Australia is one of the world's great motorcycling destinations. The sheer scale of the country, the variety of its landscapes, and the quality of its sealed roads combine to offer riding experiences that are genuinely difficult to find elsewhere. If you've been looking for an excuse to plan a proper road trip, here are four routes that belong on every Australian rider's list.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria — 243 km of Coastline and Curves
Few roads in the world carry the reputation of the Great Ocean Road. Stretching 243 kilometres along Victoria's southwest coastline, this iconic route was built between 1919 and 1932 by returned servicemen and dedicated to those who fell in World War I — making it the world's largest war memorial.
For riders, the route delivers a constantly shifting experience: sweeping coastal curves above the Southern Ocean, tight bends through the lush rainforest of the Great Otway National Park, and open straights that afford long views across some of the most dramatic cliff scenery in the southern hemisphere. The Twelve Apostles — a collection of limestone stacks rising from the water — are a highlight, but the stretch through the Otways is where the riding itself is at its finest.
Allow a minimum of two full days to do the route properly. The road carries significant tourist traffic, particularly during summer school holidays, so early morning departures give you the best combination of clear roads and soft light. Intermediate experience is recommended — the mix of tight corners, coastal winds, and variable road surfaces rewards riders who are comfortable with technical conditions.
Starting point: Torquay, Victoria Best season: March to May (autumn), September to November (spring)
The Oxley Highway, New South Wales — 163 km of Pure Riding
Among Australian riders, the Oxley Highway is spoken about with genuine reverence. The 163-kilometre section between Wauchope and Walcha is considered one of the finest stretches of motorcycle road in the country — and arguably one of the best in the world.
The numbers alone tell part of the story: over 300 corners from start to finish, 70 consecutive kilometres of twisting mountain road, and an elevation change that takes you from coastal hinterland to the New England Tableland via the Great Dividing Range. The scenery transitions from lush subtropical forest and Oxley Wild Rivers National Park — home to spectacular cascading waterfalls — to open farmland and wide mountain ridges.
Roughly halfway along, at Gingers Creek, a historic roadhouse provides fuel, food, and a reliable stopping point. It's one of those rare places where riders from across the country consistently gather, making it a genuine community stop rather than just a practical one.
Starting point: Wauchope, NSW (accessible from Port Macquarie) Best season: April to October (avoid summer humidity)
The Lions Road, Queensland — 96 km Through the Rainforest Rim
For riders based in southeast Queensland or the Northern Rivers of New South Wales, the Lions Road is an accessible half-day ride that punches well above its weight in terms of scenery and technical interest.
The 96-kilometre route runs through the Scenic Rim — a region of ancient volcanic landscapes, subtropical rainforest, and rolling green hills — connecting Kyogle in NSW with Rathdowney in Queensland. The road passes through Border Ranges National Park, crosses numerous creek bridges, and offers extended sections of open sweepers combined with tighter uphill and downhill sequences.
The Lions Road sees far less traffic than the better-known coastal highways, which makes it a particularly pleasant midweek option. It's well suited to riders of all experience levels and works as both a standalone ride and as a natural extension of a longer tour through the Gold Coast Hinterland.
Starting point: Kyogle, NSW or Rathdowney, QLD Best season: Year-round, though roads can be slippery after heavy rainfall
Snowy Mountains, New South Wales — Alpine Roads and Open Skies
The Snowy Mountains region is Australia's high country, and the network of sealed roads through Kosciuszko National Park offers a riding experience that feels unlike anywhere else in the country. The Alpine Way and Charlotte Pass Road provide access to some of the highest sealed roads in Australia, with the landscape changing dramatically as altitude increases.
Spring and autumn are the standout seasons — wildflowers in October and November, and golden-toned open plains through April and May. Summer brings dry, warm conditions ideal for exploration. Winters close some sections with snow, though the lower approaches remain rideable.
The Snowy Mountains routes are best approached as part of a two- or three-day loop, combining the alpine roads with the sweeping runs through Tumut, Tumbarumba, and Jindabyne.
Starting point: Cooma, NSW Best season: October to April