The best road trips you have to do when restrictions ease
Ski season is a go this winter with travel restrictions easing, so it’s time to plan your journey down to the snow. We’ve found the best road trips in NSW, plus five of the best holidays in neighbouring states.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The NSW ski season has been given the green light to reopen after June 1 and while resorts are working out dates and logistics, it’s time to start planning your snow road trip.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced the reopening on Wednesday but asked snowbunnies to make contact with ski resorts before visiting as they will “likely need time to put COVID plans into place.”
Here are the best road trips to the ski fields plus five of the best holidays to plan in our neighbouring states.
NEW SOUTH WALES – Snowy Mountains, Blue Mountains and South Coast
NSW is a large and diverse state, we’ve got the most famous beach in the world and stunning mountain landscapes.
Coming into winter, skiers will be glad to know the Snowy Mountains will be welcoming thrill seekers and beginners alike this ski season.
It’s not just the ski resorts Thredbo, Perisher and Charlottes Pass and Selwyn Snow Resort that are worth visiting — the road trip itself can be part of the holiday.
Start by heading down to Jindabyne (and maybe fit in a Canberra visit on the way).
On your way make sure to check out the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre.
Jindabyne Lake is a great spot for trout fishing, so bring some rods.
From Jindabyne, you can explore the wonders of Kosciuszko National Park in anyway you want, most ski resorts are less than two hours from Jindabyne so its up to you.
What list would be complete without the Sydney to Blue Mountains trip.
You can make this as long or short as you want, making it perfect for a weekend away.
Katoomba is home to the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, and that’s where you should head on day one.
Stop off at the popular Faulconridge for some art and culture and make sure to visit Wentworth Falls for a stunning walk.
When it reopens, make sure to visit Scenic World and jump on the world’s steepest train for views of the Blue Mountains.
If you want to make a good few days of it, drive towards Orange and stop off at the Jenolan Caves, and even further you can drive out to Bathurst.
If the beach is more your style the south coast is a perfect place for a road trip.
Travel as far as you like, but to really make a holiday out of it you should make your way to the far south coast for the road less travelled.
Of course, start by heading towards Wollongong, stopping at the Royal National Park, the Symbio Wildlife Park, and driving over the beautiful Sea Cliff Bridge.
Stay the night in either Wollongong or Kiama, and then hit the road towards Murramarang.
A must visit is Mogo Zoo, which fought hard to save their animals during the bushfires — in fact, exploring the whole region near Batemans Bay is a great way to support local businesses that are coming out of a devastating season.
From here go as far as you like; there are plenty of beachside stops, bustling villages and nature walks to keep the family entertained.
QUEENSLAND – The Great Tropical Drive
While it may be a while before we can travel north, there’s no harm in planning ahead for when the Sunshine State reopens for business.
While there will always be debate about who has the best beaches, there is no denying Queensland has one beautiful natural spectacle that is unparalleled — the north Queensland tropical rainforests.
If Tropical North Queensland sounds like the perfect post-COVID holiday for your family, the best way to see all the region has to offer is by cruising the Great Tropical Drive.
Connecting 13 different short trips, the two week drive can be customised however you like for those with less time to explore.
Starting in Townsville — where you can take a short ferry to Magnetic Island to start your trip on a high — drive north towards the historic town of Paluma and visit Crystal Creek rainforest.
Before tackling some kayaking and fishing in the Hinchinbrook Island National Park, make sure to stop off in Ingham, Queensland’s Italian hub.
On the way to Port Douglas, drive through countless rainforests, beaches, waterfalls and historical towns, and get immersed in the state’s indigenous history.
On the way, make sure to visit one of Australia’s most precious land marks, the Great Barrier Reef.
VICTORIA – Great Ocean Road and Great Alpine Road
What list of great roadtrips would be complete without the iconic Great Ocean Road.
The trip taking in one of the most Instagrammed coastlines in Australia, starting off from Melbourne and stopping first at Bells Beach, arguable Victoria’s most famous beach.
