The best road trip destinations for spring

Set your GPS for one of these weekend escapes – all within easy driving distance of capital cities – and prepare yourself for wildflowers, waterfalls and whales.

Getting there: 2 hours 45 minutes (180 kilometres) west of Sydney

You can anticipate nature at its absolute best on this road trip through the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains; the route traverses waterfall-cooled valleys and sandstone escarpments that appear to cleave off the edge of the Earth. Refuel in Katoomba’s cafes with a side-trip to the Three Sisters, then peruse antique stores in Medlow Bath and Blackheath.

On the other side of the range, Oberon beckons in full floral glory. Winter here is all about truffles, while spring sees the countryside transformed with colourful blooms. Make a beeline for Mayfield Garden, one of the world’s largest privately owned cool-climate gardens. The immaculately groomed grounds are inspired by grand English country estates and include themed groves, water features and a paddock-to-plate cafe.

During the annual Spring Festival (24 September to 23 October 2022), visitors are given access to private areas, normally closed to the public, including a mind-bending English box hedge maze and Mayfield Lake, where you can enjoy a spot of rowing before a picnic lunch. Can’t bear to leave? Spring also sees the arrival of pop-up glamping tents, replete with queen-size beds and fireside nooks for stargazing.

Getting there: 1.5 hours (107 kilometres) southwest of Melbourne

All 240 National Heritage-listed kilometres of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road are spectacular, linking atmospheric seaside towns, surf beaches and attractions normally found on postcards – look no further than the 12 Apostles, Gibson Steps and Loch Ard Gorge. The route also curves through Great Otway National Park, particularly pretty in spring.

This is one of Victoria’s most diverse national parks, a glorious swathe of ancient forest, thundering waterfalls and ferny gullies. Wherever you wander there’s an abundance of wildlife, including glow-worms at dusk, not to mention koalas, kangaroos, black cockatoos and king parrots.

You’ll meet many on a hike through countryside ablaze with the season’s wildflowers – the mild weather is conducive to exploring one of the dozens of trails on foot. Many routes lead to the coast; atop rocky cliffs, gaze over the Southern Ocean keeping watch for dolphins and, at this time of year, whales making their way to Antarctica.

Getting there: 3.5 hours (280 kilometres) north of Brisbane

Australia has one of the longest whale-watching seasons in the world. And while spring is the tail end of migration, it still sees plenty of action along Queensland’s coast. In particular in the Great Sandy Strait; that sheltered body of water between Hervey Bay and World Heritage-listed Fraser Island – it’s the perfect pocket of calm for mumma humpback, blue and southern right whales to bring their calves to rest, play and frolic.

Getting here is part of the fun, with the route north taking you through the Sunshine Coast hinterland. During the spring thaw, the rainforest here is awash with waterfalls like Gardners Falls, where you can splash about in a freshwater swimming hole directly under the cascade.

When you arrive in Hervey Bay, sign up for an ethical whale-watching cruise (operators follow strict guidelines on approaching the gentle giants) or spot them from the town’s legendary 868-metre Urangan Pier; the waters below teem with fish and stingrays.

Getting there: 1.5 hours (150 kilometres) north of Adelaide

In spring, everything turns to gold in the Clare Valley, from the wine region’s applauded riesling – there’s an official ‘Riesling Trail’ you can follow – to its rolling hills of canola that burst into bloom as the weather warms.

The most difficult thing you need to decide is which of the 35 cellar doors to drop in on first. Take your pick from the ultra-modern, like O’Leary Walker Wines, to places that time forgot, including historic stone cottages at Crabtree Watervale Wines. In every direction you’ll find those award-winning rieslings as well as shiraz, cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir that will make you swoon. Of course, driving safely is essential for road safety and reducing your risks on the road, so know the rules and advice for keeping yourself and others safe.

There are a parade of winery and standalone restaurants to choose from, as well as markets like the Clare Show Market, held on the second Saturday of each month. Fill your picnic basket with artisan chocolate, homemade jams and chutneys, cheese and fresh bread.

If you’re here 15-16 October of this year, you’ll have the chance to enjoy your provisions at one of the Goyder Gardens. This collective of 14 private gardens opens to the public once a year, and welcomes visitors to enjoy the spring floral bounty, attend horticultural workshops and meet passionate groundskeepers.

Getting there: 1 hour 45 minutes (170 kilometres) north of Perth

Know your cowslip from your spider orchid? Your jam wattle from your yellow plume grevillea? Whether you’re a botanical genius or just fond of colour amid nature, get set for a visual treat during spring in Western Australia. Uniting nine of the state’s council regions, Wildflower Way ticks every bloom box as the weather warms. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 1,000 flowering plants brighten the countryside at this time of year, making it one of the world’s richest floral regions.

You can do a daytrip if you’re coming from Perth, but you’ll want to linger, wandering along trails that weave through national parkland and bush reserves, on the lookout for wallabies and lizards, cockatoos and galahs. The surrounding farming towns come with plenty of country swagger, and you’ll be welcomed into hotels with local gusto. But if you want to sleep in a million-star abode, make the most of one of the free camping grounds. Park your car, pitch your tent, and let the sky dazzle.

^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.}