electronics: Car inverter, USB hubs, offline maps, camera batteries (the cold eats them).

  • Comfort: Spices, condiments, a French press, headlamp (winter) or eye mask (summer).

  • Safety: First aid kit, emergency blanket, paper map backup.

Colorful tents dot the rolling hill landscape in Iceland

Iceland Campsite Etiquette and Rules

  • No wild camping (unless a farmer says yes). Use official sites.

  • Leave no trace. Seriously. Iceland’s fragile — pack it in, pack it out.

  • Keep quiet hours: Usually 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. The midnight sun doesn’t excuse middle-of-the-night karaoke sessions.

A waterfall at Dettifoss, Iceland

Dettifoss

Take the Road, Not Just the Photo

Iceland is a photographer’s dream, but the real magic happens in between the snapshots — chatting with locals about elf rocks, soaking in a secret hot pool, or pulling over because the sky just exploded in green fire.

So start your engine. Keep your plans loose. And let Iceland do what it does best: Surprise you around every bend. –Jeremy Albelda

The Best Road Trips in New South Wales: From Coast to Country

From coastal drives like the Grand Pacific and Sapphire Coast to foodie loops through Orange and Mudgee, discover the best road trips in New South Wales — including Snowy Mountains, Waterfall Way, and quirky roadside stops from Sydney to Eden.

A car drives through the curving roads and hills of New South Wales, Australia, with a mountain in the distance

New South Wales is one of Australia’s most visited states — and with good reason. Its coastline alone is a stunner, dotted with cliff-hugging walks and surf towns where the locals still say g’day without irony. Head inland and you’ll swap salty air for lush rainforests, towering waterfalls and rugged high country that feels a million miles from the sea.

Whether you’re camping under a riot of stars, shacking up in a retro motel, or living your best van life, NSW delivers. The roads are generally smooth, the phone signal’s surprisingly reliable, and there’s no shortage of campgrounds, cosy cabins or Airbnbs to call it a night.

From coastal gems to country heartlands (with a few oddball attractions thrown in), here are the best road trips across New South Wales.

So, buckle up. From coastal gems to country heartlands (with a few oddball attractions thrown in), here are the best road trips across New South Wales.

A family on a road trip on the Great River Road, NSW, stops to look at a wombat

Into the Country: Road Trips Through NSW’s Outback

Snowy Mountains Drive

If you’re craving crisp alpine air and scenery that swaps gum trees for snow gums (plus the occasional wombat waddling across the road), then make sure you stop on the Great River Road — a stretch that hugs the Upper Murray and is the kind of place where you’ll want to pull over every five minutes just to gawk at the views.

You’ll find plenty of pitstops along the GRR worth your time. Don’t miss a breather (and maybe a slab of hummingbird cake) at Tintaldra Store & Tearooms, a delightfully old-school spot in a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it town that’s been serving travelers and trout fishers since the 1800s. It’s the sort of place where the tea is poured into mismatched china and you’re encouraged to linger.

Push on toward Khancoban, a great base for exploring the western approaches to Kosciuszko National Park. From there, you can lace up your boots for a day hike to see Australia’s highest peak (don’t worry, you won’t need an ice axe — unless you’re doing it in deep winter). Or just throw a line in the Swampy Plains River, famous for trout that practically jump onto your hook.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Snowies road trip without refueling at one of the hearty mountain pubs. Try Jindabyne Brewing microbrewery for a local lager with cracking lake views, or the Banjo Paterson Inn, where après-ski culture reigns year-round, and schnitzels arrive bigger than your head.

A gay couple cheerses with wine during a picnic in Millthorpe, NSW, Australia

The Foodie Loop: Orange, Mudgee and the Central Tablelands

You could also start your adventure in Orange, a town that’s become something of a pilgrimage for food and wine lovers. Thanks to its elevation, this region is the beating heart of cool-climate wines in NSW — think delicate pinots and crisp chardonnays that sing with the local produce.

On your way toward Mudgee, detour through Millthorpe, a village so pretty it looks like it was built purely for Sunday strolls and Instagram. Pop into Angullong Vineyard’s Cellar Door, housed in an old bluestone stable, or duck into Tamburlaine Organic Wines just outside town. And if you’ve got a thing for slightly bonkers local history, the Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum has everything from antique farming gear to bushranger relics that’ll give you a taste of the region’s wilder days.

And for the folklore fans: This is bushranger country. The infamous Ben Hall once roamed these ranges, robbing stagecoaches and generally causing colonial chaos. Some pubs still claim he drank there (though, fair warning, just about every old pub in NSW will tell you the same).

