10 road trip wonders to entice you around Australia

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Set off into SA’s rugged red wilderness in search of adventure, swap bitumen for sand on the Sunshine Coast and toast to the freedom of the open road in Victoria’s High Country.

Australia is made for road trips, with endless open roads leading to breathtaking landscapes, quirky attractions and unforgettable experiences. From coastal drives to rugged outback adventures, these 10 road trip wonders showcase the best of the country and offer inspiration for your next journey on the open road.

1. Adelaide to Birdsville (and beyond)

Travelling with: Steve Madgwick

South Australia has some of the country’s most accessible outback but also some of its most fabled. This choose-your-own-adventure, 4WD-only journey begins in earnest in the southern Flinders Ranges. Your options are as wide as your time and budget.

Stop at Ikara/Wilpena Pound for big-payoff hikes. Check out fossils of earliest-known life at Nilpena Ediacara National Park. Side-trip to Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary for a ridgetop sleepout and yellow-footed rock-wallaby spotting. Appreciate the ancient and modern cultures of the Adnyamathanha on an Elder-led tour at Nepabunna.

If you’re truly prepped for the outback, you can explore either the Birdsville or Strzelecki (via Innamincka) tracks northwards, all the way to that mythical outback pub (and beyond).

an aerial view of a 4WD driving along Flinders Ranges
Journey through the Flinders Ranges in a 4WD. (Image: Emilie Ristevski)

2. Great Ocean Road, Vic

Travelling with: Megan Arkinstall

As far as road trips go, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road has earned its icon status. The 240-kilometre stretch that follows the windswept Southern Ocean was built as a utilitarian memorial to First World War servicemen.

the rock stacks at the 12 Apostles
Marvel at the 12 Apostles limestone stacks off the coast of Port Campbell National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Start your road trip in world-renowned surfing mecca Bells Beach, so the ocean is to your left for the best views. Take your time with stops in quaint towns such as Lorne and Apollo Bay. Add in detours to see the lush rainforest and waterfalls of the Otways, before reaching the star attraction, the 12 Apostles.

But don’t stop there: the charming fishing village of Port Fairy and historic Warrnambool on the western Shipwreck Coast are worth the extra kilometres.

an aerial view of the beach by the Great Ocean Road
Wind down the Great Ocean Road for the best views. (Image: Salty Wings)

3. Waterfall Way, NSW

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Waterfall Way provides nature-lovers with a multitude of reasons to celebrate NSW’s Mid North Coast wilderness. The 185-kilometre-long road trip stretches from the New England highlands all the way to the Coffs Coast through rolling farmland and five national parks.

a bird's-eye view of Wollomombi Falls, NSW
Go chase the Wollomombi Falls. (Image: Destination NSW)

You’ll find nature doing her thing everywhere from the well-known Wollomombi Falls, the highest in NSW, to scenic Ebor Falls, which cascades over tiered columns of granite into a rugged gorge.

The more secluded Tristania Falls in Dorrigo National Park is another waterfall worth chasing.

the Wollomombi Falls in NSW
Wollomombi Falls is the highest waterfall in NSW. (Image: Destination NSW)

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4. Silo Art Trail, Vic

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Australia’s largest outdoor gallery bounces between silo towers in Brim all the way to Horsham in the Grampians/Gariwerd (itself prime road trip country). The scale of the structures alone makes the Silo Art Trail one of Victoria’s iconic attractions.

