Travellers Choice top self-drive routes

We love embarking on a road-trip, whether it is only a few hours of driving, or a trip that takes weeks, and because of this, we’ve found it difficult to narrow down which self-drive route we like the most. Here it is though, our top 5…

Garden Route, South Africa

The Garden Route is a scenic, coastal highway which stretches just over 200km from Heidelberg to Storms River Village. 200km may not be far, compared to some drives here in Australia, but the wide variety of scenery and landscapes you pass through, is very impressive. When travelling along the route, you’ll find secluded beaches, stunning cliffs, vineyards, ostriches and so much more, so you’ll want to take your time. Don’t rush the drive, we recommend at least four days, and you should avoid planning your trip at Easter and Christmas because the road is busier then. Travel tip: Don’t miss out on Knysa oysters, they’re a speciality!

 

Route 66, USA

World famous Route 66 is the longest route in our top 5. Stretching from Los Angeles in California to Chicago, Illinois it is almost 3,940km in length and can be driven in a week – we recommend four. Driving along this route will take you through eight states and three time zones. In Arizona we recommend that you visit the Petrified Forest National Park, where scientists keep discovering new fossils, plants and animals every year. Whilst in Oklahoma, don’t miss the Ed Galloway Totem Pole Park. The park is home to 11 totem poles including one that is claimed to be the World’s Largest Concrete Totem. Entry to the park is free, and it is open daily.

 

Queenstown to Christchurch, New Zealand

The South Island of New Zealand is simply stunning and some of the best scenery is found along State Highway 8 in the South Island of New Zealand. The journey from Queenstown to Christchurch is 483km, and can be driven in a day, but we suggest taking your time so that you can appreciate the drive. During the journey you’ll drive through picturesque villages and towns, see dramatic mountains including the famous Mount Cook and pass by glacial lakes. Be sure to stop at Lake Tekapo, and get your own picture of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the quaint chapel located on the lake edge. It’s an Instagram favourite!

 

Romantische Straße, Germany

Possibly the nicest name for a road we’ve come across, the Romantic Road in southern Germany is 350km in length and travels through Bavaria. Along the route you’ll travel through wine country and quintessentially German villages, and pass by castles and forests. Depending which end you start, you either begin in the foothills of the Alps, or finish there! One of the top tourist attractions that you can explore is the Neuschwanstein Castle. Also known as the Fairytale Castle, this 19th century castle is instantly recognisable and can get very busy during summer. Book your ticket in advance to ensure that you can explore the castle on a day that fits in with your travel plans.

 

Explorer’s Way, Australia

We just had to include an Australian road-trip in this list, and this one is truly epic. The Explorer’s Way runs from Adelaide to Darwin, but we think that the best part of the route is Alice Springs to Darwin. To drive this in one day would take you over 16 hours, but only people in a hurry will do that! Highlights along the way include Karlu Karlu (the Devil’s Marbles), the Battery Hill Mining Centre, the infamous Daly Waters Pub and Katherine Gorge. When you get to Mataranka, 100km south of Katherine, make sure you stop and have a dip in the thermal pools. With a constant water temperature of 34°C, the pools are the perfect place to relax and ease any tired muscles you may have from the journey!

If you want to head off on your very own self-drive adventure, contact your local Travellers Choice agent, who can help you get there.