9 scenic road trip getaways to plan this year

From scenic-rich coastal routes to the remote red-dirt tracks of the outback and gentle country drives past silo art or waterfalls, it’s time to pack the car and mark the map to see all the beauty and quirks of Australia by road.

1. Pacific Coast Way, Qld

You’ll need at least a week – if not more – to make the most of this epic 1800-kilometre journey from the Gold Coast to Cairns. Drive from the buzzy beachside hub of Surfers Paradise to the arts and culture capital of Brisbane and onto Sunshine Coast gems such as Noosa, where golden beaches and coveted surf breaks await. Stop at whale-watching hotspot Hervey Bay, historic cities like Bundaberg, then drive along the stunning Whitsunday Coast to Cairns. It’s a journey across Queensland’s cities, country and coast, topping it off where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics.

wallabies at Cape Hillsborough — Wallabies at Cape Hillsborough. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Jack Harlem)

2. Victoria’s silo art trail

The Silo Art Movement, which began in 2015, captures the unwavering spirit of regional Australia. The cultural and artistic phenomenon now includes more than 50 artworks across the country, 23 of which are located within Victoria – across the Grampians, Murray, High Country and Goldfields regions. Renowned street artists have transformed wheat silos into captivating murals, from a Second World War tribute in Walpeup to portraits of Indigenous Elders in Sheep Hills and a homage to Clydesdale horses in Goorambat. Add them to your itinerary on your next regional road trip.

Admire silo art in rural Victoria, such as *Brim* by Guido van Helten. (Image: Anne Morely)

3. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

This coastal drive is an Australian rite of passage, winding 243 kilometres along Victoria’s coast. Take in rainforest, clifftops and natural wonders that have been carved out by the wild Southern Ocean – including the Twelve Apostles, Lord Ard Gorge, the Island Archway and the Gibson Steps. If you’re only driving in one direction, start your journey in Torquay, so you’re on the ocean side of the road, making it easier to steer towards scenic lookouts. Make sure you carve out time to explore vibrant Warrnambool at the Great Ocean Road’s western end, too.

an aerial view of the Great Ocean Road — Tick off the iconic Great Ocean Road. (Image: Unsplash/Pat Whelen)

4. The Red Centre, NT

Uluṟu captures the attention of most travellers to the Red Centre, and rightly so. But you can see this iconic monolith and more on a five-day 4WD loop along the Red Centre Way from Alice Springs. Drive to West MacDonnell National Park to see its landscape of chasms, gorges and waterholes; walk the rim of the 100-metre-high red sandstone Kings Canyon; and, of course, spend time at inimitable Uluṟu and neighbouring Kata Tjuta before returning to where you began. Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon , Discovery Parks – Alice Springs and Ayers Rock Resort all make for comfortable crash pads along the way.

the view of Kings Canyon — Hit the road in the Red Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

5. Grand Pacific Drive, NSW

Travelling with: Rachael Thompson

Stretching along the dramatic cliffs of the NSW South Coast from Sydney’s Royal National Park in the Sutherland Shire to the Shoalhaven region, the Grand Pacific Drive is one of Australia’s most scenic routes, offering breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and rugged landscapes. Cruise the coast in an all-electric car, such as the sleek Porsche Macan, enjoying zero-emission travel as you pass through charming towns like Shellharbour and Milton. Stop to explore iconic landmarks, including the Sea Cliff Bridge and Kiama Blowhole, discovering idyllic beaches and hidden waterfalls along the way.

the Grand Pacific Drive as seen from above — Skirt the coast on the Grand Pacific Drive. (Image: Destination NSW/Tim Clark)

6. The EV Network, WA

Western Australia is now home to one of the world’s longest connected electric vehicle charging highways. EV drivers have access to 110 charging points in 49 locations on the WA EV Network, from Mundrabilla near the SA border, throughout the outback and along the coast, to Kununurra in the Kimberley. Conscious car owners can now explore Western Australia’s dreamy landscape more sustainably with the assurance you can charge up when needed.

scenic coastal views at the EV Network, WA — Explore WA’s new EV network.

