The Road North: Winter Travel Destinations for Grey Nomads | Lets Go Caravan and Camping

The Road North: Winter Travel Destinations for Grey Nomads

Category: Inspiration, MDRTNT, News, Date: 16 April 2024

As we head further into Autumn, we are nearing that time of year again where the grey nomads and retirees who have been camping in the southern states and regions, begin their migration north for the winter. Soon enough, the roads to Queensland, northern WA and the Northern Territory will be filled with campervans, motorhomes and cars towing caravans toward warmer weather.

To help travellers decide where to head on their great winter adventures, we’ve profiled three of the best northern road trips. These winter travel destinations are sure to offer unparalleled experiences of lush rainforests, sprawling savannas, and picturesque coastal routes.

The Great Green Way

Picnic Bay, Magnetic Island, QLD Photo: Townsville Enterprise Ltd

The Great Green way is a picturesque region, rich in natural beauty between Townsville and Cairns. The area covers nearly 350km and features over 25 tropical islands off its coast, 12 mainland national parks, as well as two World Heritage listings of the Wet Tropics Rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

This winter travel destination is a great opportunity to explore the stunning Magnetic Island, the beautiful seaside towns of Lucinda and Cardwell or pay a visit to Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island national park.

Nelly Bay, Townsville Photo: Tourism Australia
Atherton Tablelands Photo: Tourism Australia

If you’re a grey nomad thinking of roaming the region, some additional must-see locations include:

  • Mission Beach, where you can explore the Great Barrier Reef
  • Murray Falls, a 20-meter cascade on the Murray River
  • Paronella Park, one of the most unique locations on the way
  • Atherton Tablelands, a uniquely beautiful a blend of rainforest, wetlands, and savannah
  • Palm Cove, with its calm waters and pristine beaches
  • Daintree, the world’s oldest rainforest

If you’re looking for an off-track adventure, head to Cobbold Gorge. Just over 5 hours from Innisfail, this winter travel destination is a stunning natural wonder that is worth adding an extra night or two to your trip! To get started on your Great Green Way winter adventure, learn more here.

The Rainforest Way

Tamborine Mountain, Gold Coast Photo: Tourism Australia

The Rainforest way is an exquisite alternative to the Pacific Highway from New South Wales into Queensland. Heading North from the Byron Bay hinterland, the main drive of the Rainforest way will take you through the heart of Australia’s green cauldron. Linking gorgeous towns and villages such as Casino, Kyogle, Rathodowney, Beaudesert, Tamborine and Nimbin, this winter road trip is not to be missed.

The Rainforest Way features an incredible 14 World Heritage-listed National Parks and over 650kms of scenic track. Along your journey you will experience numerous art galleries, boutique cafes, wineries and hidden cultural treasures.

Springbrook National Park Photo: Tourism Australia
Brunswick Heads Photo: Tourism Australia

Some of the must-see destinations of the Rainforest way include:

  • Tweed Range Scenic Drive
  • Minyon Falls
  • Springbrook National Park
  • Lions Road

Some of the trails along the way are not suitable for cars towing a caravan so make sure you check local Visitor Information Centres before heading out. There are plenty of caravan parks along the route where you can stop, stay and explore the beautiful surroundings. To plan your Rainforest Way adventure, check out their website.

The Savannah Way

Borroloola Photo: Tourism Australia

The Savannah way is one of the most unique and spectacular adventures Australia has to offer. Spanning 3,700km from Broome in Western Australia, through the magnificent Kimberley region, to the rugged outback at the Top End and toward the natural wonders of North Queensland’s tropical environment.

This unique winter travel adventure offers Grey Nomads a special opportunity to explore the stunning town of Kununurra in WA and the spectacular Lake Argyle, as well as the vast Kakadu National Park and the vibrant city of Cairns.

Lake Argyle, Kununurra Photo: Tourism Australia
Nitmiluk Gorge Photo: Sean Scott

Some essential stops for this winter road trip include:

  • Fitzroy Crossing
  • Wyndham
  • Flora River National Park
  • Katherine Gorge
  • Borroloola
  • Mareeba
  • Croydon
  • Cobbold Gorge

For more information on the Savannah Way and to start your winter migration journey, check out the official website here.

Looking for places to stay on your great winter travels? Find a park on your route here!

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