5 affordable road trips across Australia

Details

Curated selection of points

The cost of living is rising, but you don’t need to break the bank to have a good holiday right here in Australia.

There are a host of amazing road trips to do and holiday experiences to be had in Australia, from apple picking to surfing, and the best bit is they are all within an easy drive from the nation's biggest urban centres. Here are five affordable road trips which are just a scenic drive away from major cities.
Open in mobile
1
Blue Mountains

mountain range in New South Wales

Open in mobile
Get Directions

Sights & Activities

Katoomba
Leura
Leura Garage
Megalong Valley Tearooms
Scenic World Blue Mountains
The Bilpin Fruit Bowl
Three Sisters
Wentworth Falls
YHA Blue Mountains - Katoomba
Katoomba
Australia, 2780
Get Directions

town in New South Wales, Australia

Leura
Australia, 2780
Get Directions

town in New South Wales, Australia

Leura Garage
Leura, NSW, Australia, 2780
Get Directions

The Leura Garage is an award winning restaurant, cafe’ and bar located in the heart of the UNESCO

Megalong Valley Tearooms
Megalong Valley, New South Wales, Australia, 2785
(02) 4787 7089
tearooms@lot101.com.au
Get Directions
Accessible
Pets Allowed, Non-smoking, Outdoor Dining
Australian, Bistro/Cafe/Deli, Brunch, Coffee, Dessert, Gluten Free Available, Healthy Food, High Tea or Afternoon Tea, Light Meals, Organic, Seasonal Local Produce, Share Plates, Takeaway
Pets Allowed
Parking, Electric Vehicle Charging Point
Accessible

Established in 1956, the Megalong Valley Tearooms have proudly served up scones and apple pie to generations of Blue Mountains residents and guests.

Scenic World Blue Mountains
Katoomba, NSW, Australia, 2780
Get Directions

The iconic Skyway + the world’s steepest Railway + the southern hemisphere’s steepest Cablecar.

The Bilpin Fruit Bowl
Get Directions

Three Sisters
Filippo Rivetti
Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia, 2780
Get Directions

The Three Sisters is an iconic formation that you must see at least once in your lifetime.

Wentworth Falls
Australia, 2782
Get Directions

town in New South Wales, Australia

YHA Blue Mountains - Katoomba
YHA Australia
Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia, 2780
(02) 4782 1416
stay@yha.com.au
Get Directions
57 rooms
Ambulant Access, Laundry Facilities, Outdoor Dining
Communal Kitchen, Barbeque
Public Telephone, Fireplace, Communal Kitchen
Games or Recreation Room
$45 ~ $170 AUD*
Parking
Accessible, Ambulant Access, Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids)
* Subject to change and availability.

Blue Mountains YHA Katoomba is cosy and comfortable, your best budget choice in the Blue Mountains. Enjoy log fires, warm rooms and hot showers.

2
Phillip Island

Nature and wildlife abound on Phillip Island, a family-friendly getaway less than two hours from Melbourne and home to the famed Penguin Parade. San Remo

Open in mobile
Cowes, Victoria, Australia, 3922
Get Directions

Sights & Activities

G'Day Tiger
Ocean Reach Brewing
Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
Phillip Island Penguin Parade
G'Day Tiger
Cowes, Australia, 3922
+61 422 151 324
Get Directions

Ocean Reach Brewing
Cowes, Victoria, Australia, 3922
(03) 5952 5274
drink@oceanreach.beer
Get Directions
Pets Allowed, Non-smoking, Outdoor Dining
American, Bar, Hamburgers, Modern Australian, Pub, Tasting Flight, Dinner, Lunch, Takeaway
Pets Allowed
Parking

Ocean Reach Brewing is a small Brewpub located in Cowes, Phillip Island. Not too far from world-class surf breaks and exceptional waves. Open from Wednesday

Phillip Island Beachfront Holiday Park
Cowes, Australia, 3922
+61 3 5952 2211
Get Directions

dog friendly

Phillip Island Penguin Parade
Ventnor, Victoria, Australia, 3922
(03) 5951 2800
info@penguins.org.au
Get Directions
Accessible, Ambulant Access, Wheelchair Access
Ambulant Access, Public Toilet, Non-smoking, Picnic Area
Picnic Area, Cafe, Kiosk
Public Toilet
$32 ~ $120 AUD*
Parking, Coach Parking
Accessible, Ambulant Access, Wheelchair Access, Catering for High Support, Caters for people with sufficient mobility to climb a few steps but who would benefit from fixtures to aid balance. (This includes people using walking frames and mobility aids) Caters for people who use a wheelchair. Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person. Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss. Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia) Caters for people with allergies and intolerances. An access and inclusion statement is available (make this available on your website).
* Adult General Viewing: $32 Adult Penguins Plus: $80 Adult Underground: $90 Adult Family Wildlife Tour: $85 Guided Penguin Tour: $100 Ultimate Adventure Tour: $120 For all ticket options and prices, please visit the website.

