Leslie Massey
Australia is a large country with a circumference of 25,760 kilometres (just over 16,000 miles) and more than 10,500 beaches. Driving around Australia is a dream for many people, known to Aussies as 'The Big Lap'. It is possible to circumnavigate the continent by car, with the main route being Highway 1, which crosses all Australian states except Tasmania and is roughly 15,000 kilometres long. The minimum time to drive around Australia is 15 days, but most people spend at least three months to fully explore the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum time to drive around Australia | 3 months |
| Minimum time to drive around Australia without stopping | Less than a week |
| World record for driving around Australia | 5 days, 13 hours and 43 minutes |
| Average daily distance to drive around Australia in 3 months | 240km |
| Total distance of Highway 1 | 15,000 km |
| Total distance covered by a family on their trip around Australia | 46,600 km |
| Average daily distance covered by the family mentioned above | 2912.5 km |
| Average time taken to drive around the perimeter of Australia | 14-15 days |
| Total distance covered by driving around the coast and interior of Australia | 30,000 km |
| Average daily distance to drive 300km per day | 100 days |
| Distance covered by driving across Australia from Sydney to Perth | 3,933 km |
| Distance covered by the Gibb River Road | 660 km |
| Distance covered by the Western Australia/South Australia track | 1675 km |
| Distance covered by driving through the middle of Australia | 2834 km |
| Average money spent per person per day | A$50-A$140 |
| Additional cost of buying and preparing a vehicle or purchasing camping equipment | A$8000-A$250,000 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The minimum time required is 15 days
The minimum time required to drive around Australia is 15 days. This is assuming you are driving non-stop, only stopping to refuel, and sticking to the main route, Highway 1. Highway 1 is around 15,000 kilometres and can be driven in around 6 days, but this doesn't include the entirety of the Australian coast. To drive the full circumference of Australia's coastline is 25,760 kilometres, and it would take much longer than 6 days.
If you want to take a more leisurely trip and actually see the sights, it is recommended that you take an overall average of 300 kilometres per day with sightseeing. This would mean a minimum of 15 days to complete the trip. Of course, you could also spend years exploring Australia and still not see everything. Many people who take a road trip around Australia, known as doing "The Big Lap", spend around 3 months on their trip. This allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to see and do more things along the way.
The amount of time it takes to drive around Australia will also depend on your vehicle and your route. Highway 1 is a sealed road suitable for any vehicle, but if you want to detour off the main route, you will need a 4WD to access more remote destinations. The Stuart Highway, which runs from north to south through the middle of Australia, is another option and can also be driven in any type of car.
When planning your trip, it's important to consider your budget, as well as your time. In addition to the cost of fuel and accommodation, there may be costs associated with buying or renting a vehicle, preparing it for the trip, and purchasing any necessary camping equipment.
So, while it is technically possible to drive around Australia in less than a week, a more realistic minimum time frame is 15 days to several months, depending on your preferences and what you want to get out of the trip.
GST Number: Finding Your Unique Australian Code
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The Stuart Highway is a route for all cars
Driving around Australia's National Highway 1 in its entirety would cover a distance of about 15,000 kilometres. However, this route misses a significant portion of the country's northern coastline. The total distance covered when including detours to the interior can be as much as 30,000 kilometres.
The Stuart Highway is a great option for those looking to detour into central Australia. It is a well-known route, with the Royal Flying Doctor Service using it as an emergency landing strip. The highway passes through several interesting towns, including Woomera, Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, and Katherine. It also connects to other major Outback routes, such as the Eyre Highway.
When travelling on the Stuart Highway, it is important to plan your trip carefully. Services are available approximately every 200 kilometres, but not all are open 24 hours. It is recommended to refuel at every truck stop to ensure you have enough fuel for the journey. The highway experiences extreme temperatures in summer, and overnight temperatures can drop near freezing. The stretch between Darwin and Pine Creek is considered the most dangerous section of the highway in the nation.
The Stuart Highway is a great option for those looking to explore central Australia by car. It offers a unique and interesting drive, with the opportunity to visit several towns and landmarks along the way.
Stoking Communist Fears: Australian Government's Red Scare Tactics
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Highway 1 is the main route, but misses the north
Highway 1 is the main route for a road trip around Australia. It covers a distance of around 15,000 kilometres and can be driven in about 6 days, though most people would take longer to allow for stops and sightseeing. The route was compiled from an existing network of state and local roads and tracks, and it is the only route that reaches across all Australian states, plus the Northern Territory. It joins all mainland state capitals and connects major centres in Tasmania.
However, Highway 1 does not cover the north of Australia comprehensively. While it does pass through Darwin, it misses a fair bit of the northern coastline, including a reasonable chunk of Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia. There is a section of Highway 1 between Daly Waters in the Northern Territory and Normanton in Queensland where long sections of the road are unsealed and usually quite rough. This road is called the Carpentaria Highway and is part of the Savannah Way. If you want to avoid this unsealed road, you can detour by heading south from Normanton and then west along Highway 66 into the Northern Territory.
