Australian RV Road Trips: Great Ocean Road vs Red Centre Way

Australia is a land of epic contrasts—and few things showcase its diversity better than a road trip in a campervan or motorhome. From lush coastal cliffs to ochre-stained deserts, the country offers unforgettable RV experiences for every type of traveller. Two of the most iconic journeys are the Great Ocean Road in Victoria and the Red Centre Way in the Northern Territory.

The Great Ocean Road is a breathtaking drive along the southern coastline, famous for its towering limestone stacks, misty rainforests, and classic surf towns. It’s a route that offers convenience, comfort, and stunning scenery—all within a few hundred kilometres of Melbourne. With sealed roads, abundant campgrounds, and regular fuel stops, it’s ideal for families, first-time RV travellers, and international tourists.

In contrast, the Red Centre Way takes you deep into Australia’s heart. This outback loop spans more than 1,100 kilometres and delivers raw, remote beauty. Think ancient gorges, sacred Indigenous landmarks, rugged 4WD tracks, and star-drenched skies. It’s an adventure designed for travellers who crave solitude, cultural depth, and true connection with the land.

Whether you’re a grey nomad touring the country, a couple hiring a van for your first Aussie trip, or a seasoned adventurer with a 4WD camper, this comparison will help you choose the right route. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore every angle—from accessibility and terrain to attractions, camping, vehicle types, and seasonal tips—so you can confidently plan your next unforgettable RV road trip in Australia.

Route Snapshot: Key Facts at a Glance

Before diving into the details of scenery, camping, and road conditions, it helps to look at the basics of each journey. The Great Ocean Road and the Red Centre Way are both world-class RV trips, but they differ significantly in terms of distance, duration, terrain, and what kind of preparation each one demands.

Great Ocean Road Overview

• Location: Southern Victoria

• Length: Approximately 243 kilometres, one way (Torquay to Allansford or Port Fairy)

• Time Required: 2 to 5 days, depending on stops and pace

• Road Type: Fully sealed, winding in parts but well maintained

• Vehicle Suitability: Ideal for all RVs – motorhomes, campervans, and caravans

• Access to Services: Frequent fuel stations, supermarkets, cafes, RV parks, and medical facilities

• Best For: Beginners, families, couples, international tourists, short trips

This route is perfect for travellers who want a comfortable, scenic, and relatively easy road trip. It suits almost every RV type and driving skill level and can be completed in under a week without requiring any off-road capabilities.

Red Centre Way Overview

• Location: Central Northern Territory

• Length: Approximately 1,135 kilometres (loop from Alice Springs via Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges)

• Time Required: 5 to 10 days, or longer if exploring at a relaxed pace

• Road Type: Mix of sealed and unsealed roads; the Mereenie Loop is unsealed and requires a permit

• Vehicle Suitability: Recommended for 4WD campervans, off-road caravans, or rugged motorhomes

• Access to Services: Sparse—long stretches without fuel, limited groceries, and minimal reception

• Best For: Experienced travellers, 4WD adventurers, grey nomads, and those seeking a remote, cultural experience

This journey requires greater planning, more robust vehicles, and a willingness to explore off-grid, but it rewards travellers with deep spiritual landscapes and an unmatched sense of freedom.

In short, the Great Ocean Road is ideal for relaxed, coastal RV touring with easy access to facilities, while the Red Centre Way offers an Outback challenge for well-prepared travellers seeking isolation, culture, and a more immersive Australian experience.

Scenery and Natural Beauty

Few countries offer such dramatic contrasts in scenery as Australia—and these two iconic RV routes highlight that contrast beautifully. One immerses you in lush coastal landscapes with roaring seas and ancient forests, while the other plunges you into the deep silence and soul of the desert Outback. Each journey is a visual masterpiece in its own right, appealing to different kinds of nature lovers.

Great Ocean Road: Coastal Cliffs and Rainforest Serenity

The Great Ocean Road is renowned as one of the most scenic drives in the world. As you travel along Victoria’s rugged coastline, you’ll encounter a remarkable blend of ocean, forest, and farmland. The landscapes change quickly—from panoramic cliff-top lookouts to fern-filled gullies and historic surf towns.

Key scenic highlights include:

• Twelve Apostles – Towering limestone stacks rising from the sea, best viewed at sunrise or sunset

• Loch Ard Gorge – A dramatic gorge steeped in shipwreck history

• Great Otway National Park – Home to ancient rainforest walks, waterfalls, and towering mountain ash trees

• Kennett River – A hotspot for spotting wild koalas in eucalyptus trees

• Cape Otway Lightstation – The oldest surviving lighthouse on mainland Australia, perched above dramatic cliffs

• Rolling hills and green pastures – Inland sections offer peaceful rural scenery and wildlife spotting

The overall experience is immersive and calming, with cooler coastal air, green canopies overhead, and easy access to nature at every stop.

