the best
Australia Self Drive Tours & Fly Drive Holidays
Discover Australia at your own pace with our Australia self drive tours from the USA! Tailored road trips, expert planning, and exclusive fly drive itineraries put together in incredible vacation packages.
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Fully customizable itineraries
Flexible payment plans
Your own Travel Advisor
included
Hotels
included
Tours & Transfers
Fully customizable itineraries
Flexible payment plans
Your own Travel Advisor
included
Hotels
included
Tours & Transfers
About Australia is proud to be a Key Distribution Partner for Tourism Australia and an ARC Accredited Agency, part of the most select group of dedicated professionals in the U.S. travel industry recognized as having met stringent financial, personnel, and security requirements. About Australia’s ARC# 45581863.
Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved
“We gave About Australia a budget number, a time frame, and some highlight targets, and they created an absolutely wonder 24 days experience for my wife and I. It was our first trip to Australia and every stop and connection was perfectly thought through which eliminated all the stress. We hope to travel to that area of the world again and will make one call – to About Australia – to coordinate everything.”
“Stephanie put together an amazing 6 week tour of Australia for me, hitting all of my “must see” places and many more that I would never have discovered on my own. One small glitch, thanks for a train worker strike, was quickly resolved on the fly. I had a good mix of arranged experiences and plenty of time to do my own exploring..”
“We just finished four wonderful weeks in Australia and New Zealand and it could not have gone more smoothly. Roslyn did a superb job with every detail of our trip. She listened to what we were wanting on the trip and planned with those things in mind. We saw all the things we asked for, and also some things we didn’t know that we needed to see.”
Australia & New Zealand Self Drive Tours
Dreaming of an epic month-long road trip in Australia or New Zealand? Looking to spend a day trip, 3 weeks, or maybe more, driving along the coasts? Experience Australia and New Zealand’s incredible fly drive itineraries with our spectacular self drive vacation packages that include flights, hotels and car rentals. Everything is taken care of so you can have the adventure of a lifetime. Our About Australia travel experts are also at hand to create a custom Australia trip entirely from scratch to suit your style and interests. We also arrange motorhome and RV trips in Australia and New Zealand so you can get as up close and personal with the road as you like!
Browse our self drive packages below, or connect with your About Australia Travel Advisor to get started on your self drive Australia or New Zealand road trip itinerary.
FLIGHTS + HOTELS + RENTAL CAR INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-31138
Great Ocean Road to Adelaide Vacation
COUNTRIES: Australia
DESTINATIONS: Melbourne (2 Nights), Port Campbell (1), Halls Gap (1), Victor Harbor (1), Kangaroo Island (2), Adelaide (1), Blue Mountains (2), Sydney (2)
STYLE: Independent Travel | Self Drive
EXPERIENCE: Beaches, Island & Reef | Wildlife | Nature | Outback
FLIGHTS + HOTELS + RENTAL CAR INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-31099
Aussie and Kiwi Marvels Tour
DESTINATIONS: Sydney (3 Nights), Port Douglas (3), Auckland (1), Rotorua (2), Lake Tekapo (1), Queenstown (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel | Self Drive | Honeymoon & Romance
EXPERIENCE: Self Drive | Beaches, Island & Reef | Cities, Art & History
FLIGHTS + HOTELS + RENTAL CAR INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-31126
Australian Coastal Road Trip, Wildlife & Icons Package
COUNTRIES: Australia
DESTINATIONS: Melbourne (2 Nights), Apollo Bay (1), Mt Gambier (1), Victor Harbor (1), Kangaroo Island (2), Adelaide (2), Port Douglas (4), Sydney (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel | Self Drive
EXPERIENCE: Nature | Wildlife | Food & Wine
FLIGHTS + HOTELS + RENTAL CAR INCLUDED
BOOKING CODE: AA-31069
Kiwi Road Trip Adventure
COUNTRIES: New Zealand
DESTINATIONS: Auckland (2 Nights), Rotorua (2), Wellington (1), Blenheim (2), Nelson (3), Christchurch (1), Franz Josef (2), Wanaka (1), Manapouri Doubtful Sound (1), Te Anau (1), Queenstown (3)
STYLE: Independent Travel | Self Drive
EXPERIENCE: Food & Wine | Adventure | Wildlife | Cities, Art & History | Nature
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved
discover
Which Self-Drive Route Is Right For You
Victoria — Great Ocean Road
For dramatic coastlines and iconic photo stops. The Twelve Apostles, Otway rainforest, and charming seaside towns like Lorne and Apollo Bay. View Victoria Self Drives
South Australia
For wine, food, and a slower luxury pace. Barossa and Clare Valley wine trails, Kangaroo Island wildlife, and the Flinders Ranges. View South Australia Self Drives
Western Australia
For off-the-beaten-track adventure. Ningaloo Reef whale sharks, the Kimberley, and Margaret River wineries. View Western Australia Self Drives
New South Wales
For city culture with easy coastal or mountain escapes. Sydney Harbour, the Blue Mountains, and Hunter Valley wine country. View New South Wales Self Drives
Tasmania
For wildlife encounters and untouched wilderness. Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires, and wallabies and wombats roadside.
