16 Breathtaking Road Trips In Australia That Are Perfect To Take This Winter

Don't let the cold keep you from missing out!

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1. Blue Mountains to Orange

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Most Sydneysiders have made countless weekend and day trips to the Blue Mountains. But it's definitely worth extending your trip a little — head to the other side of the mountains and through to Orange, traditionally Wiradjuri land. Spend a night in Blackheath if you want to break up your trip, where you'll find Sydney-quality coffee and beautiful waterfall hikes. The next day, head to Bathurst for lunch and then onto Orange, where you'll want to spend at least two nights.

Have a tasting at the wineries — at Nashdale Lane, they've even got glamping tents set up on the vineyards, so there's your accomodation sorted. There's a lot more going on in Orange than you might think: Apple picking, cool cocktail bars, local grocers, excellent brunch spots (we rate Groundstone, next to the museum), farms and cute local boutiques.

2. Kosciuszko National Park

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If you want to embrace winter, you've gotta head into the Snowy Mountains. From Sydney, you can get to Jindabyne in a day, with a lunch stop in Canberra. Once you're in the mountains, whose traditional custodians are the Ngarigo people, the opportunities are endless. Hit the slopes if you're into skiing and snowboarding — even if you're not a pro, our modest ski fields are the perfect place to learn. Or you can take the cable car to the top of Mt Kosciuszko for a hearty lunch and some warming drinks with an incredible view at Eagle's Nest. Back in Jindabyne, you can go horse riding or hiking through the national park around the mountain.

3. Rainforest Way

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While northern Queensland is usually peoples' first port of call for a trip to the rainforest, there's actually quite a lot of it to explore on the NSW border. Rainforest Way starts in Byron Bay, on Bundjalung land, and heads up into the hinterland, criss-crossing into Queensland over rolling hills and past farms growing all kinds of produce.

There are a number of routes you can take depending on what you want to see, but they all meander through lush dramatic landscapes with endless hikes and parks to explore. Lions Road is a good route to start on, or hit up the Mallanganee and Richmond Range if you're keen to go more wild. If you're after a chill break with wineries and easy walks, the Tamborine Circuit might be best. The best part about doing it in winter? You won't have to keep changing your clocks as you cross over the state border.

4. Southern Highlands

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Hitting up the Southern Highlands from Sydney is always a good winter road trip choice. Traditionally owned by Gandangara people, the region is all rolling hills and picturesque farmland, dotted with towns that have plenty on offer.

Berry's got the iconic donut van, with cinnamon donuts better than anything else you've ever tried. Plus, the nearby Drawing Room Rocks are a top spot for a hike after a couple hours in the car. Stay in a cute B&B in Bowral, where you'll find excellent food options and cute shops. Keen for a classic country pie? Gumnut Patisserie in Bowral, Berrima and Mittagong can't be beat. There are a handful of wineries around the region that offer tastings, and some even allow you to picnic on their grounds. Morton National Park is essential for any avid hikers or campers, then head back home up the coast and stop off at Kiama for coffee and a visit to the iconic blowhole.

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5. Perth Hills

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The Perth Hills, in Noongar country, are filled with enough epic stuff to warrant a whole week-long road trip through the region. It's an excellent choice if you want to minimise your driving — once you're there, everything's relatively close together. Start out in Kalamunda, on the outskirts of the city. Here you can caffeinate then do a hike out to the falls in Mundy Regional Park, or tackle the beginning of the Bibbulmun Track.

Prioritise a stop-off at one of the cider breweries dotted around, or check out the wineries in Bickley Valley. You can camp at Lake Leschenaultia or in Beelu National Park, or find a cute guesthouse at one of the many towns in the Hills. Don't go home without a stop at Honey's Bakehouse in Roleystone, they've got epic treats including a hugely popular vegan range.

6. Gibb River Road

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The Kimberley, in north-west Australia, is one of the country's most beautiful and remote places. Start out in Broome, from where you can start a number of different routes to explore the vast region. Most people choose to spend about six days driving the Gibb River Road, which traverses land traditionally belonging to the Ngarinjin people, from Broome to Kununurra.

The route takes you through colourful rocky cliffs and gorges, past lush desert pools and waterfalls. It'd take a lifetime to explore it all, but here are some of the best things on offer. In summer everything is closed because it's too hot, so winter is the perfect time to set out on an adventure. Take camping equipment if you want to rough it, or there are homesteads and lodging along the way.

7. Karijini National Park

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There are few national parks in the world quite as special as Karijini. It's a solid 14-hour drive from Perth if you take the direct route through the empty Outback, but we reckon you should take the slightly longer coastal route up to Exmouth then head inland. On the way you can stop off at beautiful beaches, swim with sea lions at Sandy Bay, visit the pink lake near Kalbarri and see the whale sharks in Exmouth.

When you get to Karijini, home of the Banyjima, Kurrama and Innawonga Aboriginal people, the long trip will be worth it: Rocky gorges and cliffs surround bright turquoise swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off in. Book a spot at the campground and spend a couple of days hiking and exploring.

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8. Alice Springs to Uluru

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This is a classic Aussie road trip if you've got the time to fly out to the Red Centre — and winter is certainly the time to do it. Spend a night in Alice, where you'll see one of the best sunsets of your life on ANZAC hill. The sealed highway will get you there in 5 hours, but for a bit of adventure you can go through the MacDonnell ranges, on Arrernte peoples' land.

Don't miss a walk through the dramatic Standley Chasm, or a swim in Ellery Creek Big Hole. Simpsons Gap is an important spiritual site, where you'll find Indigenous dreaming trails. Once you get to Uluru, you can hike around the base or take a camel ride to give your legs a break.

