Highway 1 is Australia's legendary coastal route, circumnavigating the entire mainland continent and connecting every state capital city. Spanning over 14,500 kilometres, it holds the title of the world's longest national highway, offering an unparalleled journey through Australia's most diverse landscapes—from tropical rainforests and pristine beaches to dramatic ocean cliffs and remote coastal stretches.
Whether you're dreaming of a complete lap of Australia or planning to tackle specific sections like the iconic Great Ocean Road or Queensland's tropical coast, Highway 1 delivers endless adventure. Most travellers approach it strategically, combining self-drive freedom with expertly guided tours to fully experience iconic destinations including the Great Barrier Reef, Ningaloo Coast, and coastal national parks.
Quick Navigation
Most Popular Highway 1 Sections for 2026
Discover the most scenic and accessible sections of Highway 1 across Australia's mainland:
VIC: Melbourne to Adelaide
900km • 3-5 days recommended Experience the legendary Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, charming coastal villages like Lorne and Apollo Bay, plus the Grampians National Park. Perfect introduction to Australian road trips with excellent infrastructure.
NSW: Sydney to Brisbane
950km • 3-7 days recommended World-class surf beaches, bohemian Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, and charming coastal villages. Best for whale watching May-November. Multiple national parks and pristine beaches throughout.
QLD: Brisbane to Cairns
1,700km • 7-14 days recommended Tropical paradise featuring Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island (world's largest sand island), Great Barrier Reef access points, and Daintree Rainforest. Best visited May-October during dry season. Snorkelling and diving paradise.
WA: Perth to Exmouth
1,270km • 5-10 days recommended Remote coastal beauty with Ningaloo Reef (swim with whale sharks March-July), Coral Bay, Kalbarri National Park's dramatic gorges, and The Pinnacles Desert. Spectacular wildflower season August-October.
SA: Adelaide to Darwin
3,000km • 2-3 weeks recommended Epic journey through Eyre Peninsula, Nullarbor Plain, and Western Australia's Goldfields. Features swimming with sea lions, dramatic coastal cliffs, and one of Australia's most remote stretches. True outback adventure.
Why Drive Highway 1 Around Australia?
Highway 1 offers something no other road trip can deliver: a complete coastal circuit of an entire continent. This iconic route passes through every mainland Australian state, connecting major cities while revealing countless hidden gems, pristine beaches, and unique natural wonders between them.
Key Highlights of Highway 1
- Diverse Ecosystems: Experience dramatic transitions from temperate rainforests to tropical coastlines, arid deserts to fertile wine regions, all within one continuous journey
- World-Class Attractions: Access Australia's most iconic destinations including the Great Ocean Road, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (via detours), Kakadu National Park, Ningaloo Reef, and Margaret River wine region
- Unparalleled Coastal Access: Discover thousands of beaches, world-renowned surf breaks, exceptional snorkelling spots, and incredible marine wildlife encounters from whale watching to swimming with whale sharks
- Ultimate Flexibility: Design your perfect itinerary—whether it's a focused 3-day coastal section or an epic 3-month circumnavigation of Australia
- Cultural Immersion: Experience Indigenous heritage sites, vibrant multicultural cities, historic outback towns, and authentic Australian coastal communities
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot kangaroos, koalas, wombats, dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and hundreds of unique bird species in their natural habitats
Planning Your Highway 1 Road Trip
How Long Do You Need for Highway 1?
| Journey Type | Distance | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Section | 500-1,000km | 3-7 days | Short holidays, first-timers, specific regional interests |
| Multi-Section | 2,000-4,000km | 2-4 weeks | Extended holidays, state exploration, combined attractions |
| Half Loop | 7,000-8,000km | 4-8 weeks | East or West coast focus, seasonal travel |
| Complete Circuit | 14,500km | 2-6 months | Gap year, sabbatical, retirees, ultimate adventure |
Essential Planning Tips for Highway 1
- Break It Down Strategically: Plan daily drives of 3-6 hours maximum (250-400km), leaving ample time for spontaneous stops, meals, photo opportunities, and unexpected discoveries that make road trips memorable
- Season Matters Significantly: Northern regions (Queensland, NT, northern WA) are best May-October during the dry season with perfect weather. Southern areas (Victoria, SA, southern NSW) shine in spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) with mild temperatures
- Book Accommodation Early: Popular coastal towns and national park areas fill quickly during Australian school holidays (April, July, September-October, December-January). Book 2-3 months ahead for peak season travel
- Budget Generously for Fuel: Remote sections have limited fuel stops with significantly higher prices. Always fill up when available and expect to pay 20-50% more in remote areas compared to cities
- Comprehensive Vehicle Preparation: Complete a full service before departure. Carry a spare tyre (check it's inflated), basic tools, first aid kit, 10+ litres of water per person, and emergency supplies for remote sections
- National Park Passes Save Money: Most states offer annual passes ($50-90) that provide unlimited access to all state parks. These pay for themselves after 3-4 park visits
- Download Offline Maps: Mobile coverage is limited or non-existent on remote Highway 1 sections. Download Google Maps offline or invest in a dedicated GPS device
- Plan Rest Days: Schedule regular rest days in interesting towns every 5-7 days to avoid road trip fatigue and allow time to properly explore local attractions
Highway 1 Budget & Costs (2026)
Understanding the costs of driving Highway 1 helps you plan an appropriate budget. Expenses vary significantly based on accommodation choices, dining preferences, and trip duration.