Home to the world-famous Penguin Parade and other popular wildlife attractions - all only 90 minutes from Melbourne. The Penguin Parade includes numerous tour options

3
Ferguson Valley

The Ferguson Valley is Bunbury's very own Garden of Eden, where rolling pastures, forests, spring wildflowers and rivers form a beautiful backdrop to award-winning wineries,

Open in mobile
Dardanup, Western Australia, Australia, 6236
Scenic Drives, Walks
Get Directions

Sights & Activities

Ferguson Falls Wines and Cafe
Wellington Dam Experience
Wellington National Park
Ferguson Falls Wines and Cafe
Ferguson, Western Australia, Australia, 6236
(08) 9728 1616
cafe@fergusonfalls.com.au
Get Directions
Accessible, Wheelchair Access
Lunch
Accessible, Wheelchair Access, Caters for people who use a wheelchair.

Pop in for lunch at this Gold Plate award-winning winery and cafe, known for its quality wines.

Wellington Dam Experience
Taj Kempe
Collie, Western Australia, Australia, 6225
(08) 9735 1988
wellington@dbca.wa.gov.au
Get Directions
Free Entry
Public Toilet, Picnic Area
Picnic Area, Cafe, Barbeque
Public Toilet
Abseiling, Birdwatching, Camping, Canoeing/Kayaking, Walks
Parking, Coach Parking

Arrive at Wellington Dam and walk to The Quarry, Wellington Dam Lookout and Kiosk at the Dam or take the 9.8-kilometre Sika Trail.

Wellington National Park
Tourism WA
Worsley, Western Australia, Australia, 6225
(08) 9734 2051
info@collierivervalley.com.au
Get Directions
Free Entry
Picnic Area
Picnic Area, Barbeque
Birdwatching, Camping, Canoeing/Kayaking, Cycling, Fishing, Walks, Hiking
Parking, Coach Parking

Located 180 kilometres south of Perth and 18 kilometres west of Collie, Wellington National Park covers 17,000 hectares of forest, consisting mainly of jarrah, marri

4
The Scenic Rim Way

The Scenic Rim Way is an east – west crossing of the Scenic Rim, connecting Aratula on the Cunningham Highway to Route 90.

Open in mobile
Green Cauldron
Nerang, Queensland, Australia, 4211
Birdwatching, Hiking, Scenic Drives, Swimming, Walks
Get Directions

Sights & Activities

Binna Burra Lodge Tiny Wild Houses
Glow Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain
Scenic Rim Brewery and Cafe
Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe
Binna Burra Lodge Tiny Wild Houses
Binna Burra
Binna Burra, Queensland, Australia, 4211
(07) 5533 3622
reception@binnaburralodge.com.au
Get Directions
6 rooms
Laundry Facilities, Non-smoking, Outdoor Dining
Cafe, Barbeque
Fireplace
$350 ~ $550 AUD*
Parking, Secure Parking, Electric Vehicle Charging Point
* Variable rates available for self catered, breakfast, or dinner included.

Experience total relaxation and reconnect with nature in the luxurious, fully equipped Tiny Wild Houses.

Glow Worm Caves Tamborine Mountain
Tamborine Mountain, Queensland, Australia, 4272
(07) 5545 1666
glowworms@cedarcreekestate.com.au
Get Directions

Visiting the Tamborine Mountain Glow Worm Caves and going on a cave tour gives visitors the opportunity to see glow worms during the daytime.

Scenic Rim Brewery and Cafe
brisbane marketing
Mount Alford, Queensland, Australia, 4310
(07) 5463 0412
wendy@scenicrimbrewery.com.au
Get Directions
Accessible
Non-smoking, Outdoor Dining
Beer, Beverage, Bistro/Cafe/Deli, Cider, Coffee, Dessert, European, German, Light Meals, Share Plates, Lunch
Public Telephone
Live Music
Parking
Accessible

Scenic Rim Brewery and Cafe is a small family owned, Australian brewery from southeast Queensland’s Scenic Rim region.

Scenic Rim Farm Shop & Cafe
Scenic Rim Farm Shop
Kents Lagoon, Queensland, Australia, 4309
0493 437 220
enquiries@scenicrimfarmshop.com.au
Get Directions
Accessible
Pets Allowed, Outdoor Dining
Australian, Coffee, Modern Australian, Breakfast, Lunch, Takeaway
Pets Allowed
Parking, Coach Parking
Accessible, Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.