Australia & New Zealand
For combining two countries in one trip. Coastal Australian legs paired with New Zealand's North or South Island.
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
Campervan, Motorhome & RV Road Trips
Prefer total freedom on the road? A motorhome or RV self-drive lets you go further off the beaten path, with your accommodation coming with you. Whether it’s a long coastal loop or an outback crossing, we’ll match you with the right vehicle size and route for your comfort level and experience.
- Vehicle sizes to suit couples, families, or larger groups.
- Fully equipped for cooking, sleeping, and off-grid stretches
- Campground and caravan park bookings arranged for you
- Ideal for outback routes, coastal loops, and longer trips where flexibility matters most
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
why About australia
We’d love to work with you to create an amazing Australia adventure! Here are a few more reasons you should choose us!
ARC Accredited
Trust is sacred in the travel realm. As an ARC Accredited Travel Company, we wear our badge of honor proudly, assuring you that you’re dealing with a reputable and trustworthy agency. About Australia’s ARC # 45581863
Best Value for Your Money
Thanks to our direct connections in Australia, we secure excellent rates for your trip. Our insider knowledge ensures your itinerary is designed to maximize savings. We’re dedicated to providing you with the best value for your travel investment.
Insider Knowledge and Expertise
We partner with Tourism Australia and other regional tourism organizations. With a laser focus on Australia and the South Pacific, our team boasts close connections and insider knowledge, ensuring you experience the best each destination has to offer.
Bespoke Itineraries
No cookie-cutter Australia vacations here! Our team is in the business of crafting tailor-made itineraries that dance to the beat of your interests, budgets, and timelines. Your dream vacation isn’t a fantasy; it’s our specialty.
Exceptional Customer Service
At About Australia, we’re more than a travel agency; we’re your travel companions. Our team of travel experts is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring your travel planning experience is not just hassle-free but an absolute joyride.
No Worries Journeys
We live by the motto ‘No Worries Journeys.’ Our ethos is simple – inspire, inform, entertain, and leave the worries at the departure gate. When you choose us, you’re not just a client; you’re our friend – our mate! So, let’s embark on your ‘No Worries Journey’ together!
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
travel advisor spotlight
Meet One of Our Self Drive Specialists
Meet Stephanie Moreno, our self-drive specialist. Twenty years in travel, and a talent for finding what’s off the beaten path, such as lighthouse stays, wildlife encounters at your doorstep, and road trips built entirely around your curiosity, whether that’s 10 days or 90.
A word from Stephanie: “I have a client who gives me carte blanche on her trips. On her last one, she flew over Australia’s bright pink lakes, watched the Staircase to the Moon, and landed at a remote outback pub for lunch. She told me she felt like an explorer.”
go further
Been to Australia Before? Go Deeper on Your Next Road Trip
Go Further
Push past the classic Melbourne-to-Adelaide run into the Grampians, the Limestone Coast, the Flinders Ranges, and the Eyre Peninsula, where the roads are quieter and the towns are smaller.
Slow Down
With three weeks or more, we build in two to three nights at most stops, so you spend your days exploring instead of packing.
Mix It Up
Drive the regions worth driving and fly over the long stretches in between. We can link several self-drive legs with short domestic flights and set up a rental car waiting at each one.
7 Days / 7 Nights
Destinations: Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Barossa Valley
Inclusions: 4-star accommodation, 4-Day Rental Car
Days 1 - 2: Adelaide – City of Food & Wine
Settle into your 4-star boutique hotel in Adelaide’s cultural heart, steps from galleries, restaurants, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fresh produce market, Adelaide Central Market. Spend two nights soaking up the city’s famous food scene, historic architecture, and walkable charm.
Optional add-ons (not included):
Hahndorf Highlights half-day tour – Bavaria-meets-Australia in Australia’s oldest German settlement. Or the Murray River cruise – a full-day lunch cruise with scenic coach return through the Adelaide Hills.