Daily Budget Breakdown by Travel Style
Budget Traveller
- Camping or budget hostels ($20-50/night)
- Self-catering most meals ($30-50/day)
- Free or low-cost activities
- Fuel costs ($40-80/day depending on distance)
- 3-month trip: $9,000-18,000 per person
Mid-Range Traveller
- Motels, caravan parks with cabins ($80-150/night)
- Mix of dining out and self-catering ($60-100/day)
- Paid attractions and some guided tours
- Fuel costs ($40-80/day)
- 3-month trip: $18,000-36,000 per person
Comfort/Luxury Traveller
- Hotels, resorts, premium accommodation ($150-350+/night)
- Dining at restaurants ($100-200+/day)
- Multiple guided tours and premium experiences
- Fuel costs ($40-80/day)
- 3-month trip: $36,000-72,000+ per person
Additional Major Costs to Consider
- Vehicle: Purchase ($5,000-30,000 for used campervan/car) or rental ($1,500-5,000/month depending on vehicle type)
- Fuel for Complete Loop: $2,000-3,500 (varies with vehicle efficiency and fuel prices)
- Vehicle Insurance: $500-1,500 for extended coverage
- National Park Entry Fees: $300-600 (or purchase state passes for savings)
- Ferry Crossings: $200-500 (Kangaroo Island, Fraser Island if included)
- Emergency Fund: Keep $1,000-2,000 for unexpected repairs or changes
State-by-State Highway 1 Breakdown
Victoria (VIC): Melbourne to South Australia Border
Highlights: The legendary Great Ocean Road features Australia's most photographed coastal scenery including the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, London Bridge, and charming villages like Lorne and Apollo Bay. Continue to the Grampians National Park for inland mountain scenery.
Distance: 900km to Adelaide | Duration: 3-5 days minimum | Best Time: October-April
Browse Great Ocean Road guided tours →
South Australia (SA): Adelaide to Western Australia Border
Highlights: World-renowned wine regions (Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley), Fleurieu Peninsula beaches, Kangaroo Island wildlife sanctuary, Eyre Peninsula's stunning coastline, and the vast Nullarbor Plain—one of the world's longest straight roads.
Distance: 2,000km to WA border | Duration: 1-2 weeks | Best Time: March-May, September-November
Western Australia (WA): Perth to Northern Territory Border
Highlights: The longest and most remote section features Ningaloo Reef (swim with whale sharks), Coral Bay's pristine waters, Shark Bay dolphins, Kalbarri's dramatic gorges, The Pinnacles Desert, Broome's Cable Beach, and the rugged Kimberley region.
Distance: 4,300km to NT border | Duration: 3-6 weeks | Best Time: May-September (avoid wet season in north)
Northern Territory (NT): Darwin to Queensland Border
Highlights: Tropical Top End featuring Kakadu National Park (wetlands, Aboriginal rock art, crocodiles), Litchfield National Park's waterfalls, Katherine Gorge, and access to Uluru-Kata Tjuta (1,000km detour but essential).
Distance: 1,000km to QLD border (plus detours) | Duration: 1-2 weeks minimum | Best Time: May-October (dry season only)
Queensland (QLD): Cairns to New South Wales Border
Highlights: Tropical paradise featuring Daintree Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef access (Cairns, Port Douglas, Airlie Beach), Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island (world's largest sand island), Noosa, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast beaches.
Distance: 1,700km to NSW border | Duration: 1-2 weeks minimum | Best Time: May-October (dry season, less humidity)
New South Wales (NSW): Byron Bay to Victoria Border
Highlights: Diverse coastline from tropical Byron Bay through Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Sydney Harbour and beaches, Royal National Park, Jervis Bay's white sand beaches, and Sapphire Coast. Excellent whale watching May-November.
Distance: 1,400km to VIC border | Duration: 5-10 days | Best Time: Year-round (varies north to south)
Combining Self-Drive with Guided Tours
The smartest Highway 1 strategy blends independent driving freedom with expertly guided day tours and multi-day experiences. This hybrid approach gives you flexibility and spontaneity while ensuring you don't miss hidden gems, gain valuable local insights, and access areas difficult or impossible to reach independently.
