How to make the most of two back-to-back long weekends

With two back-to-back long weekends over Easter and Anzac Day this year, there’s never been a better time to pack your bags, hit the road, and explore Australia’s most epic destinations. No matter what your passions and interests are – be it coastal escapes, outback adventures, or gourmet getaways – we have you covered with our round up of unforgettable road trip itineraries with suggested stopovers en route.

If you like adventure, you’ll love an outback road trip

• Driving from: Adelaide, SA, to Uluru, NT
• Recommended duration: 7-10 days
• Total distance: Approx 1,600 km one-way

If you have an innate spirit of adventure, this outback road trip has your name written all over it. Driving from Adelaide to the heart of Australia, you’ll traverse rugged landscapes, uncover rich Indigenous culture, and fall asleep under star-filled skies. Stopovers include the Clare Valley where you can sample some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines and cycle along the Riesling Trail, and Coober Pedy where you can explore opals, quirky attractions, and dugout homes. Uluru’s sacred heart will captivate and inspire, leaving a lasting mark on your trip.

If you like nature, you’ll love driving the Coral Coast & Pinnacles Loop

• Driving from: Perth to Exmouth, WA
• Recommended duration: 7-10 days
• Total distance: 2,500 km roundtrip (driving via National Route 1)

Imposing coastal landscapes, pink lakes and incredible marine life make this Western Australian drive from Perth to Exmouth (and back) a must-do this Easter holiday break. Walk through the eerie limestone formations of The Pinnacles Desert, see the bubblegum-pink waters of Hutt Lagoon, and snorkel with whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef. Be sure to take plenty of rest breaks for the journey to keep any driver fatigue at bay.

If you like food, you’ll love a gourmet getaway around the Mornington Peninsula

• Driving from: Melbourne to Portsea, Vic
• Recommended duration: 3-5 days
• Total distance: Approx 200 km roundtrip

This might seem like the tiniest road trip (in terms of kilometres travelled), but if you have ever explored Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula then you’ll know it’s a place you can spend plenty of time meandering and exploring all the foodie gems dotted around the region. From farm-fresh produce and world-class wineries to stunning coastal scenery, must-visit stopovers on this gourmet road trip include Red Hill Estate, Main Ridge Estate, the charming village of Flinders and coastal town Sorrento. Indulge in a long vineyard lunch at Polperro, go wine tasting at Ten Minutes by Tractor and rest your head at the iconic seaside Portsea Hotel.

If you like being active, you’ll love an east coast road trip

• Driving from: Sydney, NSW, to Brisbane, Qld
• Recommended duration: 5-7 days
• Total distance: Approx 900km

If road trips make you jittery and you prefer to be active, this heart-racing adventure along NSW’s East Coast will surely pique your interest. Think sandboarding, surfing, coastal walks and hinterland hikes teamed with dolphin-watching cruises and plenty of time for some R&R too. Be sure to stop off at Port Stephens where you can try your hand at sandboarding or 4WD safaris at the Stockton Sand Dunes – the largest moving sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere. Other must-do adrenalin-pumping activities include hiking to Dangar Falls at Dorrigo National Park, surfing The Pass at Byron Bay, and taking a hinterland hike through Lamington National Park.

As we embrace the joy and excitement of the holiday season, let's remember that safety on the roads is paramount. With increased traffic and bustling activities, it's crucial to stay vigilant, avoid distractions, and follow traffic rules. By driving responsibly, we can ensure that everyone reaches their destinations safely and enjoys a happy, stress-free holiday. Stay safe and have a wonderful time!

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}