Road trips have never been more in vogue. Australians are hitting the road in record numbers, from long driving holidays to short (or long) weekend intrastate breaks.
According to YourLifeChoices research, 62 per cent of Australians over 50 plan to take a road trip in the next 12 months. Around 20 per cent plan to buy a car in the next 12 months. Around 75 per cent say it may be a new one. So, here’s some inspiration on the best scenic day trips for over-50s (by car) and the ideal car to get you there.
Whether you’re keen to hug the coast or head inland, it’s important to have a reliable and comfortable vehicle. You need one that can handle long stretches of road, provide ample space for luggage and passengers, and have all the latest safety features.
Road trips are a classic way to experience the beauty of Australia. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a day trip, there’s always something to see and discover. Here are the best road trips for over-50s from each Australian capital city.
Sydney
An ideal day trip from Sydney is to the Blue Mountains – a peaceful respite from the city and just a two-hour drive from Sydney. Explore towns such as Leura and Katoomba, visit the Three Sisters, or wander along the many scenic trails you’ll pass on your travels.
How about a drive to the Southern Highlands? Pass through Mittagong and Berrima, stop at cute cafes, antique shops and art galleries along the way. Walk the Wingecarribee River track in autumn. End your day with a glass of wine and a delicious meal at one of the many wineries.
Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road is one of the iconic scenic drives in Australia, and just a two-hour drive from Melbourne. You’ll see the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge and other natural landmarks.
Or maybe head to the Yarra Valley. This scenic route takes you through beautiful countryside and vineyards, with plenty of opportunities to sample delicious wines and gourmet food. Stop at Healesville Sanctuary to see Australian wildlife or pause to take in the beauty of the Yarra Ranges National Park.
You could try the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road. Head through Ferntree Gully and wind your way up through lush hills, stopping at Sassafras and Olinda. Take in the views from Mount Dandenong Observatory and enjoy a picnic in beautiful Sherbrooke Forest. Don’t forget to try a Devonshire tea, homemade fudge or a nip of whiskey or gin at the many cafés and distilleries.
Brisbane
An hour’s drive south of Brisbane is where you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia. Even if you’re not keen to surf, sunbathe or swim, take time out to relax on the seemingly endless Gold Coast beaches.
Head north to the charming town of Maleny in the Sunshine Coast hinterland for a scenic day trip. Gaze at the awe-inspiring Glasshouse Mountains, enjoy delicious local food and wine, and browse the boutique shops and galleries. And make sure you include Brouhaha, the Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World.
Adelaide
Just a 30-minute drive from Adelaide is the Barossa Valley and some of the best wineries in Australia. Visit Tanunda and Angaston, and indulge in local cheese, olives and chocolate.
Already been to the Barossa? Then head south to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Visit picturesque Port Elliot and Victor Harbor, where you can check out the historic Horse Drawn Tram and Granite Island. Then, wind your way through charming countryside towns, stopping for a delicious lunch and wine tasting.
Perth
Perth is the gateway to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Australia. And just an hour’s drive from Perth is the Swan Valley, known for its wineries, breweries and distilleries, as well as its gourmet food scene, art galleries and boutique shops.
How about Margaret River? It’s only a couple of hours away and has some of the best wineries and food in WA. Stop at Busselton Jetty, explore the natural wonders of Ngilgi Cave, and stroll along the beaches. It’s the perfect day trip to experience the beauty and bounty of Western Australia.
Darwin
Darwin is the gateway to the untamed beauty of the Northern Territory. Just a half-hour drive from Darwin is Litchfield National Park, a natural wonderland of waterfalls, swimming holes and lush rainforests. Spend a day hiking through the park, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the scenery. Keep an eye out for the park’s unique wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos, and crocodiles.
Or how about a drive to Adelaide River? It’s only an hour’s drive from Darwin and has a fascinating history. Visit the historic railway station and war cemetery, and feed the famous jumping crocs on the Adelaide River.
Canberra
A short drive from Canberra are the picturesque Snowy Mountains – not only a popular winter destination for snow-goers but also a beautiful destination year-round. Hike through the impressive alpine scenery, visit Jindabyne and Thredbo, and take in the views from the top of Mount Kosciuszko.
Bowral is another charming town just an hour-and-a-half away. There’s plenty to see and do, including exploring beautiful parks and gardens, visiting local art galleries and museums, and indulging in delicious food and wine. Don’t miss the chance to see the Tulip Time festival in spring or, if you’re a cricket enthusiast, the famous Bradman Museum.
Hobart
Head south from Hobart to the Huon Valley and the charming town of Franklin. From there, take a leisurely drive along the Huon River, passing through Geeveston and stopping at local orchards and cider houses. Don’t miss the scenic drive up to the Tahune Airwalk for breathtaking views of the forest canopy. Finish off the day with fresh seafood at one of the many waterfront eateries in Hobart.
The Tasman Highway offers some of the most amazing views of the coastline. Stop at Orford for a picnic lunch and continue to the breathtaking Freycinet National Park or Wineglass Bay lookout for jaw-dropping views.
Road trip review: GWM’s new Haval H6GT SUV
Now you know where to go, here’s how we recommend getting there.
GWM’s new Haval H6GT SUV is an ideal choice for your next Australian adventure.
Key features:
- The Haval H6GT SUV is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom.
- It has a panoramic sunroof and climate control, allowing you to take in the passing landscape, the fresh air and natural light.
- A large touchscreen display can be used for navigation, entertainment and communication, and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
- Safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, 360-degree camera and blind-spot monitoring make driving safer and simpler.
- A fuel-efficient engine means you’ll go further (and your fuel budget will, too!).
The Haval H6GT is a stylish and practical vehicle, perfect for older Australians who want a reliable and comfortable car for their travels. Designed with your comfort in mind, it features a spacious interior that can comfortably seat up to five people, so you can take friends or family members along for the ride. The premium interior ensures comfort even on the longest of road trips. Plenty of legroom means you won’t feel cramped or confined during your journey.
The generous cargo area can accommodate all your luggage and any additional gear you may need for your trip. Plus, the rear seats can be folded down to make it easier to load and unload your belongings.
Safety is a priority, and the Haval H6GT comes equipped with a range of features to give you added peace of mind. Multiple airbags also mean you and your passengers are well protected in the event of an accident.
But what about performance? The Haval H6GT certainly doesn’t disappoint. A powerful turbocharged engine delivers plenty of horsepower and torque to tackle the steepest hills and roughest roads. All-wheel drive, added traction and control, high ground clearance and responsive handling make it a great choice for all types of terrain.
Of course, no road trip would be complete without the latest technology and the Haval H6GT comes with a range of high-tech features.
So, if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s comfortable, spacious, safe and fun to drive, the Haval H6GT is the perfect choice for your next road trip. Start planning an adventure today and experience everything the Haval H6GT SUV has to offer!
Check out our road trips section for more great driving holiday inspiration.
Disclosure: GWM is a YourLifeChoices affiliate.
