Australia’s ultimate road trip pit stops revealed

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
hero media
From the best sausage rolls and surf clubs to finger buns worth the drive, discover Australia’s top road trip pit stops as crowned by Wotif’s 2024 Uniquely Aussie Awards.

Australians famously love a road trip, jumping at any chance to explore a new nook of our vast, beautiful country. And as we head into the warmer months of the year, Wotif has announced the winners of its 2024 Uniquely Aussie Awards, offering some exciting new inspiration for your summer road trips.

From mouth-watering sausage rolls and beachside surf clubs to finger buns that are worth the detour, these are the pit stops every road tripper needs to know about.

The best sausage roll; a flaky, golden masterpiece

Flaky, golden and packed with flavour, the best sausage roll in Australia can be found at Kenilworth Bakery, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Not only is this iconic bakery known for its mouth-watering sausage rolls, but adventurous foodies can take on the one-kilogram sausage roll challenge – finish it in one go and get your money back!

Sausage rolls from Kenilworth Bakery
Stop in at Kenilworth Bakery for the best sausage roll in Australia.

Jaw-dropping views at the best lookout point

For a view that will take your breath away, head to Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet, Tasmania. A scenic 1.3-kilometre trek leads you to this stunning vantage point, where crystal-clear waters meet a perfect crescent of white sand. Keep an eye out for dolphins or even whales as you soak in one of Australia’s most iconic views.

Wineglass Bay Track Lookout in Freycinet, Tasmania
Wander the scenic 1.3-kilometre trek to reach Wineglass Bay Lookout. (Image: Chad Dewson)

Sip in style at the best hotel bar

Sip in style at the Terrace Rooftop Bar, one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, perched atop the Emporium Hotel South Bank. With its retractable ceiling and panoramic city views, this architectural wonder offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the expansive vistas that stretch out to the South Bank Parklands – this is the ultimate pit stop for those who appreciate a drink with a view.

the Terrace Rooftop Bar at the Emporium Hotel South Bank.
The Terrace Rooftop Bar is one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Best finger bun: A must-try sweet treat

Humble Bakery in Sydney has redefined the classic Aussie finger bun with its decadent take on this nostalgic treat. Featuring a dreamy pink cream cheese frosting and a buttery finish from locally sourced ingredients, this gourmet version is a must-try. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, one bite of this finger bun will leave you craving more.

Finger bun from Humble Bakery
Devour this nostalgic treat at Humble Bakery.

Soak in the beach vibes at the best surf club

As the first surf lifesaving club in South Australia, Henley Surf Life Saving Club in Henley Beach is a true icon. With its stunning Ocean Bar and Kitchen helmed by celebrity chef Adam Swanson, you can enjoy locally sourced Italian-inspired dishes while gazing out over the water. This community-driven club offers family-friendly vibes and unforgettable sunsets, making it a perfect coastal pit stop.

Henley Surf Life Saving Club table set nicely
Henley Surf Life Saving Club was the first surf lifesaving club in SA.

Learn about history at the best regional museum

The National Wool Museum in Geelong, Victoria, offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s rich wool history. Housed in a former wool store, this museum showcases everything from the production process to the final product. After exploring, head to the museum’s shop for high-quality woollen goods, or take a stroll along the nearby waterfront for a relaxing afternoon stop.

National Wool Museum exterior
The National Wool Museum showcases everything from the production process to the final product.

Discover 100 of Australia’s most spectacular road trips.

Want to see more stories from Australian Traveller in your Google search results?

  1. Click here to set Australian Traveller as a preferred source.
  2. Tick the box next to "Australian Traveller". That's it.
Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her 4+ years at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? South Australia and The Kimberley.
View profile and articles
Qantas aircraft wing during flight
Australia

Qantas just put 2 million seats on sale – here’s where the value is

Your time to fly business has come.

Read more
anthem of the seas in sydney harbour
Australia

Royal Caribbean announces 3 ships for Australia’s 2027 summer

It's time to start planning your 2027/2028 summer adventure.

Read more
Perseids meteor shower
Australia

The lucky few cities that’ll catch the Perseid meteor shower this week

Get ready – the Perseid meteor shower is just around the corner.

Read more
jetstar carry-on luggage fees
Australia

Jetstar to charge for overhead carry-on baggage, a move that’s illegal overseas

In a controversial overhaul of its carry-on policies, Jetstar will charge fees from $25 for carry-on luggage stored in the overhead lockers from 2027.

Read more
hero media

8 experiences to get the most out of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

    Louis Costello Louis Costello
    Continue
    Beyond the winding bitumen and coastal views lies another side to Victoria’s most famous route.

    There’s something hypnotic about this stretch of Victoria’s coast. Maybe it’s the way the road hugs the ocean so tightly, or how the cliffs catch the sun in colours you can’t name. Or, for local Victorians who drove this route as kids, maybe it’s the memories of winding through the impossibly tall trees as they seemingly guide you on your journey like wooden guardian angels. Most travellers know it for the 12 Apostles, but there are plenty of alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road equally as worthy of your time.

    So, next time you’re in that neck of the woods, park that car, stretch those legs and try these experiences.

