Top scenic summer drives in Australia

Summer in Australia is the perfect time to hit the road, roll down the windows, and explore some of the most scenic coastal routes the country has to offer. From iconic beaches to hidden gems, these drives are perfect for families, friends, and even your furry companions.

Great Ocean Road, VIC

The Great Ocean Road is a must for any summer road trip. The road winds along Victoria’s southwest coast, offering dramatic clifftop views and access to beautiful beaches. One of the biggest highlights is the iconic Twelve Apostles – well worth a stop and a photo or two. Lorne is the perfect place to stop if you’re travelling with kids – the beaches are protected and gentle, and there’s even a water park in town for the kids to enjoy. For those travelling with a dog or two, head to one of the dog-friendly beaches

like Johanna Beach on the Otway Coast, Whites Beach in Torquay, or North Lorne Beach.

Hidden Gem: Stop at Point Addis Marine National Park for secluded beach walks and a chance to spot dolphins or whales in the distance.

Pacific Coast Way, QLD

The Pacific Coast Way combines beach-hopping with rainforest detours in a 1700km adventure between Cairns and Brisbane. It’s a long stretch, so it’s best to take your time and make plenty of stops to explore the local sights. Stop at Noosa for family-friendly beaches and boutique shopping, or detour to Fraser Island for an unforgettable 4WD experience. Further north, Mission Beach offers a quiet, palm-fringed stretch of beach ideal for those wanting a more relaxed beach experience. Many caravan parks along this route, including in Airlie Beach, welcome pets, making it easy to bring your furry friends.

Hidden Gem: Stop at Cape Hillsborough National Park

near Mackay, where kangaroos and wallabies gather on the beach at sunrise.

Grand Pacific Drive, NSW

Starting just south of Sydney, this route hugs the coastline through the Royal National Park and over the stunning Sea Cliff Bridge

. There are some great family-friendly beaches in Kiama like Kiama's Surf Beach (there’s a calm, sheltered bay, ideal for swimming and splashing about with kids), and Kendalls Beach. Plus the Kiama Blowhole

is the perfect place to take the kids to watch this cool natural spectacle. Surf enthusiasts will find Seven Mile, Jones, Boneyard and Bombo beaches the perfect spot to ride the waves, and just off the Minnamurra River lies one of the coast’s most legendary surf spots: Minnamurra Beach. Dogs are welcome to run along the sand at one of the many off-leash areas

like Jones Beach, Werri Beach, and Marsden Headland.

Hidden Gem: Stop at Werri Beach for a quiet picnic or take the Gerringong to Kiama coastal walk for spectacular ocean views.

Margaret River to Albany, WA

This drive along Western Australia’s southern coast combines an incredible world-class wine region

– home to wineries like Vasse Felix, Voyager Estate, and Glenarty Road – with incredibly special beaches where the water of the Indian Ocean is crystal clear and vivid blue. Start in Margaret River, where you’ll find plenty of family-friendly beaches like Meelup Bay. Continue to Albany, stopping at Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in Denmark, where the clear waters and giant boulders create a natural swimming haven. The biggest plus? Many of the wineries and breweries along the route, like Colonial Brewing Co.

, allow pets so you don’t need to leave your four-legged friends behind.

Hidden Gem: For a unique experience, visit Kilcarnup Beach, just northwest of Margaret River. Known to locals as "Joey’s Nose," this secluded spot is perfect for swimming and exploring rock pools.

Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

Just over an hour south of Adelaide, this region is packed with beaches, wineries, and wildlife. Normanville offers calm waters perfect for young families, while Goolwa Beach is great for surfing. Nearby, you can explore the Coorong National Park, known for its birdlife and lagoons. For those with pups who love a beach-run, Christies Beach, Port Noarlunga South, Seaford, Maslin Beach, Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach all have off-leash areas.

Hidden Gem: Drive to Second Valley, a secluded beach with dramatic cliffs and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

From the rugged cliffs of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road to the tropical warmth of Queensland’s hinterland, Australia’s scenic beach drives are packed with summer fun. All you have to do is pick your favourite, get your playlist ready, and hit the road. Happy (and safe) driving!

_{Disclaimer
Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}