Australia’s coastline is full of beauty, stretching almost 60,000 kilometers. It includes world-famous spots like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. These coastal drives offer chances for beach trips, forest walks, and amazing sea sights. It’s a great fit for electric vehicle (EV) owners with lots of charging spots along the way. In this guide, we share the top 10 routes for EV owners in Australia. We also give important tips for charging your EV. So, start your eco-friendly adventure and enjoy a unique journey around Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Australia’s coastline is perfect for eco-friendly travel with electric vehicles.
- Multiple EV charging stations, including Tesla Destination chargers and 22kW Type 2 AC chargers, are available along popular coastal drives.
- Charging infrastructure covers key routes including the Great Ocean Road, Tasmania’s scenic spots, and South Australia’s border-to-border EV network.
- Plan your route ahead to ensure access to fast and convenient EV charging options.
- Take advantage of incentives for EV owners, such as tax rebates, motor registration exemptions, and subsidized EVs in South Australia.
Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland
The Great Barrier Reef drive is a must-do for EV owners. It lets you see the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. This drive is a big part of Queensland’s tourism. It shows off the beauty of the area and is great for the environment. With many charging spots all along, you can enjoy the stunning views worry-free.
Key Highlights
- Starting in Cairns, visitors can recharge their electric vehicles at various locations, including the Pier Cairns, Crystalbrook Bailey, and Cairns Beach Volleyball Court.
- Drive approximately 108km from Cairns to Cardwell, a journey that takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, ensuring continuous awe-inspiring scenery.
- Pass through Innisfail, which boasts two Chargefox stations and one non-networked station, perfect for a quick recharge.
- Discover Paronella Park, featuring two type 2 EV chargers powered by hydroelectricity from Mena Creek Falls—a true testament to sustainable travel.
- Enjoy the serene drive from Paronella Park to Mission Beach, covering 47km in about 40 minutes.
Drive Details
The Great Barrier Reef drive is full of iconic stops that offer sustainable fun. When you get to Mission Beach, Castaways Resort & Spa has charging spots for guests. There’s also an overnight charging spot at Tuskers. After Mission Beach, heading to Cardwell is about 70km and takes 50 minutes. It keeps showing how much this area loves eco-friendly travel.
| Location | Distance | Driving Time | Charging Stations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns to Palm Cove | 26 km | 30 mins | Multiple in Cairns |
| Palm Cove to Port Douglas | 43 km | 45 mins | 3 Chargefox in Port Douglas |
| Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge | 22 km | 25 mins | 2 at Mossman Gorge Cultural Center |
| Mossman Gorge to Cape Tribulation | 68 km | 1 hour | – |
At the end of the drive is Cardwell. It has three Chargefox stations. Cardwell Beachfront Motel also offers overnight charging. It’s where your amazing trip ends. You enjoy the adventure while knowing your trip is good for the planet.
Mornington Peninsula Drive, Victoria
The Mornington Peninsula Drive is a beautiful road trip in Victoria, Australia. It’s great for those who love to travel in electric vehicles. You’ll see stunning coastlines, visit charming villages, and enjoy amazing wineries. Plus, there are charging stations for electric cars, so you don’t have to worry about running out of power.
Main Attractions
Driving along Mornington Peninsula is full of fun stops. Point Nepean is a great place to learn and see history. You won’t want to miss Sorrento Ocean Beach for its beauty. In places like Red Hill and Sorrento, you can have great food, walk on the beach, and tour wineries.
There are many places to charge your electric car on the Mornington Peninsula. Across Victoria, there are over 75 EVie charging sites. Sorrento has 50kW chargers for your car. Don’t miss the fast chargers in Dandenong, too, for quick power-ups.
