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Our Top 10 Scenic Drives for the Perfect Fly Drive Holiday

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By Siobhan Blest


Offering freedom, flexibility, and incredible sights, fly drive holidays are a firm favourite for travellers in search of an independent adventure. Whether you’re dreaming of the towering peaks and turquoise lakes of the Canadian Rockies, exploring Iceland’s glaciers and geysers, or looking for something a little more exotic - such as wildlife spotting in the tropical rainforests of North Queensland - fly drive holidays offer a convenient and inspiring way to see the world at your own pace.

Read on for ten of our favourite scenic drives, to inspire your next fly drive adventure.

Chapmans Peak Drive

Just a stone’s throw from the vibrant city of Cape Town lies one of the world’s most jaw-dropping coastal routes. Carved dramatically into the mountainside between Hout Bay and Noordhoek on South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, Chapman’s Peak Drive clings precariously to the mountainside, with sheer drops to the Atlantic Ocean on one side and rugged rock faces on the other. Thankfully, there are numerous viewpoints along the way where you can safely pull over and soak up the unforgettable scenery.


Make a day of it by continuing your drive to Boulders Beach, home to a charming colony of African penguins, before heading towards Cape Point for sweeping ocean views at the southwestern tip of the peninsula. Keep an eye out for South Africa’s diverse wildlife - from baboons to antelope - and, if you’re visiting during migration season, you may even spot whales breaching offshore.


Chapman’s Peak Drive is a truly scenic and unforgettable experience, and an absolute must-drive on any South Africa fly drive holiday.


For more inspiration take a look at our South Africa Fly Drive Holidays pages. 


 

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Golden Circle

For those looking to experience Iceland’s most iconic sights without straying too far from Reykjavik, the Golden Circle is the perfect fly drive route. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery, this spectacular loop leads you to a collection of natural wonders, from bubbling hot springs and erupting geysers to powerful, thundering waterfalls.


Along the way, rolling countryside reveals glimpses of Icelandic horses, volcanic craters, and vast lava fields. Take time to detour to hidden hot springs or extend your journey along Iceland’s picturesque south coast. This ethereal landscape promises a truly magical experience, just waiting to be explored.


For more inspiration take a look at our Iceland Fly Drive Holidays pages.


 

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The Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is one of Australia’s most iconic and scenic drives. Stretching along Victoria’s dramatic southern coastline, this breathtaking route winds past rugged cliffs, windswept beaches, and lush forests, delivering one of the world’s most spectacular coastal fly drive experiences.


Pause to admire the striking Twelve Apostles - limestone stacks rising majestically from the Southern Ocean - before exploring hidden coves and wandering through the picturesque Great Otway National Park, where waterfalls tumble through dense eucalyptus forests.


A haven for wildlife, the Great Ocean Road offers opportunities to spot some of Australia’s most recognisable species, including kangaroos, koalas, and noisy cockatoos. Blending adventure, relaxation, and jaw-dropping natural beauty, this unforgettable drive is a true Australian classic.


For more inspiration take a look at our Australia Fly Drive Holidays pages. 


 

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Great Barrier Reef Drive

Another Australian favourite, this time in Tropical North Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef Drive delivers spectacular scenery, from palm-fringed beaches and sparkling turquoise waters to lush, verdant rainforest.


Take time to stop in charming seaside towns such as Port Douglas and Palm Cove, renowned for their boutique cafés, art galleries, and local markets, or venture offshore on a boat trip to explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. Continue to the ancient Daintree Rainforest - the oldest rainforest on Earth - where towering tropical trees, winding walking trails, and hidden creeks await. This extraordinary wilderness is home to a fascinating array of wildlife, from cassowaries and flying foxes to crocodiles.


To complete your journey, board the car ferry across the Daintree River to reach spectacular Cape Tribulation. Famously known as the place where the rainforest meets the reef, this remote and breathtaking destination offers pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, and a memorable finale to an unforgettable drive.


For more inspiration take a look at our Australia Fly Drive Holidays pages. 


 

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The Great Alpine Highway

One of the world’s best destinations for a fly drive holiday, New Zealand boasts countless breathtaking routes. So many, in fact, that it’s hard to choose just one - but the Great Alpine Highway on the South Island is a true standout. Stretching between Christchurch and the wild west coast town of Greymouth, this dramatic drive showcases New Zealand’s ever-changing landscapes at their very best.


The most scenic section of the route winds through Arthur’s Pass National Park, where snow-capped peaks, deep gorges, and cascading waterfalls form a truly mesmerising backdrop. Stop at Arthur’s Pass Village, the journey’s halfway point and New Zealand’s highest settlement, to enjoy short alpine walks, scenic viewpoints, and the chance to spot native birdlife such as the kea - New Zealand’s curious mountain parrot.