Red Centre Way: Desert Majesty and Timeless Beauty

The Red Centre Way showcases a completely different kind of natural beauty—one that’s ancient, powerful, and humbling. Here, you’ll drive through vast red deserts, rocky gorges, and sacred Aboriginal lands shaped by thousands of years of wind, fire, and water. This is the true Outback experience.

Unmissable scenic highlights include:

• Uluru – Australia’s most iconic monolith, glowing red at sunrise and sunset

• Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – Massive domed rock formations with deep cultural and geological significance

• Kings Canyon – Spectacular rim walks with views over rugged escarpments and valleys

• West MacDonnell Ranges – A chain of mountains with waterholes, gorges, and ochre pits

• Ormiston Gorge and Ellery Creek Big Hole – Ideal swimming spots framed by towering red cliffs

• Simpsons Gap – A dramatic cleft in the range with a permanent waterhole and ghost gum trees

The colours of the Red Centre are unforgettable—rust-red earth, bright blue skies, golden grass, and pink-hued sunrises. It’s a landscape that feels deeply spiritual, especially when paired with Aboriginal stories and connection to Country.

Accessibility and Road Conditions

Accessibility can make or break an RV road trip—especially in a country as vast and varied as Australia. From road surfaces and fuel stops to vehicle types and safety considerations, the Great Ocean Road and the Red Centre Way offer two very different experiences in how easy (or challenging) they are to drive.

Great Ocean Road: Smooth, Sealed, and Traveller-Friendly

The Great Ocean Road is one of the most accessible RV routes in the country. It was built as a sealed highway to honour returning World War I soldiers and remains one of the best-maintained scenic drives in Australia.

What makes it accessible:

• Fully sealed road from start to finish, suitable for all vehicle types including 2WD campervans, motorhomes, and towed caravans

• Easy for first-time RV drivers, with manageable curves and steady speed limits

• Regular fuel stations and grocery stops in towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell

• Consistent mobile reception across most of the route

• Well-signposted lookout points and visitor centres for safe, easy stopovers

• No permits or special vehicle requirements needed

It’s a great choice for RV travellers who want peace of mind, ease of planning, and comfort on the road. You don’t need to be an off-road expert or carry extra fuel and recovery gear to enjoy this drive.

Red Centre Way: Remote, Rugged, and Rewarding

The Red Centre Way is a different story. While large sections of the loop are sealed—especially between Alice Springs, Uluru, and Kings Canyon—some of the most adventurous and scenic parts, like the Mereenie Loop, are unsealed and require more careful planning.

Key things to consider:

• Mix of sealed and unsealed roads; the Mereenie Loop is gravel and often corrugated

• 4WD campervans or off-road caravans are highly recommended for safety and comfort

• Mereenie Loop permit required, as it crosses Aboriginal land (available at local info centres)

• Fuel stops are few and far between, especially between Kings Canyon and Hermannsburg

• No mobile signal in many remote sections, so offline maps or GPS are essential

• Essential to carry spare fuel, tyres, water, and basic recovery tools, particularly in summer or shoulder seasons

This route is better suited to experienced RV travellers, Outback explorers, or those renting 4WD adventure vehicles. The extra effort and planning required are balanced by the unparalleled experience of being immersed in the raw centre of the country.

Camping, Facilities, and Accommodation

When planning an RV road trip in Australia, one of the most important factors is where you’ll camp overnight—and what facilities are available along the way. The Great Ocean Road and the Red Centre Way differ significantly in this area, particularly in the balance between comfort, convenience, and self-sufficiency.

Great Ocean Road: Holiday Parks and Coastal Comfort

The Great Ocean Road is lined with established towns and coastal communities that cater well to RV travellers. You’ll find a range of accommodation options—from fully serviced holiday parks to low-cost council-run campgrounds.

What to expect:

• Holiday parks in major towns like Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell offering powered sites, dump points, laundry, BBQs, and hot showers

• National park campsites in Great Otway National Park, ideal for nature lovers seeking a quieter setting (bookings may be required)

• A few free or low-cost campsites inland, especially near Forrest or Birregurra, though not common directly on the coast

• Accessible amenities such as toilets, fresh water, and picnic areas at most major stops and visitor centres

• Pet-friendly options available in some caravan parks (check ahead)

• Supermarkets, pharmacies, and fuel stations in almost every major town, making restocking supplies easy

If you prefer a balance of nature and convenience, with good access to facilities, powered hookups, and family-friendly campgrounds, the Great Ocean Road is a fantastic fit.