    1. Discover living culture at Budj Bim

    Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism
    Walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Breakaway Creek’s Budj Bim Cultural Landscape is a masterclass in educational storytelling. Join a guided tour with Budj Bim Cultural Landscape Tourism to walk across the world’s oldest known aquaculture system, where the Gunditjmara people built sophisticated eel traps and stone channels more than 6,000 years ago.

    Budj Bim’s aquaculture system predates Egypt’s pyramids by roughly 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest examples of human engineering on Earth. If that’s not enough to get your history-loving family members involved in this road trip, we’re out of ideas.

    2. Unwind in the hot springs at Warnambool

    woman relaxing at Deep Blue Hot Springs
    Let mineral-rich water heal you.

    If your legs need a break after a long drive, Deep Blue Hot Springs is your remedy. The geothermal pools sit just metres from the coastline, filled with mineral-rich water that bubbles up from deep underground. Move between open-air baths, waterfall pools and quiet zones made for meditation.

    The water in Deep Blue’s geothermal pools comes from an ancient aquifer nearly 850 metres below the Earth’s surface, which, in non-scientific terms, means it’s far more likely to have healing properties than the mineral water you’d find at the supermarket.

    3. Take to the air at Princetown

    12 Apostles Helicopters flight alternate experiences on the Great Ocean Road
    See an icon from a different view.

    You may have seen the Twelve Apostles from the trusty viewing platform, but a helicopter flight with 12 Apostles Helicopters shows you just how sprawling and rugged this coastline really is.

    The trip covers everything from Port Campbell to London Bridge (not to be confused with the UK’s own), giving you a rare chance to watch waves carving the limestone cliffs from above. It’s worth noting that the limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles are said to erode by roughly two centimetres each year, so the longer you leave it, the less of the Apostles you’ll see.

    4. Step into the past at Flagstaff Hill

    Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum
    Visit a time of yore.

    Continue the tour through Warnambool at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village and Museum, a recreated 19th-century port town. Hear stories from the days when shipwrecks were as common as seagulls, with an astounding 180 ships believed to have sunk along the Shipwreck Coast in less than five years.

    The night show, complete with lights, sound, and sea spray, brings the coastline’s most dramatic stories to life.

    If you’re staying the night, Simon’s Waterfront offers relaxed dining with fresh local seafood and oceanfront views. Order the catch of the day and toast to the sailors who never made it ashore.

    5. Learn to surf in Torquay, Lorne, or Anglesea

    kid having a lesson with Go Ride A Wave
    Learn how to hang 10. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Whether you’ve surfed before or can barely stand on a board, Go Ride A Wave will have you upright in no time. Torquay’s calm beaches are ideal for first-timers, while Lorne and Anglesea bring a bit more energy for those unafraid to get dunked.

    Bells Beach, just down the road from Torquay, has even hosted the world’s longest-running professional surfing competition since 1962. So, for those eager to have a gander at pros using surfboards like they’re an additional appendage, the competition usually runs sometime in autumn.

    6. Tackle the trails in Forrest

    Barwon Flow Trails Otways Flow MTB
    Hire a bike and explore MTB trails through the Otways.

    Forrest is a haven for mountain bikers thanks to an expansive network of trails through stunning natural scenery. The Forrest trail network has almost 100 kilometres of singletrack across 36 trails, so there’s something for every level of rider. That’s including more than 60 kilometres of purpose-built mountain bike trails winding through the Otways’ dense forest. Cycle through ancient myrtle beech trees and towering tree ferns, with smaller ferns and soft mosses forming a carpet at your feet.

    Hire a bike from Forrest MTB Hire and take your pick from easy, scenic rides to more challenging singletracks, such as Red Carpet or Rollercoaster.

    7. See wildlife up close in Apollo Bay

    bush rat on Wildlife Wonders tour
    Get help spotting the locals. (Image: Doug Gimsey)

    If spotting koalas and kangaroos in the wild feels like winning the lottery, Wildlife Wonders gives you guaranteed sightings without cages or crowds. Every visit to the sanctuary helps fund the Conservation Ecology Centre which supports endangered species across the Otways, so your business is appreciated by humans and animals alike.

    The guided walk takes you through protected Otways habitat where you might spot potoroos (or joey lookalikes for those unfamiliar with a potoroo), wallabies, and sleepy koalas lounging in the trees.

    8. Visit the Cape Otway Lightstation

    Cape Otway Lightstation
    Delve into the tales of Cape Otway Lightstation.

    Towering over the sea on a cliff above the Southern Ocean, Cape Otway Lightstation has been guiding ships since 1848. Before the lighthouse was built, Cape Otway was one of the most treacherous points on the Victorian coast, with dozens of shipwrecks occurring in its surrounding waters. Pick the right day, and you may bump into a local willing to tell you about the wreck of Eric the Red.

    While at the Cape Otway Lightstation, explore the keeper’s quarters, walk the coastal trails, and take in views that only stop short at the horizon.

    And no, contrary to popular belief, the Round the Twist lighthouse is actually located in Split Point, just shy of two hours in the direction of Melbourne. Nothing’s stopping you from embarking on a lighthouse crawl, though.

    Plan your next no-stone-unturned journey along this iconic Aussie road at visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.