The Great Alpine Highway offers an unforgettable showcase of New Zealand’s diverse and spectacular natural beauty.


For more inspiration take a look at our New Zealand Fly Drive Holidays pages.


 

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Chiantigiana Road

For those looking to enjoy an enchanting scenic drive with a shorter travel time, the Chiantigiana Road (SR 222) is a perfect choice. Winding through the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, this classic route offers postcard-perfect views of rolling hills, sun-drenched vineyards, olive groves, and even medieval castles.


Take advantage of the freedom fly drive holidays provide by taking your time to stop in charming towns along the way, where cobbled streets, local wine bars, and traditional trattorias invite you to slow down and savour the region’s rich culinary heritage. With its picturesque landscapes and timeless Italian charm, the Chiantigiana Road delivers a relaxed yet unforgettable fly drive experience - ideal for wine lovers and culture seekers alike.


For more inspiration take a look at our Italy Fly Drive Holidays pages.


 

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Overseas Highway

Stretching over 180 miles from Miami to Key West, the Overseas Highway offers a truly unique fly drive experience. Cruise above sparkling turquoise waters and across iconic bridges while you wind your way through the Florida Keys, this legendary route connects a chain of tropical islands, each with its own distinct character and laidback charm.


Stop in Key Largo for world-class snorkelling or visit Marathon to enjoy a wide range of watersports, from deep-sea fishing to kayaking and paddleboarding.


As you approach Key West, soak up the colourful architecture, lively streets, and historic landmarks, including Ernest Hemingway’s former home and America’s southernmost point. Complete your journey with a delicious slice of Key lime pie, before watching one of Key West’s mesmerising sunsets - the perfect finale to an unforgettable road trip.


For more inspiration take a look at our Florida Fly Drive Holidays pages. 


 

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Pacific Coast Highway

From the east coast to the west coast, another spectacular coastal route awaits. Few road trips are as iconic as California’s Pacific Coast Highway.


Hugging the dramatic shoreline between San Francisco and Los Angeles, this legendary route delivers an unforgettable fly drive experience, complete with sweeping ocean views, rugged cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Discover Big Sur, where mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific Ocean; Monterey, famed for its relaxed atmosphere and world-renowned aquarium; and Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its delightful boutique shops, cafés, and art galleries.


Golden beaches, crashing waves, and classic Californian landmarks create the backdrop for a truly cinematic journey. Keep an eye out for sea lions basking on rocky outcrops and, during migration season, whales breaching just offshore. A firm family favourite and an experience to remember, the Pacific Coast Highway perfectly blends breathtaking natural beauty with laid-back coastal culture - making it a fly drive classic not to be missed.


For more inspiration take a look at our California Fly Drive Holiday pages. 


 

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Icefields Parkway

Cutting through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, the Icefields Parkway is widely regarded as one of the world’s most breathtaking drives. Stretching over 230 miles between Lake Louise and Jasper National Park, this iconic route winds past shimmering turquoise lakes, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountain peaks.


Pause at the remarkable Columbia Icefield for unforgettable photo opportunities, glacier walks, and Ice Explorer tours, before continuing through landscapes shaped by ancient ice. Adding to the magic of the journey is the region’s abundant wildlife, with elk, bears, and mountain goats often spotted along the roadside.


With awe-inspiring scenery around every bend, the Icefields Parkway perfectly blends natural beauty and adventure, making it an essential highlight of any Canadian Rockies fly-drive holiday.


For more inspiration take a look at our Canda Fly Drive Holidays pages.


 

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Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten

Following the E10 highway across the dramatic Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway, the Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten is one of Europe’s most breathtaking drives. Jagged mountain peaks rise straight from the sea, framing sheltered fishing villages, pristine white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters. Adding to the route’s magic is its innovative architecture, with striking bridges linking the islands and blending seamlessly into the extraordinary landscape.


Developed by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the route is designed for relaxed exploration, with carefully placed viewpoints, parking areas, and walking trails inviting visitors to slow down and fully immerse themselves in their surroundings.


Highlights of the journey is Svolvær, Lofoten’s vibrant capital, offering excellent restaurants and a charming quayside promenade.While the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum in Å provides a fascinating insight into traditional coastal life and the region’s rich fishing heritage. An incredible feat of design and a showcase of extraordinary natural beauty, the Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten should be on every fly drive enthusiast’s list. 


For more inspiration take a look at our Scandinavia and Nordic Fly Drive Holidays pages.


 

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Written by Siobhan Blest

Siobhan is our Web Content Supervisor based in our Kensington head office.

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