Road Trip Routes Perfect for a Long Weekend | Lets Go Caravan and Camping

Road Trip Routes Perfect for a Long Weekend

Category: CTAM, Inspiration, News, Road To A Million, Date: 20 March 2025

There is nothing like a great Aussie road trip— a chance to embrace the open road, explore this beautiful land we call home and enjoy the freedom of an adventure drive. With the Easter and Anzac Day long-weekends coming up, what better time to hit the road and go exploring? 

To help you plan an epic getaway, we’re highlighting some of our absolute favourite Aussie road trips for you to choose from. What are you waiting for? Get cruising! 

New South Wales (NSW) – The Grand Pacific Drive 

Route: Sydney → Royal National Park → Wollongong → Kiama → Jervis Bay 
Highlights: Sea Cliff Bridge, Kiama Blowhole, Hyams Beach, Dolphin Watching in Jervis Bay. 

road trips nsw
Seacliff Bridge, Clifton Credit: Tourism Australia

New South Wale’s Grand Pacific Drive is a coastal cruise you will not regret. Starting out in Sydney, this route takes you past some of the state’s most stunning views and natural attractions. Explore the lush trails in the Royal National park, marvel at the panoramic ocean views at Sea Cliff Bridge and stop for some spectacular local seafood in Kiama or Jervis Bay. 

While the Grand Pacific Drive could be done in a day, why not take the weekend to explore these beautiful destinations and soak in everything this special state has to offer. 

For places to stay on your NSW adventure, check out Caravan and Camping NSW! 

Victoria (VIC) – The Goldfields & Spa Country Loop 

Route: Melbourne → Ballarat → Daylesford → Castlemaine → Melbourne 
Highlights: Ballarat, Daylesford & Hepburn Springs, Castlemaine, Macedon Ranges 

scenic drives vic
Leigh Creek, Ballarat Credit: Tourism Australia

Embark on an extraordinary adventure through Victoria’s Goldfields and Spa Country, embracing history, culture and natural beauty on this great drive. Setting out from Melbourne, this road trip will bring you through the historic Ballarat, where you can visit the famous Sovereign Hill, and Bendigo, known for it’s great food and wine scene. You can then have the chance to relax and soak in the natural mineral springs of Daylesford and Hepburn.  

When you’re ready to keep exploring, head towards the charming Castlemaine, where you’ll discover heritage streets, artisan markets, and scenic walks at Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park. This adventure ends by making your way back to Melbourne but not before stopping off at the Macedon Ranges to see the Hanging Rock Reserve. 

For places to stay, check out Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria. 

Queensland (QLD) – The Sunshine Coast Hinterland Loop 

Route: Brisbane → Maleny → Montville → Noosa → Brisbane 
Highlights: Glass House Mountains, Kondalilla Falls, charming hinterland villages, and Noosa’s stunning beaches. 

scenic drives qld
Maleny, Sunshine Coast Credit: Tourism Australia

This scenic drive through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is perfect for anyone in South-East QLD over a long weekend. Taking you through rolling green hills and charming artisan villages, this road trip is hard to beat. Start by making your way to the charming Maleny and explore the boutique shops, local cheeses and great wine on offer. We recommend heading to the Glass House Mountains for breathtaking views of the ancient volcanic peaks.  

Continue on your adventure to the picturesque Montville, where a trip to the local chocolatier is a must! Other highlights on this trip include the stunning waterfall at Mapleton Falls National Park and the famous Eumundi markets. 

Finish up your scenic exploration heading north to Noosa, where you can soak up the sun on one of the National Park’s beautiful coastal walks before heading back towards Brisbane! For somewhere to stay on your travels, check out Caravanning QLD. 

South Australia (SA) – Fleurieu Peninsula Road Trip 

Route: Adelaide → McLaren Vale → Victor Harbor → Deep Creek → Adelaide 
Highlights: Wine tasting in McLaren Vale, whale watching in Victor Harbor, and stunning coastal hikes in Deep Creek Conservation Park. 

scenic drives sa
McLaren Vale, Fleurieu Peninsula Credit: Tourism Australia

Treat yourself to a stunning scenic drive through rolling vineyards, rustic coastal landscapes and abundant wildlife with this adventure through the Fleurieu Peninsula. Indulge in world-class wines and gourmet local produce in McLaren Vale before heading to Victor Harbour where you can stroll along Granite Island. Continue along the stunning coastline to Deep Creek Conservation Park, where you’ll find breathtaking clifftop views and bushwalks. 