Days 3 – 4: Kangaroo Island – Wildlife & Wilderness
Drive south to Cape Jervis (1.5 hrs) and ferry across to Kangaroo Island with your rental car. Base yourself at a charming 27-room property where wild little penguins visit at sunset. Spend a full day self-driving the island, exploring Flinders Chase National Park, the Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch, and Seal Bay, where endangered Australian sea lions bask on the beach in their natural habitat. Fresh local produce, boutique wines, and empty beaches round out the experience.
Days 5 – 7: Barossa Valley Wine Region
Ferry back to the mainland and drive north to the Barossa Valley (1.5 hrs from Adelaide). Your 4-star resort sits surrounded by world-famous estates with a golf course next door and a spa on-site. Spend a full day at your own pace: cellar-door tastings at Seppeltsfield, Langmeil, and Henschke; the Foodie Trail for local artisan produce; heritage walking trails through historic Lutheran towns; or simply a hot air balloon at dawn over the vines.
Day 7 - Return to Adelaide
Self drive from Barossa Valley back to Adelaide
Seppeltsfield Wines, Barossa Valley. Photo Credit: Brendan Holman Photography
9 Days / 9 Nights
Destinations: Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Port Campbell, Halls Gap, Grampians National Park, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide
Inclusions: 4-star accommodation, 6-Day Rental Car
Days 1 – 2: Melbourne – Australia’s Creative Capital
Check into your 4-star suite in the heart of Melbourne. Most rooms open onto a private European-style courtyard, and each has a kitchenette for easy mornings. Chinatown is just around the corner, and city trams can take you anywhere. Spend two free days on Federation Square’s galleries and restaurants, the Ian Potter Centre (the world’s first major gallery devoted entirely to Australian art), and a riverside stroll along the Yarra.
Optional add-ons (not included):
Puffing Billy & Yarra Valley Wineries full-day tour: hand-feed crimson rosellas and cockatoos in the Dandenong Ranges, ride a century-old steam train through towering mountain ash rainforest, then taste wines at three leading Yarra Valley cellar doors.
Or the Phillip Island Penguin Parade: meet koalas and kangaroos at a wildlife sanctuary, then watch hundreds of little penguins come out of the surf at sunset.
Day 3: The Great Ocean Road – Coastline Like Nowhere Else
Collect your rental car and head west onto one of the world’s great coastal drives. Stop for a surf lesson in Anglesea, visit the 150-year-old Cape Otway Lighthouse, or walk among the treetops in the Great Otway National Park. Time your arrival at the Twelve Apostles for dusk. From the boardwalk or Gibson Steps you’ll watch the light change on the limestone stacks and may spot penguins waddling home. Then explore Loch Ard Gorge and its shipwreck story before settling into your contemporary accommodation in Port Campbell, a short stroll from the beach and town.
Optional add-ons (not included):
Otway Fly Treetop Walk & Zip Line: soar between “cloud stations” up to 30 meters above an ancient rainforest floor.
Or a Great Ocean Road helicopter flight over the Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, and the Bay of Islands, from 10 to 50 minutes.
Day 4: Grampians National Park – Ancient Mountains
Drive west past the Bay of Islands to Warrnambool. Between June and September, you can watch southern right whales from the Logans Beach platform. Next, climb the dormant volcano at Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, where emus, koalas, and kangaroos roam freely, and break for lunch in Port Fairy, one of Victoria’s prettiest villages. Your day ends among the 400-million-year-old sandstone ridges of Halls Gap, where kangaroos graze at dawn and dusk. Don’t miss Brambuk – The National Park and Cultural Centre (free entry), five minutes from your hotel. It’s home to the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art in southern Australia. Finish the day with dinner and regional wines at your hotel’s restaurant.
Days 5 – 6: Adelaide – City of Food & Wine
Cross into South Australia, about 6 hours of driving. Break the journey in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement, for galleries, artisan shops, and a long lunch. Your 4-star boutique hotel sits in central Adelaide, within walking distance of the city’s cultural attractions. Wander the Adelaide Central Market, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest fresh produce market. Explore the world’s largest display of Aboriginal culture at the South Australian Museum, and catch a yidaki (didgeridoo) or dance performance at Tandanya.
Optional add-ons (not included):
Barossa Valley full-day food & wine tour: five cellar doors, a stop at Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop, and a gourmet Barossa platter lunch. Or the Murray River cruise: a lunch cruise on the historic river, a scenic coach return through the Adelaide Hills, and stops for chocolate and artisan cheese.
Days 7 – 8: Kangaroo Island – Wildlife & Wilderness
Drive south to Cape Jervis (1.5 hours) and take the ferry across to Kangaroo Island with your rental car. Your base is a charming 27-room property with a solar-heated pool, spa, and sauna, where wild little penguins visit the gardens at sunset. Spend a full day self-driving the island. See the Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park, explore the caves at Kelly Hill, and walk the boardwalk at Seal Bay, where endangered Australian sea lions laze on the beach in their natural habitat. Koalas, kangaroos, fresh local produce, and empty beaches round out the experience.
