The six best long weekend road trips from major Aussie cities
A road trip can be an affordable way to get away without splashing out thousands of dollars.
As a travel expert for Apollo Motorhomes, Hannah Klein has spent years driving around Australia.
She says there are other benefits to the holidays too, such as getting away from the crowds and avoiding hassles like airport security.
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The Sea Cliff bridge near Wollongong, south of Sydney. Getty Images/iStockphoto
"Done properly, a few days on the road exploring new scenery can feel like a week's holiday," Hannah tells 9Travel.
With Easter and Anzac Day long weekends approaching, Hannah has shared some of the best getaways to plan from each major city.
Melbourne to Marysville, Victoria
Just two hours from Melbourne, the drive to Marysville is an instant breath of fresh air - literally.
Wind your way through lush forests and mountain passes, soaking up the greenery as you go.
Marysville is only a couple of hours from Melbourne. Getty
Stop in Healesville for fresh local produce, or take in the towering trees of Black Spur. Once in Marysville, the hike to Stevenson Falls, one of Victoria's tallest waterfalls.
Top it off with a night under the stars and you've got the perfect nature escape to reset and recharge.
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Brisbane to Buderim Forest, Queensland
Less than an hour from Brisbane, this drive swaps city buzz for hinterland calm.
Take the scenic route via Maleny and Montville.
Maleny's got amazing Glass House Mountains views and old-school charm, making it the perfect place to grab a coffee and a slice of homemade cake at a family-run café.
Buderim Forest Park is close to Brisbane. Getty
At Buderim Forest, you'll find rainforest trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes that feel like a secret slice of paradise.
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Sydney to Kangaroo Valley, NSW
Craving a trip that feels like stepping back in time? Kangaroo Valley is your answer.
Just two hours from Sydney, the drive winds through escarpments, rolling farmland, and dense bushland - and the views that just keep getting better.
Stop in Bowral for a coffee or take a detour to Fitzroy Falls for breathtaking lookouts.
As you roll into Kangaroo Valley, life slows down. Think heritage buildings, scenic picnic spots, and the iconic Hampden Bridge. Spend your days kayaking, hiking, or simply soaking in the countryside charm.
Stop in Bowral for a coffee on this NSW road trip. Getty
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Adelaide to McLaren Vale, South Australia
A quick 45-minute drive from Adelaide lands you in McLaren Vale - wine country at its most relaxed.
Take the scenic coastal route via Port Noarlunga for a quick ocean dip before indulging in world-class wineries.
The famous d'Arenberg cube building at Mclaren Vale near Adelaide. iStock
But it's not just about the vino - think olive groves, boutique distilleries and local cheesemakers adding to the feast.
If you need a break from the indulgence, the Fleurieu Peninsula's stunning beaches are just a short drive away.
Perth to Chittering Valley, Western Australia
An hour from Perth, Chittering Valley feels like a step back in time, in the best way.
Rolling hills, vineyards, and orchards set the scene for a slow, indulgent escape.
Stop at roadside stalls for fresh local honey or stretch your legs on the Blackboy Ridge walking trails.
Once you arrive, the pace slows completely. Sip wine at family-run vineyards, enjoy a riverside picnic, and let country charm take over.
Gingin in the Chittering Valley, WA Getty
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Hobart to Bicheno, Tasmania
Tasmania was made for road trips, and the two and a half hour drive from Hobart to Bicheno is proof.
The blowhole in the granite rocks emits waves into powerful jets of water, a landmark in Bicheno, a small town in Tasmania, Australia. Getty
Think vineyards, historic towns, and stunning coastal views all the way there.
The famous Bicheno Blowhole is a must-see, but the real magic happens at dusk when little penguins waddle up the shore for the night.
Throw in fresh seafood and quiet walking trails, and you've got the perfect excuse to slow down and stay a while.
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