Watch surfers tackle major waves (or jump in yourself if you’re brave) and visit the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie for some sweet treats for your journey.
Take as long as you want on the drive to Apolla Bay, and make sure to stop in at all the small beaches and falls.
The jewel of the trip is, of course, the 12 Apostles.
The limestone stacks formed from erosion are a must see landmark for every Australians, and the surrounding areas including volcanic lakes and plains.
Since the Great Ocean Road is so famous, here’s a lesser known honourable mention — the Great Alpine Road.
Just south of Albury, this four day drive from Wangaratta to Bright is perfect for outdoorsy typed and foodies.
The Ovens River in Wangaratta looks straight out of the tranquil English countryside, and makes for the perfect breakfast spot before starting off.
Along the drive are a bunch of delicious highlights including Milawa, where you can enjoy cheese tasting and visit the Brown Brothers winery.
Spend the night in historic Beechworth and explore on bike, before heading to Myrtleford for a day of hiking and dining.
Mount Buffalo National Park is the perfect family friendly playground in all months of the year, and can turn your road trip into a ski trip in the winter.
Finish the drive in Bright, a leafy town with plenty of walks and food destinations, and particularly stunning in Autumn.
TASMANIA – Great Eastern Drive
With some of the most diverse and picturesque landscapes in Australia, Tasmania is the perfect state to visit if you want to pack a lot of exploring into a small amount of time.
The Great Eastern Drive takes five days, and spans from Hobart up to the famous Bay of Fires.
Along the way you’ll traverse stunning beaches and eat some of the world’s best sea food along the east coast in the state’s most popular trail.
Journeying to the historic Orford and Maria Island, you can visit the old convict trail and see the ruins of the Darlington convict site.
North to Swansea is the perfect place for lunch and a cheeky wine, home to some of the state’s best vineyards.
Wineglass Bay is a must visit, being one of Australia’s most photographed beaches. The unique shape and clear blue water makes for a great swing (and Instagram photos).
Speaking of Instagram, the magnificent Bay of Fires is the perfect way to end this road trip, and makes for a fantastic afternoon beach trip.
Ian Rankine, Chief Executive of TasVacations, said the Eastern Drive was a great way to get a taste of Tasmania for first time visitors.
“In what is a very compact area you can have the wilderness experience without having to travel extensively, plus the wildlife, whiskey, wine, food — Tassie has got it all,” Mr Rankine said.
Mr Rankine said Tasmania is essential one big road trip, with all areas easily accessible from your car.
“When mainland people come here for a touring holiday their average length is 12 days and in that time you can travel a really diverse landscape, from highlands or the alpine areas and the beautiful world heritage wilderness to pristine beaches,” he said.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA – Adelaide to the Wineries
Home to some of Australia’s most famous wineries, South Australia is the perfect destination for foodies.
The Adelaide to the Wineries road trip, recommended by the NRMA as one of their favourite trips, takes you from the city to the country while stopping to sip on some delicious vino.
At four days, this trip is perfect for those with a spare week off work to get out in the fresh air.
Outdoorsy types can get their fill at the Mount Lofty summit on the first day of the trip, and also make sure to visit the Cleland Wildlife Park for a koala cuddling session.
Spend your first night in Hahndorf, a German village in the sprawling Adelaide Hills.
Next up is the iconic Barossa Valley, where you can enjoy cheese tasting, craft beer tasting, and even visit Jacobs Creek.
From there, more beautiful scenery, wine tasting and culture can be enjoyed in the Eden Valley and Clare Valley.
Originally published as The best road trips you have to do when restrictions ease
Nationwide overhaul needed to fix Australia’s housing crisis
The Business Council of Australia has come out swinging on the problems it says are driving up the cost of new homes across the country.
Artist used own paintings to push case to block gold mine
Indigenous artist Nyree Reynolds, whose application led to a gold mine in Blayney being put on ice, submitted her own paintings as evidence the mine should be blocked.