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Great Australian Road Trips for Adventurers and Foodies
Follow one of Trailfinders’ curated circuits around some of Australia’s most scenic locales to uncover the culture, remote landscapes and rich gastronomic identity of each area.
South Australia into Victoria
Winding through the landscape between Adelaide and Melbourne, stopping by rural retreats and traversing the dramatic coastline, this road trip combines wildlife, good food and wine, making it the ideal itinerary for nature lovers who also enjoy the finer things in life. From Adelaide, hop over to the ‘Galapagos of Australia’ Kangaroo Island, home to an abundance of Aussie wildlife, for a few days. Back on the mainland, head to the world-famous Barossa wine region for a taste of the local fare and tour of the prestigious cellar doors. Cruise along the Murray River and hike through The Grampians (Gariwerd) ranges before driving the spectacular Great Ocean Road and finishing your journey in another destination for connoisseurs of food, wine and culture, Melbourne. Laidback luxury retreats, like Mount Lofty House in the rolling Adelaide Hills and Mount William Station in The Grampians, welcome you along the way.
Around Tasmania
Characterful accommodation and encounters with the unique Tasmanian wildlife and environment come together to set this Tasmania road trip apart. Fly into the island capital, Hobart before venturing over to the highland town of Hamilton and crossing over to the picturesque port town of Strahan on the west coast. After switching back to the spectacular Bay of Fire on Tasmania’s northeast coast, via Cradle Mountain, the itinerary continues down to Freycinet National Park before finally arriving at historic Port Arthur. Paddock-to-plate is the word on the food scene, with artisan producers, distillers and winemakers making their mark across the island and standout restaurants rounding out its gastronomic offering – get to know the culinary landscape of the island’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Launceston.
Sydney to Canberra
Take the road less travelled, following the coastline south of Sydney before veering inland, on this Sydney to Canberra road trip encompassing dramatic scenery, rich history and a taste of regional produce. From scenic Sydney, the route takes you south towards Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands and along the coast to the Victorian seaside town of Kiama, farming community of Nowra and sparkling white sand shores of Jervis Bay. From here, the road trip ventures south to Murramarang National Park and the village of Milton known for its food scene. From the natural beauty spot Batemans Bay south of here, you’ll carry on to Narooma before travelling inland towards the nation’s capital Canberra, the Orange wine region and UNESCO-listed Blue Mountains. From a Sydney Harbour dinner cruise to farmers market visits, culinary experiences help to tell the story of each area you pass through.
Across Western Australia's South West
Lush vineyards, vast wilderness areas and hidden coves converge in this scenic road trip taking you along the picturesque South West coastline and into the glorious golden outback. From the laidback but vibrant capital of Western Australia, Perth, you’ll travel south to the beachside town of Mandurah and the spectacular coastline of the Margaret River Region where you’ll spend time delving into Australia’s most premium food and wine scene. The journey continues on to the historic mill town of Nannup before arriving at the cool-climate wine region of Pemberton and its towering karri forests, then moving on towards the dramatic southern tip of Western Australia, full of rich history Albany. From this breathtaking coastal setting, the route takes you along these rugged shores to Esperance. Explore the white-sand, aquamarine-water and kangaroo-inhabited Lucky Bay, before heading north to the outback town and hub of gold mining, Kalgoorlie. End back where you started in Australia’s sunniest city and enjoy its al fresco dining scene, 19 pristine beaches and Indian Ocean sunsets.
Sydney, the Red Centre and Cairns
More of a multi-stop holiday than road trip, the City, Rock and Reef self-guided itinerary takes in three of Australia’s most iconic locations, with flights connecting each stop. This epic journey begins in Sydney with an introduction to the food scene along with memorable experiences like a visit to the nearby Blue Mountains and Sydney Harbour yacht cruise. In the second location, Uluru, days are spent getting to know the dramatic scenery, unique wildlife and ancient Aboriginal culture of the Red Centre while evenings are filled with culinary delights such as the iconic Sounds of Silence dinner, the gourmet Tali Wiru, or the storytelling of Wintjiri Wiru, all set in the desert landscape under a million stars with Uluru as the backdrop. The final few days then take you to Cairns and the surrounding area of tropical North Queensland. Snorkel over the Great Barrier Reef, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and onto Cape Tribulation - where rainforest meets reef - dipping into the food trails around Cairns and Port Douglas.
The Pacific Coast Way
It’s time to hit the road on an unforgettable journey from Cairns to Brisbane. With reef-lined beaches and tropical islands on one side of the road, and lush rainforests and national parks on the other, the Pacific Coast Way is one of the most spectacular ways to experience Queensland’s diverse east coast. From UNESCO World Heritage icons to hidden gems best discovered by car, this iconic drive truly has it all. Fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and an appetite for fun come together in this region’s food scene. World-class produce, including fresh-off-the-boat seafood, meet famously friendly Queensland hospitality to create dining experiences that’ll keep you talking. Outdoor dining happens year-round here, from just-caught prawns devoured in the Cairns breeze at sunset to Brisbane’s riverside precincts keeping that endless summer feeling alive. Follow food trails through the Tablelands and Daintree up north, before making your way south. Then head inland for farm-to-table adventures and taste your way through the Hinterland.
To plan your Australia road trip, call Trailfinders on 020 7084 6500 or visit one of their travel centres. Click here to view Trailfinders' Australia holidays & latest offers and book your getaway today.
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