Make sure to visit Red Hill and Sorrento on your trip. You’ll find unique shops, fine dining, and beautiful walks. EV charging points are easy to find, so you can keep exploring. Use the Electric Vehicle Council’s tool to plan your stops and understand costs.
| Location | Type of Charger | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Torquay | 50kW, 1x CCS2, 1x CHAdeMO | Readily Available |
| Apollo Bay | 50kW, 2x CCS2, 2x CHAdeMO | Readily Available |
| Dandenong Ampol Foodary | 350kW, 2x CCS2, 2x CHAdeMO | Readily Available |
| The Village Dandenong | 150kW, 4x CCS2 | Readily Available |
| Sorrento | 50kW, 2x CCS2, 2x CHAdeMO | Readily Available |
Start your journey on the Mornington Peninsula Drive for a mix of beauty and history. With its great charging network, it’s perfect for electric cars. This trip lets you explore both the coast and Victoria’s culture.
Grand Pacific Drive, New South Wales
Starting the Grand Pacific Drive in New South Wales is a great adventure. It’s perfect for locals and visitors. You begin in Sydney, drive through the Royal National Park, and cover 140 kilometers.
This drive shows amazing cliff views and natural trails. It’s no wonder it’s a top pick for New South Wales attractions.
If you have an electric car, this drive is ready for you. Charging stops are easy to find. In Punchbowl, New South Wales, several places offer charging for electric cars of all types.
The trip also includes Wollongong, a great spot for food and beautiful ocean views. You will love stopping there.
This route has plenty of charging points, so you won’t have to stop a lot. Randwick is home to many charging spots, less than 10 kilometers from Sydney Harbour. You’ll find different plug types for your electric car. They color-code the stations and even tell you if they’re busy.
Grand Pacific Drive makes it easy to keep an electric car charged. This is great for electric car fans.
New South Wales leads in Australia for high-power charging spots. It has 174 stations and 438 fast charging points. There are plans for 250 more stations soon, thanks to a big investment by the NSW government.
Here are some key details about charging your electric car in New South Wales:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Charging Points | 438 fast and ultra-fast |
| Future Plans | 250 new stations |
| Cost per kWh | $0.45 to $0.69 |
| Cheapest Network | Chargefox at $0.45/kWh |
| Average Home Charging Cost | $18.74 for a 60kWh battery |
| EV Charging Time | 20-30 minutes for 80% charge with DC fast chargers |
For a day trip or a visit to the Royal National Park, the Grand Pacific Drive is unbeatable. It’s a must-do for electric car fans wanting a smooth, beautiful trip.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
The Great Ocean Road is a top pick in Australia for a scenic drive. It stretches 243 kilometers along the coast. Tourists love it for the stunning views and famous stops.
Top Landmarks
- Twelve Apostles: These limestone stacks rising majestically are a must-see on the Great Ocean Road.
- Loch Ard Gorge: It’s named after a shipwreck that happened in 1878. This spot is full of history and beautiful views.
- London Arch: Previously, it was called London Bridge. A part of it fell in 1990, creating a single stunning arch.
- Apollo Bay: Known for its fresh seafood, this town is a perfect place to take a break and taste the local flavors.
Driving the Great Ocean Road in a Tesla Model 3 Long Range means no need to recharge. The car’s great battery range covers it. Plus, you won’t have to worry thanks to plenty of charging spots along the way.
EV Charging Options
EV drivers love the Great Ocean Road because of the many charging options. You can stop to charge at places like the RACV Torquay resort and Apollo Bay. With Chargefox’s fast charging, a 15-minute stop can add 400 kilometers of range.
Key Statistics:
| EV Charger Type | Range Added per Hour | Key Locations |
|---|---|---|
| 7kW | Up to 40km | Along the coast |
| 22kW | Up to 120km | RACV Torquay |
| 50kW | Up to 300km | Apollo Bay |
| 150kW+ | Up to 900km | Various spots |
Many Australians want to buy an EV. By adding more charging options, the Great Ocean Road is now friendly for all. It not only showcases stunning views but also the future of transport.
Great Australian Bight, South Australia
The Great Australian Bight has 1,160 kilometers of beautiful coast. It runs from Cape Catastrophe to Cape Pasley. You’ll see amazing cliffs and lots of marine animals, like southern whales.
