Bucket List Trip "The Lap" of Australia - Sydney to Sydney (Including Western Australia & Tasmania)

12-Month Ultimate Australian Road Trip: Sydney to Sydney

This 12-month road trip takes you on an epic adventure, starting in Sydney and looping through Australia’s iconic regions. The first part of the journey is slightly faster-paced to cover key highlights more efficiently, while still allowing for plenty of time to explore the diversity of the country—including an extended exploration of Western Australia before returning to Sydney via Melbourne and Tasmania.

Month 1: Sydney to Brisbane via the Central Coast & Gold Coast

Kickstart your adventure by exploring Sydney for a few days, including the Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Bondi Beach. From there, head north along the coast, stopping at Newcastle and the Central Coast. Continue to the Gold Coast with its famous beaches, theme parks, and vibrant nightlife, before heading to Brisbane. Enjoy the city’s outdoor lifestyle, café culture, and scenic walks along the Brisbane River.

Highlights:

• Explore Sydney’s landmarks and beaches

• Central Coast and Newcastle’s relaxed vibe

• Gold Coast’s beaches, theme parks, and nightlife

• Brisbane’s South Bank and the Story Bridge

Month 2: Brisbane to Cairns

Head further north to explore Cairns and its surrounding tropical wonders. Drive through Airlie Beach (gateway to the Whitsundays) and Mackay, before arriving in Cairns. Spend time snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef, visiting the Daintree Rainforest, and exploring Cape Tribulation.

Highlights:

• Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays

• Great Barrier Reef snorkeling and diving

• Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation

Month 3: Cairns to Darwin via the Savannah Way

Travel west via the Savannah Way to Darwin, passing through Mount Isa, Tennant Creek, and Katherine. Darwin offers a laid-back vibe and plenty of outdoor activities like visiting Litchfield National Park and Kakadu National Park, with its rock art, waterfalls, and wildlife.

Highlights:

• Savannah Way’s remote beauty

• Katherine Gorge and Nitmiluk National Park

• Kakadu National Park’s rock art, waterfalls, and wildlife

• Darwin’s tropical markets and waterfront

Month 4: Darwin to Alice Springs

Drive south along the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs, the heart of the Australian Outback. Visit iconic sites like Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture at the Alice Springs Desert Park and explore the rugged beauty of the Red Centre.

Highlights:

• Uluru and Kata Tjuta’s spiritual significance

• Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park

• Alice Springs Desert Park and Aboriginal culture

Month 5: Alice Springs to Perth (via the Nullarbor Plain)

Next, take the long but unforgettable journey across the Nullarbor Plain to Western Australia (WA). The journey through the Nullarbor is remote and awe-inspiring, with stunning desert views and wide-open skies. Arrive in Esperance, known for its pristine beaches, and explore Cape Le Grand National Park.

Highlights:

• Nullarbor Plain’s isolation and desert landscapes

• Esperance and Cape Le Grand National Park’s beaches

Month 6: Perth and Surrounds

Spend the month in Perth, exploring the city’s beautiful beaches such as Cottesloe and Scarborough. Explore Kings Park, enjoy Fremantle’s markets and historic sites, and visit the Swan Valley for wineries and breweries. Take a short trip to nearby Rottnest Island to meet the famous quokkas.

Highlights:

• Perth’s beaches (Cottesloe, Scarborough)

• Kings Park and panoramic views of Perth

• Fremantle markets and historic sites

• Swan Valley wineries and breweries

• Rottnest Island’s quokkas

Month 7: Western Australia – Margaret River and South West Region

Travel south to Margaret River, a region known for its world-class wineries, gourmet food, and craft beer scene. Explore the Valley of the Giants, with its famous treetop walk among towering Karri trees, and visit Busselton and its iconic jetty. Discover the rugged coastline and charming towns along the way.

Highlights:

• Margaret River’s wineries and food scene

• Valley of the Giants and Treetop Walk

• Busselton Jetty and coastal exploration

Month 8: Western Australia – Coral Coast & Ningaloo Reef

Head north along WA’s Coral Coast, stopping in Kalbarri National Park, famous for its gorges and coastline. Continue to Exmouth and Coral Bay, home to the Ningaloo Reef, where you can snorkel and dive with whale sharks and manta rays.

Highlights:

• Kalbarri National Park’s gorges and coastline

• Ningaloo Reef and diving with whale sharks

• Exmouth and Coral Bay’s beaches

Month 9: Broome and the Kimberley Region

Finish your WA exploration in Broome and the Kimberley region. Broome is famous for Cable Beach, Gantheaume Point, and the Staircase to the Moon. Explore the rugged beauty of the Kimberley’s landscapes, including the Bungle Bungles and Purnululu National Park.

Highlights:

• Broome’s Cable Beach and Gantheaume Point

• Kimberley’s Bungle Bungles and remote gorges

Month 10: Perth to Melbourne

Head south from WA towards Melbourne, exploring more of Australia’s southern regions. Visit Great Ocean Road and marvel at the Twelve Apostles, then spend time in Melbourne enjoying the art, food, and coffee culture. Explore the city’s laneways, visit the National Gallery of Victoria, and take a day trip to Yarra Valley for wine tasting.

Highlights:

• Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles

• Melbourne’s laneways, cafés, and street art

• Yarra Valley wineries and gourmet experiences

Month 11: Melbourne to Tasmania

Catch a ferry to Tasmania, an island renowned for its pristine wilderness and unique wildlife. Spend time in Hobart, visiting the Salamanca Market and Port Arthur. Explore Cradle Mountain, Freycinet National Park, and Wineglass Bay, and take in the untouched beauty of Tarkine Rainforest.

Highlights:

• Salamanca Market and Hobart’s waterfront

• Cradle Mountain National Park and Wineglass Bay

• Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay

• Port Arthur Historic Site

Month 12: Tasmania to Sydney

Return to the mainland and travel back to Sydney via Victoria and the Gippsland region. Explore coastal towns like Mallacoota and enjoy the stunning beaches and lakes of the Gippsland Lakes. Return to Sydney for a final exploration of the city’s iconic sights and beaches, reflecting on the journey of a lifetime.

Highlights:

• Gippsland Lakes and coastal towns

• Regional wineries and art galleries

• Final days in Sydney’s beaches, walks, and parks

Why Choose This 12-Month Tour? This 12-month road trip offers the perfect balance of speed and immersion, with the first few months quickly covering key spots along the east coast, before diving into Western Australia’s stunning landscapes. You'll have ample time to explore Perth, the South West, Coral Coast, and Kimberley regions, before returning through Victoria, Tasmania, and ending back in Sydney. It’s the ultimate way to experience the diverse beauty, history, and culture of Australia, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery at a relaxed pace.