How Long Does a Road Trip Around Australia Take?

By Robert Palmer

Australia is a vast and beautiful country, with so much to see and explore. It’s no wonder that many people dream of taking a road trip around the continent.

But just how long does it take to do so? Let’s break it down.

Planning Your Route

First things first, you need to plan your route. Australia is massive, spanning over 7.6 million square kilometers. There are many different routes you can take, but the most popular one is the “Big Lap” – a journey that circles around the entire country.

The Big Lap

The Big Lap covers approximately 14,500 kilometers and takes you through all six states and two territories of Australia. The route starts in Sydney and heads north up the east coast before turning left towards Darwin.

From there, you’ll travel across Western Australia before heading down the west coast towards Adelaide. Finally, you’ll drive along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne before returning to Sydney.

Other Routes

Of course, not everyone wants to do the full loop around Australia. There are plenty of other routes that can be taken depending on your interests and time constraints. For example:

  • The Great Ocean Road: A stunning coastal drive in Victoria that spans over 240 kilometers.
  • The Nullarbor Plain: A vast stretch of desert highway that crosses from South Australia into Western Australia.
  • The Red Centre Way: A scenic drive through the heart of Australia’s outback.

How Long Will It Take?

Now for the big question – how long does a road trip around Australia take? Well, it depends on a few factors:

  • Your Route: Obviously, if you’re doing the Big Lap it will take longer than a shorter route.
  • Your Vehicle: The type of vehicle you have will affect your speed and how much ground you can cover in a day.
  • Your Pace: Some people like to take their time and stop at every attraction along the way, while others prefer a faster pace.

If you’re doing the Big Lap, most people recommend allowing at least 6 months to complete the journey. This gives you enough time to see everything and take detours along the way. However, some people have done it in as little as 3 months, while others have taken over a year.

For shorter routes, such as the Great Ocean Road or the Nullarbor Plain, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on how much time you have.

Conclusion

In summary, a road trip around Australia can take anywhere from a few days to over a year depending on your route and pace. The most popular route – the Big Lap – takes around 6 months to complete. No matter which route you choose, one thing is for sure – it will be an epic adventure filled with stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences.