One of the best things about travel nursing is the opportunity to explore Australia beyond your usual postcode. Between contracts, you could swap hospital corridors for coastal highways, discover quiet country towns or spend a few days taking in some of the country’s most spectacular natural landscapes.
With Healthcare Australia (HCA), travel nurses can take on placements in rural, regional and remote communities across Australia, with contracts typically ranging from two to 12 weeks. And with travel and accommodation covered for eligible placements, you can focus on your work while planning your next adventure. Whether you’re based in Perth, working in the Northern Territory or picking up placements across the eastern states, there’s a road trip worth adding to your list. Here are six Australian road trips to consider between contracts.
Western Australia: Perth to Margaret River
If your placement takes you to Perth, head south for a coastal escape through Western Australia’s beautiful South West region. This route is ideal for nurses wanting a few days of ocean views, nature and relaxed country-town charm.
Start by exploring Perth’s beaches before making your way towards Busselton, home to its famous long jetty. Continue to Margaret River, where forest trails, limestone caves and dramatic coastal scenery offer plenty to explore.
Don’t miss:
- Busselton Jetty and the surrounding coastline.
- The towering trees and walking trails of Boranup Forest.
- The coastal views around Cape Naturaliste.
- The beaches and walking tracks of the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park.
Allow three to five days for a relaxed trip, or longer if you want to explore further towards Pemberton and the southern coast. Looking for something more adventurous? The longer drive towards Esperance offers dazzling white-sand beaches and turquoise water. Just remember that WA distances can be substantial, so plan fuel stops and overnight stays carefully.
Northern Territory: Darwin to Katherine
For nurses working in the Top End, the drive from Darwin to Katherine is a fantastic way to experience the Northern Territory’s landscapes and laid-back regional towns.
Head south through tropical scenery towards Litchfield National Park, known for its waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds and walking tracks. Continue to Katherine to discover Nitmiluk National Park, where dramatic gorges and guided river cruises offer a different perspective on the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
Highlights along the way:
- Explore Litchfield National Park and its seasonal waterfalls.
- Stop in Adelaide River for a break along the highway.
- Take a guided cruise or cultural tour at Nitmiluk National Park.
- Allow extra time for nearby attractions and local experiences.
A four- to five-day trip gives you time to enjoy the journey without rushing. Planning a trip during the wet season? Check road closures, weather conditions and park alerts before departing. Some routes and swimming areas may be inaccessible depending on the season.
Queensland: Cairns to Cape Tribulation
If you’re working in Far North Queensland, this road trip combines two of Australia’s most remarkable natural environments: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Begin in Cairns, where you can enjoy the waterfront and arrange a reef excursion. Then travel north along the coast, passing palm-fringed beaches and scenic viewpoints before crossing into the Daintree region. The journey itself is part of the experience, with opportunities to explore rainforest boardwalks, discover local wildlife and visit small coastal communities.
Make time for:
- A reef cruise departing from Cairns.
- Palm Cove for a relaxed coastal stop.
- The Daintree River and its guided wildlife cruises.
- Cape Tribulation, where rainforest meets the sea.
Allow three to four days, depending on how much you want to explore. Before setting off, check ferry operating arrangements, weather conditions and road access, particularly during the wet season. It’s also worth booking popular tours ahead of time.
New South Wales: Sydney to the Sapphire Coast
For a coastal road trip with plenty of opportunities to stop along the way, the NSW South Coast is hard to beat. Starting in Sydney, follow the coastline south through the Royal National Park and across the spectacular Sea Cliff Bridge. Continue towards Kiama, Jervis Bay and the seaside towns of the Sapphire Coast, including Merimbula and Eden.
This route is perfect for nurses who prefer a slower pace, with scenic drives, beach walks and small-town cafes along the way.
Road trip favourites include:
- Sea Cliff Bridge for sweeping ocean views.
- Kiama’s famous blowhole.
- The white-sand beaches around Jervis Bay.
- Merimbula’s coastline and nearby nature reserves.
Allow four to six days to enjoy the route, especially if you plan to stop overnight in a few different towns. It’s also an easy option to shorten if you only have a long weekend between contracts. Choose a couple of destinations rather than trying to cover the entire coastline in a rush.
Victoria: The Great Ocean Road
For a classic Australian road trip, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road delivers spectacular coastal scenery without requiring an extended holiday. Beginning near Torquay, the route winds through seaside towns, surf beaches and lush hinterland before reaching the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Take your time exploring Lorne and Apollo Bay, stopping at lookouts and walking trails along the way. If you have extra time, head inland to discover waterfalls and forest walks in the Otways.
Highlights include:
- The surf coast around Torquay.
- Lorne’s beaches and coastal walking tracks.
- Great Otway National Park’s rainforest scenery.
- The Twelve Apostles and surrounding limestone coastline.
Allow two to four days, depending on your starting point and how many stops you want to make. For the best experience, avoid squeezing the whole route into one day. The winding roads and frequent scenic stops make it a journey to enjoy at a relaxed pace.
South Australia: Adelaide to the Flinders Ranges
If you’re looking for something beyond the coast, South Australia’s Flinders Ranges offer an unforgettable outback experience. Starting in Adelaide, travel north through regional towns and open countryside towards the ancient landscapes of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Here, rugged mountain ranges, striking rock formations and expansive skies provide a completely different perspective on Australia. Spend your days exploring scenic lookouts, taking guided walks and learning about the region’s significant Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Experiences to consider:
- Explore the landscapes around Wilpena Pound.
- Visit regional towns along the way.
- Join guided walks or cultural experiences.
- Spend an evening enjoying the remarkable outback night sky.
Allow four to six days, with additional time if you want to explore further north. Some roads are unsealed, and conditions can change quickly. Check local advice, park alerts and vehicle requirements before travelling.
Make Your Next Contract Part of the Adventure
Travel nursing offers more than a change of workplace. It’s an opportunity to experience new communities, develop your clinical skills and discover parts of Australia you might not otherwise visit.
A little planning can help you make the most of your time between placements:
- Check your dates: Leave enough time between contracts to travel comfortably and prepare for your next role.
- Plan your budget: Allow for fuel, meals, activities and accommodation not covered by your placement arrangements.
- Check road conditions: Weather, road closures and seasonal access can affect travel plans, particularly in remote areas.
- Travel at your own pace: Choose a shorter route if you only have a few days off, and save longer adventures for extended breaks.
- Stay flexible: Some of the best experiences come from unplanned stops along the way.
Ready to combine your nursing career with a little more adventure? HCA offers travel nursing opportunities across Australia’s rural, regional and remote communities, helping nurses find placements that suit their experience and goals. Explore opportunities through HCA’s Travel Nursing program and discover where your next contract could take you. Your next placement could be the starting point for your next great Australian road trip. Visit www.healthcareaustralia.com.au or call us on 1300 885 728 to speak with one of our travel nurse specialists today.
