Best scenic drive destinations in Oceania
Best scenic drive destinations in Oceania
Coastal ocean roadways and scenic rainforest mountain routes in Oceania
Oceania offers some of the most photographed drives anywhere, with roads that hug coastlines and cut through striking mountain scenery in equal measure.
Australia's Great Ocean Road remains one of the country's signature drives, tracing the southern coastline past cliffs, beaches and the famous rock formations along the way. New Zealand's South Island turns almost any route into a scenic one, with mountains, lakes and coastline often visible within the same short stretch of road. Milford Road in particular draws travelers specifically for its drive, cutting through Fiordland's peaks toward one of the country's most photographed sounds. Weather can change quickly in mountain areas, so checking conditions before setting out is always worth doing.
The destinations on our list for Oceania reflect that same range, from coastal classics to striking mountain routes.
Lists by region
City in Australia
Darwin
Tropical gateway to ancient wetlands and reefs
Rock art at Ubirr and Burrungkuy records thousands of years of Aboriginal history. Kakadu lies about 155 miles from Darwin. The loop continues to Katherine and Litchfield National Park, where waterfalls and plunge pools line the route. The last leg back to the city is 72 miles.
City in New Zealand
Christchurch
The Garden City of Adventure
The Hilltop viewpoint on the road to Akaroa looks over Banks Peninsula and its harbours. Little River and Duvauchelle make easy stops along the way. Summit Road offers a different route home with reserves and short walks. Lighthouse Road near Akaroa looks back over the town. Misty Peaks Scenic Reserve is worth a stop.
Landmark in Australia
Great Ocean Road
Coastal cliffs and turquoise waves
The Twelve Apostles are the most famous stop on this 151 mile road. About 3,000 returned soldiers built it mostly by hand with picks and shovels between 1919 and 1932. Listed in 2011 as a National Heritage site, it is described as the world's largest war memorial.
Island in New Zealand
South Island
Majestic fjords and alpine peaks
Drivers here plan around the passes. Lindis Pass tops out at 971 metres in tussock country and photos belong at its signposted car park. Haast Pass runs past Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools. Arthur's Pass reaches about 900 metres through a national park.
National Park in New Zealand
Fiordland National Park
New Zealand’s Wildest Water World
Mist and the roar of waterfalls fill the valleys along the Milford Road. It runs 74 miles from Te Anau to Milford Sound. Mirror Lakes reflect the peaks on still days. Homer Tunnel, 4,170 feet long, was finished in 1953 and opened the road to traffic.
Fjord in New Zealand
Milford Sound
Breathtaking fiord of towering peaks
Timing shapes the drive to the fjord. Winter avalanches close the Milford Road about eight days a year on average. Gates shut the Hollyford and Cleddau valleys at peak risk. Chains are mandatory in snow. Check conditions before leaving Te Anau. The 74 mile route rewards the planning with waterfalls and glacier carved peaks.
Town in New Zealand
Wanaka
Alpine Adventure, Lakeside Serenity
At 1,076 metres, the Crown Range summit stands two metres above the Desert Road on North Island's Highway 1. A plaque there claims it is the highest sealed road in New Zealand. From the saddle the road heads north along Cardrona Creek to the settlement of Cardrona. The southern end is Arrow Junction near Arrowtown.
Island in Australia
Lord Howe Island
Secluded paradise with crystal reefs and cliffs
About 6 miles long and 1.2 miles at its widest, the island suits slow scenic trips. Cycling is the main way to get around. Roads dating to the 1800s link the sights. Mount Gower rises 2,871 feet over the south. Visitor numbers are capped at 400 at any one time.
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