A couple in a convertible drive along Waterfall Way in New South Wales, Australia

New England High Country

Armidale is the beating heart of the region. It’s a university town, so there’s always a bit of a buzz. Grand churches like St. Mary and Joseph Catholic Cathedral loom over streets lined with bluestone and elm trees. Pop inside and you’ll see intricate stained glass that feels more European than Outback. From Armidale, take the Waterfall Way, arguably one of the prettiest drives in NSW. The name isn’t just poetic license; you’ll pass so many thundering cascades you’ll lose count. 

If your timing’s right, swing by Glen Innes, which goes full Highland fling for the Australian Celtic Festival each May. Think bagpipes echoing across the town, tartan markets, and even the odd nod to ancient traditions like Imbolc — though these days it’s more about whisky tastings and hearty stews. The Australian Standing Stones, perched on a hill just outside town, are a granite tribute to Celtic heritage that feels delightfully out of place in the Aussie bush.

And if you just want to kick back with a local drop, make a pitstop at Merilba Estate near Uralla, where cool-climate riesling and pinot noir pair beautifully with sweeping views over grazing country. Uralla itself has a frontier vibe, with bushranger Captain Thunderbolt’s grave right in town. Grab a pie at the Alternate Root café and swap ghost stories with whoever’s behind the counter (everyone seems to have one).

A woman sits on a hill above Crescent Head, drinking coffee and watching surfers below

Coastal Cruising: NSW’s Most Stunning Drives by the Sea

The Legendary Pacific Coast Drive (Sydney to Byron Bay)

If you want to get up close and personal with Australia’s surf scene, this is the road trip that’ll have you grinning like a sandy, sunburnt idiot. Start by hugging the shore through the Central Coast, then head on to Newcastle, a former steel city now reborn as a hip little hub of craft breweries, street art and rooftop bars. 

Next up, Port Stephens is all about dolphins. Join a tour from Nelson Bay and watch pods arc through the water right alongside your boat, or just park yourself on the beach and keep your eyes peeled.

A bit farther up, Crescent Head is where the vibe turns properly laidback. Tiny, friendly and obsessed with its famous right-hand point break, this town is a pilgrimage for longboarders chasing that endless ride. Even if you’re not keen to paddle out, grab a coffee at Barnetts Bakery, plonk yourself on the headland, and watch the locals carve it up.

A group laughs as they get soaked by the Kiama Blowhole in New South Wales, Australia

Grand Pacific Drive (Sydney to Kiama and Beyond)

If you’re looking for a day trip that offers great views without taking an entire day of driving, look no further. This ride from Sydney, down through the Illawarra and on to Kiama, is a winner. The Grand Pacific Drive has some of the most cinematic views possible (hello, flying over the ocean on the famous Sea Cliff Bridge, where you feel like you’re driving right into the ocean).

You’ve got old mining towns, like Coalcliff and Helensburgh, that are still proudly rugged and industrial-looking. But find the right locals and you’ll be in for yarns about miners’ strikes and secret union meetings, and hear about the pit ponies that used to haul coal from the bowels of the hills.

Shipwrecks and lost sailors — another tale as old as time. There have been many victims along the Illawarra coast over the years, and according to legend, you can still see the remains of the jagged metal in the shallow water off Bass Point, a testament to the power of this sea when the southerlies are howling.

On to Kiama, where you can check out the famous blowhole, booming water into the air whenever there’s a decent swell. The best part? Hang around until the oblivious tourists have all crowded to the fence taking selfies, and watch them jump and scream as they get soaked by an unexpected blast. Classic Kiama. Good fun and completely guilt-free.

A family in a retro van drives along the Sapphire Coast, NSW, at sunset

Sapphire Coast (Batemans Bay to Eden)

This stretch of coast is where NSW loosens its tie and kicks off its shoes. Known as the Sapphire Coast for reasons that become blindingly obvious the moment you see the water, this drive is all about slowing down and letting the locals steer you toward the good stuff.

I’d kick this one off in Batemans Bay, where oyster leases ripple across the Clyde River and you can sample the freshest shuck of your life at the Oyster Shed on Wray Street. It’s practically a rite of passage around here. If you’ve never slurped down a still-quivering Sydney rock oyster while standing on a sun-warmed jetty, are you even road-tripping?