Day 9: Return to Adelaide
Take the ferry back to the mainland and drive to Adelaide. On the way, stop at Aldinga Beach, one of the few Australian beaches where you can drive on the sand, for wood-fired pizza and a final look at the coast.
Over 400+ 5-Star reviews on Shopper Approved
Self Drive Road Trips in Australia and New Zealand
An Australia self-drive tour is an unforgettable journey. Our expertly curated self-drive tours are perfect for anyone seeking to dive deep into the authentic lifestyles found in Australia and New Zealand. From the lush, winding rainforest roads to the rugged beauty of the coastal highways, Australia offers a diverse array of road trip holidays perfect for every traveler. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s stunning scenery, from the lush greenery of the North Island to the majestic fjords of the South Island, promises an equally enchanting experience.
Learn about some of the best Australia road trips and New Zealand self-drive tours, then contact us to create your perfect itinerary.
Australia’s Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic drives, offering stunning ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Highlights include the Twelve Apostles, Great Otway National Park, and the picturesque beaches of Lorne and Apollo Bay. Design the perfect trip with an About Australia Travel Advisor and experience the freedom and beauty of this unforgettable journey.
Cairns to Cape Tribulation Drive
The drive from Cairns to Cape Tribulation offers an enchanting journey through tropical North Queensland, where lush rainforests meet stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Along the way, you’ll encounter the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, and the picturesque Captain Cook Highway. Plan your perfect trip with an About Australia Travel Advisor and experience the unique beauty and adventure of this captivating route. If you’re lucky you might even see Australia wildlife like an elusive tree kangaroo or cassowary in the wild.
Tasmania
Self-driving through Tasmania is one of our favorite Australia road trips, offering a blend of rugged wilderness, historic sites, and charming towns. This is your best chance to spot wallabies, wombats, and echidnas in the wild. Highlights include the stunning landscapes of Cradle Mountain, the pristine beaches of the Bay of Fires, and the rich history of Port Arthur. Experience the freedom of exploring Tasmania at your own pace, uncovering its natural wonders and cultural treasures on an unforgettable self-drive tour designed with your curiosity in mind.
Kangaroo Island
Embark on an immersive self-drive tour of Kangaroo Island, renowned for its pristine beaches, rugged coastline, and diverse wildlife. Encounter kangaroos, sea lions, and koalas in their natural habitats, and marvel at iconic landmarks such as Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Indulge in local gourmet delights, from farm-fresh produce to world-renowned wines, all while enjoying the tranquility of this unique island paradise. Let About Australia plan your ideal Kangaroo Island adventure, ensuring a seamless journey filled with unforgettable experiences.
Hobbiton & Geothermal Wonderland
Embark on a scenic self-drive journey from Auckland to Rotorua, passing through iconic landmarks like Hobbiton and the magical glowworm caves of Waitomo. Discover the enchanting landscapes of Middle-earth at Hobbiton, where you can visit the famous movie set and immerse yourself in the world of the Hobbits. Then, marvel at the natural beauty of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where thousands of glowworms illuminate the underground caverns. Continue your adventure to Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders, Maori culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Experience the thrill of exploring volcanic terrain, soaking in natural hot springs, and discovering the rich cultural heritage of the Maori people.
New Zealand’s South Island
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
The Best of Australia Road Trips & Self Drives
Learn more about Australia’s best road trips, then get in touch to have one of our Travel Advisors create a tailor-made self drive vacation package just for you!
12 Incredible Things to Do on the Great Ocean Road, Australia
Explore the top 12 must-see attractions along the Great Ocean Road, from stunning beaches to rainforests, in this ultimate travel guide.
13 Great Adventures in the Grampians, Australia
From hiking and climbing to wildlife encounters, find your perfect outdoor adventure in the Grampians in Australia on an epic road trip.
10 Must-Do Adventures in Ballarat on a Self Drive Tour
Make the most of your Australia road trip with 10 things to do in Ballarat. Discover gold rush history, local food, art, and more.
Why You Should Combine Your Australia and New Zealand Trip
Why you should experience the best of Australia and New Zealand on a once-in-a-lifetime vacation that combines both destinations.
start planning
Self Drive Road Trip FAQs
How do I know which region or route is right for me?
Every self-drive itinerary on this page is a starting point, not a fixed package. Your Travel Advisor will ask about your interests — wildlife, wine, beaches, remote adventure — and recommend the region and pace that fits, then build the route around you.