The murals provide visitors with a window into the Wimmera Mallee region. Driving from Melbourne, the trail starts in Rupanyup where Russian mural artist Julia Volchkova depicts youth culture in rural Victoria in a stunning artwork that wraps around the curved walls of concrete.

the youth mural of Julia Volchkova in rural Victoria
Russian mural artist Julia Volchkova depicts youth culture in rural Victoria. (Image: Anne Preston)

5. Great Beach Drive, Qld

Travelling with: Steve Madgwick

The Great Beach Drive is the Promised Sand for 4WDers, from novices to know-it-alls. The 380-kilometre (off)road trip starts north of Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

the burnt orange sand cliffs near Rainbow Beach
Count the hues of hyper-coloured sand cliffs near Rainbow Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Deflate your tyres and hum along 60km/h sections of Teewah Beach’s hard sand. Count the hues of hyper-coloured sand cliffs near Rainbow Beach. Stay a day or two to drink in Rainbow’s small-town lack-of-attitude and check out Carlo Sandblow. Summon all your 4WDing aptitude to negotiate Inskip Point’s narrow finger of land while boarding the K’gari-bound ferry.

Then explore this extraordinary island for as long as your annual leave allows, before ferrying over to Hervey Bay (two hours tarmac drive back to Noosa). Check tides, ferry times and permits at the Great Sandy Information Centre in Tewantin.

a couple walking on Carlo Sandblow
Walk barefoot on the 15-hectare Carlo Sandblow. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

6. Prosecco Road, Vic

Travelling with: Jo Stewart

Fans of drinking Australian fizz would be familiar with the King Valley, the country’s home of prosecco.

two females wine tasting at Dal Zotto wines on Prosecco Road
Sample Dal Zotto wines on Prosecco Road. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Many of the nation’s most renowned and productive prosecco producers – including Brown Brothers, Dal Zotto and Pizzini Wines – are linked by a picturesque stretch known as ‘Prosecco Road’.

Use your car or hire an e-bike to experience tastings, pairing masterclasses, long lunches or even yoga in the vines in this welcoming corner of Victoria’s High Country, where you’ll be bowled over by cracking-good sparkling wines and old-fashioned Australian hospitality.

the winery exterior of Pizzini Wines
The family-owned Pizzini Wines specialises in Italian wines. (Image: Tourism Australia)

7. Cairns to Cape York, Qld

Travelling with: Katie Carlin

Bounce along red-dirt tracks to meet creek crossings guarded by waiting crocodiles. Spot termite mounds the size of trees. Swim under thundering waterfalls. Tuck into a meal at a roadhouse. Embrace a station stay. And experience the merging of two First Nations cultures on Country en route to the northernmost point of the Australian continent – Pajinka.

The route is more than 1400 kilometres from Cairns to Cape York via Cooktown, but the journey is unlike anything else in Australia.

a 4WD driving along Cape York Peninsula, Qld
Drive the red dirt tracks of the Cape York Peninsula. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

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8. Tassie’s Tasting Trail

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The North East and North West regions of Tasmania are gearing up to be some of Australia’s top gourmet destinations. Tailor an itinerary to your taste using the interactive maps and itineraries for the area’s self-guided Tasting Trail, which starts outside Launceston and stops in Smithton.

a close-up of a hand full of green grains at Seven Sheds, Tasmania
Seven Sheds harvest fresh green grains for brewing. (Image: Ness Vanderburgh)

All up, there are more than 50 makers dotted along the trail producing everything from artisan cheeses to chocolate, olives, honey, beer, wine and cider.

the Truffle Farm in Tasmania
Go truffle hunting at The Truffle Farm Tasmania. (Image: Ness Vanderburgh)

9. Savannah Way

Travelling with: Kassia Byrnes

Scrubby trees give way to Australia’s iconic red soil, signalling a change from the dense bushland of coastal north Queensland to the rolling hills and dramatic gorges of the outback.

a bird's-eye view of the Burketown River
Burketown River snakes through the Savannah Way. (Image: Tourism Australia)

This is the Savannah Way, a 3700-kilometre stretch of road from Cairns to Broome. While not as well known as other iconic Aussie road trips, it boasts more stops of natural beauty and significance than most.