Of course, this coast is whale-watching central, especially from late winter to spring, when humpbacks migrate. Eden is your best bet: Once a bustling whaling town (there’s some dark history here), it’s now home to the Eden Killer Whale Museum, a delightfully old-school institution that tells tales of Old Tom, a killer whale who allegedly used to help local whalers hunt — a weird, very Australian piece of folklore if ever there was one.

And if you like your roadside attractions delightfully odd, don’t miss the giant mermaid sculptures in Merimbula. Locals are so used to them they barely blink, but newcomers often do a double-take.

A group goofs off, posing in front of the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia

Quirky Roadside Stops and Offbeat Detours in NSW

No true Aussie road trip is complete without pulling over for something wonderfully weird. This is a country that loves a “big thing” — a playful national habit of building enormous versions of everyday objects and proudly sticking them on the tourist map.

On your New South Wales travels you’ll spot plenty of these giants. Snap a selfie under the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour, the original oversized icon that’s been delighting kids (and slightly confusing international visitors) since 1964. Farther inland, the concrete Big Merino in Goulburn stands tall and stoic, like a woolly monarch watching over passing caravans. Swing by for a photo, then pop inside (yes, inside the sheep) to learn a little about the region’s wool industry.

But it’s not just about the big and bizarre. In Gundagai, there’s a whole museum dedicated to the , a legend immortalising bush perseverance (and a statue that gets more than its fair share of questionable Instagram poses). 

A man with botanical tattoos hikes in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, Australia

Road Trip Tips for NSW

When it comes to road tripping around NSW, timing is everything. Spring and autumn hit the sweet spot across most routes, while winter is made for cosy pubs and snow-dusted hikes in the high country. Summer? That’s your cue to chase sea breezes and shady beer gardens. Just remember: NSW is bigger than it looks on a map; drives can be long and winding, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge, cue up a few extra playlists, and embrace the joy of random bakery stops. 

And wherever you roam, respect the land you’re crossing. Many of these roads weave through Indigenous country, so stick to marked tracks, steer clear of sacred sites, and leave no trace behind. It’s the simplest way to ensure the next traveler (and the local wildlife) gets to enjoy it just as much as you did. –Ellen Mahoney

RELATED: Top Road Trip Routes Across Victoria, Australia 

Top Road Trip Routes Across Victoria, Australia

Explore Victoria’s best road trips, from the Great Ocean Road to the Great Alpine Road, Black Spur Drive and more — scenic routes where the journey is the destination.

A man drives a convertible car with a racing stripe along Black Spur Drive in Victoria, Australia

Nothing beats the feeling of the open road wind in your hair, the hum of the engine, and the endless road unfolding ahead. Whether you’re cruising along scenic coastal roads, winding your way through dense rainforests, or navigating through snow-capped alpine peaks, the drive is the adventure. 

So buckle up, road trippers. I’ve curated a list of some of the most breathtaking drives across Victoria. From the beauty of the Great River Road, with its iconic rivers and valleys, to the serene, snow-covered roads winding through the High Country, these routes promise memories that last long after the journey ends.

A man rides his motorcycle along the Great River Road in Victoria, Australia

The Great River Road

Set between two of Australia’s most stunning natural landmarks, the Murray River and the Snowy Mountains, the Great River Road is a 96-mile (155-kilometer) stretch of breathtaking high-country scenery in Victoria’s North East. 

Travelling from the east, the adventure begins in Khancoban, a quaint town nestled at the foot of the majestic Kosciuszko National Park. As you follow the Great River Road in this direction, you’ll be surrounded by rolling valleys and dense bushland, with the mighty Murray River snaking its way through. 

Following the road east, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the expansive Lake Hume, with the towering Snowy Mountains looming in the distance. 

The landscape gradually transitions from the serene lake views to the fertile river flats and lush farmland that line the Upper Murray. Your journey ends in the charming town of Bellbridge, nestled near the edge of Lake Hume. 

A senior couple drive a pale blue convertible car with a koala in the back along Great Ocean Drive

The Great Ocean Road

Originally created as a tribute to World War I soldiers, the Great Ocean Road spans 151 miles (243 kilometers) of stunning landscapes. The route takes you through towering cliffs, coastal towns and dense rainforests, with plenty of surf beaches to discover along the way.

A highlight of this scenic drive is the striking collection of limestone formations rising dramatically from the Southern Ocean. Don’t miss natural treasures like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge and the Grotto. 

Although these natural wonders are diminishing over time due to erosion, the sight of these massive rock formations battling the waves remains an awe-inspiring experience.

