Highway 1 is Australia's premier coastal route, circumnavigating the entire mainland and connecting all state capitals. Spanning over 14,500 kilometres, it's the longest national highway in the world, offering an unparalleled journey through diverse landscapes—from tropical rainforests and pristine beaches to rugged cliffs and remote outback stretches.
Whether you're planning a complete lap of Australia or targeting specific regional highlights, Highway 1 delivers endless adventure. Most travellers tackle it in sections, combining self-drive freedom with guided tours for deeper exploration of iconic destinations like the Great Ocean Road, Great Barrier Reef, and Ningaloo Coast.
Popular Highway 1 Sections
Explore the most scenic and accessible sections of Highway 1 across Australia:
Victoria: Melbourne to Adelaide
900km • 3-5 days
Experience the legendary Great Ocean Road, Twelve Apostles, coastal towns, and Grampians National Park. Perfect for first-time Australian road trippers.
NSW: Sydney to Brisbane
950km • 3-7 days
Surf beaches, Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, and charming coastal villages. Stop for whale watching (May-November) and pristine national parks.
Queensland: Brisbane to Cairns
1,700km • 7-14 days
Tropical paradise route featuring the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, and Great Barrier Reef access. Best from May to October during the dry season.
WA: Perth to Exmouth
1,270km • 5-10 days
Remote coastal beauty with Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Kalbarri National Park, and pristine beaches. Swim with whale sharks (March-July).
Why Drive Highway 1?
Highway 1 offers something no other road trip can: a complete coastal circuit of an entire continent. The route passes through every mainland Australian state, connecting major cities while revealing hidden gems between them.
Key Highlights
- Diverse Ecosystems: Transition from temperate rainforests to tropical coastlines, arid deserts to fertile wine regions
- World-Class Attractions: Great Ocean Road, Great Barrier Reef, Uluru (with detours), Kakadu National Park, and Margaret River
- Coastal Access: Thousands of beaches, surf breaks, snorkelling spots, and marine wildlife encounters
- Flexible Itineraries: Choose short 3-day sections or embark on a 3-month circumnavigation
- Cultural Experiences: Indigenous heritage sites, vibrant cities, and outback communities
Planning Your Highway 1 Journey
How Long Do You Need?
| Journey Type | Distance | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Section | 500-1,000km | 3-7 days | Short holidays, specific regions |
| Multi-Section | 2,000-4,000km | 2-4 weeks | Extended holidays, state exploration |
| Half Loop | 7,000-8,000km | 4-8 weeks | East or West coast focus |
| Complete Circuit | 14,500km | 2-6 months | Gap year, sabbatical, retirees |
Essential Planning Tips
- Break It Down: Plan daily drives of 3-6 hours maximum, leaving time for stops, meals, and unexpected discoveries
- Season Matters: Northern regions (QLD, NT, WA) are best May-October (dry season). Southern areas shine in spring (Sep-Nov) and autumn (Mar-May)
- Book Accommodation Early: Coastal towns fill quickly during school holidays and peak season. Book 2-3 months ahead for popular areas
- Budget for Fuel: Remote sections have limited fuel stops. Fill up when you can and expect higher prices in remote areas
- Vehicle Preparation: Service your vehicle before departure. Carry spare tyre, tools, water, and emergency supplies for remote sections
- National Park Passes: Save money with state-based annual passes if visiting multiple parks
State-by-State Breakdown
Victoria (VIC)
Melbourne to Adelaide via Great Ocean Road: The most photographed section of Highway 1, featuring the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, coastal villages, and the Grampians. Allow 3-5 days minimum. View Great Ocean Road tours.
South Australia (SA)
Adelaide to Melbourne or Port Augusta: Wine regions (Barossa, McLaren Vale), Fleurieu Peninsula beaches, and access to Kangaroo Island. The western route leads to the Eyre Peninsula and Nullarbor Plain.