See the world’s longest lava tube system, paddle Cobbold Gorge, enjoy incredible views of Nitmiluk Gorge, stargaze in Burketown and end your trip watching the sky change colour at sunset over Broome’s Cable Beach.

an aerial view of Nitmiluk Gorge, NT
Enjoy incredible views of Nitmiluk Gorge. (Image: Sean Scott)

10. Gibb River Road, WA

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Far from the humdrum of the highway, the 660-kilometre Gibb River Road beckons as one of Australia’s great four-wheel-drive routes.

Start creating your #roadtripping playlist, as joining the dots between Derby and Kununurra through the captivating Kimberley wilderness can take up to three weeks to complete.

driving the Gibb River Road
Take your four-wheel drive to the next level on Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

The ragged ribbon of mostly unsealed road is one small section of the Savannah Way, which crosses the country from the north of WA to Queensland.

Time your outback odyssey with wildflower season when bursts of colour are knitted to the earth.

the Gibb River Road in WA
Go road tripping on the iconic Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Keep reading our 100 Australian Wonders series; from road trips, outback and cultural wonders to foodie wonders and many more.
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6 nature-based experiences to prove the Bendigo region comes alive in autumn

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
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    A change is as good as a holiday, but never more so than in the Bendigo region when it’s the seasons putting in the transformative work.

    With its gold rush history, opulent architecture and booming food and wine industry, there’s no denying that the Bendigo region is beautiful to visit at any time of year. Visit between March and May, however, and you’ll find the Bendigo in autumn really comes alive. Foliage erupts in a canvas of golden colours and the cooling air makes immersing yourself in nature all the more enticing.

    Need a few ideas to get you started? We’re so glad you asked.

    1. Tackle the bike trails

    Pink Cliffs Reserve
    Pink Cliffs Reserve in Heathcote can be seen on the O’Keefe Rail Trail. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Godfrey)

    Welcome to a region that punches well above its weight when it comes to cycling. This is where hammies are tested on multi-day rides, and first-timers fall in love with the sport on short (and ridiculously pretty) trails.

    The 49-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail is the headline act, following the old railway line between Bendigo and Heathcote. Cross the Campaspe River at Axedale Recreation Reserve and pause at the Platypus Compass Sculpture and the First Nations mural marking the connection between Djaara and Taungurung Country, with Axedale acting as the perfect halfway stop to refuel at a pub or cafe.

    Pedal a little further Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve to be rewarded with views of sculpted pink clay cliffs and narrow gorges that are perfect for a photo stop. Searching for a different type of reward? The Heatchote Wine Region is full of inviting cellar doors.

    There are plenty of other options in the Bendigo region, from the 210-kilometre Goldfields Track, to the Bendigo Creek Trail and Back Creek Trail – both ideal for riders of all abilities. The 3.7 kilometre Little Lake Boort loop is a great family-friendly option.

    Prefer something more adventurous? Spring Gully Mountain Bike Park has been keeping BMX Bandits’ dreams alive for years.

    2. Enjoy the crunch of autumn leaves

    two people having a picnic at Valley of Liquidambers heathcote
    Pack a picnic and head to the Valley of Liquidambers.

    Blinding clusters of crimson, burnt orange and brilliant yellow; here, autumn leaves are crisp confetti of fire and gold. See the magic up close with a slew of parks seemingly dedicated to showcasing Mother Nature’s colour wheel, especially from mid April to early June.

    Pack a picnic for an afternoon at Valley of Liquidambers in Heathcote, where Liquidamber trees transform into a wonderworld of magical foliage. Don’t miss taking a leisurely stroll across the swinging bridge back towards the main street.

    Rosalind Park might be celebrated for its annual tulip display come springtime, but it’s hard to compete with the theatre of autumn. Here, many trees date back to the 1800s, and there’s no better place for a romantic stroll than along the elms, oak and Queensland Kauri that dominate this park.

    Head straight to Lake Weeroona, where an ornamental lake begs for a leisurely lap around its edges, either on foot, or with pedal power.

    3. Immerse yourself in First Nations culture

    woman exploring Kooyoora State Park with guides
    Explore Kooyoora State Park on a cultural tour.