Farther along in the Great Otway National Park, the winding Lighthouse Road is a prime spot to see koalas in the wild. You’ll know you’re in koala country by the barren eucalyptus trees that line the road.

A tattooed shirtless man drives a blue classic convertible along Arthurs Seat Drive, with Melbourne in the distance

Arthurs Seat

The drive up to Arthurs Seat provides stunning views of Port Phillip Bay, but the real beauty is found in the turnout areas along the road that offer the best unobstructed views on your way back down to the Mornington Peninsula Freeway. One particularly unmissable stop is Murray’s Lookout, where you can pause to admire the sweeping views of the bay and the towering skyscrapers of Melbourne. 

The drive itself is just as engaging, with the winding road and series of tight bends keeping you on your toes. Despite the 60-kilometers-per-hour speed limit, the sharp turns ensure you’ll need to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel as you navigate your way down the mountain. 

Spanning about 4.3 miles (7 kilometers) from summit to base, this quick but thrilling drive packs in more views than some drives triple the length. Short and scenic, Arthurs Seat is a must for anyone cruising the Mornington Peninsula.

A woman in a silver convertible drives along Black Spur Drive with her dog

Black Spur Drive

Often regarded as one of Victoria’s most beautiful road trips, this two-lane road winds its way through towering mountain ash trees and fern-filled gullies with a mix of hairpin turns and brief straight sections, making for a dynamic and scenic experience.

It’s popular with both car and motorbike enthusiasts, although weekends can see a lot of traffic. Starting on the eastern side of Healesville and continuing through to Narbethong, the Black Spur provides a gateway to the charming town of Marysville, which is well worth a visit if you're continuing on your journey.

A woman looks through binoculars while her daughter holds a camera and their cat stands nearby in Black Spur's forest

As you drive, keep an eye out for local wildlife. Lyrebirds, kangaroos and other native creatures call this forest home, adding an extra element of magic to the experience. The Black Spur is a 35-mile (56-kilometer) route from Lilydale to Marysville, with the 19-mile (30-kilometer) section known as the Black Spur itself offering the most memorable part of the journey.

Expect winding roads with some uphill and downhill sections, plus the occasional hairpin turn and damp spots in lower-lying areas. There are several roadside stops where you can take a break and enjoy the views. Keep in mind that mobile phone reception can be intermittent, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. 

A family with young son stand by their car on Grampians Road as kangaroos hop by them

Grampians Road

Now, here’s a national park that knows how to impress. With its jaw-dropping sandstone mountains and views so stunning, the Grampians leave you wondering why you ever bothered with Kosciuszko. 

If you’re after a more laidback adventure, the Grampians Road drive from Halls Gap to Dunkeld is your perfect escape. It’s the kind of road that invites you to roll the windows down and take in the fresh mountain air.

On one side, towering mountains loom large, their cliffs cutting into the sky. On the other, you’ll glide past the sparkling waters of Lake Bellfield, with its calm surface reflecting the surrounding peaks and vast, craggy plains that stretch out like an untamed canvas. 

Every moment of this drive feels like a postcard come to life. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a kangaroo hopping along the roadside or a wedge-tailed eagle soaring overhead. 

A gay couple drive a convertible tan car on the Great Alpine Road in Victoria, Australia

Great Alpine Road

You’ve met the Great Ocean Road — now meet its cooler, more reserved sibling. Stretching approximately 186 miles (300 kilometers) from Wangaratta in the west to Bairnsdale in the east, the Great Alpine scenic route weaves through dense, forested mountains and breathtaking snow-capped peaks in winter. 

The road takes you through bustling ski towns like Bright and Omeo, where you can stop, relax and take in the alpine atmosphere

Four friends drive a small teal car along the winding mountainous Great Alpine Road in Victoria, Australia

If you’re in the mood for a detour, a short drive will lead you to historic Beechworth, a town steeped in gold rush and outlaw history. 

In winter, the Great Alpine Road transforms into a gateway to ski resorts such as Mount Hotham and Falls Creek — an unforgettable adventure for snow lovers. 

Get Out on the Highway to Experience Victoria, Australia

So there you have it — some of the most epic road trip routes that Victoria has to offer, each one a unique slice of adventure. From the iconic Great Ocean Road with its surfing towns and limestone formations to the chilled-out charm of the Grampians, these roads aren’t just about the journey; they are the journey. 

So, pack up the car, put your phone on “do not disturb,” and hit the road. Incredible Australian landscapes, quirky roadside stops, and the joy of the open road on Victoria’s best drives are all waiting for you. –Charlie Btallent