About Aussie Road Trips

Our Story

Aussie Road Trips was born from a simple camping trip gone wrong. In 2011, founders Emma Wilson and Jake Thompson found themselves stranded on a remote stretch of the Great Ocean Road after their rental vehicle broke down. With no mobile reception and limited supplies, they were eventually rescued by a local tour guide who not only fixed their car but also shared invaluable knowledge about the region that transformed their journey from disaster to delight.

This experience revealed a gap in the market: travelers needed more than just a vehicle and a map to truly experience Australia by road. They needed local expertise, safety support, and insider knowledge to unlock the country's hidden treasures. Emma, a travel journalist, and Jake, a former park ranger, combined their skills to create a comprehensive road trip planning service.

Starting with just three curated routes along Australia's east coast, Aussie Road Trips quickly gained popularity among international visitors seeking authentic experiences beyond typical tourist destinations. By 2015, we had expanded nationwide, adding specialized services for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

Today, with a team of passionate road trip specialists based in our Manly headquarters, we've helped over 15,000 travelers explore Australia's diverse landscapes, from coastal drives to outback adventures. Our commitment to sustainable tourism and supporting regional communities has earned us recognition from Tourism Australia and multiple industry awards.

Our Mission

To transform how people experience Australia by creating personalized road journeys that connect travelers with authentic landscapes, communities, and cultures while promoting sustainable tourism practices.

Our Values

Authenticity: We showcase real Australia, beyond tourist clichés, by connecting travelers with local communities and genuine experiences.
Sustainability: We actively minimize environmental impact through carbon offsetting, promoting electric vehicles, and supporting conservation initiatives.
Safety: We prioritize traveler wellbeing with comprehensive preparation, 24/7 support, and expert guidance for challenging routes.
Inclusivity: We design road trips for diverse needs, including accessibility requirements, family-friendly itineraries, and budget options.
Innovation: We continuously explore new technologies and approaches to enhance the road trip experience while preserving what makes Australia special.

Meet Our Team

The passionate experts behind your Australian road trip experiences

Emma Wilson

Co-Founder & CEO

A former travel journalist with over 15 years of experience documenting Australia's remote regions. Emma has personally driven every major highway and backroad in the country, developing an encyclopedic knowledge of Australia's landscapes and local cultures. Her articles on sustainable tourism have been featured in National Geographic Traveler and Lonely Planet publications.

Jake Thompson

Co-Founder & Operations Director

With a background as a national park ranger in Victoria's Grampians region, Jake brings invaluable expertise in wilderness navigation, conservation, and outback safety. He oversees our operational systems, vehicle partnerships, and emergency response protocols. Jake's dedication to environmental education has shaped our company's strong conservation ethic.

Leila Nguyen

Head of Itinerary Design

A second-generation Vietnamese Australian with a PhD in Tourism Management, Leila leads our itinerary development team. Her research on visitor experiences in cultural landscapes has revolutionized how we integrate Indigenous heritage sites into our road trips. Leila's innovative approach has earned our company two Australian Tourism Awards for cultural tourism excellence.

Marcus Koopman

Technical Director

A former automotive engineer and self-described "gadget enthusiast," Marcus oversees our technical infrastructure, from the custom mapping applications to the vehicle tracking systems that ensure client safety in remote areas. His experience developing navigation systems for rally racing teams gives him unique insight into overcoming Australia's most challenging driving conditions.

Our Achievements

What sets Aussie Road Trips apart from the rest

Award-Winning Service

Named "Best Specialized Tour Operator" three years running by Tourism Australia. Our commitment to excellence has earned us multiple industry recognitions, including the Sustainable Tourism Certification and the Indigenous Tourism Partnership Award in 2022.

Unmatched Coverage

Our team has personally traveled and documented over 45,000 kilometers of Australian roads, including remote tracks rarely featured in mainstream tourism. We offer the most comprehensive road trip database in the country, with detailed information on more than 200 routes.

Customer Satisfaction

We maintain a 98% satisfaction rating across all major review platforms. Over 80% of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals, reflecting our commitment to exceptional service and personalized experiences that exceed expectations.

Community Impact

We've established partnerships with 35 Indigenous communities across Australia, creating economic opportunities through tourism while ensuring cultural experiences are authentic and respectful. Our Road Trip Fund has contributed over $250,000 to regional conservation and community development projects.

What Our Clients Say

Experiences from travelers who explored Australia with us

Helena Schmidt

Germany

"As a solo female traveler, safety was my primary concern when planning my Australian road trip. Emma and her team designed a 3-week journey that balanced adventure with security. Their custom app with offline maps and emergency contacts gave me peace of mind even in remote areas. The Indigenous cultural experiences they arranged were profound and respectful—completely different from standard tourist offerings."

The Patel Family

United Kingdom

"Traveling with two teenagers across Australia seemed daunting until we found Aussie Road Trips. Their family-focused itinerary balanced educational experiences with adventure activities that kept our kids engaged and off their phones! The wildlife encounters were extraordinary—spotting platypus in the wild and helping with a koala conservation project were highlights none of us will forget. Worth every penny for the memories created."

Carlos Mendez

Chile

"As a landscape photographer, I needed a road trip that would put me in the right places at the right times for optimal lighting. Leila designed an itinerary that perfectly aligned with my creative goals, including access to private properties for unique vantage points. Their local connections introduced me to Aboriginal artists whose perspectives transformed how I capture landscapes. My Australian portfolio won two international awards!"

Ready to Start Your Australian Adventure?

Contact our team of road trip specialists to begin planning your personalized journey through Australia's most spectacular landscapes.

Contact Us Today