Where Guided Tours Add Maximum Value
- Great Ocean Road (VIC): Expert commentary on unique geology, dramatic shipwreck history, Aboriginal culture, and insider knowledge of best photo spots and timing. Browse day tours from Melbourne
- Great Barrier Reef (QLD): Professional snorkelling and diving trips from Cairns, Airlie Beach, or Port Douglas with experienced marine biologists, guaranteed reef access regardless of conditions, and all equipment provided
- Kakadu & Litchfield (NT): Indigenous cultural tours led by traditional owners, safe crocodile spotting with experts, wet season waterfall access (4WD only), and Yellow Water Billabong cruises
- Ningaloo Reef (WA): Swim with whale sharks (March-July), manta rays, and humpback whales on specialised marine tours with experienced guides and permits
- Wine Regions: Designated driver tours through Barossa Valley, Margaret River, Hunter Valley, or McLaren Vale with cellar door tastings, winery lunches, and local producer access
- Fraser Island (QLD): 4WD tours required for most access, expert guides navigate sand tracks, provide camping equipment, and know best wildlife spotting locations
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta (NT): Cultural tours with Anangu guides, sunrise/sunset viewing experiences, and Field of Light installations
Optimal Tour Integration Strategy
Plan your Highway 1 route with 2-3 guided tour days interspersed among driving days. This rhythm breaks up long drives, provides expert local knowledge, often accesses restricted or difficult areas, and creates memorable highlights within your self-drive adventure. Book popular tours (Great Barrier Reef, whale shark swimming, Uluru experiences) 4-8 weeks ahead during peak season.
Ready to Enhance Your Highway 1 Adventure?
Explore Guided Tours Along Highway 1 →Safety & Preparation for Highway 1
Vehicle Preparation Checklist
- Pre-Trip Service: Complete mechanical inspection including brakes, tyres, fluids, battery, and cooling system
- Essential Spares: Full-size spare tyre (check pressure), jack, wheel brace, basic tool kit, jumper cables, spare fan belt
- Emergency Supplies: First aid kit, torch with spare batteries, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, high-vis vest
- Water Storage: 10+ litres per person for remote sections (Nullarbor, WA coast, NT)
- Communication: Charged mobile phone, car charger, consider satellite phone or EPIRB for Nullarbor and very remote areas
Critical Safety Considerations
- Driver Fatigue: Take a 15-minute break every 2 hours. Swap drivers regularly. Never drive tired—fatigue causes more accidents than alcohol on Australian roads
- Remote Area Protocol: Inform someone of your itinerary and expected arrival times. Check in regularly. Don't deviate from main roads without proper preparation
- Fuel Management: Fill up whenever fuel is available in remote areas. Don't assume the next town will have fuel—some remote stations have limited hours
- Weather Awareness: Check forecasts daily. Tropical cyclones affect northern regions November-April. Flash flooding can occur in outback areas after rain
- Mobile Coverage: Expect no coverage on Nullarbor, much of WA coast, and NT remote areas. Download offline maps before departure
- Emergency Numbers: 000 for police, fire, ambulance. 112 works on any mobile even without coverage. 1300 659 467 for roadside assistance (varies by provider)
Health & Wellbeing
- Sun Protection: UV levels are extreme year-round. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear hats and sunglasses, seek shade 11am-3pm
- Hydration: Drink 2-3 litres daily, more in hot weather. Dehydration causes fatigue and poor decision-making
- Marine Stingers: Box jellyfish and Irukandji inhabit northern waters October-May. Swim only at patrolled beaches with stinger nets or wear protective suits
- Crocodiles: Both saltwater and freshwater crocodiles inhabit northern waterways. Never swim in unmarked areas. Obey all warning signs
- Medical Services: Major towns have hospitals. Remote areas have limited or no medical facilities. Carry comprehensive first aid kit and any prescription medications
Frequently Asked Questions About Highway 1
How long does it take to drive Highway 1 Australia?
Driving the complete 14,500km Highway 1 loop typically takes 4-6 weeks minimum for non-stop driving. However, most travellers extend this to 2-3 months to properly explore attractions, national parks, and coastal towns along the way.
Popular single sections take 3-7 days: Melbourne to Adelaide (3-5 days), Sydney to Brisbane (3-7 days), Brisbane to Cairns (7-14 days). These shorter sections are ideal for first-time Australian road trippers or those with limited time.
What is the best time of year to drive Highway 1 Australia?
The best time varies significantly by region due to Australia's size and climate diversity:
Southern sections (Victoria, SA, southern NSW, southern WA): Ideal in spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) with mild temperatures and less crowds. Summer (December-February) brings peak crowds and heat.
