The data is in, and the most loved drives this winter are…
Winter is fast approaching in Australia, but for road trippers, the cooler season is no reason to stay parked. In fact, it’s the perfect time to hit the open road, with misty mornings, star-filled nights and epic scenery in every direction. But which routes are worth the drive when the temps drop?
A new report by the car insurance experts at ROLLiN’ has crunched the numbers to reveal the most loved winter road trips in Australia. By analysing 22 of the country’s most iconic routes across key data points – including search volume, social media buzz, Google reviews and distance – they’ve ranked the ultimate cold-weather drives that travellers can’t get enough of.
The Great Ocean Road is the most popular winter road trip.
And topping the list? No surprises here: the Great Ocean Road reigns supreme. This Victorian icon racks up 196,600 winter monthly searches, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of all searches on the route. Its fame extends well beyond Google, with over 33 million TikTok posts and 1.8 million Instagram posts capturing its winding clifftops, seaside towns and the iconic Twelve Apostles. Whether it’s misty mornings or golden hour glow, the Great Ocean Road is a year-round crowd-pleaser – but winter, it seems, is peak time for those in the know.
Drive along the beach on the Great Beach Drive. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
In second place is Queensland’s Great Beach Drive – a unique stretch where you can literally drive along the sand. 26 per cent of all interest in this route spikes in the cooler months, proving the novelty of cruising the coastline, dodging the tides and soaking up some sunshine is an all-season thrill. The route also boasts over 622,000 Instagram posts and a strong 4.74-star Google rating.
Head to the outback on Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)
Rounding out the top three is Western Australia’s Gibb River Road. It racks up a solid 95,400 winter searches, and with 38 per cent of all interest landing in the cooler season, it’s clear the dry, dust-free conditions of winter make this remote red-dirt adventure a bucket-list favourite. Add in a 4.77-star Google rating, and you’ve got a road trip that’s as rugged as it is rewarding.
Drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive. (Image: Destination NSW)
Take the scenic route on the Great Barrier Reef Drive. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Tasmania’s Western Wilds also deserves a shoutout – while it didn’t crack the top 10 for winter road trips, it holds the crown for the highest-rated road trip in Australia, with an impressive 4.80-star average.
What does it all mean? That winter road tripping in Australia is alive and well. Whether you’re chasing rugged coastlines, remote outback adventures or misty rainforest vibes, there’s a road trip calling your name. And with fewer crowds, crisper air and the chance to spot wildlife like migrating whales or desert wildflowers, winter could just be the best time to pack the car and hit the road.
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time 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? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
There’s no better place to unwind than the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges – a leafy and idyllic region shrouded in mist, fern-filled gullies and a peaceful atmosphere.
Wrapped in the crisp mountain air, ancient ferns and ethereally verdant landscapes of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges , you’d be forgiven for thinking you’re in another world (or at least another part of the planet).
But this gorgeous pocket is under an hour from Melbourne, a mix of top-notch food and wine, boutique stays and forested scenery that make for an easy weekend away or even a midweek escape. In fact, visiting during the week can offer a deeply relaxing experience, with fewer crowds and more space to linger.
If you’re keen to unwind, here’s how to spend your time in this idyllic neck of the woods.
Where to eat
Treat your taste buds to Yarra Valley Dairy. (Image: Visit Victoria)
From farm gates to cosy eateries, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges house a plethora of places to feast. Start your day with a leisurely brunch and coffee at Ripe . This local hangout combines warm hospitality and hearty cafe fare against a backdrop of the hills’ iconic tree-fern canopies. It’s also nestled in the heart of Sassafras, the quaint village that best captures the Dandenong Ranges’ old-world charm.
Next, take yourself on a gastronomic adventure. Visit Yarra Valley Dairy , a regional favourite doing handmade cheeses, or Cherry Hill Orchards , where in summer you can pick your own cherries and enjoy them in the farm’s picturesque grounds. Treat yourself to a tasting at one of the Yarra Valley’s renowned wineries to finish – Rochford , Re’em and De Bortoli are standout picks for a sample of the region’s signature drops.
