Take the Scenic Route Minus the Crowds — These Five Australian Road Trips Will Get You Off-the-Beaten Path
Trade the bumper-to-bumper coastal crawl for scenic backroads, remote national parks and under-the-radar country towns.
When you need to put your mind at ease, trading the big smoke for the winding road can offer the relaxation you need. But with countless others thinking the same, sometimes that coastal adventure or countryside escape still means navigating backed-up traffic and small-town cafe queues. Fortunately, Thrifty is helping road trippers escape the crowds with a list of Australia's five best off-the-beaten-track destinations.
In Victoria, the Twelve Apostles are among the most famous coastal stops. For those keen to experience a similar vibe but without the tourist buses getting in the way, the lesser-known Bay of Islands is just 30 minutes further along the Great Ocean Road. With a series of limestone stacks poking up through the waves, time your visit with sunset to catch the softest of light dancing across the water's surface. For even more peace, the also impressive Bay of Martyrs is just around the corner.
Mark Watson for Visit Victoria
Heading to Western Australia? Considering the size of the place, you won't struggle to find a spot to experience some alone time. However, that means you'll have to bypass bustling destinations like Ningaloo Reef. Instead, make the left-field decision to head inland to explore the spectacular gorges of Kalbarri National Park. Featuring an 80-kilometre gorge carved through red and white sandstone, the Kalbarri Skywalk offers an unmatched vantage point.
If you're dreaming about cruising the NSW coast, know some incredible experiences await beyond Byron Bay. Sure, stop in for a pint at The Beachy. But just an hour's drive away, the untouched rainforests of Nightcap National Park make for a memorable experience. Likewise, breathtaking waterfalls dot the Sunshine Coast hinterland; Kondalilla and Gardner's are popular for good reason, but head to Booloumba Falls for a true oasis.
Scrub Tree Walking Track, R Brand
Taking a road trip through Tasmania probably feels quite remote for most mainlanders. Yet the ever-growing obsession with the Apple Isle makes it easy to get caught up in a crowd. The East Coast is basically made for world-class road trips, thanks to Freycinet and Wineglass Bay. But for something a little different, the old mining towns in the West — Strahan, Queenstown and Zeehan — present a different, more rugged perspective of Tassie.
For many a road trip, the destination is wine country — and South Australia's is a standout. But if you're looking for an adventure away from the main tourist trails, the Flinders Ranges is your best bet. Flush with rugged gorges, spooky ghost towns and awe-inspiring natural landmarks like Wilpena Pound, this remarkable place can keep you occupied for days. Plus, you can always pack a bottle of vino to share at an opportune moment.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out Australia's top foodie road trips, or head to Thifty for more information.
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