Highway 1 continues around the rest of Australia, joining all mainland state capitals, and connecting major centres in Tasmania.

The eastern section from Daly Waters to Queensland is designated as National Route 1.

Highway 1 was created as part of the National Route Numbering system, adopted in 1955.

The route was compiled from an existing network of state and local roads and tracks.

[3] The Northern Territory section of Highway 1 begins at the Western Australian border, east of Kununurra.