The great Aussie road trip is a classic. But with the cost of living steeply escalating, thrifty travellers are swapping far-flung vacations for the wide-open road. Here’s where they’re headed.
When it comes to road trips, Australia is truly blessed. There are seemingly endless roads that wind through breathtaking landscapes, from the expansive coast to the iconic red outback. And in an era of rising living costs, budget-savvy travellers can embrace campsites, caravan parks and apps like Hipcamp to explore the country without breaking the bank.
Youi surveyed over 2000 Aussies to uncover our road trip habits and our favourite destinations. We’ve broken down the top travel trends, destinations and findings below.
Top road trip travel trends
Go road-tripping on the iconic Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
There’s a lot of ground to cover on an Aussie road trip. Half of us racked up over 500 kilometres on the odometer on our last journey, while a quarter of us logged an incredible 17 hours or more behind the wheel. For a third of respondents, budget was a factor in choosing a road trip. On average, their most recent trip cost $1108, covering fuel, accommodation, meals and entertainment.
Baby Boomers proved to be the most intrepid road trippers, travelling longer, driving further and veering off the beaten path more often. While 20 per cent of all respondents travelled over 1000 kilometres, that figure jumped to 32 per cent for Boomers.
Top road trip destinations
On the Great Ocean Road, a string of perfect coastal towns is threaded together by breathtaking scenery. (Image: Getty/Alexwise)
Queenslanders proved to be the biggest road trippers in the country, with 33 per cent spending over 17 hours on their most recent journey.
As for the top road trip overall, it’s no surprise that a classic took the crown: Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. An impressive 39 per cent of respondents named it their favourite. Among Victorians, 63 per cent chose the iconic route, while 45 per cent of South Australians also ranked it as their top pick.
Perth to Esperance is a favourite Australian road trip. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Meanwhile, travellers from New South Wales singled out the Sydney to Brissy drive as their go-to. 43 per cent of Queenslanders awarded top gong to outback Queensland, whereas West Australians ranked the Perth to Esperance route as their favourite.
Wherever you are, Youi has teamed up with Hipcamp to bring travellers five epic, unsung road trip itineraries across Australia, in the states of NSW, Victoria, Queensland, SA and WA that celebrate the beauty, vastness and diversity of the landscape. It’s time to hit the road!
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Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
Tasmania’s crisp clear air, misty mountains, lakes and ancient forests beckon as winter approaches.
Travelling in the off season has many benefits, none more so in Tasmania, where it’s uncrowded and uncomplicated. Ease into winter with a getaway that spells relaxing with a glass of wine or local whisky, bathing under the stars, or gazing at reflections in pristine waters. Add fireside dining, wilderness walks, after-dark gallery visits and plenty of history and you’ve got a curated winter escape designed to make travelling in the quieter months of the year even more rewarding. NRMA Parks and Resorts’ Off Season Signature Packages across Tasmania (plus 10 per cent off for members) make all these things possible.
Cosy up at Cradle Mountain
Immerse into the wilderness at Cradle Mountain Hotel.
For an alpine wilderness experience like no other, chose Cradle Mountain Hotel for a winter getaway. You may even wake up to gently falling snow. Explore nearby Dove Lake, gaze at Cradle Mountain is and listen to the gush of waterfalls.
As Cradle Mountain works its charm, slow down to enjoy the crisp alpine air away from the hustle of the city. There are no crowds here, just serenity and the chance to recalibrate.
Cradle Mountain’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a bottle of wine (Retreat rom bookings only) and off-season dessert with dinner. Then sip on mulled wine as you wander through the Wilderness Gallery admiring the work of Tasmanian artists.
Finding the flavours of Freycinet
Stay at the only accommodation within beautiful Freycinet National Park.
As the only accommodation within Freycinet National Park, among the many reasons for staying at Freycinet Lodge is its easy access to stunning Wineglass Bay, Mt Amos and Honeymoon Bay.
By day it’s the place for communing with nature, taking hikes in some of Tasmania’s most beautiful locations. By night, savour the regional seasonal flavours of the east coast, sip mulled wine to keep out the chill and gaze up at the star-studded skies. This is slow coastal indulgence at its best.
Freycinet Lodge’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast daily, a hosted Flavours of the East Coast food and wine tasting experience and mulled wine under the stars, or beside the fire, after dinner.
Escape to lakeside Pumphouse Point
Stay cosy while looking out onto Lake St Clair.
Set on the edge of beautiful Lake St Clair in native bushland in the heart of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, Pumphouse Point has launched a new era for its boutique accommodation with the opening of two new luxury retreat rooms last October.
Each of the trio of rooms are thoughtfully designed, with an indoor fireplace and deep-soak bathtub, both perfect for a winter escape. This retreat offers dining and an expanded collection of hosted experiences, including a guided tour to learn more about this historic place, chocolate tastings and whisky tasting from local artisans – with more to come later in the season.
Borrow an e-bike and explore on your own, throw a line in, head off for a hike in the ancient forests that surround the lake, book a relaxing massage, or just settle in for an evening by the fire as the lake works its own magic.
Pumphouse Point’s Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, breakfast, larder lunch and dinner, a bottle of wine with dinner each night, and a chocolate or whisky tasting experience, as well as two $50 massage vouchers.
Slow down in Strahan Village
Explore UNESCO world heritage wilderness.
As the gateway to UNESCO world heritage wilderness, picturesque Strahan Village is the ideal base for exploring Tassie’s west coast. With a wide range of accommodation choices, from cosy waterfront colonial-style cottages to hotel rooms with sweeping views over Macquarie Harbour, it’s the perfect place for slow travel.
Join Gordon River Cruises to explore ancient wilderness and magical reflections on the Gordon River, wander through the village at your own pace or hire a bike to discover local secrets and attractions, including the iconic West Coast Wilderness Railway. Thrill-seekers can hire taboggans to hit the towering Henty Dunes.
Glamp under the stars at Port Arthur Holiday Park.
Spend your evenings glamping under the stars and your days stepping back in time as you explore the captivating stories of the World Heritage listed Port Arthur Historic Site. Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for exploring the Tasman Peninsula and uncovering the stories of Australia’s colonial and convict past.
Surrounded by nature and history, this off-season escape has the all the makings of an unforgettable getaway. All glamping tents are heated to keep you warm during the off-season months when the nights get a little cooler, and have private bathrooms. Stargazing tents have the added luxury of an outdoor bath on the verandah.
The Port Arthur Off Season Signature Package includes two or more nights’ accommodation, a Port Arthur Historic Site tour for two and 10 per cent discount for dining at local restaurant On The Bay during your stay.
