Summer’s calling, and the open road is answering.

There’s something quintessentially Australian about a summer road trip. Windows down, the smell of salty ocean air, and an endless stretch of bitumen unfolding ahead of you; it’s a holiday tradition that never seems to lose its appeal.

Lucky for us, some of the most spectacular scenic drives are right on our doorstep. But which routes offer the ultimate sun-drenched escape?

New research from Aussie car rental company Redspot has put our roads to the test, ranking 25 of the country’s major touring routes to determine which ones belong on your summer hit list – with an unexpected contender emerging victorious.

Australia’s best summer road trip

With some of Australia’s most iconic coastal road trips in contention, the race to first place was always going to be fierce. But one picturesque stretch managed to edge out the competition, even beating beloved favourites like the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

The title ultimately went to Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive, a spectacular scenic journey spanning from Hobart in the east to St Helens in the north. Of its roughly 200 kilometres, just over 75 per cent falls within five kilometres of the sea, making it a dream for coastal sightseeing.

“It’s easy to plan a road trip around where you’ll end up, but the real magic often happens along the way," agrees Yasmyn Schneps, head of operations at Redspot.

“Our research shows just how much Australia’s road trips pack in, from rainforest and wetlands to outback drives where almost none of the native bush has been cleared. We ranked 25 routes on everything from ecosystem diversity and elevation to coastline and wildlife, so travellers can find the drive that suits them."

Although easily completed in a single day, the Great Eastern Drive is best savoured over a leisurely long weekend, with plenty of time to discover the abundance of charming towns and natural wonders found along its route.

Start in Tasmania’s capital city of Hobart, where you can rent a hire car from the likes of Avis, Hertz and even Redspot. From there, it’s a breezy 1.5-hour drive to the seaside village of Orford. Jump on a ferry at nearby Triabunna Wharf to visit Maria Island, home to a thriving population of wild wombats that roam freely across its grassy plains.

Back on the mainland, continue to Swansea for a wine tasting at Milton Vineyard, then venture into Freycinet National Park for sweeping views over Wineglass Bay. Come late 2026, visitors can opt to extend their stay with a night at five-star gem, Saffire Jewel.

Next, swing by Bicheno – crowned the country’s top town in Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Towns edition – for a seafood lunch at Lobster Shack. Then follow the coast to St Helens, where the Great Eastern Drive comes to an end.

The top five summer road trips

Elsewhere in the rankings, several beloved Aussie destinations also made their mark.

Voted as Australia’s favourite road trip in Australian Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, the Great Ocean Road in Victoria took out second place. With its rugged limestone cliffs, coastal bathing trail and recently redeveloped Visitor Experience Centre, it’s not hard to see why this iconic stretch remains a firm favourite.

Third place went to the Grand Pacific Drive, which stretches 140 kilometres from Sydney’s Royal National Park to the picturesque Sapphire Coast. Well-travelled by many a Sydneysider, the route takes in sea-sprayed towns and scenic sights including Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama, Jervis Bay and the Bermagui Blue Hole.

South Australia claimed both fourth and fifth place with its Southern Ocean Drive and Seafood Frontier respectively. Stretching across the Coorong and Limestone Coast regions, the Southern Ocean Drive is a dream for aquatic adventurers, with 54 swimming spots along the route.

Meanwhile, the Seafood Frontier is geared more towards foodie types. Traversing SA’s Eyre Peninsula, this flavour-filled route comes with lashings of fresh ocean fare served up by local producers, from prawns in Port Lincoln to the famed southern rock lobsters of Streaky Bay.

How the rankings were determined

To determine Australia’s top summer road trips, Redspot analysed 25 major touring routes across the country. Each drive was assessed against ten key criteria, including native vegetation, wildlife, protected landscapes, wetlands, terrain and campsite access.

For the top five, researchers calculated the proportion of the road trip that falls within five kilometres of the shoreline, identifying the routes that keep travellers closest to the coast. And while the results offer plenty of inspiration for your next getaway, choosing where to go is half the fun.

So, thinking of taking the scenic route? Here’s what the professionals suggest. “Whether you’re heading off for a weekend or a few months, a little planning goes a long way," says Redspot’s Yasmyn Schneps.

“Choose a vehicle that suits your route, check road conditions before you set off, plan fuel and overnight stops on remote stretches and keep an eye out for wildlife, especially around dawn and dusk. From SUVs and vans to 4WDs, our team can help you find the right vehicle for your trip. With one-way rentals, the only direction you need to worry about is forward."