Scenic Lookouts Accessible by Car in Australia & New Zealand

Scenic Lookouts Accessible by Car in Australia & New Zealand

When you’re exploring Australia or New Zealand, not every unforgettable view requires a long hike. With the right car rental you can experience jaw-dropping scenery straight from the driver’s seat (or with just a few steps from the car park). Whether you're using a traditional rental or scoring a $1 per day Imoova relocation car, these lookouts make road-tripping easy and budget-friendly.

Australia’s Best Drive-Up Lookouts

Cape Byron Lighthouse, NSW

Australia’s most easterly point is completely accessible by car. Park near the lighthouse and take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Byron’s dramatic cliffs. Depending on the time of year, there's also a good chance you'll spot some whales!

Kings Canyon Rim, NT

The Northern Territory has plenty of rugged landscapes, but the canyon’s main lookout is easily reached via a sealed road. Perfect for travellers skipping intense desert hikes.

Echo Point, Blue Mountains, NSW

Drive straight to Echo Point for iconic views of the Three Sisters and the Jamison Valley. It’s one of Australia’s most iconic view points and no walking boots required! If you have time, explore the charming town of Katoomba afterwards.

The Gap, WA

Located near Albany, The Gap features a raised platform that puts you above the crashing Southern Ocean. Parking is right beside the viewing area.

Mount Ainslie Lookout, Canberra, ACT

One of Australia’s best urban views. You can drive right to the top for a perfect, symmetrical view down ANZAC Parade to Parliament House.

Mount Coot-tha Lookout, Brisbane, QLD

A classic Brisbane viewpoint with panoramic city and hinterland views. The car park is right at the lookout. Explore the Botanic Gardens afterwards.

Mount Wellington, Hobart, TAS

A fully sealed road takes you straight to the summit. You’ll get sweeping views of Hobart, the Tasman Peninsula, and the Derwent River.

Cape Paterson Lookout, VIC

A lesser-known coastal lookout with easy car access and dramatic views of cliffs and ocean swells.

Roebuck Bay Lookout, Broome, WA

A short drive up from town with sunset views over Cable Beach and the Indian Ocean.

North Head Lookout, Sydney, NSW

Drive right into the reserve and walk a few steps for huge cliff-top views across the entrance to Sydney Harbour.

New Zealand’s Best Drive-Up Lookouts

Mount Victoria Lookout, Wellington

One of the country’s best city views and it's totally driveable. Watch ferries come and go and see the city glow at night.

Lake Pukaki’s Aoraki/Mt Cook Viewpoint

No walking necessary, just pull into the lakeside parking bays for the postcard-perfect turquoise water and mountain backdrop.

Queenstown’s Glenorchy Road Lookouts

This road is essentially one big scenic viewpoint. Simply pull over at designated bays for glacier-fed lake views.

Te Mata Peak, Hawke’s Bay

A sealed road winds all the way to the top. The summit offers 360-degree views over vineyards, ranges, and the Pacific.

Skyline Queenstown Carpark Lookout, Queenstown

Even without taking the gondola, you can drive partway up and get panoramic lake and mountain views.

Bastion Point, Auckland

A grassy headland overlooking Waitematā Harbour and Rangitoto Island. Easy parking and wide, open viewpoints.

Paekakariki Hill Lookout, Kāpiti Coast

An incredible elevated lookout only steps from your car, with sweeping alpine-to-ocean views.

Cape Reinga, Far North

You can drive almost right to the iconic lighthouse. The walk is short, sealed, and gentle (less than 5 minutes).

Te Toto Gorge, Raglan

A clifftop lookout accessible via a scenic rural drive that drops you right onto one of the most dramatic coastal vistas in the country.

Save Money Getting to These Lookouts

If you're trying to keep costs low, consider using a cheap car rental deal.  Imoova offers rental cars from $1-$5 per day, making viewpoint-hopping incredibly budget-friendly. We work with some of the biggest car rental companies including Jucy, Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Travellers Autobarn & Mode Rentals. They get their car relocated for cheaper than the cost of hiring a driver, and you get a significantly cheaper car rental - win win! Browse our relocations here and start planning your budget roadtrip.