Red Centre Way: Bush Camping and Remote Serenity

Camping along the Red Centre Way is a more rugged and self-reliant experience. You’ll encounter fewer formal facilities and longer stretches between stops, but the trade-off is access to pristine natural settings and true Outback solitude.

Expect a mix of the following:

• National park campgrounds at places like Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen, Kings Canyon, and Yulara (near Uluru) with basic amenities—some offer showers and toilets, others are more primitive

• Bush campsites with no facilities, especially around the Mereenie Loop and off-road sections (self-contained RVs are ideal)

• Paid campgrounds near tourist hubs, such as the Ayers Rock Resort campground at Yulara (powered sites available, but booking is essential in peak season)

• Limited availability of powered sites, especially outside of Uluru or Alice Springs

• Pack-it-in, pack-it-out responsibility—you must bring your own water, manage greywater responsibly, and follow Leave No Trace principles

• No roadside overnight parking allowed in protected Indigenous areas—respect cultural protocols at all times

This route suits RVers who are comfortable with off-grid living, have solar setups or generators, and can travel with enough food, water, and fuel for multi-day stretches. It’s about freedom, connection to Country, and sleeping under some of the clearest skies in the world.

Best Time to Travel

Australia’s seasons vary significantly depending on region, and choosing the right time to travel can impact not just your enjoyment—but also your safety, comfort, and access to key sites. The Great Ocean Road and the Red Centre Way operate on opposite seasonal logic: one thrives in temperate conditions near the coast, the other is best explored during the cooler, drier months of the desert interior.

Great Ocean Road: Year-Round Coastal Access

The Great Ocean Road can be enjoyed in every season, though each time of year offers a different type of experience. The temperate coastal climate means it rarely becomes extreme, but local tourism trends and wildlife seasons can shape your travel plans.

Best times to go:

• Spring (September to November) – Ideal weather, fewer crowds, and blooming wildflowers across the Great Otway National Park

• Autumn (March to May) – Crisp mornings, clear skies, and great surfing conditions with lighter tourist traffic

• Summer (December to February) – Peak visitor season; expect busy campgrounds and higher prices, but perfect beach weather

• Winter (June to August) – Cold and often misty, but dramatic coastal views and great whale watching opportunities in areas like Warrnambool

If you’re planning to travel during school holidays or summer months, it’s essential to book campgrounds well in advance. For a quieter, more relaxed experience, shoulder seasons like spring and autumn are highly recommended.

Red Centre Way: Outback Travel Has a Season

Unlike the Great Ocean Road, the Red Centre Way is highly seasonal—and choosing the right window is crucial due to the harsh conditions of Central Australia. The desert environment brings extremely hot summers and cold desert nights in winter, with the best travel period focused around the cooler months.

Best times to go:

• Winter (May to September) – Clear skies, daytime temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, and cool nights. This is the safest and most comfortable time to travel the Red Centre Way

• Spring (October) – Early spring can still be pleasant, but temperatures begin to rise quickly

• Summer (November to February) – Often exceeds 40°C during the day, with risks of heat exhaustion, tyre blowouts, and flash flooding during sudden storms. Not recommended for RV travel, especially on unsealed roads

• Autumn (March to April) – Can be unpredictable; early autumn may still be very hot and wet, particularly in the west of the loop

Travellers should always check road conditions and weather alerts before departure, especially if venturing onto the Mereenie Loop or other unsealed segments. Even in winter, nights can drop below 5°C—so warm bedding is a must.

Attractions and Activities

Beyond just driving, both the Great Ocean Road and Red Centre Way offer a rich mix of things to see, do, and experience. From world-famous landmarks to quiet nature walks, wildlife encounters to cultural immersion, each route has its own flavour of adventure.

Great Ocean Road: Coastal Wonders and Natural Encounters

The Great Ocean Road is packed with activities that combine nature, wildlife, history, and local culture. It’s ideal for travellers who want to explore without venturing too far from civilisation, offering plenty of short walks, museums, and scenic stops that suit all ages and fitness levels.

Top things to do:

• Visit the Twelve Apostles – The most iconic viewpoint along the route, best seen at sunrise or sunset

• Explore Loch Ard Gorge – A dramatic coastal formation with a tragic shipwreck story

• Take rainforest walks in the Great Otway National Park – Trails like Maits Rest and Triplet Falls offer lush scenery and easy access

• Spot koalas in the wild – Kennett River is one of the best places in Australia to see them in their natural habitat

• Surf at world-class beaches – Bells Beach near Torquay is legendary, while Lorne and Johanna are perfect for more relaxed conditions

• Walk the Great Ocean Walk – A multi-day hike that parallels the drive, for those wanting to explore on foot

• Visit local food and wine spots – Enjoy fresh seafood, local wines, and artisan produce along the way

The Great Ocean Road caters to slow travellers, photographers, families, and anyone seeking easy access to natural beauty without needing to go off-grid.