Here are some of our best tips to make the most of your day in Alice Springs.

9. Nature's Way Drive

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Because it can get pretty remote a NT road trip takes a bit of planning, but oh boy it's worth it. Nature's Way Drive is a good highlights reel, especially in winter before it gets too hot. The 450km trail starts and ends in Darwin, and winds through Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks, traditionally owned by the Gun-djeihmi, Kunwinjku and Jawoyn peoples. Go as slow as you can, taking every opportunity to hike and swim and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Don't miss the stunning Gunlom Falls pool or chilling out in the Katherine Hot Springs.

Want to go even further? Here's how to do a trip from Darwin to Alice Springs.

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10. Brisbane or Gold Coast to Stanthorpe

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Living in Queensland, it's tempting to make all your holidays coastal ones. But heading inland to the Granite Belt near the NSW border, you'll find a lot of unexpected goodies. Give yourself a couple of days for this one, there's surprisingly a lot to see. Start off by driving to Warwick, where you can lunch in a classic country pub. If you can find rural accomodation between here and Stanthorpe, go for it — the country sunsets are amazing. This area is traditionally home to the Kambuwal and Keinjan peoples.

Hit up Stanthorpe the next day, where you can go apple picking, wine tasting and brewery-hopping. Nearby Girraween National Park has walks suited to all abilities, though the Granite Arch walk might be the most iconic. Round out your trip by driving home through Killarney and go waterfall chasing on The Falls Drive.

11. Reef to Rainforest

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The Great Tropical Drive from Townsville to the Daintree Rainforest, stopping through Cairns, is one of our country's greatest road trips. Along the way you'll see white sand beaches, secluded swimming holes, endless vast landscapes, gorges and waterfalls, and of course the oldest rainforest on the planet. It's best done with a campervan or camping equipment, so you can embrace the wild vibes of the terrain and stop where you like.

Be sure to stop for a hike and swim at Babinda Boulders, catch a sunset at Mission Beach, see the enormous lace monitor lizards at Edmund Kennedy National Park and, if you've got the time and cash, get the ferry out to Hinchinbrook Island. The road passes through land belonging to the Yidinji, Nyawaygi, Wargamaygan and Djirbalngan peoples.

Need more north Queensland tips? We've got your back.

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12. Hobart to Cradle Mountain

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Driving to Cradle Mountain from Hobart is only a four-hour trip, but we reckon you should stretch it into a whole-day thing. Stop in the historic town of Richmond for a coffee and bakery treat while you stroll the streets. From there, hit up one of the wineries surrounding the town for a little tasting or shopping.

Swing by Launceston for lunch and another coffee and maybe stop by the iconic Cataract Gorge if you've got the time. By the evening, you'll be up in Cradle Mountain where you can hunker down by the fire for the night before getting up to hike around Dove Lake or up to the peak. Tasmania traditionally belongs to the Palawa and Pakana people.

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13. Great Alpine Road

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Just the name of this driving route suggests winter, so now's the perfect time to tackle it. Stretching from the north-east town of Wangaratta, it winds through traditional country of the Yorta Yorta, Taungurung and Gunaikurnai peoples, featuring dramatic mountain landscapes and lush forests. You can do it in one five-hour hit, but it's best to take a couple of days so you can stop off for hiking, wine-tasting and just pausing to take in the serenity.

Pick up cheese from the factory in Milawa and take a picnic into Mount Buffalo National Park, famous for its unique rock formations. Foodies should take a detour on the Gourmet Food and Wine Drive, before heading into the Alps where you can ski or hike some stunning mountaintop routes. Once you make it to Metung, the end of the road, you'll be rewarded with the stunning Gippsland Lakes — keep an eye out for migrating whales!

14. Melbourne to Daylesford and Bendigo

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Melbourne is surrounded by stunning countryside that's prime road trip land. No matter what kind of holiday style you're after, you'll find it. Start off in Daylesford, with a long lunch at the Lake House, followed by a scenic walk around town. Spend the arvo and evening in front of the fire at Grange Bellinzona in Hepburn Springs, or check out the small towns on the drive to Bendigo. There are a bunch of campgrounds if you wanna pitch a tent, but remember your thermals!

The next day hit up Bendigo, which has a surprisingly vibrant food and drink scene. Cure your food coma with a walk in Mt Alexander National Park, or a visit to the local art gallery which is one of the best in the country. After spending the night in town, you can head home or combine your trip with a journey into the Macedon Ranges.

15. Macedon Ranges

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This region is only an hour north of Melbs, and is a top choice for a weekend winter getaway. Located on the land of the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri peoples, it's known for natural forest, wineries, an epic food and wine scene and the iconic Hanging Rock.

You can do a self-led driving tour through villages and beautiful scenery, or hop out of the car and hike or bike the area's many trails. It'll be cold so warm up afterwards with a coffee or afternoon drink in Kyneton or Woodend. Definitely spend an afternoon going winery-hopping, all the vineyards have amazing vantage points over sprawling landscape. Then head to Edgar's Farm which houses animals rescued from the meat and dairy industry.

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16. Barossa Valley

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You can make a road trip through Adelaide's Barossa Valley as long or as short as you like — but we definitely recommend going for long. The Peramangk, Ngadjuri and Kaurna peoples are the traditional custodians of this region.

Take the slightly longer, but way more scenic trip through Williamstown up to the wineries. From here you can go wild and visit whichever wineries take your fancy, there are over 150 to choose from. But it's not just wine up here, be sure to also stop in at Barossa Valley Cheese Company for some picnic goodies. And don't head home before stopping in Hahndorf, where you can pick strawberries and stroll tree-lined streets.