15 road trip stops every Aussie needs to make
There’s nothing like a good old fashioned driving holiday - and these country towns are worth leaving the city for.
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Who can resist the charms of an Australian country town, the kind with community-oriented pubs and bakeries selling the best vanilla slices?
There are other treasures to be found – craft shops and op-shops, galleries and museums that tell a town’s story, farmers’ markets and mountain-bike trails. Whether it’s a detour as part of a long road trip or a daytrip to a rural locale, I’ve had the pleasure of popping into many far-flung regional hubs.
Here are some of the country towns, large and small, that are well worth leaving our capital cities to experience.
ROADTRIPS
Hit those open roads, where yellow signs warn you to watch out for wildlife, the sun creates glistening mirages on the road, and your playlist prompts at least one Willie Nelson singalong (you know the tune). These are the leisurely roadtrips worth hopping in the car for.
Queenstown, Tas
Population: 1808
Famous for: Rugged landscapes
Why go? On Tasmania’s west coast, less than four hours from Hobart, you can ride through rainforest on the West Coast Wilderness Railway, which reopened late last year following winter upgrades. Unwind at 1901-built The Empire Hotel, which has a National Trust-listed Tasmanian blackwood staircase, or see a show or movie at the Art Deco Paragon Theatre across the road. Follow your sense of adventure and go river rafting or fishing on popular Lake Burbury, or if you dare, stop into Linda Café beside the ruins of the Royal Hotel in the ghost town of Linda nearby.
Must-do: Enjoy Devonshire tea on a heritage train ride to Lynchford.
Bright, Vic
Population: 2620
Famous for: Outdoor adventures
Why go? Once a gold-rush town, now a popular base for active holiday-makers, picturesque Bright in Victoria’s High Country is worth the three-hour drive from Melbourne – almost seven hours from Sydney – for a reviving dose of nature. From here, travellers can explore the peaks of Mount Buffalo National Park, Alpine National Park and Mount Hotham. And yet it’s not all about hiking and skiing: here, wineries are plenty and the Bright Museum offers an insight into the town’s mining history.
Must-do: Set your sights on autumn foliage and visit during the popular annual Bright Autumn Festival on April 26 to May 5.
Tamworth, NSW
Population: 43,874
Famous for: Country music
Why go? A small town with a big passion for country music, Tamworth is famous for its annual Tamworth Country Music Festival, which draws in acts and admirers from around the world; its 12m-high golden guitar statue that towers at the Big Golden Guitar Tourist Centre’s entrance; and its Country Music Hall of Fame. Beyond the music, there are cool-climate wines, craft beer, refined dining and a range of character-filled accommodation offerings. It’s more than four hours’ drive from Sydney, and over six from Brisbane.
Must-do: Walk within the hallowed halls of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder, WA
Population: 29,306
Famous for: Gold mining
Why go? After a leisurely six-and-a-half hour drive east-northeast of Perth through rugged landscapes, be prepared to be astounded in Kalgoorlie-Boulder. Jaws drop at the Super Pit Lookout, which has views over one of the biggest gold mines in the country. Cool down at Beaten Track Brewery, peruse the fascinating Museum of the Goldfields and get back to nature at scenic Karlkurla Bushland Park. And, for those travelling deeper south into the Goldfields–Esperance region, Esperance Stonehenge, a full-size replica of the UK original, is a quirky attraction.
Must-do: Free tours of the Super Pit run on the third Sunday of every month.
Alice Springs / Mparntwe, NT
Population: 25,912
Famous for: Aboriginal culture
Why go? The capital of the outback, Alice Springs is a roadtrip must-visit for its relative proximity to natural wonders such as Uluru and Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park. Roughly midway between Adelaide and Darwin, Alice is steeped in Aboriginal culture. Take a deep dive into Indigenous art and history, learn about the Royal Flying Doctor Service, explore stunning desert landscapes by camel, mountain bike, or hot-air balloon, embark on a camping adventure, cool off in an outback waterhole, or take a nocturnal tour of the Alice Springs Desert Park.
Do: Visitor registrations are now open to attend Parrtjima, the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world, which runs from April 12-21.
DAYTRIPS
Clear a Sunday on your calendar for a drive to one of the many charming towns within easy reach of Australia’s larger cities.
Brisbane, Qld, to Tyalgum, NSW
Population: 521
Famous for: Sweet treats
Why go? With its verdant scenery, produce-filled general store, community spirit, burgeoning food scene, and enticing markets, Tyalgum – less than two hours south of Brisbane – is the kind of village that’ll have you planning a move to the Tweed Valley. Amid its maze of stores and eateries is Flutterbies Cafe with its delicious high tea.