    Its ‘Mountain of Light’ (Guyura in the Dja Dja Wurrung language) title is impressive, but so too is Kooyoora State Park’s rugged landscape of granite outcrops, rocky ridgelines and wide-open skies.

    While there’s nothing to suggest you couldn’t explore Kooyoora’s walking tracks on your own, the best way to understand the 40,000 years of history behind its natural wonders is to book a 2.5-hour Kooyoora Cultural Tour with Dumawul Tours.

    Led by Djaara cultural guides, expect a traditional Welcome to Country smoking ceremony, before engaging storytelling rewinds the clock to reveal the deep cultural significance of the land, its flora, fauna and its continuing connection to Country.

    Keen to stay a little longer? Consider staying overnight at the campground and committing to the park’s wealth of walking trails, such as the 5.3-kilometre hike from the camping ground to the lookout on the Long Rock Walking Track.

    4. Splash in the region’s waterways

    Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail
    Paddle through Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Water babies rejoice: the Bendigo region offers a wealth of waterways to explore.

    Flowing 392-kilometres from the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River, the best way to enjoy Loddon River is with a stop at Bridgewater. Here you can swim in the natural infinity pool or tackle the all-abilities, five-kilometre Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail before browsing the cute stores in town. Hungry? Grab a bite at Bridgewater Hotel.

    Lake Eppalock is popular for water activities, but don’t miss a visit to Little Lake Boort and Big Lake Boort. Birders, in particular, will love the former, thanks to the large variety of bird species that nest in the boardwalk area surrounding the lake.

    Meanwhile, Big Lake Boort is celebrated for its significant Indigenous history and over 400 scarred trees, and offers an opportunity to spot birds and go canoing.

    Meanwhile, watersports and recreational activities at Crusoe Reservoir, located on the outskirts of Bendigo, are the order of the day. Take a walk to the picnic spots of No. 7 Park nearby, and maybe even camp there for the night.

    5. View epic lookouts

    customers at Peregrine Ridge
    Spend time at Peregrine Ridge.

    Sometimes a holiday requires a phenomenal spot on which to perch as you survey your temporary kingdom below. The Bendigo region, happily, doesn’t do anything by halves.

    Located in Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Viewing Rock Lookout – a rocky outcrop offering spectacular views over Heathcote and surrounds – remains a popular choice. Take the hour-long Viewing Rock Circuit Walk and try your hand at gold prospecting nearby.

    Prefer the romance of sunrise or sunset? Pyramid Hill, a stunning granite hill rising 187-metres above sea level, is the place to be (preferably with a coffee and a bagel)

    Over in Terrick Terrick National Park, a walk to the summit delivers a full 360-degree panorama of woodlands, farms and open-sky plains. Pack lunch – and perhaps a tent – as picnic tables and camping are available.

    Carve out time for Peregrine Ridge, a vineyard situated at the eastern side of Mt Camel Range with an elevation ranging from 250-290 metres. Be rewarded with delicious wine and a cellar door which offers floor-to-ceiling views.

    6. Enjoy the Bendigo region’s parks and gardens

    Rosalind Park in bendigo
    Stroll through Bendigo’s best gardens. (Image: Visit Vic)

    Rosalind Park, located right in the centre of town, is considered Bendigo’s backyard and rightly so. Home to the Bendigo Easter Festival, it’s just as popular year-round for its sixty acres of rolling lawns, towering elms, fernery and winding paths – not to mention the playground which has plenty of little fans of its own. A short drive away, Bendigo Botanic Gardens – established in 1857 – offers a more tranquil space for deep-level nature immersion.

    Those who favour something a little more formal, cottage-style Canterbury Park Gardens – famous for its dahlias in autumn – delivers.  Stroll through its meticulously maintained ornamental gardens before checking out Lake Tom Thumb and Lake Neangar nearby.

    Time to start planning your adventure to the Bendigo Region, visit bendigoregion.com.au.