Driving along the bight in an EV is a cool experience. You can stop to charge your car at certain places. This drive takes you to places like Ceduna, Port Lincoln, and Port Augusta. Each place has different natural beauty.
Scenic Highlights
This area is famous for its stunning views. The Bunda Cliffs and Head of Bight are must-sees. There, you can gaze at the Southern Ocean. EV drivers can charge up at roadhouses made for long trips.
- Dramatic Cliffs: The vertical cliffs are amazing.
- Marine Wildlife: Look for whales and dolphins.
- EV Sightseeing: Your electric car journey will be great with charging spots.
| Route Details | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Sealed Eyre Highway | 100% by June 1974 |
| Number of Roadhouses Across the Nullarbor | 7 |
| Distance Between Charging Stops (Caiguna to Norseman) | 371 km |
| Estimated Recharge Time at Bio Charge Facility | around 90 minutes |
Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, Queensland
The Queensland coasts are perfect for adventure fans and those who love nature. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast mix the fun of vibrant cities with calm beauty. They are great for families to enjoy together.
Key Attractions
Broadbeach and Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast are amazing seaside spots. Dreamworld, Sea World, and Warner Bros. Movie World are great for those looking for excitement. They have fun for everyone.
Go a bit north to the Sunshine Coast for Noosa National Park and Mooloolaba Beach. You can see beautiful nature and have many adventures there. The Sunshine Coast is also working to be a place for eco-friendly drivers.
Queensland works hard to cut down on pollution by encouraging electric cars. The government helps people get electric cars with money, more charging spots, and sharing information.
| Location | Types of Charging Stations | Charging Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging | 8-300 km/hour |
| Sunshine Coast | Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast Charging | 8-300 km/hour |
The Queensland Electric Super Highway (QESH) goes from Coolangatta to Port Douglas. It has over 60 spots to charge electric cars. This makes it easy for electric car drivers to travel and enjoy the views.
RACQ members save at least 10% at certain Chargefox EV charging stations. This support makes eco-friendly travel easier and lets visitors enjoy Queensland’s coasts without worry.
EV stations Australia and Charging Tips
Understanding how to charge your electric car in Australia is key. Luckily, Australia has many EV stations. Using them right can make your trip smooth and fun.
Plan the Route Ahead
Before you start, plan your trip well. Identify where charging stations are along your way. You can find them at many places, like highway stops, supermarkets, and car parks. This prep can save you time and worry.
Use Fast Chargers
Fast chargers are a big help. They can give you 150 to 300 km of range in just an hour. Look for these faster chargers, especially on long trips between states like New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
Charge During Off-Peak Times
Charging when it’s cheaper saves money and helps the environment. Off-peak hours typically have lower rates. This practice also puts less pressure on the power supply.
Drive Safely
Be a good driver to go further and stay safe. Drive steadily, accelerate smoothly, and use regenerative braking when you can. These steps help your EV work better and keep you safe.
Stay Protected
Make sure you have the right insurance for your electric car. With more EVs on the road, getting the right coverage is important. Choose a plan that covers charging and EV-specific issues.
| Charger Level | Power | Range Added per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 1.4kW – 3.7kW | 10 – 20 km |
| Level 2 | 7kW – 22kW | 30 – 130 km |
| Level 3 | 25kW – 350kW | 150 – 300 km |
Follow these tips and use Australia’s many charging stations wisely. With good planning and safe driving, your electric car adventures will be great. Always drive safely and remember to enjoy the journey.
Conclusion
Exploring Australian coastal drives makes for green adventures. Every route, like the Great Barrier Reef Drive and the Great Ocean Road, offers special sights. Our charging tips will help make your trip smooth and fun.
The use of electric cars is growing in Australia. More chargers and higher EV sales show a bright future for eco-friendly travel. Now, with many chargers available, traveling in your EV is getting easier.
Plan your trip with an EV for a chance to see Australia’s beautiful coast and help the planet. New charging solutions and a push for green travel make now the best time to go. Enjoy your journey, and treasure the amazing views and memories!
