With summer approaching and road-tripping season just around the corner, research from eBay Australia – the #1 online site where Aussies buy auto parts and accessories – has revealed the nation’s top ten favourite road trip routes. Pack your luggage, ready your playlists and check your tyres because Victoria’s Great Ocean Road has taken the top spot!
According to the research, the great Aussie road trip is an increasingly popular travel option, offering Aussies the chance to explore the nation’s stunning landscapes on the open road without breaking the bank. The survey found with cost-of-living top of mind, three-quarters (74%) of Aussies would consider taking a road trip in the next 12 months and millennials are the generation most likely to opt for a road trip over other travel options to save on travel expenses (36%)2.
With the average Aussie taking an estimated four road trips each year, the survey revealed it’s more than cost-saving driving Aussies to hit the road. Almost half of respondents said their love of exploring lesser-known parts of Australia (48%) and driving on the open road (43%) are the primary motivations behind taking a road trip3.
Courtney Graham, eBay’s Head of Auto Parts and Accessories said: “Australians share a unique love of cars that is deeply rooted in Aussie culture, and road-tripping is the perfect way to discover our nation’s vast landscapes without breaking the bank.
“With the top ten road trips spread across the country, eBay’s research highlights that we’re a nation of explorers. From the rugged outback of the Red Centre Way Loop to the stunning coastlines of the Great Ocean Road or the Great Barrier Reef Drive, our love for the open road drives us to uncover Australia’s beauty. Whether you’re planning a solo trip or family adventure, eBay has a huge range of car parts and accessories from jumper cables to puncture repair kits across thousands of top-rated sellers, making it the go-to destination to get road trip ready.”
Australia’s Top 10 Favourite Road Trip Routes4
| 1 | The Great Ocean Road (VIC): Torquay to Allansford: 27% |
| 2 | The Pacific Coast Touring Route (NSW & QLD): Sydney to Brisbane: 26% |
| 3 | The Great Barrier Reef Drive (QLD): Cairns to Cape Tribulation: 23% |
| 4 | The Grand Pacific Drive (NSW): Sydney to Sapphire Coast: 17% |
| 5 | The Great Eastern Drive (TAS): Hobart to Bay of Fires: 14% |
| 6 | The Red Centre Way Loop (NT): Alice Springs to Uluru: 12% |
| 7 | The Nullarbor Plain (WA & SA): Norseman to Ceduna: 11% |
| 8 | The Heritage Highway (TAS): Launceston to Hobart: 10% |
| 9 | The South West Edge (WA): Perth to Esperance: 10% |
| 10 | The Coral Coast Highway (WA): Perth to Exmouth: 10% |
Aussies are keen outdoor adventurers, with the survey finding that caravans (29%), camper vans (18%) and RVs or motorhomes (11%) are some of the most commonly used accommodation on road trips, while a third of Aussie families (32%) who own a 4X4 also use them for road trips5. On eBay Australia, the top three most popular 4X4 models saved in eBay’s My Garage – a tool where you save your make and car model to find parts that fit your vehicle – are the Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger6.
When it comes to ensuring vehicles are road trip ready, the research found that the vast majority of Aussies (90%) perform vehicle checks before embarking, with road trippers checking their tyre pressure (68%), oil (61%) and that their lights are functional (57%)7. While more than half (54%) of Aussies say they would feel confident knowing how to change a tyre if they encountered a flat while on the road8.
Paul Maric, automotive expert and road trip enthusiast, said: “Aussies love a good road trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway to your favourite camping spot or an iconic trip around Australia.
“While getting away can be heaps of fun, it can turn pretty sour if you’re not prepared. There are three simple steps you can take to ensure you’re ready for a longer road trip: check your tyres, check your vehicle weight limits and make sure your car’s had a recent service.
“And before you head off on your adventure, stock up on spare supplies like jumper cables, fuel containers, tyre repair kits and even a winch for those venturing off-road which can all be easily found on eBay in a few clicks. They’re all items that could be hard to come by if you’re exploring Australia.”
As far as how we tackle a quintessentially Aussie road trip, the survey found that Australia’s favourite road trip anthem is “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson and our top road trip snacks include sausage rolls (25%), meat pies (24%) and Peanut M&Ms (19%)9. While our most-loved road-tripping activities are sightseeing (66%), photography (43%), and hiking (33%)10.
