Fly into this perfectly situated Sunshine Coast town and you’ll have plenty of options for a day trip behind the wheel. Either head south past the Alexandra Headland, down the Nicklin Way to Caloundra where you can explore the many rock coves and golden crescents fringed by bushland (be sure to stop in at the surf club for a classic parmy). Alternatively, head north from Maroochydore along the Sunshine Motorway to Coolum Beach, one of the most stunning slices of shore in the state.

Drive 339 kilometres along Australia’s highest sealed road to take in deep-green mountain ranges, historic towns such as Beechworth and Bright, and, depending on the season, some of Australia’s best skiing at Mount Hotham. There are also wineries and glistening waterways on this route which goes from Wangaratta to Metung on the Gippsland Lakes.

The diversity of things to do on Kangaroo Island, all within easy distance, allows visitors to accomplish a range of activities in under four days. Begin in Penneshaw and check out the monthly market, head for Vivonne Bay (morning is best), then take a trip to Seal Bay to glimpse the sea lion colony.

Winding its way from Torquay to Warrnambool around the rugged southern coastline, the Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most stunning routes. It’s easy to see its appeal: the infamous swells at Bells Beach, gourmet food trails, waterfalls and the abundant native wildlife.

The north-east coast of Tassie takes in the dramatic Bay of Fires coastline, where yours will be the only footprints in the sand at a plethora of secluded beaches. Stop at St Helen’s Wharf for the freshest fish and chips of your life, paired with a drop from one of the area’s cool-climate wineries. For a grand finale, swerve off the highway to Wineglass Bay and take a suite at luxurious Saffire Freycinet.

Plan to be in the car for at least four days to drive the Eyre Highway from Port Augusta in South Australia to Norseman in Western Australia. You’ll experience the longest stretch of straight road anywhere in the world (146 kilometres without a bend within the 1675 kilometres distance), three time zones and a surprising number of wild camels (and fellow travellers). Create an epic playlist before you leave and make time to appreciate significant Indigenous  rock art sites along the way.

The start of the spectacular 140-kilometre, mostly coastal, drive between the Royal National Park and the Shoalhaven begins less than an hour south of Sydney. It’s an area rich in history and natural beauty, from the 1881 shipwreck on the Towradgi Beach walkway to Kiama’s famous blowhole.

As one of Australia’s more challenging routes, the 647-kilometre Gibb River Road requires a little more planning. Branching north of Derby, near Broome, the road cuts through the Kimberley wilderness. Pack a few jerry cans of fuel and water and enjoy the outback, where you may encounter rock wallabies and Mitchell’s water monitors.

If you’re after an iconic red-dirt experience, the loop encompassing Uluru and Alice Springs/Mparntwe is it. Experience Aboriginal culture and visit sacred sights such as Kings Canyon, the Ochre Pits and, of course, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Don’t miss floating up Redbank Gorge on an inflatable tube.

This drive in Tropical North Queensland is the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – exist side-by-side. Along the way, stop at Port Douglas and take an outer-reef snorkelling tour (look out for a gentle, giant Maori Wrasse).

Australia’s South West region is home to spectacular beaches, boutique wineries and giant karri trees but a lesser-known attraction is the extensive cave system that stretches between Cape Leeuwin and Cape Naturaliste. Visit Jewel Cave Augusta, which features one of the longest stalactites of any show cave in the world.

Covering the northern coast of Tasmania from Launceston to Marrawah, the Bass Highway is one of Australia’s unsung road trips. Visit the natural blackwood forest sinkhole, west of Smithton, or search for platypus in Founders Lake at Eugenana. Make a stop at The Edge of the World, a stunning lookout with the world’s furthest uninterrupted stretch of ocean.

Once you arrive at K'gari (Fraser Island), there’s one more stretch of driving you won’t want to miss. You can cruise the entire length of the island (at low tide only) via one long, smooth, sandy stretch of beach – it’s a designated highway so the road rules apply and you’ll need to avoid vegetated sand dunes (driving on them is dangerous and prohibited). Look for shipwrecks, stop for a dip in the fizzy Champagne Pools and contemplate the serenity at red-tinged Lake Boomanjin.

If you’re going to do it, do it right. The Big Lap is a route that circumnavigates the entire country, following Highway One for more than 14,500 kilometres through Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Broome, Perth, Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart. You’ll need plenty of time – several months at least – a sturdy vehicle and an adventurous spirit.

This whole drive – about 1100 kilometres – is a highlights reel. Be prepared to stop frequently to take in the sights at Geraldton, Monkey Mia and Shark Bay or just feel the sand between your toes and breathe in the fresh air blowing in off the Indian Ocean.

Explore this little-travelled route that passes through the abandoned township of Dalmorton. Once a thriving goldmining hub with 13 pubs, the town’s brief time in the sun ended as the gold in the hills dwindled. The hand-hewn tunnel just past town is only wide enough for one car. Jump out to investigate the graffiti, some of which dates back to the 1800s.

Your tyre marks may be the only sign of human intrusion on some of the vast stretches of white sand along the Great Beach Drive. Linking the Sunshine Coast  with k'gari (Fraser Island), the route, 380 kilometres, covers two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and a World Heritage Marine Park.

The trip from Launceston to Hobart can be done in a few hours but we suggest taking the scenic route and spreading it out over a couple of days. Along the Heritage Highway, you’ll pass through historic villages and the famed Tassie countryside.

Drive through some of NSW’s spectacular coastal scenery from Sydney on the way up to Brisbane. The 1000-kilometre route has something for everyone: idyllic beaches, national parks, vibrant cities and towns such as Newcastle, Byron Bay and Yamba, wineries and the fun parks of the Gold Coast.

The drive from Adelaide to the ferry at Cape Jervis is a beautiful trip in itself. Take the scenic route through the rolling hills of the Fleurieu Peninsula before boarding the ferry for the 45-minute journey across the Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island.