As the weather warms up, it’s time to get out of winter mode and move around a bit more.
On that theme, how about a spring road trip? We explore some of the best.
Tasmania
All of Tasmania is a road trip waiting to happen, but for a sample, the east coast is a good place to start. Step back into a slower pace, with charming villages, jaw-dropping nature and an excellent chance to see migrating whales thrown in for good measure.
Put down your nightly glass of quality red and step outside after dark and you may see the southern lights.
And for goodness’ sake, don’t pack too much, you’ll need that boot space for all the wine and cheese you will be buying.
ACT
If you are travelling to Canberra, there is only one game in town in spring and that’s the Floriade.
Gardeners and garden enthusiasts from around Australia descend on Canberra’s Commonwealth Park to enjoy the joyful floral display and festival. This year, more than one million blooms will be on display.
Who says Canberra’s night life is dead? NightFest will also return for four nights from 3-6 October, with an exciting program of after-dark entertainment and horticultural illuminations.
But get in quick, the festival is already on and runs until 13 October.
Victoria
Your best spring road trip from Melbourne is in the Dandenong Ranges. It’s often dark and wet in winter and a fire hazard in summer, so spring is its time to shine.
Get your map out and plan a trip around the charming tea houses and cafes but be sure to include a walk through the stunning temperate rainforest.
A must-do on your itinerary is the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden, which is home to a staggering 15,000 rhododendrons, 12,000 azaleas, 3000 camellias and 250,000 daffodils clothed in colour in spring and autumn.
The garden houses Australia’s largest collection of Australian and overseas-raised hybrids of rhododendrons that cannot be replaced, re-bred or re-imported. If you are lucky, you may even see a lyrebird.
NSW
It’s hard to beat the Blue Mountains for a spring road trip. In just a little over an hour from Sydney, you can be in some of Australia’s most iconic, authentic bush scenery.
Plan your trip carefully and you can sample chocolatiers, wineries, boutiques and breweries on your way and be rewarded with some charming accommodation options at the end of the day.
Queensland
Step away from the glitz of the Gold Coast and explore the region’s hinterland. With lush rainforest, waterfalls, lakes and valleys in the area’s many national parks, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to nature. But the creature comforts are also taken into account as the region’s reputation as foodie’s paradise is well deserved. If time is of the essence, try Mount Tamborine for a concentrated experience of creature comforts and entrancing nature.
Northern Territory
Spring is the ideal time for a Darwin to Kakadu trek. Warm enough, but not the crushing heat and humidity of summer. It’s just a couple of hours from Darwin, but better to set aside a few days to truly enjoy its natural splendour including spectacular wetlands and rock art.
Western Australia
WA’s wildflower season is one to tick off the bucket list and our westernmost state has more than 12000 species of wildflowers.
You can get out of town or just enjoy the display at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. Check online for guided tours for a curated experience or throw caution to the wind and take off on your own road trip.
South Australia
The great thing about Adelaide is that within an hour or so you can be in the outback, the hills, the beach or wine country.
So many to choose from, but perhaps the most iconic is the Southern Ocean Drive from Mount Gambier to Robe. Sample the best of SA’s food and wine scene along the way including some of the best seafood in Australia. Visit here for a suggested itinerary.
What’s your favourite road trip? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below?
Also read: Don’t leave home without these road trip essentials
