Australia is home to some of the world’s most spectacular roads, offering truck drivers a front-row seat to breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re hauling freight or on a long-haul adventure, these routes combine work with the kind of scenery that makes you want to pull over and snap a photo (when it’s safe, of course!). Here’s our pick of the top 10 scenic trucking routes across the country.
1. The Great Ocean Road – Victoria
Winding along the rugged coastline of Victoria, this iconic route offers jaw-dropping ocean views and dramatic cliffs. The Great Ocean Road is home to the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and scenic towns like Lorne. It’s a bit of a twisty ride, so it’s best for those comfortable with tight turns and narrow stretches.
2. Pacific Highway – New South Wales to Queensland
Connecting Sydney to Brisbane, the Pacific Highway is a driver’s dream. With ocean views, lush hinterlands, and stops at iconic locations like Byron Bay and Coffs Harbour, this route combines practicality with beauty. Plus, there’s no shortage of great truck stops along the way!
3. Stuart Highway – Northern Territory
For those who love the open road, the Stuart Highway is the ultimate Outback journey. Stretching from Adelaide to Darwin, this route is a straight shot through Australia’s red heart. Landmarks like Uluru and Kings Canyon provide perfect excuses for rest breaks, and the vast landscape offers a sense of freedom you won’t find anywhere else.
4. Tasman Highway, Tasmania
5. Nullarbor Plain – South Australia to Western Australia
Stretching across the southern edge of the country, the Nullarbor Plain is as flat and vast as it gets. With the longest straight road in Australia and endless horizons, this route is both challenging and rewarding. Stop at the Head of Bight to spot whales (in season) or admire the dramatic Bunda Cliffs.
6. Savannah Way – Northern Queensland to Northern Territory
The Savannah Way is not for the faint-hearted but is well worth the drive. This tropical route stretches through some of Australia’s wildest and most remote landscapes, from the Gulf of Carpentaria to Kakadu National Park. Hidden hot springs and lush rainforests make it a unique trucking experience.
7. Bruce Highway – Queensland
Running from Brisbane to Cairns, the Bruce Highway is a coastal classic. Stunning beaches, the Whitsundays, and the lush Daintree Rainforest make this route both practical and scenic. It’s a popular highway, so expect plenty of fellow drivers sharing the road.
8. Eyre Highway – South Australia to Western Australia
Another route for lovers of the open road, the Eyre Highway crosses the Nullarbor with a mix of solitude and stunning scenery. Along the way, you might spot camels, kangaroos, or wedge-tailed eagles. This route is perfect for those who appreciate the stark beauty of Australia’s Outback.
9. Alpine Way – New South Wales
For a challenge with a view, the Alpine Way winds through the Snowy Mountains. Best driven in summer for clear roads and lush greenery, this route takes you through Kosciuszko National Park and offers a refreshing change from the typical dry Aussie roads.
10. Great Northern Highway – Western Australia
The Great Northern Highway is an epic route for long-haul trucking. Stretching from Perth to Wyndham, it traverses the heart of Western Australia’s remote beauty. Highlights include the Pilbara’s rugged red landscapes, the expansive Kimberley region, and unique stops like the Bungle Bungles. This highway is built for heavy transport and offers plenty of truck-friendly amenities along the way.
Whether you’re transporting goods or just enjoying the journey, these scenic trucking routes offer more than just a drive—they’re an experience.
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