By night, book a table at either Citrine in the mountain town of Olinda or restaurant 1309 at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. Both do elevated seasonal fare paired with excellent drinks.
And if you’re simply in the mood for a tipple, you’re spoiled for choice. The Alpine Hotel in riverside Warburton is a historic and character-filled spot pouring pints and locally made drinks, while Four Pillars is a must for gin lovers. The distillery’s award-winning spirits are famed nationwide, but here you can try them right from the source.
Things to do outdoors
Wander the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
A motley patchwork of misty rainforest, rugged bushscapes and beautifully tended gardens, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are some of Melbourne’s most scenic pockets. No visit to the region would be complete without a wander through its lush surrounds, either by bike or on foot.
The Ngurrak Barring trail stretches 39 kilometres through the Dandenong Ranges, connecting the towns and fern-filled forests that make the hills so unique. Along the way, be immersed in thought-provoking art installations and cultural stories, sharing a different perspective of this ancient landscape.
While in the area, wander through Cloudehill Garden & Nursery and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens , situated in Olinda. The cooler climate, rich volcanic soil and consistent rainfall offer both gardens ideal conditions for vivid and vibrant flora.
Over in the Yarra Valley, the 40-kilometre Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail is a flat and family-friendly path perfect for leisurely bike rides and longer walks. It takes you through vine-lined scenery and towns like Seville and Wandin. Biking enthusiasts should head to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, a network of 160 kilometres of trails that traverse through untamed terrain.
For a more laidback outing, Alowyn Gardens encompasses seven acres of themed gardens perfect for a meandering stroll. The nearly 100-metre-long wisteria archway that connects different garden zones is a highlight – especially in October, when the lilac blossoms are in spectacular bloom.
The arts and culture scene
Take in the displays at TarraWarra Museum of Art. (Image: Visit Victoria)
Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges are havens for arts and culture thanks to their inspiring landscapes and thriving creative community. Naturally, a slower escape should include a visit to some of the region’s best studios and galleries.
The TarraWarra Museum of Art in Healesville showcases modern and contemporary Australian art, with both a permanent collection and a rotating display of thoughtful exhibitions. The building and grounds are well worth exploring: a striking architectural landmark amid landscaped lawns and open-air sculptures overlooking the Yarra Valley.
Delve into the area’s rich history at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum , a treasure trove of more than 13,000 unique pieces. See everything from Indigenous artefacts to archival photographs and historical objects that tell the region’s story.
On your way back to the city, stop by the leafy enclave of Eltham to discover Montsalvat . This five-acre artistic playground is Australia’s oldest continuous art community, combining galleries, Gothic-style buildings and expansive heritage gardens.
Stay at a local retreat
Re’em is an ideal pick for an indulgent stay.
No matter your style, and no matter your budget, you’ll find a suitable spot in the region to rest your head. If the weather is warm and the sky is clear, set up a tent at BIG4 Yarra Valley Park Lane Holiday Park or Pine Hill Cabin & Caravan Park. The former has secluded camping spots surrounded by tranquil bushland and local wildlife, along with glamping pods and cabins. The latter has powered and unpowered sites suitable for all kinds of campers, and is pet-friendly if you’re travelling with your four-legged friend.
Or, book yourself into the RACV Healesville Country Club & Resort – a sprawling retreat complete with stylish rooms and luxe amenities that invite you to unwind. Relax at the day spa, tee off at the 18-hole golf course, or recharge with a round of tennis or a few laps in the pool.
And if you’re after something truly indulgent, Re’em is an ideal pick. A boutique collection of just 16, the luxuriously appointed rooms feature plush linens, high-end amenities and oversized baths with panoramic views across the estate. A gourmet breakfast showcasing gorgeous local produce is also included.