Red Centre Way: Outback Treks and Cultural Immersion

The Red Centre Way offers a deeper, more immersive style of travel. Attractions here are grand in scale, rich in culture, and steeped in Australia’s ancient past. Many of the best experiences are outdoors, on foot, or guided by Traditional Owners—making this route ideal for those wanting connection, learning, and adventure.

Top things to do:

• Watch the sunrise and sunset over Uluru – The changing colours of the rock are mesmerising, especially from Talinguru Nyakunytjaku lookout

• Walk through Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – The Valley of the Winds walk offers incredible views of these massive rock domes

• Hike the Kings Canyon Rim Walk – A 6 km loop with panoramic Outback views and landmarks like the Garden of Eden waterhole

• Swim at Ormiston Gorge or Ellery Creek Big Hole – Refreshing desert waterholes framed by towering red cliffs

• Learn from Aboriginal guides – Join cultural tours, dot painting workshops, or bush tucker walks to understand Indigenous knowledge and stories

• Stargaze under the desert sky – With almost no light pollution, this region offers some of the clearest night skies in the world

• Visit the Ochre Pits and Standley Chasm – Important cultural sites in the West MacDonnell Ranges

This route suits travellers who value cultural depth, physical activity, and remote wilderness. Some walks can be challenging in the heat, so timing your visits for early morning or late afternoon is essential.

RV Type and Driving Style Recommendation

Choosing the right type of RV is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable road trip. While both the Great Ocean Road and Red Centre Way are popular among campervan and motorhome travellers, they demand different levels of vehicle capability and driving confidence.

Great Ocean Road: Suitable for All RV Types

This route is designed for comfort and convenience. The fully sealed roads and frequent towns mean you don’t need specialised gear or a rugged rig. Most rental RVs and private vehicles will handle this trip with ease.

Best-suited vehicles:

• 2WD campervans – Perfect for solo travellers or couples

• Motorhomes – Ideal for families or those wanting onboard amenities

• Caravans and trailers – Easily towed on sealed roads, especially if you’re experienced with coastal driving

Driving style considerations:

• Winding roads near Lorne and Apollo Bay require moderate attention, especially in larger vehicles

• Coastal weather can bring wind and fog—drive cautiously around cliff edges

• Parking can be tight in smaller towns during peak season—check for designated long vehicle spaces

• Regular stops make this a leisurely drive; plan to pull over frequently for lookouts and photo opportunities

This is an ideal route for first-time RV travellers, renters, or families wanting a relaxed driving experience with minimal stress.

Red Centre Way: Best for Off-Road-Capable Setups

The Red Centre Way, on the other hand, demands more from your vehicle—and from you as the driver. With sections like the Mereenie Loop being unsealed and conditions changing seasonally, a more robust and self-reliant RV setup is recommended.

Best-suited vehicles:

• 4WD campervans – Provide higher clearance and better traction on unsealed roads

• Off-road caravans – Suitable for couples or families, but must be towed with a capable 4WD vehicle

• Hybrid campers or rooftop tent vehicles – Popular with adventurous travellers needing off-grid capability

Driving style considerations:

• Reduced speeds on gravel roads to avoid tyre damage and vehicle stress

• Extra weight from spare fuel, water, and gear will impact handling—drive conservatively

• Tyre pressure adjustments may be needed on unsealed surfaces (lower PSI for corrugated roads)

• Remote locations require confidence in navigation, recovery skills, and trip planning

If you plan to stick only to the sealed sections—Alice Springs to Uluru and back—you can get by with a standard 2WD motorhome. But to complete the full loop, particularly through Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges, an off-road capable vehicle is the safer and more reliable choice.

Budget and Trip Costs

Your overall travel budget can vary significantly depending on which route you choose. While both the Great Ocean Road and Red Centre Way offer unforgettable experiences, the cost of fuel, accommodation, permits, food, and preparedness differs due to their location, infrastructure, and remoteness.

Great Ocean Road: Mid-Range with Predictable Expenses

The Great Ocean Road is relatively affordable and easier to budget for because everything is nearby and well-serviced. Fuel usage is lower, and you’ll find plenty of competitive accommodation options.

