Great Australian drives

The best, the most satisfying, are the ones furtherest from the hordes. 

Queensland: A little isolated and forever enchanting, this outback stretch running west from Winton to Boulia throws up spectacular hills, colourful mesas and rock formations. It is a relaxing, wild-west run on reasonable bitumen, broken if need be at the iconic Middleton pub about halfway along. And there's a deal of white man's history to consider through here, from Waltzing Matilda to the mysterious Min Min light.

New South Wales: The Alpine Way is at its best in spring with new growth showing, the snow melting and the roads flowing.  There should be less traffic and more time to stop and marvel at the views, the region's history plus the wonders of the Snowy Mountain Scheme. While the Alpine Way proper runs between Jindabyne and Khancoban, a day's loop from Cooma could also take in Cabramurra, Australia's highest township.

*Alpine Way 105km
*drive to suit conditions (could be slippy) *stop at Dead Horse Gap, the highest point
*check out the Tom Groggin camp ground (closest two-wheel drive access to the Murray's headquarters)

Victoria:  A meander along the mighty Murray River could take a few days; from Tom Groggin in the Snowy Mountains to Goolwa this offers ever-changing landscapes, roads and people.

Maybe take a week and explore countryside from wombat-infested mountains to the pelican territory of the Murray's mouth. There's river boats (even a Catalina flying boat at Lake Boga) and some most pretty towns to discover.

*Approx. 1700km
*Vanners should start from Albury
*Spare time for Echuca and its riverside treasures
*Drop in at the Banrock Station winery and wetlands
*Don't miss the picturesque port of Mannum

South Australia: The Birdsville Track is one of those few drives that retain a sense of adventure. Running from Marree in the state's northeast to Birdsville in Queensland the track runs through the magics of desert country with red and brown horizons that stretch forever, broken in parts by isolated oases of welcome green. And this track, no matter how tame it may seem in spots, always demands respect - which makes the beer taste better at day's end.

*520km
*check track conditions before setting off
*ensure the vehicle's in good condition
*think about a second spare tyre
*camp out at the Mungerannie pub, 210km north of Maree  

Western Australia: The famed Gibb River Road from Kununurra and on to Broome is not for everyone. Parts of this long haul through the Kimberley can rattle fillings from teeth, punch holes in tyres and shake up relationships. But it tracks through some of Australia's most stunning scenery. And - if running from east to west - it magnifies the delights of Broome at journey's end.

*660km
*best in a four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicle
*check road conditions before setting off
*slow down to suit conditions if road corrugated
*take spare fuel and perhaps a second spare tyre

Northern Territory: Alice Springs is a lively town, full of colour and movement. But to appreciate the Red Centre take a day and drive the Larapinta-Namatjira loop through the Western MacDonnell Ranges. This run showcases the vibrant colours _ whites, reds and greens _ captured in Albert Namatjira's landscapes and offers the country's best swimming holes. The loop is mainly bitumen but there remain dirt sections where a little extra care may be needed.

*375km
*check in town or Hermannsburg for maps and any permits
*take a towel, togs and camera
*take a picnic or leave time for lunch at Glen Helen
*take it easy on the unsealed sections