Northern sections (Queensland, NT, northern WA): Best in the dry season (May-October) when roads are accessible, humidity is lower, and weather is perfect. Avoid wet season (November-April) when some areas flood and tropical cyclones occur.
Winter (June-August): Excellent for Western Australia's coast, whale watching along the entire east coast, and avoiding summer heat in southern regions.
Can you drive Highway 1 in a regular car?
Yes, Highway 1 is fully sealed (paved) and accessible in a standard 2WD vehicle throughout its entire 14,500km route. The highway connects all major cities and coastal towns with quality sealed roads suitable for any vehicle.
However, a 4WD becomes necessary if you plan detours to: Fraser Island, remote sections of Kakadu (Jim Jim Falls, Twin Falls), Cape Range National Park's beach access roads, many remote beaches in WA, and outback tracks off Highway 1.
Most travellers complete Highway 1 in regular 2WD vehicles without any issues. Consider renting a 4WD for specific sections if needed rather than the entire journey.
How much does it cost to drive Highway 1 Australia?
Costs vary widely based on travel style:
Budget travellers (camping, self-catering): $100-200 per day = $9,000-18,000 for 3-month trip
Mid-range travellers (motels, mixed dining): $200-400 per day = $18,000-36,000 for 3-month trip
Luxury travellers (hotels, dining out): $400+ per day = $36,000+ for 3-month trip
Major expenses include: fuel for complete loop ($2,000-3,500), vehicle purchase/rental ($5,000-30,000 or $1,500-5,000/month), national park fees ($300-600), and insurance ($500-1,500).
What are the must-see stops on Highway 1?
Essential Highway 1 highlights include:
Victoria: Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, Grampians National Park
NSW: Byron Bay, Sydney Harbour, Jervis Bay, whale watching spots
Queensland: Great Barrier Reef (Cairns/Airlie Beach), Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, Daintree Rainforest
NT: Kakadu National Park, Litchfield waterfalls, Uluru-Kata Tjuta (detour)
WA: Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Cable Beach Broome, Kimberley region, Margaret River wine
SA: Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley wine region, Eyre Peninsula
Is Highway 1 safe to drive?
Highway 1 is safe when proper precautions are taken. The entire route is sealed (paved) and well-maintained, but some sections are very remote.
Key safety measures: Watch for wildlife especially at dawn/dusk (kangaroos cause serious accidents), take 15-minute breaks every 2 hours to combat fatigue, never drive tired, carry 10+ litres of water per person in remote areas, fill up fuel whenever available, inform someone of your travel plans for remote sections, and carry emergency supplies.
Most incidents involve driver fatigue or wildlife collisions, both preventable with proper awareness. Mobile phone coverage is limited or absent on Nullarbor, much of WA coast, and NT remote sections—download offline maps before departure.
Do I need a 4WD for Highway 1?
No, you don't need a 4WD for Highway 1 itself—the entire route is fully sealed and accessible in any 2WD vehicle.
However, 4WD opens access to incredible off-Highway experiences: Fraser Island (4WD mandatory), Kakadu's Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls, Cape Range National Park beaches, remote WA beaches, Gibb River Road (Kimberley), and numerous outback detours.
Strategy: Complete Highway 1 in a fuel-efficient 2WD car or campervan, then rent a 4WD for specific 2-4 day sections where you want off-road access. This saves money on fuel and rental costs while still accessing premium destinations.
What's the best direction to drive Highway 1—clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Both directions work well, but most Australians prefer counter-clockwise (Sydney → Brisbane → Cairns → Darwin → Perth → Adelaide → Melbourne → Sydney) for these reasons:
Advantages: Starts in familiar territory (east coast), hits tropical highlights (QLD, NT) during dry season (May-Oct), arrives in WA during perfect weather (Jun-Sep), avoids driving north during wet season, and finishes in temperate south.
Clockwise works well if: Starting from Perth or Adelaide, wanting to tackle remote sections first while fresh and well-prepared, or following opposite seasonal patterns.
Ultimately, direction matters less than timing each section for optimal weather and avoiding tropical wet season (November-April) in northern regions.
Can I do Highway 1 in a campervan?
Absolutely! Campervans are one of the most popular choices for Highway 1, offering accommodation and transport in one, flexibility to camp almost anywhere, and significant cost savings compared to hotels.
Advantages: Wake up in beautiful locations, cook your own meals (major savings), spontaneous itinerary changes, access to free or low-cost camping areas, and community at campgrounds.
Considerations: Fuel costs higher than regular cars, some areas restrict free camping, requires more planning for water/waste disposal, and may need powered sites occasionally. Size matters—smaller campervans are easier to drive and park but offer less living space.
Apps like WikiCamps Australia, CamperMate, and Camps Australia Wide list thousands of campgrounds, free camping spots, and facilities along Highway 1.