Can I customize one of these sample itineraries, or do I have to book it exactly as shown?
These itineraries are inspiration. Nearly every self-drive trip we plan is fully customized. We can adjust the route, swap destinations, add extra nights, or build a trip from scratch based on what you tell us.
Which side of the road do Australians drive on?
Australians drive on the left side of the road.
Do I need an international license?
If your US driver’s license is current and in English, you can generally use it to drive in Australia as a visitor, though rules vary slightly by state. Carry your license and passport whenever you drive. Some travelers also get an International Driving Permit as a backup. Your Travel Advisor will confirm current requirements for the states on your route.
What kind of vehicle will I get, and is it right for my route?
It depends on where you’re headed. Coastal and city routes are comfortable in a standard sedan or SUV, while more remote regions – like parts of the Kimberley or outback tracks – may call for a 4WD. We’ll match the vehicle to your itinerary.
What’s included in the rental?
Your rental typically includes insurance and GPS navigation. Inclusions for campervans, motorhomes, and RVs will vary based on your preferences and availability. Your Travel Advisor will match you with the best option for your trip.
Do I need to return the rental car to the same city I picked it up in?
This depends on your route – one-way rentals are often possible for an additional fee, especially on point-to-point coastal drives. Your advisor will confirm options when building your itinerary.
Is a motorhome or RV self-drive an option instead of hotels?
Yes! We also arrange motorhome and RV self-drive trips for travelers who want total flexibility, with your accommodation traveling with you.
How much driving should I plan per day on a three-week road trip?
For most travelers, we suggest keeping driving days to about (3–4) hours, with a rest day every few days. Distances in Australia are bigger than they look on a map, and the best stops (a winery lunch, a coastal walk, a wildlife park) take time. Your Travel Advisor will plan your route around comfortable driving days and show you how long each leg takes.
How much driving should I plan per day on a three-week road trip?
For most travelers, we suggest keeping driving days to about (3–4) hours, with a rest day every few days. Distances in Australia are bigger than they look on a map, and the best stops (a winery lunch, a coastal walk, a wildlife park) take time. Your Travel Advisor will plan your route around comfortable driving days and show you how long each leg takes.
Can I combine driving with flights, or use more than one rental car?
Yes, and on longer trips we often recommend it. Many of our three-week and longer itineraries drive one region, fly to the next, and pick up a new rental car on arrival. One-way rentals are also possible on point-to-point routes, usually for an extra drop-off fee. Your Travel Advisor will recommend the option that makes the most sense for your route.
How much does a long self-drive trip cost, and what’s not included?
Our self-drive itineraries start from a range between $5,000 to $9,000 per person for 14 days, including international flights (quoted in economy unless you request otherwise), hotels, and your rental car. The price depends on the class of hotels your prefer, flight class, tours included, and type of rental car. Your rental typically includes insurance and GPS navigation. Fuel, tolls, parking, meals, and the rental insurance deductible are usually not included. Your Travel Advisor will give you an itemized quote so you know exactly what’s covered.
When is the best time for a Great Ocean Road and South Australia road trip?
Spring (September to November) and fall (March to May) bring mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer (December to February) is warm and lively on the coast but can be very hot inland, and late December through January is peak Australian school holiday season. Winter (June to August) is cooler and wetter, but quieter roads and cozy wineries make it a good fit for food and wine lovers. See our Australia weather guide for month-by-month temperatures.
Can I take my rental car to Kangaroo Island?
It depends on the rental company. Some don’t allow their cars on the Kangaroo Island ferry. When that’s the case, we arrange for you to drop off your car on the mainland and pick up a separate rental on the island. Your Travel Advisor will set up whichever option works for your route.
Will I drive on unsealed roads, and is my rental covered?
Main routes are paved, but some side roads in places like Kangaroo Island and the Flinders Ranges are gravel. Many standard rental agreements restrict or exclude cover on unsealed roads, so if your route includes them, we’ll match you with the right vehicle and cover, sometimes a 4WD.
Is it safe to drive at dawn, dusk, or after dark?
We recommend avoiding driving between dusk and dawn in regional areas. Kangaroos and other wildlife are most active then and are a real hazard on country roads. We plan your driving days so you arrive before dark.
What happens if something goes wrong while I’m on the road?
Every itinerary includes contact details for each supplier on your trip, including your rental company’s roadside assistance line, which is your first call for a breakdown or flat tire. For changes to your plans, our team is available by phone and email from 8:30am to 5pm Central Time, Monday to Friday.
Talk to a Travel Advisor Now: 1-888-359-2877
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