An Australian Route 66?

Potential tourism and heritage trail opportunities for Australia similar to Route 66. John O'Donnell 20 March 2026

There are potential tourism and heritage trailopportunities for Australia similar to Route 66, these are outlined below after US Route 66 background information.

Introduction

In the US, Route 66 has become far more than a highway, it's a cultural symbol, an economic engine and a sought after adventure. Visitors pour into towns along the route, motels, cafés, museums and gift shops. Route 66 generates over $132 million in direct tourism spending

Australia can tap into that same opportunity.

US Route 66 information

People visiting Route 66 increase tourism numbers along the route and into the country, bringing considerable additional income to local businesses on Route 66.

U.S. Route 66 or U.S. Highway 66 (US 66 or Route 66) was one of the original highways in the United States Numbered Highway System. It was established on November 11, 1926, with road signs erected the following year.[4] The highway ran from Chicago, Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before terminating in Santa Monica, California, covering a total of 2,448 miles (3,940 km).https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_66

The map below highlights the route between Chicago and Santa Monica:

Route 66 map painted on a building

San Bernadino to Pasco section of Route 66