Queensland’s Whitsundays region is right at the top of our post-quarantine roadtrip bucket list. Few places can inspire this kind of pervading wanderlust: it leaves you completely infatuated and unable to think of anything but white sand beaches and turquoise waters. The region is brimming with tiny towns and coastal oases just begging to be rediscovered post-lockdown. Head north from Airlie Beach to find Cape Gloucester, an exquisite spot fringed with palm trees. It’s the gateway to several secret coves and mind-blowing views of the Coral Sea. Clocking in at just under a one-hour drive, this route can be easily become a day trip, or continue on to Townsville and Cairns for a reef and rainforest getaway.

There’s something uniquely captivating about seeing the red earth and wide open plains of the Australian outback with your own eyes. Coasting down the Northern Territory’s Stuart Highway, it’s just you, the open road and the beauty of the Aussie outback. For an epic journey you’ll never forget, take the route all the way from Adelaide to Darwin, stopping at iconic destinations along the way, like Alice Springs, Uluru and Kakadu.

Australian roadtrips don’t come much more epic or well-known than the Great Ocean Road. Set cruise control and tackle this in about three days, or spend a week just coasting down some of the most beautiful coastal roads that this country has to offer. This seaside road trip is full of sweeping views, free-roaming wildlife and laid-back Aussie towns. And it will take you from Melbourne to Adelaide or vice versa.

Tropical adventures don’t come anymore picturesque than the 300-kilometre (186-mile) Great Barrier Reef Drive. Following the Queensland coastline, you’ll have the world’s largest reef system on one side of you and the Daintree Rainforest on the other. Stop along the way to snorkel in Port Douglas, learn about Aboriginal culture in the ancient Daintree Rainforest and spot saltwater crocodiles in Cape Tribulation. The drive only takes a day or two, but you’re sure to want to staaa-aaa-aayyyy just a little bit low-won-nger. (Sorry about the earworm.)

When it comes to picture-perfect roads, it’s hard to compete with this one. Sometimes called Watermelon Avenue, this narrow track divides the pink waters of Lake MacDonnell, on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, with the neighbouring blue-green waterscape. You can make Lake MacDonnell your final destination from Adelaide, but for a more challenging outback adventure, cruise cross-country along the Nullarbor. Stretching from Adelaide to Perth, this road trip takes at least a few days, so plan well-ahead for an epic 10-day Aussie roadtrip adventure.

There are plenty of reasons this roadtrip belongs on your post-pandemic bucket list: the least of which being that the beach paradise of Esperance is home to the famous sunbathing kangaroos of Lucky Bay. Eagle Bay (pictured), is another a secluded escape on Western Australia’s southwest shores, and it’s just one of the many jaw-dropping stops along the awe-inspiring road trip from Perth to Esperance. The 7.5-hour drive offers everything from urban exploring to coastal cruising. *begins preparing playlist and planning roadtrip snacks*

Take the 7-hour inland route from Melbourne to Canberra to find New South Wales’ Woomargama National Park. This protected area of forest is perfect for reconnecting with nature through camping, hiking and 4WD touring. You might have to venture off the beaten track to find it, but isn’t that what road trips are all about?

Nestled halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, Canberra is a worthy addition to anyone’s post-pandemic roadtrip bucket list. Take the Federal Highway from Sydney to Canberra, a drive of about three hours, to discover urban breweries, cool-climate wines, world-renowned museums and outdoor adventure.

There are no wrong turns on this roadtrip through the awe-inspiring Apple Isle of Tassie – every detour off-map is simply an opportunity to discover something unexpected. Because the truth is, on this trip at least, around every corner lies something breathtaking. As you wind along the coast on the 176-kilometre (109-mile) Great Eastern Drive, make sure you also wander off the main road to enjoy the region’s incredible food, wine and nature.

If you haven’t driven through Western Australia, you’re missing out big time. As Australia’s largest state, WA essentially has endless destinations to explore, especially by road. The wide-open spaces on this 9-day Road to the Rock road trip, in particular, will leave you in awe. Stop by charming roadside restaurants, explore ancient Aboriginal rock art and cruise the open road as you venture into Australia’s Golden Outback.