Not every journey needs to include major attractions to leave a lasting impression. Many of the most photogenic road trips in Australia and New Zealand are so memorable because the scenery never really lets up, shifting steadily as you drive and turning an otherwise dull day on the road into an adventure in its own right. These are the journeys where stopping and grabbing your camera is all part of the fun, and the road trips detailed below are some of the best for taking that approach.

 

Australia

Great Ocean Road, Victoria

The Great Ocean Road earns its spot on this list through variety rather than one single viewpoint. Starting near Torquay, the coastline clings to the cliffs above the Southern Ocean, while around Lorne and Apollo Bay, the mix of open water and dense forest gives the drive a layered feel that photographs well in almost any light.

 

As you head further west, the scenery becomes even more dramatic. The limestone formations along the Shipwreck Coast, including the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, are unmissable photo opportunities. And if you’re camping overnight, the early mornings here bring softer light and fewer people, making for some incredible sunrise photos.

 

Cairns to Cape Tribulation, Queensland

This might only be a 2.5-hour drive, but what it lacks in kilometers it more than makes up for in scenery with a mix of rainforest and reef coastline just waiting to be photographed. And with campervan hire in Cairns, you’ll have immediate access to this scenery without needing to travel long distances to get there.

 

As you leave Cairns, the road pushes north into the Daintree, where thick vegetation closes in, and you’ll want to pull over and explore to take a few snaps of the surrounding area. Cape Tribulation itself has a wide and open beach with palm trees leaning toward the water, and there are short walks off the main access points that reveal small clearings with twisted tree roots, making it possible to take some fascinating photos without venturing too far.

 

Adelaide Hills to the Flinders Ranges, South Australia

This is an inland route, and as you leave the Adelaide Hills, vineyards and farmyards are slowly replaced by open plains and ridgelines. As a result, you not only get the chance to photograph multiple views along the way, but are also treated to a payoff that builds gradually rather than arriving suddenly.

 

By the time you reach the Flinders Ranges, the landscape will have changed again. Wilpena Pound is a must-visit, with layered rock formations that change colour throughout the day. Also, the lack of development in this area means that there is a plethora of terrain to photograph without a hint of manmade structure or civilisation getting in the way.

 

New Zealand

Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

The drive from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo not only gives you some beautiful spots to photograph, but it’s also a lesson in scale. The road starts wide and flat before the Southern Alps begin to rise ahead, slowly taking over the horizon. There’s a sense of space here that makes even the simplest roadside stop feel cinematic.

 

But when it comes to specifics, Lake Tekapo is the clear highlight, with its pale turquoise water set against bare mountains and a wide open sky. The Church of the Good Shepherd is one of the most photographed landmarks here, but the shoreline itself offers just as much visual appeal. If you’re organizing campervan hire in Christchurch, this drive is often the first real glimpse of how quickly the South Island shifts from city to alpine country.

 

Queenstown to Glenorchy

While only covering 47km, this short drive on the inland South Island follows Lake Wakapitu and, as you make your way along the road, you’ll see mountains rise on either side. Also, as the road stays close to the water for the entire duration, you’ll be treated to constant reflections and changing angles throughout.

 

Naturally, this means you’ll want to stop several times, and luckily, there are plenty of informal pull-offs where you can take some fantastic shots without committing to a long walk. Glenorchy sits at the end of the road and is surrounded by open flats and steep peaks, where the light changes fast, making the same view look completely different within minutes.

 

Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook

An even shorter drive covering just 40km, the road from Lake Pukaki runs straight toward Aoraki/Mount Cook, which grows steadily larger as you make your way along. This is a particularly good road trip on clear days, where the mountain dominates the view long before you reach the village.

 

Another great thing about this route is that the starting point offers some fantastic photo opportunities, with the lake’s intense blue colour contrasting with the pale gravel shoreline. And, as you arrive at Mount Cook Village, there are several short walks like the Kea Point track that give you clear views without taking too much time. This is ideal for a day trip or a detour on your way to another South Island destination.

 

Let the Scenery Lead You

Photogenic road trips work best when you stop chasing individual landmarks and start paying attention to the spaces between them. Australia has long, open routes with strong shifts in texture and colour, while New Zealand is home to shorter drives where the scenery is constantly changing. Whichever country you choose to spend your next photography field trip in, you’re in for a real treat!