Finish off your weekend escapades with a meander through the charming seaside villages of Normanville and Second Valley on your way back to Adelaide. 

For some fantastic accommodation options along the Fleurieu Peninsula, check out SA Parks. 

Western Australia (WA) – The Pinnacles & Cervantes Road Trip 

Route: Perth → Yanchep National Park → Lancelin Sand Dunes → Pinnacles Desert → Perth 
Highlights: Caves and koalas in Yanchep, sandboarding in Lancelin, and the mystical Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. 

road trips in wa
Nambung National Park, Coral Coast Credit: Tourism Australia

This WA adventure drive from Perth to Cervantes offers a unique mix of wildlife, stunning coastal scenes and incredible natural landscapes that you just shouldn’t miss. Heading North from Perth, make your first stop at Yanchep National Park. Here you can explore the park’s nine different walking trails and spot some unique wildlife. Continue on your exploration to the Lancelin Sand Dunes, famous for it’s 45-degree angle dunes!  

Next, you’re going to make your way to the iconic Pinnacles Desert. Marvel at these unique limestone formations and other-worldly landscape, before heading to the nearby Cervantes for a delicious seafood dinner! 

For places to stay along your WA coastal cruise, check out Caravan and Camping WA. 

Tasmania (TAS) – The East Coast Escape 

Route: Hobart → Freycinet National Park → Bicheno → Bay of Fires → Hobart 
Highlights: Wineglass Bay, Bicheno’s Penguin Parade, and the crystal-clear waters of Bay of Fires. 

road trips in tasmania
Wineglass Bay, Eastern Tasmania Credit: Tourism Australia

We absolutely love this iconic road trip on Tassie’s East Coast. Starting in Hobart, this weekend getaway showcases the best of Tasmania’s natural beauty and coastal charm. Your first stop is the stunning Freycinet National Park and its famous Wineglass Bay. Take your time to check out the parks lookout and soak in the regions natural beauty before continuing your journey to Bicheno.  

This charming seaside town is known for its great seafood and unforgettable penguin tours. Finish up your adventure with a stop at the Bay of Fires, marveling at its famous orange rocks and unique beaches. 

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay on the East Coast, check out the Caravanning Tasmania website. 

Northern Territory (NT) – The Nature’s Way Loop 

Route: Darwin → Litchfield National Park → Kakadu National Park → Darwin 
Highlights: Swimming in Litchfield’s waterfalls, Aboriginal rock art in Kakadu, and croc-spotting in Yellow Water Billabong.

road trips in the nt northern territory
Kakadu National Park, Jabiru Credit: Tourism Australia

Discover the best and most beautiful destinations of the Top End on this scenic drive through lush landscapes, rich aboriginal culture and world-heritage listed national parks. Kicking off from Darwin, head south towards the tropical Litchfield National Park. Here you can take in the lush watering holes and vibrant rainforest before continuing your epic drive to Kakadu National Park. 

Cruise the wetlands of the Yellow Water Billabong, enjoy the ancient aboriginal rock art or spot cros in their natural habitat amongst the unique wildlife that call this special place home. Finally, make your way back to Darwin to enjoy a stunning sunset at Mindil Beach! 

For places to stay in the NT, check out the Caravanning NT website. 

Northern Territory – The Red Centre Adventure 

Route: Alice Springs → Kings Canyon → Alice Springs 
Highlights: Alice Springs, Mereenie Loop, West MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon (Watarrka National Park) 

road trips in the nt
Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park Credit: Tourism Australia

Take in some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes on this adventure drive in the Red Centre. Starting in Alice Springs, head towards the West MacDonnell Ranges via the famous Mereenie Loop (warning 4WD required!). Enjoy breathtaking scenery and red dirt roads, synonymous with the Red Centre before arriving at special spots such as Ellery Creek Big Hole, Standley Chasm and Ormiston Gorge. Make sure you take a moment to truly soak in the beauty of the West Macs, it really is an unforgettable experience! 

Continue on your adventure to Watarrka National Park, home of Kings Canyon. Take on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk to be treated to the hidden oasis of the ‘Garden of Eden’. If you fancy extending your stay here, Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon is a truly memorable experience. From here you can make your way back to Alice Springs or continue your exploration to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and witness probably the most incredible sunrise and sunset of your life! 

For places to stay along your adventure, check out Caravanning NT. 

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