The 11 best spring road trips around Australia

Embrace lengthier days, blooming fields and the annual whale migration with the country’s most-loved spring road trips.

There’s no better time to explore our own backyards than when winter-coddled bodies begin thawing amid rising temperatures. Whether you’re keen to spot the annual humpback migration, combing mountain ranges for blooming wildflower flushes or aching for outdoor adventure sports, spring road trips will often take your breath away – as long as you know where to steer. Here, a handful of our favourites, renowned for their jaw-dropping moments.

1. Bowral to Canberra, NSW to the ACT

Tulip flower festival — The annual Tulip Time Flower festival boasts a spectacular display of tulips. (Image: Destination NSW)

Chase the rainbow to not one but two dazzling spring flower festivals with the two-hour journey from Bowral to Canberra. First up, you’ll spy vivid colour at the Southern Highlands’ Tulip Time Flower Festival , staged for a little over three weeks each year and home to more than 80,000 plantings and a marketplace. Once you’re done, hit the Hume Highway, past Goulburn (but do drop in for a house-baked triple chocolate cookie at Grit Cafe ), before hitting our roundabout capital for the most spectacular green thumb extravaganza of all: Floriade . Expect staggeringly beautiful flowers, live entertainment, sculptures, artworks, and so much more.

2. Avon Valley 500 Loop, WA

Avon Valley hot-air balloon — A hot-air balloon delivers a defining Avon Valley experience. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Stretching roughly 392 kilometres in length, about 30 kilometres east of Perth, the Avon Valley 500 Loop winds through tiny towns and Western Australia’s first national park, the John Forest National Park. But arguably its prettiest highlights (and there are many) are the canola fields found along the Great Southern Highway portion of the trip – otherworldly yellow spreads that intensify at the end of winter and into the first month of spring. Additionally, the heritage town of York, where you should most definitely spend the night, offers antique stores, galleries and stunning architecture.

3. The East Coast, Tas

The Freycinet National Park is known for its wildlife wonders. (Image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

Ready to see a whale? Drift along the east coast of Tasmania, starting from the beach town of St Helens to like-minded sleepy Swansea before turning into Freycinet National Park for Wineglass Bay, where humpbacks are spotted seeking warmer waters from June to November. If you don’t catch them the day you’re there, don’t despair – the entire easterly coastline is renowned for top-notch whale-watching until November as the majestic giants migrate north and south to breed and birth.

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4. The Red Centre Way, NT

While Northern Territory headliners Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa National Park pull crowds all year round, the iconic Red Centre Way shines in spring amid blossoming wildflowers. The vivid blooms pop against the region’s famed red dirt, creating some of the most extraordinary scenes on the planet. It’s a mammoth trail, notching up 835 kilometres in total, so it’s common to tackle small portions, like the unsealed Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive.

5. Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, SA

Hit the M2 from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island’s ferry stop in Cape Jervis to experience world-famous wine country before descending on wildlife heaven. You’ll need to turn off the freeway to sample McLaren Vale’s famed drops, but don’t linger too long because Kangaroo Island is just a 45-minute ferry ride off the coast. In spring, the island bursts with wildflowers and orchids while kangaroos, sea lions, baby koalas and joeys are also known to emerge.

6. Kosciuszko Alpine Way, NSW

Lake Jindabyne, Kosciuszko National Park — The Kosciuszko Alpine Way is a 100-km drive. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located within the Snowy Mountains, the Kosciuszko Alpine Way really turns the table on its moniker during the warmer months. The 100-kilometre stretch from Jindabyne to the Victorian border is flanked by wildflowers, making for a scenic trail dotted with activity. Scale Jindy Rock with rock-climbing experts K7 Adventures , skid with the best of them at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, and uncover historic alpine huts at Geehi Flats, just off the pristine Swampy Plains River.

7. Capricorn Way, Qld

The Capricorn Way road trip through Blackdown Tablelands National Park — The Capricorn Way is calling your name. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re a foodie, the Capricorn Way is calling your name, particularly at the beginning of September. Encompassing 600 glorious kilometres, the road trip starts in Rockhampton, home to the Capricorn Food and Wine Festival from 4 to 7 September 2025. There you’ll sample the region’s finest seafood, spring produce and arts scene, before you should really keep on trucking to the astonishing limestone tunnel network of Capricorn Caves, secret swimming holes warm enough to bathe in, and a giant Van Gogh ‘Sunflowers’ replica. Your final destination? Barcaldine in the Queensland outback.