Do: The jewel in Tyalgum’s tiara has to be the Tyalgum Gelato Shop, with its cooling treats created by a practised Italian gelato maker.
Melbourne to Ballarat, Vic
Population: 113,763
Famous for: Gold rush history
Why go? Sure, Ballarat is a city rather than a petite rural town, but at its heart this daytrippers’ delight has all the charm of Australia’s littler locales with the added perks of boutique shops, and a thriving culinary community. Only an hour and a half from Melbourne, Ballarat makes for an easy daytrip – be sure to visit the new Goods Shed precinct for dining and a distillery.
Must-do: Pan for gold at Sovereign Hill, a living open-air museum and time capsule of the 1850s gold rush days.
Adelaide to Hahndorf, SA
Population: 2814
Famous for: German heritage
Why go? An easy half-hour drive from Adelaide, Hahndorf is a town that looks like it’s leapt off the pages of a storybook. What began as a 19th-century German settlement on Peramangk land has become a popular daytrippers’ destination where you can stroll on its tree-lined streets, and duck in and out of its picturesque heritage cafés, wine bars, breweries and stores – each site sharing its enduring German connection.
Must-do: Sip the wine touted as Australia’s best grüner at Hahndorf Hill Winery.
Perth to York, WA
Population: 2393
Famous for: Heritage architecture
Why go? A little over an hour east of Perth, drivers can stretch their legs at the inland European settlement of York with its well-preserved heritage precinct. Alongside its historic buildings – including museums and churches – York is home to beautifully maintained gardens, an abundance of birdlife and wildflowers, food and wine festivals, walking trails, and arts and crafts stores.
Must-do: Dine in a historic 1906-built pub at Greenhills Inn.
Sydney to Berry, NSW
Population: 3098
Famous for: A thriving food scene
Why go? Queues for the famous Berry Donut Van stretch down the town’s inviting high street – and that’s just the start of a perfect daytrip two hours south of Sydney. This country town is filled with boutiques, award-winning restaurants, wineries and sophisticated accommodation if you want to make a night of it.
Must-do: See what the fuss it all about at the Berry Donut Van.
DETOURS
Whether you have an hour to recharge, or a day to explore further, take a detour on your long-distance roadtrip.
Toowoomba, Qld, on your way to Brisbane
Population: 173,204
Famous for: Gardens
Why go? Not too far out of the way for those travelling north towards Brisbane, the sprawling country city of Toowoomba is where you’ll find some of the most lush, flower-filled parks in the Sunshine State. Try the golden, flaky pastries at The Baker’s Duck, and visit the Cobb & Co Museum.
Must-do: Plan your trip for the annual Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, September 13 to October 7, which celebrates its 75th birthday this year.
Oatlands, Tas, on your way to Launceston
Population: 728
Famous for: Georgian buildings
Why go? Oatlands is a memorable spot to rest on your travels between Hobart and Launceston. Visit the Kentish Pub and Hotel, wander the Callington Mill precinct, which dates back to 1837, and nearby Lake Dulverton, then pop in to boutiques, bars – try The Imbibers – galleries and heritage buildings. And, if you decide to stay the night, sandstone Raffah House allows you to step back in time, albeit with contemporary comforts.
Must-do: Enjoy a whisky tasting at Callington Mill Distillery.
Castlemaine, Vic, on your way to Bendigo
Population: 7506
Famous for: A flourishing arts scene
Why go? Along the road from Melbourne to Bendigo, detour to Castlemaine, where an arts-centric, creative community awaits. Alongside its artisan precinct, The Mill, markets, museums and galleries, this thriving country town with a gold rush history is also home to a refined food and drinks scene.
Must-do: Shop for old-time treasures at the Vintage Bazaar at The Mill and then cross the road to stroll the colonial-era Botanical Gardens.
Goulburn, NSW, on your way to Canberra
Population: 32,053
Famous for: The Big Merino
Why go? Perhaps best recognised for the Big Merino landmark, Goulburn is a city rich in history and an ideal detour between Sydney and Canberra. Goulburn’s a large country centre with museums, galleries and cultural events. And, for the restless travellers, there’s a bounty of outdoor adventures to be had.
Must-do: Wander through the Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum and climb its tower for views of the city.
Rockhampton, Qld, on your way to Tropical North Queensland
Population: 81,968
Famous for: Neighbouring limestone caves
Why go? Those roadtripping up the east coast towards Cairns can take a break in Rockhampton, Central Queensland. While you’re in the region, relax at microbreweries, walk heritage-lined streets, go mountain-biking and explore the riverfront.
Must-do: Explore the awe-inspiring Capricorn Caves, 23km north of the city.
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