The 6 Iconic Road Trips We're Taking This Summer

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The days are getting longer, the cicadas are chirping and we have a sudden urge to have a refreshing beverage on hand at all times. It all points to one thing: summer is unmistakably here. 

If you haven’t already planned how you’re spending your holiday break or the January long weekend, there’s nothing better than exploring your own backyard. Not only is taking a road trip more cost-effective than heading overseas, but it also means you can skip long flight times, airport queues, and jetlag. Plus, who doesn’t love rolling down the windows and cranking the car tunes?

One innovative service that makes it even easier to hit the open road in budget-friendly style is Turo. The world’s largest peer-to-peer car-sharing platform gives you access to thousands of cars from trusted hosts across the country (as well as the US, UK, Canada, and France).

Whether you need a Tesla in Sydney, a BMW in Brisbane, or a Jeep 4WD in Darwin, you can find and book your dream car with impressive speed. In some instances, you can even get your new whip delivered straight to your door — how’s that for service? 

Plus, there’s 24/7 customer assistance and roadside support, to give you extra peace of mind when you’re cruising down highways or exploring the countryside. Turo is also carbon-neutral certified, so you can rest assured you’re doing your bit for our beautiful planet.

Ready to fuel your road trip adventure? Read on for our top picks for the most picturesque road trips around the country, and the perfect car from Turo to get you there.

Embark on an unforgettable coastal expedition along the iconic Pacific Highway, a 900km stretch connecting Sydney and Brisbane. This scenic voyage unveils pristine beaches, quaint seaside towns, unspoiled hinterlands, and national parks. From the vibrant rainforest alcoves of Coffs Harbour to the sprawling beaches of the Gold Coast, there’s no shortage of places to stop for a swim along the way.

Drive in Style: Whether you’re travelling solo or have the family in tow, a trustworthy Kia is perfect for zipping up (or down) the coast.

While ‘summer’ and ‘the outback’ might not typically go hand in hand, you’d be surprised at the fun you can have with some powerful air con! While The Red Centre Ways takes you to must-see destinations like Uluru, Alice Springs, and King’s Canyon, it bypasses the Stuart Highway and instead takes the stunning alternate route formerly known as the Merenie Loop. Winding through the crimson canyons, gorges, and hiking trails of the West MacDonnell Ranges, this stands out as one of Australia's most enchanting road trips.

Drive in Style: Performing with stellar precision on all terrains, a Toyota LandCruiser will be your go-to for navigating those rugged desert roads.

As far as road trips go, it doesn’t get much more iconic than The Great Ocean Road. Spanning 243km along Victoria's southern coast from Torquay to Allansford, this picturesque route boasts the rugged rainforests of the Otway Ranges, impressive waterfalls, and, of course, the famous Twelve Apostles. Plus, there are plenty of historic sites to pique your interest, like the 19th-century shipwreck Loch Ard Gorge and the Cape Otway lighthouse.

Drive in Style: With endless winding roads and panoramic views, there’s no better opportunity to experience the Tesla Model 3’s near-silent handling and all-glass roof.

How many local road trips can quite literally transport you to not one but two World Heritage landscapes? This 140km journey stretches from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, providing the perfect vantage points for the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree. With plenty to keep you entertained from snorkelling spots to lush rainforest tracks, there’s zero chance you (or any of your passengers) will ask “Are we there yet?”

Drive in Style: Open up the sunroof of your chic and compact BMW to soak in that tropical North Queensland air.

At roughly 1200km, this trip is not your average weekend joydrive — but it's safe to say the views are worth it. Following the Coral Coast of Western Australia from Perth to Ningaloo, you’ll marvel at everything from shell-blanketed beaches to the otherworldly desert towers known as The Pinnacles in Nambung National Park. Plus, if time permits, a swim with the dolphins at Monkey Mia or whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef is nothing short of unforgettable.

Drive in Style: A long adventure calls for the big guns, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid offers unparalleled fuel economy and reliability

Blessed with endless undisrupted beauty, this Tassie adventure is well worth leaving the mainland for. Your voyage begins in Hobart, where you can enjoy the buzzing bar scene and picturesque port. Then, trace the tranquil coastline east to the breathtaking Bay of Fires, stopping for plenty of Instagram-worthy moments along the way. The rugged serenity of Cradle Mountain is a must-see, too, even if you’re not up for the 12km hike.

Drive in Style: Effortlessly traversing both mountain and coastal roads, be ready for anything in a versatile and dependable Jeep Wrangler 4WD.

Check out Turo’s full range of cars here.

With the itinerary and car sorted, it's time to sort out what to see along the way. Check out our guide to unmissable Aussie places to visit, or book a stay at one of the country's newest hotels in between drives.