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8. Silo Art Trail, Vic

A 200-kilometre scenic route through western Victoria, the Silo Art Trail is Australia’s largest outdoor art gallery, dotted with 23 enormous murals created by international street artists. Starting in Rupanyup, the cultural awakening is also littered with wildflowers in spring, crafting an ongoing visual feast unlike any other in the country. You can navigate in two directions, but both visit a string of totally charming rural towns

9. Nullarbor crossing, SA

Car sitting at pit stop along the Nullarbor — Every Australian should cross the Nullarbor at least once. (Image: Mason Kirby & Sarah Parker)

Go big or go home with a bucket list journey across the Nullarbor Plain. Tackle it in spring to spy wildflowers popping out along the grand 1256-kilometre trail, which takes in remote campsites and pubs, gigantic rock formations, spotless beaches and sand dunes, and Australia’s longest and straightest road, the 90 Mile Straight. A journey for the ages, whether you do it in full or take smaller bites.

10. The Great Ocean Road, Vic

Van driving on Great Ocean Road — Spring is arguably the best time to explore the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

You’ve probably driven its winding routes more than a few times, but spring is arguably the best time to explore the Great Ocean Road. Waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers are blooming, and the mercury sits at just the right point – a rarity in Victoria. Unmissable pit stops include the iconic Twelve Apostles, trendy Lorne and watching the waves at Bells Beach and Torquay.

11. Pacific Coast Way, Qld

Taking advantage of Queensland’s 300-odd days of sunshine per year, the Pacific Coast Way goes from the Gold Coast to Cairns, offering up quintessential Sunshine State experiences. From the Glitter Strip’s glitzy wining and dining scene and one of only two Everglade systems in the world, to more seasonal whale-watching and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the 1800-kilometre road trip offers non-stop sunny season thrills.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

I step out onto the sand and it cries out underfoot. Kweek! I take another step and there’s another little yelp. Screet! Picking up the pace, the sounds follow me like my shadow, all the way down to the water. It’s obvious how this spot got its name – Squeaky Beach – from the rounded grains of quartz that make the distinctive sounds under pressure.

For many, Wilsons Promontory National Park is the gateway to Gippsland , and the best way to explore it is by walking its network of hiking trails, from coastal gems such as Squeaky Beach through to the bushland, among the wildlife. But it’s still just a taste of what you’ll find on foot in the region.

Venture a bit further into Gippsland and you’ll discover the lakes, the rainforest, and the alpine peaks, each changing with the season and offering summer strolls or winter walks. Just like that squeaky sand, each step along these trails has something to tell you: perhaps a story about an ancient spirit or a pioneering search for fortune.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

sunset at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Wilsons Promontory National Park is a sprawling wilderness with many coastal bushland trails. (Image: Mark Watson)

Wilsons Promontory National Park (or ‘The Prom’, as you’ll end up calling it) is an easy three-hour drive from Melbourne, but you might ditch the car when you arrive, with much of the park’s 50,000 hectares accessible only by foot. From the inky water of Tidal River (dyed dark purple by abundant tea trees), I like the easy walks along the coast, among lichen-laden granite boulders, to golden beaches and bays.

a couple on Mount Oberon — Panoramic views from the summit of Mount Oberon. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

The trail to the panoramic views at the summit of Mount Oberon is a bit harder, up steep timber and granite steps, but it’s a popular 6.8-kilometre return. The more remote hikes are found through the open banksia and stringybark woodland of the park’s north, or along the multi-day Southern Circuit , which ranges from about 35 to 52 kilometres, with sunrises and sunsets, kangaroos and cockatoos, and maybe even whales.

a golden sand beach at Wilsons Promontory National Park — Walk ‘The Prom’s’ golden sand beaches. (Image: Tourism Australia/Time Out Australia)

You might also see whales on the George Bass Coastal Walk , even closer to Melbourne on the western edge of Gippsland. This dramatic seven-kilometre trail along the clifftops takes in sweeping views of the wild ocean, occasionally dipping down from grassy green hills to coastal gullies and a secluded beach. It also now links into the Bass Coast Rail Trail for an extra 14 kilometres.

Over at the eastern edge of Gippsland, in Croajingolong National Park, you can wander along the lakeshores beneath koalas and around goannas (I keep my distance since one chased me here!). For those who are even more adventurous, the park is also the starting point for the 100-kilometre Wilderness Coast Walk , usually done over seven days.

the Croajingolong National Park, Gippsland — Wander along the lakeshores in Croajingolong National Park. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

the Baw Baw National Park — The alpine heath of Baw Baw National Park. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Deep in the Long Tunnel Extended Gold Mine at Walhalla, mining guide Richard tells me how this small town in the mountains east of Melbourne boomed when prospectors found gold here in 1862. These days, you’ll find most of the town’s treasure – its heritage – above ground, with the Walhalla Tramline Walk a wonderful way to explore it.

Just seven kilometres long, the walk takes you through decades of Gold Rush history, following the original rail trail from lush bushland to the mining sites, and through the charming village of just 20 residents with its wooden cottages and old shopfronts adorned with turn-of-the-century advertising posters. Blazing a trail where trailblazers once opened up the region, this is also the starting point for the 650-kilometre Australian Alps Walking Track.