Western Australia (WA)
Perth to Darwin (via Coral Coast): Longest and most remote section. Highlights include Ningaloo Reef, Shark Bay, Broome's Cable Beach, and Kimberley region. Best tackled May-September. Allow 3-6 weeks.
Northern Territory (NT)
Darwin to Mount Isa (QLD border): Tropical Top End featuring Kakadu, Litchfield, Katherine Gorge. Detour to Uluru adds 1,000km but is essential. Dry season (May-Oct) only for many areas.
Queensland (QLD)
Cairns to Brisbane: Tropical coast with reef access, Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Noosa, and Gold Coast. Warm year-round but wettest December-March. Allow 1-2 weeks minimum.
New South Wales (NSW)
Brisbane to Sydney to Melbourne: Diverse coastline from tropical north to temperate south. Byron Bay, Port Macquarie, Sydney Harbour, Jervis Bay. Perfect for whale watching mid-year.
Combining Self-Drive with Guided Tours
The smartest Highway 1 strategy blends independent driving with expertly guided day tours and multi-day experiences. This approach gives you flexibility while ensuring you don't miss hidden gems and local insights.
Where Guided Tours Add Value
- Great Ocean Road: Expert commentary on geology, shipwreck history, and best photo spots. Browse day tours
- Great Barrier Reef: Snorkelling and diving trips from Cairns, Airlie Beach, or Port Douglas with marine biologists
- Kakadu & Litchfield: Indigenous cultural tours, crocodile spotting, and wet season waterfall access with experienced guides
- Ningaloo Reef: Swim with whale sharks, manta rays, and humpback whales on specialised marine tours
- Wine Regions: Designated driver tours through Barossa, Margaret River, Hunter Valley with cellar door tastings
Plan your route with 2-3 tour days interspersed among driving days. This breaks up long drives, provides local expertise, and often accesses areas difficult to reach independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the entire Highway 1?
Driving the complete 14,500km loop typically takes 4-6 weeks minimum, though many travellers extend this to 2-3 months to properly explore attractions, national parks, and coastal towns along the way. Without stops, you could drive it in 2 weeks, but you'd miss everything that makes Highway 1 special.
What is the best time of year to drive Highway 1?
The best time varies by region. Southern sections (Victoria, SA, southern WA, NSW) are ideal in spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) with mild weather. Northern sections (Queensland, NT, northern WA) are best in the dry season (May-October) when roads are accessible and weather is perfect. Winter (June-August) is excellent for Western Australia's coast and whale watching.
Can you drive Highway 1 in a regular car?
Yes, Highway 1 is fully sealed and accessible in a regular 2WD vehicle. However, if you plan detours to remote beaches, national parks, or outback regions (like Kakadu or Cape Range), a 4WD may be necessary for certain access roads. Most travellers complete Highway 1 in standard vehicles without issues.
What are the must-see stops on Highway 1?
Top highlights include the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles (VIC), Byron Bay (NSW), Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef (QLD), Cable Beach and Broome (WA), Ningaloo Reef (WA), Kakadu National Park (NT with detour), and Adelaide Hills wine regions (SA). Each state offers unique attractions worth dedicating 3-7 days to explore properly.
How much does it cost to drive Highway 1?
Budget varies widely based on accommodation choice and duration. Expect $100-200 per day for budget travellers (camping, self-catering), $200-400 for mid-range (motels, mix of dining), and $400+ for luxury stays. Fuel for the complete loop costs $2,000-3,000. A 3-month trip averages $10,000-20,000 per person including vehicle, accommodation, food, and tours.
Do I need a 4WD for Highway 1?
Not for Highway 1 itself—it's fully sealed. However, 4WD opens access to remote beaches, Fraser Island, Kakadu's Jim Jim Falls, Cape Range National Park, and many outback detours. If staying on Highway 1 only, 2WD is perfectly adequate. Rent a 4WD for specific sections if needed rather than the entire journey.