Last Updated on May 1, 2026
10 Iconic Road Trips Worth The Drive: From The Pacific Northwest To The Australian Outback
Steppenwolf summed up road tripping perfectly when John Kay screeched, “Get your motor running. Head out on the highway. Looking for adventure. In whatever comes our way.”
There’s something about a long stretch of open road that really entices something deep within you. Perhaps it’s the promise of new landscapes, or simply the idea of going somewhere without a strict plan. Whatever compels people to do a road trip, it’s something everyone should partake in at least once.
Road tripping came to the fore in the 1950s, especially in the USA, thanks to books like On the Road by Jack Kerouac. It arguably enjoyed a renaissance when the film Easy Rider, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, and Jack Nicholson, was released in 1969.
Since then, certain drives have built a reputation for delivering unforgettable travel freedom and experiences. From coastal routes in North America to remote tracks through Australia’s red centre, let’s take a look at 10 of the most iconic of them.
Why Are Road Trips So Popular?
Road trips continue to hold a special place in travel culture. Mainly, that’s because it offers the freedom of choosing where to stop, how long to stay, and what detours to take along the way.
For many travelers, it provides them with a more qualitative experience. One that isn’t so much about ticking off destinations, but rather about soaking in each moment.
Of course, you can’t undertake a road trip without a reliable vehicle. That is precisely why many people take out affordable car loans if their current vehicle isn’t up to the journey. Having a car that is capable of going off-roading or even just getting from A to B to C to D without issues will open up plenty of travel opportunities.
10 Iconic Road Trips Worth Adding To The Bucket List
Some journeys stay with travelers long after the engine stops. The ten iconic road trips outlined below offer more than just a route from one place to another. They each offer a unique mix of scenery, atmosphere, and memorable stops that will stimulate all your senses.
1. Pacific Coast Highway, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway is a drive you’ll no doubt instantly recognize from movies and social media videos. It follows California’s rugged coastline, weaving between cliffs and the ocean with long stretches of uninterrupted views.
Stops like Big Sur bring dramatic scenery, while towns such as Malibu and Carmel-by-the-Sea add a quieter sense of coastal charm. This route is ideally suited to travelers with a bit of time on their hands. Mainly because you’ll be pulling over for a photo or for a walk along the beach every few hundred yards.
2. Great Ocean Road, Australia
The Great Ocean Road delivers a classic Australian coastal drive. It stretches along Victoria’s southern edge, passing through seaside towns, rainforest pockets, and iconic rock formations like the Twelve Apostles.
The route is easily accessible and offers plenty of places to stop for coffee, short walks, or scenic lookouts. Apollo Bay and Port Campbell are two excellent places to stay overnight.
3. Route 66, USA
Route 66 is perhaps the most iconic journey of them all. Immortalized by the songwriter Bobby Troup (who penned the iconic song) and author John Steinbeck (who labelled it the “Mother Road”), the appeal of this road is a little bit different from others on this list.
It’s less about dramatic landscapes and more about the stories along the way. While Route 66 isn’t as long as it used to be, its old petrol stations, retro diners, and roadside attractions evoke a sense of nostalgia that transports you back to a different era.
4. Garden Route, South Africa
Running along South Africa’s southern coast, the Garden Route stretches roughly between Mossel Bay and Storms River. It boasts spectacular coastal scenery, temperate forests, and several key national parks that are so compelling, you’ll struggle to keep your eyes focused on the road.
The primary national park is the Garden Route National Park. This incorporates the stunning Wilderness National Park and the Tsitsikamma National Park (famous for the Storms River suspension bridge).
Overall, it offers plenty of opportunities to explore beaches. Go hiking through forest trails. Or spot animals along the way.
5. Icefields Parkway, Canada
Set within the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper. It showcases epic scenery, which incorporates glaciers, mountains, and shimmering lakes that seem to appear around almost every bend.
The drive isn’t particularly long. It’s 220 kilometers and can be driven in about 3 hours. However, most travelers take a full day to do it, stopping frequently to drink in the views.
6. Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road circles the entire country, and takes you on a journey through landscapes that feel almost otherworldly.
Along the way, you’ll see waterfalls, lava fields, and black sand beaches regularly appearing throughout the drive. You should be aware that the weather can change quickly. So, it is important to always keep one eye on the sky and to dress in layers.
7. Amalfi Coast Drive, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast Drive features a delightful mix of stunning coastal views and vibrant, small towns perched along the cliffs.
The roads wind narrowly between places like Positano and Ravello, with the sea always nearby, which should test your driving skills.
Overall, the drive can feel a bit on the hairy side. But there are plenty of chances to stop for delicious food or wander through local streets.
8. North Coast 500, Scotland
The North Coast 500 loops around the northern part of Scotland. It showcases rugged coastlines, historic castles, and sleepy villages that enjoy a sense of space and calm.
Despite being a popular route, you hardly notice any traffic outside of the major cities. If you are a fan of the TV series Outlander, you’ll no doubt recognize several filming locations.
9. Australian Outback Way, Australia
For those drawn to remote landscapes, the Australian Outback Way offers a completely different experience. This route crosses the Great Southern Land through vast desert regions, where towns are separated by more than 100 kilometers.
If you intend to drive this route, it is essential to be prepared. Take fuel, plenty of water, hydralytes, and food with you, as well as a satellite phone and two spare tires.
It’s one of the world’s more adventurous long-distance driving adventures. The wide-open spaces and a strong sense of isolation will blow your mind.
10. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way follows Ireland’s impressive western coastline, stretching past cliffs, beaches, and small towns. The scenery here is constantly changing, with dramatic coastal views followed by quiet countryside.
Make sure you stop into the local villages for a decent meal and a pint of Guinness. The locals are among the friendliest and most welcoming people you will ever meet anywhere on earth.
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