7. Tasmania by coach

Travelling with: Katie Carlin

AAT Kings has packed the very best of Tasmania into one five-day coach trip along the state’s east coast from Launceston to Hobart. And the best part? You don’t have to share the driving. Highlights include Cataract Gorge, the purple fields of Bridestowe Lavender Estate, a face-to-face encounter with a Tassie devil, plus a rolling hit list of the state’s best towns and a walk to Wineglass Bay Lookout. The journey ends on a high with an optional lap around Australia’s oldest lighthouse with Pennicott Wilderness Journeys .

a scenic view of Wineglass Bay, Freycinet Peninsula — Wineglass Bay features a perfect crescent of white sand. (Image: Tourism Tasmania)

8. Waterfall Way, NSW

The scenic Waterfall Way winds for some 185 kilometres between Coffs Harbour and Armidale in NSW. Drop a few pins on your map app so you can stop and listen to the perpetual roar of the water tumbling down through trees, over rocks and into valleys. Wind through woodlands, rolling farmland and national parks to find wondrous waterfalls such as the not-to-be-missed Wollomombi Gorge. While you can cover the entire distance in about 2.5 hours, watching the churning waters send spumes skyward makes for a dramatic detour to your road trip.

the Crystal Shower Falls, Waterfall Way, NSW — The stunning Dangar Falls in Dorrigo National Park. (Image: Destination NSW/Pat Suraseang)

9. Gibb River Road, WA

The 660-kilometre Gibb River Road cuts through the belly of WA’s Kimberley from Derby to Wyndham via epic spots such as El Questro. The remote 4WD trail was constructed in the 1960s to transport cattle stock and includes dirt tracks and river crossings. Drivers need to be prepared, as there are very few petrol stations. But they also need to be armed with a sense of adventure to discover attractions such as ancient gorges, thundering waterfalls, sacred Aboriginal sites and rock art, sprawling outback cattle stations and a unique pioneering history. Expect to meet some fascinating local characters along the way.

an aerial view of the El Questro Station — The legendary El Questro Station is surrounded by dramatic gorges. (Image: Getty Images/Istock Photo/Mackenzie Sweetnam)

From geothermal pools and luxury spa sanctuaries, Victoria’s mineral-rich waters and restorative landscapes offer total renewal.

I pass waving coastal spear-grass and coast saltbush as I follow the curving path through 15 hectares of thoughtfully curated gardens at the Mornington Peninsula’s Alba Thermal Springs & Spa . I hang my robe at the entrance and slip into the first sunken geothermal pool I find – feeling the tension from the 90-minute drive from Melbourne melt away as I watch steam dance across the surface in the late afternoon light. There are 31 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and botanical, that range in temperature and design, spread over six regions.

a woman relaxing at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula — Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Visit Victoria)

I gravitate toward The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. But it’s Alba’s brand-new Sanctuary that really elevates the experience. The five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025 and feature an indoor fireplace, oversized bathtub with views across the bay, a deck and extensive all-inclusive (minus the cocktails) mini-bar.

After dining at Alba’s Thyme restaurant, I return to my villa, content to fall asleep early listening to the fire crackle, feeling thoroughly restored. While Alba is one of the newest in the region, it’s certainly not the only place to enjoy a soothing soak. Here are others to book for a wellness weekend.

Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa

A woman bathes in the new Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa private bathing room with marble tiled walls — The marble private bathing room is one of five new designs. (Image: Supplied)

Nestled in the Daylesford region, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has been welcoming guests to its historic bathhouse for 130 years. With a $1.7 million renovation now complete (part of the 21st season of Channel 9’s The Block), find five new private bathing rooms, an apothecary experience where guests blend a custom body scrub and all-new spa treatment menu.

There are three bathing areas: Bathhouse for communal bathing for all ages, adults-only Sanctuary and a private bathing space for a personalised experience – try the skin-softening Mineral Milk Bath.

Lake House Daylesford

Inciting deep exhales, the spa at Alla Wolf-Tasker’s iconic Lake House has long been a beacon of wellness in the region. Tucked into the cottage gardens that wind down to the lake’s edge, the spa is beautifully and deliberately cloistered away from guests and diners visiting the celebrated on-site restaurant.

From Ayurvedic facials and hydrotherapy that makes use of Daylesford’s mineral waters, to cocooning thermal rituals and massage, treatments here promote tranquillity. While a day spa experience is delightful on its own, staying on the property adds a luxe layer to your corporeal renewal, especially if you’re in your own private spa villa.

Metung Hot Springs

Imagine immersing yourself in a barrel overflowing with geothermal water, all while taking in views of Gippsland Lakes. It’s one of several unique bathing experiences available at Metung Hot Springs .

There’s also a floating sauna and a Reflexology Walk constructed with carefully placed stones designed to stimulate the acupressure points in your feet as you walk. The 12-hectare site opened in 2022 with three bathing areas – Bathing Ridge, Lagoon Precinct and Hilltop Escarpment – and premium glamping tents that feature king-size beds and private bathing barrels.

Four more blissful day spas to visit

Lon Retreat & Spa is an award-winning, adults-only retreat on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs features sensory caves and cleansing waterfalls in Warrnambool.

Peninsula Hot Springs renews with 70 bathing and wellness experiences.

The Benev is an indulgent spa and luxury accommodation in Beechworth.

the Peninsula Hot Springs — Bathe in beautiful surroundings at Peninsula Hot Springs. (Image: Tourism Australia/Harry Pope/Two Palms)