10 top Aussie road trip detours

Let’s be honest, no one ever seems to follow those signs which direct you on a scenic drive through an area off the highway. But the reality is you really should consider it.

New research from Subaru has revealed that almost half of Australians (45%) are bypassing theses tourist attractions and detour signs on the road, instead opting for the most direct route to their destination.

With international travel off the cards for a while, holidaying right here, right now has never been more in fashion and more tempting. So instead of heading straight to one destination to spend your weekend or week away, why not factor in a scenic detour.

To inspire a local detour or two this summer, here is a list of 10 great detour spots across Australia. All it takes is a bit of extra time on your road trip to take the road less travelled and explore some great local gems. 

Mossman, Queensland

If you’re driving from Cairns to Cape Tribulation, Mossman is the perfect detour. Mossman is a picturesque little town nestled at the foot of the mountains among bright green fields of sugar cane.

When visiting the town, you can’t miss the World Heritage listed site, Mossman Gorge. The sacred site, which is home to the Kuku Yalnji people, holds rich cultural heritage and natural beauty as the Mossman River tumbles its way over huge granite boulders, creating freshwater swimming holes. 

This easy going surfside town is just under five hours north of Sydney, making it the perfect stop on the way to Coffs Harbour or Byron Bay.

Discover beautiful sandy beaches and lush national parks for bushwalking, camping and whale watching. Make sure you check out Killick Beach, which was named one of Australia’s National Surfing Reserves for its long, slow right hand break. 

Bingi is a long stretch of coastline on the south coast of New South Wales, which runs between Moruya and Tuross Heads.

Bingi Bingi Point is the perfect spot for scenic views, swimming and fishing, with golden beaches surrounded by untamed bushland and jagged rock formations. There's also a 14 kilometre walking track which passes through different types of coastal habitat and stops for picnics or swimming.

Grand Pacific Drive is a 140-kilometre scenic coastal drive through NSW’s South Coast that takes you through the beaches of Wollongong and Shellharbour, and to coastal gems like Shoalhaven.

There are hundreds of stunning beaches, nature walks and coastal lagoons to explore. For an epic aerial picture, Sea Cliff Bridge is a highlight and an easy detour!

A detour to Apollo Bay is a particularly impressive stretch of Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road. The scenic drive will offer awesome views of sandy beaches below your clifftop route.

To get a panoramic view of the town and the bay, take a drive to Cape Otway Lightstation to see Australia’s most famous lighthouse and Barham River Road for grassy hills and lush rainforest. 

Follow the Tasman Highway from Hobart north just over an hour to Orford; home to the three thumbs track, a four-kilometre loop with views over spring bay all the way to Maria Island.

From Orford, journey along the East Coast to Swansea for around 1.5 hours and enjoy some of the best scenic coastal views in the country. From Swansea head into Freycinet National Park and hike up to the Wineglass Bay lookout for breathtaking views of secluded beaches, white sand and turquoise blue water across the national park.

Penguin is a small picturesque seaside town located on the north-west coast of Tasmania. When entering the town you won’t miss the 10-foot fibreglass penguin that resides on the beachfront, which stands as a monument to the feathered friends.

The coastal road between Ulverstone and Wynyard is a beautiful scenic drive with sweeping ocean views and great picnic spots.

Located south of Darwin, Litchfield National Park is possibly the Northern Territory’s best kept secret. The park is filled with stunning waterfalls and cool water holes that are surrounded by walkways and termite mounds. 

One of the most popular and easily accessible swimming spots in the park is Wangi Falls, which is a sacred waterfall and plunge pool surrounded by lush, monsoonal rainforest. Walker Creek also has its own secluded campsites and private swimming spot. 

To explore the natural beauty of WA, start your journey in Perth to the world-renowned Pinnacles of Nambung National Park, a 190km drive along Indian Ocean Highway that hugs Australia’s Coral Coast.

We recommend stopping at Yanchep National Park along the way to see western grey kangaroos, koalas and the incredible underground limestone caves. Try and get to the Pinnacles just before the golden hour to experience a picture-perfect sunset amongst the 30,000-year-old limestone structures.

Kangaroo Island is the third-largest island off the coast of mainland Australia. The scenic drive starts from Adelaide to Cape Jervis and is next level, with brilliant local cuisine, wildlife and adventure experiences.

Stretch your legs and get your taste buds buzzing in the world-famous McLaren Vale wine region. With over 17 hikes, quad biking, adventure caving and art galleries there is something to suit everybody.

Related:

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