5 unique Aussie road trips to take now

Ah, the open road – a change of scenery, and kicking back with your favourite snacks and a killer soundtrack. Best of all, the promise of getting away from it all. The next time you’re up for a driving holiday, check out these unique escapes to regional Australia.

The drive from Perth to Exmouth is unforgettable; deserted beaches, pink lakes, desert moonscapes and dramatic gorges that will have you constantly picking up your jaw off the ground. Swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay, see wild dolphins at Monkey Mia and snorkel beside whale sharks, manta rays and even humpback whales during their yearly migration to the pristine Ningaloo Reef. The reef is so close to the shore you can snorkel above the coral, spotting turtles and colourful fish, right from the beach.

Discover the best photo stops from Perth to Exmouth.

As you meander from Melbourne to the Murray River foodie mecca of Mildura, keep your camera handy. The Silo Art Trail is your open-air gallery at scale, breaking up the 600km drive in the most unexpected way. Dotted from Rupenyup to Sea Lake, the murals were painted on grain silos to showcase people, history and stories from each of the host towns.

Equally impressive are the numerous salt lakes found in the northwest corner of Victoria. Whet your appetite with mirror-like reflections at Sea Lake, before exploring nearby Lake Tyrrell and the four salt-crusted lakes in Murray Sunset National Park. They’ll be cloudy-white in dry times while wet weather encourages algae growth that paints the lakes various shades of pink.

Image credit: Charles G on Unsplash

The Limestone Coast between Adelaide and Mount Gambier is so much more than crystal blue water and powdery white sand. Kids and adults alike will love going on an underground adventure at Naracoorte or Tantanoola caves where you’ll explore the intricate chambers by torchlight. The natural wonders continue in Mount Gambier, which is slowly being discovered as a top tourist destination thanks to its freshwater springs, crater lakes and surreal sinkholes. If it’s too chilly to snorkel among a freshwater garden at Piccaninnie Ponds or lilo about at Little Blue Pool, descend instead into a lush, terraced garden at Umpherston Sinkhole, located right in town.

As the weather cools, skip the beach and head inland for a soothing swim, outback-style. On the Great Artesian Drive, which explores the northwest NSW shires of Narrabri, Moree, Walgett and Brewarrina, you can literally soak up the country hospitality in geothermal pools fed by warm, mineral-rich artesian water. What better way to unwind after a long day exploring trails in Pilliga State Forest, Warrumbungle National Park and Mount Kaputar? For a quintessential country experience, visit at least one of the rustic open-air circular pools at Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Burren Junction.

Image credit: Baily Rytenskild via Unsplash

Less than 90 minutes from Cairns, why not add the Atherton Tablelands to your far north Queensland itinerary? It’s not a long drive (by Australia’s standards) but you’ll still want a few days to visit the 17+ waterfalls flowing throughout the rainforest between Kuranda and Innisfail, which includes Australia’s widest – Millstream Falls.

Love waterfall photography? This watery world is the ideal place to experiment with the pro camera settings on the latest Google, Samsung or Apple phones. By slowing the shutter speed or selecting long exposure in the settings, you can recreate the soft, silky effect of moving water.

Make happy memories these holidays with our guide to the perfect family road trip.

You’ll find your perfect road trip audiobook, and keep backseat boredom at bay, with a variety of entertainment and subscriptions on SubHub.