Both Australia and New Zealand have vast expanses of roads in Oceania. If you fancy the idea of a road trip, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. Don’t let that deter you, hop in your hire car and embark on one of these 3 epic car journeys.
The Great Ocean Road – Australia
Running 243km along the mammoth south-east coastline, The Great Ocean Road is world famous and you would be mad to miss it. One of Victoria State’s most popular tourist attractions, the road hugs the coastline westward from Torquay to Allansford. You will pass rainforests, rugged cliffs and limestone formations on your journey, plus several unmissable landmarks like the Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, London Arch and the Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles formed after years of erosion of the sea against the limestone cliffs which doesn’t sound particularly interesting, but look backward and wait for the sun to hit them just right and it will change your mind – the view is simply stunning. All in all, the Great Ocean Road presents some impressive sights and is a fantastic insight into the rugged natural beauty that Australia holds.
The Milford Road – New Zealand
When driving in New Zealand, even the shortest distances yield fabulous scenery which makes it difficult to decide which one is the coolest road to drive. After much deliberation, the famous Milford Road has to come out top. It winds for 120km through the south of the island and features rainforests, still lakes, breath taking waterfalls and sheer mountains which together complete dreamlike scenery. Bends and turns are prominent and the road is one of the highest in New Zealand, the highest point reaching 3,100ft above sea level. You will soon approach the Homer Tunnel, which is carved from granite and extends for 1,270 meters with no lighting inside and no dividing line. The Milford Road is definitely worthy of your tyre tracks to say the least.
Alice Springs to Ayers Rock – Australia
This drive takes you to the red roots of Australia and will really show you the essence of the outback. You won’t ever appreciate the size of this mammoth country until you drive it; what looks like a tiny distance on the map will in reality take 4 ½ hours to travel. Make sure you’ve sufficiently prepared and get ready for an outstanding drive. On your approach, the flat horizon suddenly gives way to the huge mass that is Ayers Rock. It appears to change colour as it takes on shades of red, purple, orange, grey and yellow depending on the weather and how far away from it you are. Whilst the drive itself may not deliver landmarks a minute, it is unarguably incredible and at the end of the hot, sweaty 4 ½ hours in your car, you are rewarded with one of nature’s greatest mysteries.
Have you driven any of these roads or think there’s a route more worthy of featuring here? Let us know in the comments below.