Typical costs:

• Fuel – Moderate usage, as the total distance is only about 250 km. A typical campervan may use around 20 to 30 litres for the whole trip

• Holiday parks and powered sites – Expect to pay between $30 to $60 per night, depending on season and amenities

• National park campgrounds – Often cheaper, between $15 and $30 per night (some require bookings through Parks Victoria)

• Food and supplies – Readily available at supermarkets in Lorne, Apollo Bay, and other towns. Dining out will be moderately priced

• Attractions and tours – Most natural attractions are free; some guided tours, lighthouses, or wildlife parks may charge entry fees ($10–$25 per person)

Overall, the Great Ocean Road suits those looking for a flexible, cost-controlled RV holiday. It’s especially convenient for travellers hiring a vehicle from Melbourne and returning within a few days.

Red Centre Way: Higher Costs Due to Distance and Remoteness

The Red Centre Way, while deeply rewarding, requires a higher upfront budget. Long distances, fuel scarcity, 4WD vehicle needs, and park access fees all contribute to the cost. However, if you’re well-prepared and enjoy bush camping, you can offset some of the expenses.

Typical costs:

• Fuel – A major expense. A 4WD camper may use 150 to 200 litres over the full loop. Remote fuel can cost up to $2.80 per litre

• Permits – Mereenie Loop Road requires a transit permit (around $5.50). You’ll also need a park pass for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (around $38 per adult, valid for 3 days)

• Accommodation – National park campsites cost between $10 and $45 per night depending on facilities. Yulara (Uluru) is more expensive and should be booked well in advance

• Food and water – Limited options between stops. Expect higher prices in remote roadhouses. Stock up in Alice Springs before departure

• Gear and safety – Extra cost for recovery gear, spare tyres, water tanks, offline maps, and vehicle servicing if driving your own RV

Despite the higher price tag, many travellers see this route as a once-in-a-lifetime investment. The experience of camping under Outback stars and walking alongside Uluru is priceless to those who crave real connection with the land.

Final Verdict – Which RV Route Should You Choose?

Both the Great Ocean Road and the Red Centre Way are iconic Australian road trips that offer vastly different experiences. The best choice depends entirely on your travel goals, vehicle setup, adventure level, and season of travel. Neither is better — they simply suit different types of RV travellers.

Choose the Great Ocean Road if you:

• Prefer shorter, easier-to-manage road trips

• Are travelling with a standard 2WD motorhome, campervan, or caravan

• Enjoy coastal views, rainforest walks, and frequent town stopovers

• Appreciate modern holiday parks, powered sites, and access to supermarkets

• Are new to RV travel or travelling with young children

• Want a flexible trip with minimal planning and zero permits

• Are travelling outside of peak summer or during a short holiday window

This route is perfect for those seeking comfort, ease, and stunning scenery — all within close reach of Melbourne. It’s also ideal if you only have a few days but want big rewards.

Choose the Red Centre Way if you:

• Are craving a deep, immersive Outback adventure

• Have an off-road-ready vehicle (4WD camper or off-road caravan)

• Don’t mind longer driving distances and rougher road conditions

• Want to explore ancient Aboriginal cultural sites and spiritual landmarks

• Are travelling in winter or shoulder seasons (May to September)

• Can commit to planning and packing extra supplies (fuel, water, spares)

• Are experienced with remote travel or up for a challenge

This journey suits adventurous souls, photographers, cultural travellers, and anyone who wants to connect with Australia’s red heart. It’s not just a road trip — it’s a story you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

In the end, you can’t go wrong with either. If possible, do both — one now, and one on your next RV escape. They’re two sides of the same great country, offering entirely different, equally unforgettable experiences.

Conclusion

Australia is a country that demands to be seen from the road. And few routes showcase its natural and cultural diversity as powerfully as the Great Ocean Road and the Red Centre Way. Both are legendary in their own right — but they offer very different kinds of RV adventures.

The Great Ocean Road is a coastal masterpiece. It’s accessible, beginner-friendly, and rich in scenic diversity, with its crashing waves, misty rainforests, and charming seaside towns. It’s the kind of trip where you can stop for fresh fish and chips, sleep beside the ocean, and spot koalas in the wild — all without straying far from fuel, supplies, or comfort.

The Red Centre Way, by contrast, is a bold and immersive expedition through Australia’s spiritual core. It’s a journey for those who seek space, silence, and something deeper — where red sands stretch to the horizon, ancient rock formations hold sacred meaning, and nights are spent under stars so bright they feel unreal. It challenges you, but it also rewards you like no other road can.

No matter which route you choose — or whether you plan to do both — you’ll experience the freedom that only RV travel in Australia can offer. From the salty air of Victoria’s coast to the red dust of the Northern Territory, the road is waiting.