Nearby, Baw Baw National Park has walks through gnarled snow gums and alpine heaths that show off the colourful wildflowers in summer and the pristine carpet of white in winter. Several trails are perfect for snowshoes, including a 45-minute route from St Gwinear up to vast views across the Latrobe Valley.

Further up into the mountains, the Toorongo and Amphitheatre Falls Loop Walk is an easy 2.2-kilometre path that serenades you with the sound of flowing water as you pass mossy rocks and tree ferns en route to two sets of waterfalls cascading over boulders in the remote wilderness.

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

the Mitchell River National Park, Gippsland — Hike the Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

Across a pool in a natural sandstone amphitheatre, deep within a cave behind a waterfall, it’s said the Nargun has its lair. A fierce creature, half human and half stone, that abducts children and can’t be harmed by boomerangs or spears, the story of the Nargun has been told around the campfires of the local Gunaikurnai people for generations.

As a culturally significant place for women, hikers are asked not to go into the Den of Nargun, but a 3.4-kilometre loop walk leads you through a rainforest gully to the entrance where you can feel the powerful atmosphere here in Mitchell River National Park , along Victoria’s largest remaining wild and free-flowing waterway.

the bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park — Bee-eaters at Mitchell River National Park. (Image: Parks Victoria/Grace Lewis)

The Den of Nargun is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail , a series of important traditional Gunaikurnai sites through central Gippsland. Another location is Victoria’s largest cave system, Buchan Caves Reserve, with trails to important archaeological sites of human artefacts up to 18,000 years old. The FJ Wilson Interpreted Walk includes the naturally sculpted white limestone steps of the 400-metre-long Federal Cave, while the Granite Pools Walk goes among tall timber and moss-covered gullies.

the ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park — The ancient rainforest of Tarra-Bulga National Park. (Image: Josie Withers)

Also important to the Gunaikurnai people is Tarra-Bulga National Park , known for its ancient myrtle beeches and enormous mountain ash trees. Just 40 minutes return, the Tarra Valley Rainforest Walk offers a taste of this verdant landscape, while the Grand Strzelecki Track takes you deep into the lost world of forest giants on an epic 100-kilometre trail rich with tradition.

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

the WildernessRetreats in The Prom — Wilderness Retreats in The Prom. (Image: Christian Pearson)

Wilderness Retreats in Wilsons Promontory offers glamping-style tents with luxurious queen beds. Star Hotel is a reconstruction of a Gold Rush-era hotel from 1863 in the heart of heritage Walhalla. Caves House is a historic three-bedroom house with views over the Buchan River.

Eating there

the Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — Enjoy a post-hike lunch at Carrajung Estate. (Image: Everyday Nicky)

Kilcunda General Store serves great coffee and meals of local produce at the George Bass Coastal Walk. Alpine Trout Farm is located near Toorongo Falls in Noojee. Fish for your own lunch and barbecue it with the provided cookware.

Carrajung Estate is a short drive from Tarra-Bulga National Park. The winery’s restaurant offers a seasonal menu of regional ingredients and you can stay at The Lodge.

a seafood feast at Carrajung Estate, Gippsland — The table is set for a seafood feast at the estate.

Video credit: Tourism Australia

The 11 best spring road trips around Australia

Embrace lengthier days, blooming fields and the annual whale migration with the country’s most-loved spring road trips.

1. Bowral to Canberra, NSW to the ACT

2. Avon Valley 500 Loop, WA

3. The East Coast, Tas

4. The Red Centre Way, NT

5. Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, SA

6. Kosciuszko Alpine Way, NSW

7. Capricorn Way, Qld

8. Silo Art Trail, Vic

9. Nullarbor crossing, SA

10. The Great Ocean Road, Vic

11. Pacific Coast Way, Qld

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From coast to bush: these are Gippsland’s best hikes

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Eating there

Embrace lengthier days, blooming fields and the annual whale migration with the country’s most-loved spring road trips.

1. Bowral to Canberra, NSW to the ACT

2. Avon Valley 500 Loop, WA

3. The East Coast, Tas

AI Prompt

4. The Red Centre Way, NT

5. Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, SA

6. Kosciuszko Alpine Way, NSW

7. Capricorn Way, Qld

8. Silo Art Trail, Vic

9. Nullarbor crossing, SA

10. The Great Ocean Road, Vic

11. Pacific Coast Way, Qld

Qantas slashes flights and raises fares as fuel crisis bites

The world’s oldest meteor shower is back – here’s how to see it in Australia

A rare natural phenomenon is about to light up Australia’s forests

This app can predict flight delays up to 25 hours in advance

From coast to mountains, hiking in Gippsland offers a stunning array of landscapes, with trails that take you deep into the region’s heritage.

The best coastal hikes in Gippsland

The best bush hikes in Gippsland

The best cultural hikes in Gippsland

A traveller’s checklist

Staying there

Eating there