The Aussie road trips you can easily do without using any petrol at all
Updated . First published
As Aussies are starting to think about winter getaways and the upcoming June long weekend, the cost of living - and fuel - are factoring into plans.
Nearly 60 per cent are adjusting their 2026 travel plans, a small percentage cancelling travel altogether.
So it's no surprise that road trips with electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly popular option.
READ MORE: The best new walks in Australia - including a completely unique way to see Uluru
Electric Vehicles are an economical way to take a road trip. Supplied
But how far can you really get before needing to pull over and recharge?
Well, it's enough for a good getaway from the city.
EV manufacturer Zeekr has pulled together a list of destinations that you can easily get to on a single charge - and even return home without having to juice up.
Sydney
Blue Mountains
It's a classic for a reason. If you've already "done" the mountains... no, you haven't. There are so many small towns, hikes, lookouts, picnic spots, cute cabins, boutique stays, and amazing restaurants that you could visit 100 weekends in a row and still not see it all.
READ MORE: The best campsites in Australia for a night under the stars, according to new study
The Blue Mountains is a short and easy drive. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Jervis Bay
Even in the colder months, the white sands of Jervis Bay beckon like a postcard. Hit the beach for a sunrise walk and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins. We're also entering prime whale watching season.
Snowy Mountains
It seems far, but you can get to Thredbo from Sydney without needing to recharge if you get yourself a long-range electric vehicle. Even if you're not a ski bunny, there's plenty to do off the slopes, whether you want to relax by the fire or tackle an alpine walk.
Torquay has plenty of EV chargers. Getty
Melbourne
The Yarra Valley & Marysville
This loop is perfect for a day trip or weekend away. Not only is the Black Spur Drive iconic with its towering ferns and trees, but you also have a variety of rainforest walks and world-class wineries to fill your day. Some wineries have also installed EV chargers so you can top up while you have a long lunch.
Torquay & The Great Ocean Road
The best thing about this trip is that you can make it as long or as short as you like. You can easily reach Torquay, explore Bells Beach, and even push through to Lorne and still have plenty of juice to get back. Want to extend even further? Torquay is an "EV hub" now, with high-speed chargers located right near the Surf Coast Highway shops.
Who could say no to a day trip in the Hills? Getty
Adelaide
Hahndorf & The Adelaide Hills
For a day of wine, cheese, baked goods, and more, this trip can't be beat. Yes, the steep climb into the hills will eat a bit of energy, thanks to regenerative braking. But on the way back down into Adelaide, you'll likely see your battery percentage increase as you descend.
Yorke Peninsula (Edithburgh)
Think fishing, waterfront dining, and pristine beaches with minimal crowds. You can reach Edithburgh or Marion Bay in one go, and stop for the night before carrying on. Or, South Australia now has over 500 charging plugs across 140+ locations, so you won't be hard-pressed to find a charger if you want to juice up while enjoying a pub meal before returning home.
Head north to Lancelin town and its beautiful coastline. Getty
Western Australia
Lancelin & Cervantes
The best part of Australia is the WA coastline, and it's always a good time to explore. Soak up the massive white sand dunes in Lancelin and the limestone spires of the Pinnacles Desert in Cervantes. Most EVs will be able to get you back to Perth without needing a recharge, but the WA EV Network has high-speed chargers in Jurien Bay just a bit further north.
York & Northam
Drive east through the scenic Avon Valley on this ~200km round trip from Perth to WA's oldest inland town. You'll find colonial architecture, quirky museums, and hot air ballooning in Northam.
Maleny is a beautiful spot in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Brisbane
Gold Coast and Byron
This stretch of coast is heaven on earth. Though it's easily doable as a round trip on one tank, all along the Gold Coast you'll find chargers every few kilometres if you want a coffee break at Burleigh on the way.
Noosa & The Sunshine Coast
Head to Noosa National Park for a breathtaking walk. If you want to avoid the highway, take the scenic route through Montville and Maleny. The stunning glasshouse mountain views are worth the extra few percentage points of battery.
It's getting easier to find charging spots - like this one in Outback WA. Getty
Things to know before taking an electric vehicle road trip
- If you're setting off on a chilly morning, warm up your car interior while still plugged in at home to save battery for the road.
- No matter your range, aim to arrive with 10 per cent (about 50km) battery remaining.
- PlugShare and Chargefox remain the gold standard for checking charger availability in real-time.
