How Long Do You Need for an Australian Road Trip?
Australia is huge, so one of the first questions to ask when planning an Australian road trip is: how long do you actually need?
The answer depends on where you want to go, how much driving you’re comfortable with and how much time you want to spend exploring. You don’t need months to have an amazing road trip, but having more time means you can travel at a slower pace and see more.
Here’s what you can realistically do with different amounts of time.
1 Week in Australia
With just one week, it’s best to focus on one region rather than trying to cross the country.
Good options include:
- Sydney to the Blue Mountains and South Coast
- Great Ocean Road from Melbourne
- Perth to Margaret River
- Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast
- Hobart and parts of Tasmania
A week is enough for a great short road trip, but don’t try to fit too many destinations into your itinerary.
2 Weeks in Australia
Two weeks gives you more flexibility and allows you to take on some of Australia’s most popular road trips.
Some options include:
- Sydney to Byron Bay
- Melbourne to Adelaide
- Perth to Esperance
- Cairns to Airlie Beach
- Great Ocean Road and Grampians
You can cover more distance, but it’s still worth allowing plenty of time for stops along the way.
3 Weeks in Australia
With three weeks, you can take on a longer route and have enough time to actually enjoy the destinations along the way.
A popular option is the Sydney to Cairns road trip, which covers around 2,400 km along Australia’s East Coast.
You could also explore more of Western Australia, Tasmania or South Australia depending on where you start.
Three weeks is a good amount of time for a campervan road trip in Australia, as you can combine driving days with slower days at beaches, national parks and towns along the way.
4 Weeks or More
Four weeks gives you much more freedom.
Instead of moving every day, you can spend a few nights in places you really enjoy and add extra stops to your route.
You could take on longer journeys such as:
- Sydney to Cairns
- Perth to Exmouth
- Perth to Esperance
- Melbourne to Adelaide
- A longer Tasmania road trip
If you have six weeks or more, you can combine multiple regions or take on a much longer Australian road trip.
How Far Should You Drive Each Day?
It’s tempting to plan your trip based only on Google Maps driving times, but remember that you’re on holiday.
You’ll probably want to stop for fuel, food, viewpoints, beaches, walks and unexpected places along the way.
As a general guide:
- 100–200 km: Easy driving day with plenty of time to explore
- 200–300 km: Comfortable for most road trips
- 300–400 km: A longer driving day
- 400+ km: Possible, but you’ll spend a significant part of the day driving
When travelling by campervan, allowing extra time can make your trip much more enjoyable.
Is a Campervan Good for a Long Australian Road Trip?
A campervan can be a convenient way to travel long distances in Australia because your transport and accommodation are combined.
You can wake up somewhere new, explore during the day and have your bed and kitchen with you when you stop for the night.
It also gives you more flexibility to change your plans along the way.
So, How Long Do You Need?
There isn’t one perfect length for an Australian road trip.
1 week is great for exploring one area.
2 weeks gives you more options.
3–4 weeks works well for longer routes.
6+ weeks gives you the freedom to explore multiple regions at a slower pace.
The most important thing is to choose a route that fits the time you have rather than trying to see the whole country in one trip.
Planning your Australian road trip? Compare campervan hire options and prices with Australian Backpackers and find a vehicle that suits your route and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to road trip around Australia?
Driving around the entire Australian coastline would take several weeks at a minimum, but realistically, 2–3 months or more is better if you want to explore without constantly driving.
Is 2 weeks enough for an Australian road trip?
Yes. Two weeks is enough for a great Australian road trip, but it’s best to focus on one region or route rather than trying to see the entire country.
Is 3 weeks enough for an Australian road trip?
Three weeks gives you enough time for several popular long-distance routes, including the East Coast, while still allowing time for stops and activities.
How many kilometres should you drive per day in Australia?
Around 200–300 km per day can be a comfortable starting point for a road trip, although this depends on the route, road conditions and how much sightseeing you want to do.
