There is no question that Australia’s land span is huge and for travellers, this means getting from A to B can take a while. For those who want to break up the road trip and minimise car time as much as possible, a stopover is the perfect solution. With so many hidden spots and things to do in Australia, you’ll be sure to stumble across some beautiful sightseeing and unique experiences.
Recent research conducted by Budget Australia revealed that 39% of Aussies favour destinations that are hidden gems or destinations that are different when planning their next holiday, so Budget Australia has uncovered the best road trip stop-over secrets - from small towns, beaches and great eateries, making the long drive worth it.
1. Busselton Jetty, Western Australia
What better way to stretch your legs in between a long road trip than to walk The Busselton Jetty. At 1.841km long, the jetty combines a great way to get some fresh air with some incredible views and a unique experience.
It is the longest timber piled jetty in the southern hemisphere and is operated by a non-profit community organisation known as Busselton Jetty Inc. The proceeds from ticket sales contribute to jetty maintenance and conservation.
2. Tomaree Head Summit Walk, New South Wales
If you’re in need of a view other than the car in front of you, then Tomaree Mountain could be the spot to hop out of the car. Located near the Port Stephens entrance, a refreshing new perspective can be experienced to give your tired eyes a break atop the 161-metre-high mountain.
At the peak there are panoramic views of Yacaaba Head, Cabbage Tree, Boondelbah and Broughton Islands from the north platform. From the south platform, views of Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches, Fingal Island and Point Stephens Lighthouse can be seen.
3. Beechworth, Victoria
Go back in time and experience a piece of history by stopping over in Beechworth. The well-preserved historical town is located in the north-east of Victoria, famous for its major growth during the gold rush days of the mid-1850s.
Beechworth is part of the Indigo Shire, which can be found in Victoria's picturesque Northeast. The shire borders the Murray River, the Australian Alps and the municipalities of Wodonga, Wangaratta, Towong, Alpine and Moira.
4. Strawberry Picking at Beerenberg, South Australia
Feeling a bit peckish? If you’re in need of some driving sustenance, Beerenberg Farm picking in Adelaide is the ideal stop over between the months of November and April. Running pickings since 1975, the farm has never missed a season. The farm also offers “A Taste of Beerenberg”, a small group tasting of local gourmet produce in a private area of the farm.
5. The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, New South Wales
Tucked away at Patonga Foreshore on the Central Coast of NSW is The Boathouse Hotel Patonga, the perfect stop over destination for a delicious meal. The eatery is surrounded by the Hawkesbury and Brisbane Waters National Park, with incredible views of the beautiful native Australian landscape.
Reservations are not required at the Hotel which offers waterside eating and drinking, and a kiosk for take-aways. The location is an ideal road trip stopover for Sydney-siders, being approximately a 1.5 hour drive from the CBD, or a 30 minute ferry ride from Palm Beach.
6. Port Fairy, Victoria
Once voted the most liveable town in the world, it would be hard not to make a pitstop during your road trip at Port Fairy in Vicotria. It is the oldest port in Victoria and is recognised for its fishing industry.
The over 50-year-old structures throughout the town build out it’s iconic history, along with the long-held traditions of fishing and a love of art. Port Fairy Folk Festival is another attraction that occurs within the area – one of Australia’s biggest and oldest folk music festivals.
