Top Destinations for Fly-and-Drive Holidays in Australia: Start Your Journey with a Rental Car

Australia is a vast country full of natural wonders, vibrant cities, and stunning coastlines, making it a perfect destination for a fly-and-drive holiday. This type of travel allows you to fly into a major city, pick up a rental car, and immediately hit the road to explore your chosen destination at your own pace. Whether you’re chasing rugged outback landscapes, pristine beaches, or lush rainforests, a fly-and-drive adventure gives you the freedom and flexibility to discover Australia’s diverse landscapes.

For travelers starting their journey in Tasmania, renting a car right at the airport, such as through services like this at Hobart Airport: https://www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au/car-hire/hobart-airport/, is a convenient way to begin your exploration. From there, the island’s wild coastlines, historic towns, and national parks are all within easy reach. But Tasmania is just one of many incredible regions in Australia that are perfect for a fly-and-drive holiday. In this article, we’ll explore some of the top destinations for your road trip adventure Down Under.

1. Tasmania: A Journey through Nature’s Wonderland

Tasmania, Australia’s southernmost state, offers some of the most scenic fly-and-drive itineraries. After landing in Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city, renting a car allows you to explore the island’s stunning natural attractions and charming villages at your own pace.

• Hobart to Freycinet National Park: Start your road trip in Hobart and head north along the east coast to Freycinet National Park. This area is home to the famous Wineglass Bay, often rated as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. With its turquoise waters and white sands, this is a picture-perfect spot to begin your fly-and-drive adventure. Along the way, you can stop at quaint towns like Swansea and explore the region’s growing wine industry.

• Launceston to Cradle Mountain: From Launceston, another popular fly-and-drive route is to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Cradle Mountain, with its dramatic peaks and stunning glacial lakes, is perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting. You can stay in a cozy lodge or camp in the wilderness, immersing yourself in Tasmania’s natural beauty.

2. The Great Ocean Road: Victoria’s Scenic Coastal Drive

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic road trips, offering breathtaking coastal scenery, charming towns, and opportunities to see Australian wildlife in their natural habitat. Starting in Melbourne, this fly-and-drive route takes you along the southern coast of Victoria, providing plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.

• Melbourne to Torquay: After picking up your rental car in Melbourne, head towards Torquay, the official starting point of the Great Ocean Road. Known for its surf culture, Torquay is home to the famous Bells Beach, where you can relax or catch some waves before embarking on your coastal journey.

• The Twelve Apostles: A must-see highlight along the Great Ocean Road is the Twelve Apostles, a collection of limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean. Stop at the viewing platform or take a helicopter ride for a bird’s-eye view of these natural wonders. Other attractions along the way include the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse and the rainforests of Great Otway National Park.

• Port Fairy and Beyond: Continue your drive west to the charming fishing village of Port Fairy, known for its historic cottages and picturesque harbor. If you have time, extend your road trip to the Grampians National Park, where you can explore rugged mountain ranges, waterfalls, and Aboriginal rock art.

3. Queensland’s Tropical North: From Cairns to the Daintree Rainforest

For a fly-and-drive holiday that combines tropical beaches, ancient rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland’s tropical north is the perfect destination. After flying into Cairns, you can easily pick up a rental car and start your road trip adventure.

• Cairns to Port Douglas: A short drive from Cairns, Port Douglas is a laid-back beach town that serves as a gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Spend a few days snorkeling or diving in the reef before heading north into the world’s oldest tropical rainforest. The Daintree is home to unique wildlife and ancient flora, offering guided walks, river cruises, and zip-lining experiences for adventure seekers.

• The Atherton Tablelands: For a change of scenery, head inland from Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands, a highland region known for its waterfalls, crater lakes, and dairy farms. The picturesque landscapes are perfect for scenic drives, with plenty of opportunities to stop for local produce, coffee, and chocolate tastings.

4. Western Australia: Perth to the Coral Coast

Western Australia’s vast, open landscapes make it ideal for a fly-and-drive holiday. Starting in Perth, this itinerary takes you north along the Coral Coast, where you’ll encounter some of the country’s most unique natural attractions.

• Perth to Pinnacles Desert: From Perth, drive north to Nambung National Park, home to the Pinnacles Desert. The Pinnacles are eerie limestone formations that rise from the golden sands, creating a surreal landscape. This is a great spot for photography or a sunset walk among the towering rock spires.

• Shark Bay and Monkey Mia: Continue your road trip up the coast to Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse marine life. Monkey Mia is famous for its friendly dolphins, which come to the shore every morning for feeding. Further along, you can visit Hamelin Pool to see the stromatolites, living fossils that are among the oldest life forms on Earth.

• Ningaloo Reef and Exmouth: One of the highlights of this fly-and-drive route is Ningaloo Reef, a pristine coral reef where you can swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and turtles. The nearby town of Exmouth is the perfect base for exploring Cape Range National Park, where rugged gorges meet white sandy beaches.

5. The Red Centre: Exploring Australia’s Outback from Alice Springs

For a truly iconic Australian road trip, head to the country’s heart—the Red Centre. Flying into Alice Springs, you’ll enter a land of red deserts, towering rock formations, and rich Aboriginal culture. A rental car is essential here, as many of the region’s top attractions are scattered across vast distances.

• Alice Springs to Uluru: The journey from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of the most famous fly-and-drive routes in Australia. Along the way, stop at the West MacDonnell Ranges, where you can hike through gorges and swim in waterholes. Uluru itself is a sacred site for the local Anangu people, and the best way to experience its magic is by joining a cultural tour. Don’t forget to witness the stunning sunrise and sunset as the rock changes colors.

• Kings Canyon: Another must-visit spot in the Red Centre is Kings Canyon, located in Watarrka National Park. The canyon’s towering cliffs offer panoramic views of the surrounding desert, and the rim walk is one of the best hikes in the region. 

Final Thoughts

Australia is a country made for fly-and-drive holidays, with its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and countless natural wonders. Whether you’re exploring Tasmania’s wild coastlines, driving along the Great Ocean Road, or venturing into the outback, a rental car gives you the freedom to discover Australia’s hidden gems at your own pace. With so many scenic routes to choose from, all you need to do is pick a destination, book a flight, and start your road trip adventure.