Taking a road trip is one of the best ways to explore our beautiful country and get some much needed rest and relaxation. Whether you decide to travel north and indulge in some north coast accommodation and pampering, or whether a trip to Red Centre is more your idea of fun, we've got the list of the top 5 roads trips Australia has to offer.

The coastal explorer's way

This road trip will take you along the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide. Along the way you'll encounter some of Australia's most spectacular beaches and the iconic remaining Twelve Apostles.

Stop off at Bells Beach to watch surfers take on the famous Southern Ocean swells and enjoy a journey you'll never forget.

A road trip to the Red Centre

A trip to the Red Centre should always include a base walk of 'The Rock' with an Aboriginal guide. Once you've learnt all about the spiritual significance of the area, why not take a camel ride at sunrise and explore the amazing landscape of Australia's Red Centre.

Cruise the east coast north from Sydney to Cairns

If you have a few weeks up your sleeve a great Aussie road trip is to drive from Sydney to Cairns. Stop and enjoy a few days rest in five star Port Macquarie accommodation and spend a day or two further up the coast in the beautiful Surfers Paradise. Between July and November you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the humpback whales breaching off Hervey Bay. The Great Barrier Reef also offers the ultimate in detours and the most amazing place to snorkel and dive.

Head north from Hobart to Freycinet National Park

Tasmania is a great state to go driving. You can head north from Hobart to Freycinet National Park where you can take a walk to Wineglass Bay. Well-known for its beauty and being voted one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Tasmania also has a lot to offer adventure seekers. Cradle Mountain, Lake St Clair National Park boasts some of the best hiking spots in Australia.

Highway 1

Highway 1 is for those who dare to go the distance. It is the longest highway in the world stretching over 25,000 km. It will take you on an unforgettable journey right around the rim of Australia if you're fortunate enough to be able to take the time out to do it. It's not to be taken lightly, and will take around 9 months to complete.

Australia has some amazing places to visit and some truly incredible landscape to be explored. Whether your a young family, a couple with grown-up children, or a bunch of friends deciding on where to go this Summer for adventure, the next time you're planning a holiday, perhaps consider road tripping to a few different places and take a chance to experience Australia like never before.

Just make sure you load your car up with the essentials, including a map, torch, water and other important items. Then load the car up with some great road trip tunes, and start driving.