If you want to explore the north of Australia more comprehensively, you will need to venture off Highway 1 and onto other roads. The Stuart Highway, for example, runs north-south and joins Darwin and Adelaide, passing through Alice Springs. Many people use this highway to detour into central Australia. The North West Coastal Highway and the Great Northern Highway are other examples of roads in northern Western Australia, though these routes were initially hazardous and prone to being washed away in the wet season.
Distance Between the USA and Australia
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A 4WD is needed for the Carpentaria Highway
Australia is a massive country, and a road trip around the country is on many people's bucket lists. The total distance covered on such a trip is around 15,000 kilometres if you stick to the coast, and up to another 15,000 kilometres if you detour to places in the interior. The record for the fastest lap of the country is held by a group of people who drove a brand new 200 Series Landcruiser around Australia in 5 days, 13 hours, and 43 minutes. However, most people take their time and complete the trip in 14 to 30 days or even more, depending on their itinerary and preferences.
The majority of Highway 1 around Australia is sealed and suitable for any vehicle. However, there is a section of Highway 1 between Daly Waters in the Northern Territory and Normanton in Queensland, known as the Carpentaria Highway, which is unsealed and usually pretty rough. This road is part of the Savannah Way between Broome and Cairns. If you want to avoid this section of unsealed road, you can detour by heading south from Normanton and then west along Highway 66 into the Northern Territory to the Stuart Highway.
The Carpentaria Highway is a 380-kilometre-long (240 mi) highway running from near Daly Waters to Borroloola in the Northern Territory. It takes its name from the Gulf of Carpentaria, which it links with the Stuart Highway. This highway provides access to the McArthur River mineral deposits, port facilities at Bing Bong, the isolated community of Borroloola, and the popular fishing location at King Ash Bay.
While it is possible to drive around most of Australia in a 2WD vehicle, a 4WD is necessary for certain sections of the trip, especially if you want to detour off the main route to visit more remote destinations. The Carpentaria Highway is one such section where a 4WD is required due to the unsealed and rough nature of the road. This is a good opportunity to mention that if you plan to venture off the beaten path in Australia, a 4WD will be a valuable asset. Many of the country's most spectacular destinations are located in remote areas that require a 4WD to access. So, if you're planning a road trip around Australia and want to include the Carpentaria Highway, make sure you're equipped with the right vehicle to handle the terrain.
V8 Juice: Healthy Drink or Sneaky Sugar Trap?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
The minimum time for a realistic trip is 3 months
The minimum time for a realistic trip around Australia by car is 3 months. This is known as the 'Long Service Leave' trip, and it's a great option for those who want to experience the 'Big Lap' without quitting their jobs. While it's not the most ideal in terms of time, it's still a popular choice for many.
To complete the 'Big Lap' in 3 months, you'll need to cover a lot of ground. The total distance can vary depending on your route and detours, but it's generally accepted that Highway 1, which circles Australia, is about 15,000 kilometres (9,000 miles) long. This route can be completed in less than a week if you're in a hurry, but for a more leisurely trip, you'll want to give yourself more time.
If you're looking to take your time and really explore, consider extending your trip to 12 weeks or even longer. This will allow you to include detours and side trips, as well as backtracking to see places you might have missed. Most people who take on the 'Big Lap' end up covering at least 30,000 kilometres or more due to these additional adventures.
When planning your trip, keep in mind that Highway 1 is mostly sealed and suitable for any vehicle. However, there is a section between Daly Waters in the Northern Territory and Normanton in Queensland that is unsealed and usually quite rough. This section is part of the Savannah Way, and if you want to avoid it, you can detour by heading south from Normanton and then west along Highway 66.
Finally, remember that the 'Big Lap' is a unique experience that many Australians consider the ultimate road trip. It's a chance to see the country's stunning landscapes and experience its diverse culture. So, while 3 months is the minimum realistic time, you might find yourself wanting to extend your trip even further to soak it all in.
Sizing Up: US to Australian Shoe Size Conversion
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The route around Australia is roughly 15,000 km long if you follow National Highway 1, also known as the Big Lap. The record for completing this route is 5 days, 13 hours and 43 minutes.
The minimum time you need to drive around Australia is 15 days, but this is without stopping to see anything. If you want to make some sightseeing stops, you should aim for an average of 300 km per day, which will take you around 3 months.
If you want to stick to sealed roads, a 2WD car will be sufficient. However, if you want to detour off the main route, you will need a 4WD to access more remote destinations. It's also worth noting that Highway 1 misses a large part of the northern coastline, so you may want to factor in some detours if you want to see this area.