Nestled within the productive farming fields near Kalbar, in the Scenic Rim and steeped in country charm and warm hospitality.

5
Clare Valley

From world-class wineries and food producers, the famous Riesling Trail cycling trail, to historic mining agricultural and rail towns, there is something for everyone.

Open in mobile
Clare, South Australia, Australia, 5453
Get Directions

Sights & Activities

Burra Mine Site
Clare Valley Art Trail
Clare Valley Cycle Hire
Lake Bumbunga
Sevenhill Hotel
The Bentley's Hotel
Burra Mine Site
Burra, South Australia, Australia, 5417
1300 775 540
discover@visitburra.com
Get Directions
Accessible
Public Toilet
Public Toilet
Walks
$null ~ $30 AUD*
Parking, Coach Parking
Accessible
* Entrance to mine site included in Burra Heritage Passport tour price

Enjoy a self-drive tour or walk through the Burra Mine Site, a South Australian State heritage area. The open-air museum contains remains of the mining

Clare Valley Art Trail
Clare, South Australia, Australia, 5453
(08) 8842 2131
ask@clarevalley.com.au
Get Directions
Accessible, Free Entry
Accessible

Discover the incredible talents of our locals on the Clare Valley Art Trail. A self-guided journey that takes you around to art galleries.

Clare Valley Cycle Hire
Christine Mittiga
Clare, South Australia, Australia, 5453
0425 005 222
ride@clarevalleycyclehire.com.au
Get Directions
Pets Allowed
Pets Allowed
$25 ~ $75 AUD*
Parking
* Bike hire up to 4 hours $25, or over 4 <8 hours $35 E Bikes are $75 (Smartmotion), Vintage $35 Buggy or tag-along $25 per day plus bike hire charge. Baby seat free with adult hire. Free locks, helmets, maps.

Clare Valley Cycle Hire have a range of bicycles, including Tag-Alongs and a buggy, catering for all age groups and sizes.

Lake Bumbunga
Lochiel, South Australia, Australia, 5510
(08) 8842 2131
ask@clarevalley.com.au
Get Directions

Less than two hours’ drive from Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga’s bubble gum shores draw an eclectic crowd from casual photographers to high-end fashion brands.

Sevenhill Hotel
Sevenhill Hotel
Sevenhill, South Australia, Australia, 5453
(08) 8843 4217
paul@sevenhillhotel.com.au
Get Directions
Accessible, Wheelchair Access
Pets Allowed, Non-smoking, Outdoor Dining, Delivery Available
Australian, Bar, Beverage, Dessert, Fusion, Modern Australian, Pub, Vegan, Vegetarian, Dinner, Lunch, Private Dining, Delivery Available, Takeaway
Pets Allowed
Entertainment, Live Music
Parking, Coach Parking
Accessible, Wheelchair Access, Accessible for Hearing Impairment, Catering for High Support, Caters for people who use a wheelchair. Caters for people who are deaf or have hearing loss. Caters for people who are blind or have vision loss. Caters for people with high support needs who travel with a support person. Welcomes and assists people who have challenges with learning, communication, understanding and behaviour. (includes people with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, acquired brain injury (ABI), dyslexia and dementia) Caters for people with allergies and intolerances.

The Sevenhill Hotel is in the heart of the Clare Valley. Twelve minutes north of Auburn - they're the gateway to Clare Valley.

The Bentley's Hotel
Clare, South Australia, Australia, 5453
(08) 8842 1700
info@bentleyshotel.com.au
Get Directions
10 rooms
Non-smoking
$150 ~ $185 AUD*
Parking, Electric Vehicle Charging Point
Accessible
* $150 Rooms - Standard Downstairs room with king size bed, single bed and bathroom. $170 Rooms - Standard Upstairs room with king size bed, single bed and upgraded bathroom. $185 Rooms - Barn room with king sized bed & spa bath.

At the Bentley's Hotel Motel you will find everything you would expect from a country pub plus a unique dining experience.

Using QR Codes

Open your Camera App or download a QR reader

Point your camera at the QR Code which will launch the correct app

Access websites and features such as maps and directions

Optional Downloads

GPX File

For use in apps such as GPS Navigation and wearable devices

KML File

For use in offline mapping products, such as maps.me and Google Maps

PDF File

A link to this document

Build your own itineraries

Alpaca provides a way for you to build your own itineraries. Visit https://alpaca.travel

Terms of Service and Attribution

Copyright Alpaca.travel, Mapbox.com and OpenStreetMaps openstreetmaps.com.
Terms of Service https://alpaca.travel/terms