5 Aussie roadtrips to tick off your bucket list
From the magnificent outback to breathtaking beaches, Australia is charmed with natural wonders and the best way to experience it is on a road trip.
These 5 road trips are perfect for anyone, whether you’re a camping enthusiast, looking for a family vaycay or a solo traveller looking for the next adventure, a road trip is the perfect way to enjoy the stunning locations Australia has on offer.
The flexibility of hitting the road gives you the opportunity to take the journey at your own pace and enjoy every minute.
With over 60 Discovery Holiday Parks spread across Australia, you can be sure that you’ll find the perfect place to stay, relax and discover what matters.
1. Melbourne to Robe
The Great Ocean Road is a 250km stretch along the south-east coast of Australia and one of the most iconic road trips in the world. This windy, coastal drive passes majestic scenery, rugged cliff faces, lush rainforest and historic sites.
Offering spectacular views of the glittering ocean and brilliant locations – from the 12 Apostles to Loch Ard Gorge – this Australian National Heritage listed road is a must-have experience for any nature lover.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Warrnambool
Just an hour from the 12 Apostles and 30 minutes from Port Fairy, the holiday park is an ideal base to see countless natural wonders: the wildlife reserve at Tower Hill, penguin colony on Middle Island and southern right whale watching platform at Logans Beach.
2. Adelaide to Alice Springs
While our outback is usually associated with flaming red desert sands and spectacular rock formations, did you know this stunning landscape also includes underground towns, unique plant life and spectacular gemstones?
The road between Adelaide and Alice Springs is one of the easiest in the country, making it the perfect journey for the first-time road trippers. Starting in the fertile wine regions of Adelaide, this trip will take you all the way to the heart of Australia in Alice Springs.
Take a slight detour through the Clare Valley – one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, where the first grapes were planted in 1851.
Once you’ve had your sip and some rest, prepare yourself for the long journey north through Port Augusta and Coober Pedy, past Mulga trees and mountain ranges. At the end of your trip, you’ll be presented with the sight of Uluru: the largest monolith in the world. Witness all of its glory at sunset before you explore the picturesque West MacDonnell Ranges at Alice Springs.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Port Augusta
300 kilometers from Adelaide is seaside Port Augusta, located on the quiet waterways of the Spencer Gulf. Set on the backdrop of the Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta offers a range of activities.
Take on tours of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Pichi Pichi Railways, all on the doorstep of the Discovery Parks – Port Augusta.
3. Sydney to Byron Bay
Make your way up towards lush green and comfortable climes of the North Coast. Be sure to embrace the journey, with the 800km trip showing off some of Australia’s best beaches, rivers, national parks and fresh produce.
The Central Coast with its panoramic beach views and Newcastle with laneways filled with street art are worth visiting on the way.
Stretch your legs at Coffs Harbour to take a picture by the Big Banana or head to Muttonbird Island’s lookout between May and July or September to November for whale-watching.
Complete your trip with the stunning beaches and relaxed vibe of Byron Bay. The perfect combination of waterfalls up in the hinterlands and clean surf on the pristine coast make Byron a great final destination for a road trip.
Wake up early and practice yoga whilst watching the sun rise over the most easterly point of Australia, brunch at one of the many cafes along Jonson Street and end the day hanging out with the fire twirlers on the beach at sunset.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks- Harrington
Harrington is an hour south of Port Macquarie and offers the perfect combination of beach and bush settings, with the Crowdy Bay National Park right next-door to the Discovery Park.
If you’re looking for what to see and do, the staff at Discovery Parks – Harrington have the best local knowledge on where to see native animals, the best lookouts and the most picturesque picnic spots the area has to offer
4. Hervey Bay to Emerald
Hervey Bay is the gateway to the stunning, heritage listed Fraser Island – the world’s largest sand island. But that’s not the only thing Hervey Bay is famous for. It’s also one of the best locations for whale-watching, wakeboarding and coral trout fishing. When you’ve had your fill of paradise, make your way along this slice of eastern coastline to the outback town of Emerald.
Emerald is 7 hours west of Hervey Bay in the Central Highlands of Queensland, nearby the still waters of Lake Maraboon and one of the richest sapphire fields in the southern hemisphere.
Emerald is one of the biggest sunflower producers in Australia, and to celebrate, you can find the world’s biggest Van Gogh sunflower painting at 25 meters high!
Where to stay: Discovery Parks-Rockhampton
Get your dose of vitamin D in Rockhampton, which lies right on the Tropic of Capricorn and enjoys close to 300 days of sunshine a year. From the park, head up to the peak of Mount Archer and soak in the panoramic views.
Be sure to ask the friendly staff about the best place to get a steak in the beef capital and where to (safely) meet a crocodile, as they are experts in all things Rockhampton!
5. Hobart to Cradle Mountain
Packed with wild landscapes, rich history, delicious food and a laidback attitude, Tasmania is truly enchanting. The drive from Hobart to Cradle Mountain is easy on the eyes, to say the least.
Start your journey at Hobart where you can experience the bustling stalls at the Salamanca Market, then head to the dramatic pink granite peaks at Freycinet National Park and the turquoise waters of Bay of Fires. If you love to surf, make a stop at St Helens before reaching Cradle Mountain.
With expensive internal flights and lack of highways, a campervan road trip is an extremely economical option when visiting the Apple Isle.
Where to stay: Discovery Parks – Hadspen
A 15-minute drive from Launceston, the Hadspen holiday park is a short walk from wineries, national parks and family attractions. Even in winter there is plenty to do! Keep the kids entertained during the Winter School Holiday Program, whilst you take in the stunning scenery of Hadspen.
Australia is spoiled for choice, there is simply so much to see, experience and discover! Pack the car and find a pet fish sitter, because its time you take on the open road for your next holiday.
Latest News
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.
Singapore Airlines grows group passenger traffic by 13.9% for March
This is one of the few situations where an increase in traffic is a good thing.
Number of Aussies going on cruises beats pre-pandemic levels
To be honest, if being stuck inside for two years doesn't give you the travel bug, then nothing will.
Vietjet slashes prices on flights across Vietnam, India & Australia
You can now fly to Vietnam for less money than a night out in Sydney or Melbourne. Time to reconsider the budget.
The Australian Hotels Association (WA) names accommodation excellence award winners
Think blowing up the airbed for your mate qualifies as accommodation excellence? Think again.
Abercrombie & Kent launches Peruvian riverboat tour
If you think being left at a port is scary? Imagine being stuck in the Amazon.
Club Med Bali reveals last-minute group travel deal
If you haven't frolicked across a beach in Bali with your colleagues have you even lived?
Regent Seven Seas Cruises grows sales team across Australia & New Zealand
It is only Monday and Regent Seven Seas Cruises is already announcing hires. Great stuff!
Out of the Ordinary Outback offers caravanners and campers a free night
It's the perfect getaway if your neighbours are starting to drive you a little insane.
Luxury Escapes reveals third signature series tour with Miguel Maestre
We would recommend reading this after lunch, otherwise you risk slobbering at your desk.