The Great Ocean Road is Australia's most famous road trip. Found on the southern coast of Victoria, the winding waterside road was built by returning soldiers after World War I. Today, the 240-kilometre (150-mile) route is enjoyed by tourists who want to see some of the state's best beaches and rainforests. There's also the sandstone formation of the 12 Apostles along the way which has become the emblem for the route. Many people take the chance to extend the drive between Melbourne and Adelaide to see two of the country's biggest cities or else they do a round trip from Melbourne, sometimes cutting out some of the more distant parts of the route.

Everyone has their favourites, but Australia's east coast is definitely among the contenders for best beaches in the world. Take a drive north from Sydney and although you'll see plenty, you won't get bored of them. From the popular hubs at Bondi and Manly in Sydney, through the quieter (but just as gorgeous options) in Newcastle, you'll be able to surf, swim in the ocean (or ocean baths) or just laze on the sand. And that's only a couple hours into your trip. Depending on how long you've got, this road trip can be extended up the length of the country. From Sydney, it's 28 hours of continuous driving up to Cairns, the gateway of the Great Barrier Reef. We recommend breaking up that trip, of course, and there's plenty to see and do along the way. Have a trek in the eucalpyt forests of the Blue Mountains, see the world-class vineyards in the Hunter Valley, stop at the Big Banana for a fruity snack, put your toes in the sea at countless spots and just take time to enjoy the incredible scenery in this part of the world.

There are some natural wonders that simply take your breath away. America's Grand Canyon, the Amazon rainforest and Australia's Uluru all fit the bill. It's best to see at sunrise or sunset, with the changing light dancing off the rock's surface. Special viewing platforms are set up just for this. Walking around Uluru is special, too. The 9.4km track (5.8 miles) shows you that there's much more to it when you get up close. On the drive up from Adelaide, make sure to see the Barossa Valley, the underground town at Coober Pedy and the magnificient Kings Canyon.

Sydney is the starting point for many of Australia's great road trips, whether you want a day trip or something a bit longer. Heading south from the city, through the Royla National Park, the Pacific Coast Loop then hugs the shoreline as it goes through some incredible sights -- the Kiama blowhole, the beaches with the whitest sand in the world at Jervis Bay and the stunning sea cliff bridge.

The Nullarbor Plain is a 2000km (1250mi) stretch of road that takes in the natural side of Australia. You'll drive through various landscapes and see much of the country's natural wildlife. Mobs of roos will bound by the road, eagles fly overhead and emus may give you a run for your money. And if you go between June and August, you may see whales swimming by on their annual migration. Be warned that this is a long and often dry/hot stretch of road. Make sure to take precautions, stop regularly and to keep plenty of water in the car -- both for you and the radiator.