{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"Swap This for That: Underrated spring road trips near Australia’s capitals","text":"Discover four of the best, under-the-radar spring road trips within two hours’ drive of major cities, offering space, charm and calm.","links":[{"name":"Swap This for That: Underrated spring road trips near Australia’s capitals","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.jpeg/1760419129435/swapthisforthat-promo.jpeg","width":3840,"height":2160},"date":"2025-10-14T12:30:00Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Travel Well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/travel-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Swap this for that: Best spring road trips worth the detour","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Swap this for that: Best spring road trips worth the detour","text":"\u003Cp\u003ESwap the busy for the peaceful. These spring road trip ideas showcase lesser-known towns and regions where slowing down comes naturally.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header.shellimg.jpeg/1760436111659/swapthisforthat-banner.jpeg","width":3840,"height":959},"date":"2025-10-14T12:30:00Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on Oct 14, 2025"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/author.shellimg.png/1760410470805/shell-pecten.png","alt":"shell pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EOh, the road less travelled. There’s a good reason why this iconic phrase stirs curiosity. For spring road-trippers, it’s an invitation to explore destinations that offer more space, ease and charm.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis season is the perfect time to trade the popular for the peaceful. Here are four “swap this for that” road trip ideas that look at mainstream destinations and their underrated alternatives, all just a few hours’ drive from major capitals.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003ENew South Wales: Swap Bowral → Try Glenbrook\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBowral in the Southern Highlands is a springtime favourite, especially during \u003Ca href=\"https://www.visitsouthernhighlands.com.au/tulip-time-flower-festival-2025-tickets/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Etulip season\u003C/a\u003E, but its popularity can mean busy streets and booked-out cafes. For a quieter alternative, head west to Glenbrook, the gateway village to the Blue Mountains.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EJust over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Glenbrook offers a creative mix of cosy cafes and boutique shops. Families will love enjoying takeaway from Con’s Continental Deli then running the kids around at the expansive Glenbrook Park, with its shaded play equipment and picnic spots.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/weekend-drive-seven-of-the-best-farmers-markets.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003EFood lovers\u003C/a\u003E can linger over brunch at Cafe 2773, Kickaboom or Vincent. Post lunch you’re perfectly placed to explore some of the best, lesser-known bushwalks in the Blue Mountains, like the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/jellybean-track\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EJellybean Pool walk\u003C/a\u003E or the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/walking-tracks/red-hands-cave-walking-track-blue-mountains-national-park\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ERed Hands Cave track\u003C/a\u003E, both easy, family-friendly walks rich in scenery and heritage.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003EQueensland: Swap Noosa → Try Currumbin\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ENoosa will always remain a favourite coastal escape, but for an alternative seaside road trip destination head south to Currumbin, just under one-and-a-half hour’s drive from Brisbane on the Gold Coast. Here the vibe is easy and the ocean takes centre stage. Grab a thickshake and a brekkie roll from a classic beachside bar, then hit Currumbin Alley, a favourite for both surfers and swimmers.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EFamilies can spend a few hours at the \u003Ca href=\"https://currumbinsanctuary.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ECurrumbin Wildlife Sanctuary\u003C/a\u003E, while coastal drives lead to quieter stretches like Tugun and Palm Beach. Currumbin serves up everything that’s truly great about a seaside holiday – surf, sand and sunshine – without the hustle.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003EVictoria: Swap Daylesford → Try the Dandenong Ranges\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EDaylesford is well known for its foodie scene and spa days (think Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa), but if you’re after a day trip with less distance and just as much charm, head to the \u003Ca href=\"https://www.visityarravalley.com.au/discover/dandenong-ranges\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EDandenong Ranges\u003C/a\u003E. Around a one hour drive from Melbourne, the Ranges make an easy escape into lush fern gullies, winding mountain roads and welcoming villages.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EStart your morning with brunch at one of the cosy cafes in Sassafras or Olinda; many serve hearty plates with locally roasted coffee. Afterwards, take a short stroll to Olinda Falls, where gentle cascades and shaded forest walks invite a slower pace.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIn the villages, you’ll find plenty of shops to browse, from homewares and garden decor to essential oils, candles and handmade soaps that make perfect mementos or gifts. The Ranges can be enjoyed in a single day, but they’re equally lovely for a two- or three-night weekend stay. Think snug cottages and Airbnb hideaways tucked among towering trees, perfect for slow spring mornings.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003ESouth Australia: Swap Glenelg → Try the Fleurieu Peninsula\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EIf seaside towns are what usually draw you, you might normally think of enjoying a visit to Adelaide’s most popular city beach, Glenelg. This spring, consider driving to the \u003Ca href=\"https://fleurieupeninsula.com.au/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003EFleurieu Peninsula\u003C/a\u003E, just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide. Make the trip extra \u003Ca href=\"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/scenic-stops-on-australias-iconic-coastal-drives-and-best-road-trips-to-pull-over-and-relax.html\" target=\"_self\"\u003Escenic\u003C/a\u003E by road-tripping via South Australia’s Route 31 Coastal Drive, stopping off at charming coastal towns such as Christie’s Beach and Aldinga.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EOnce you’re in the Fleurieu Peninsula, farm-to-table dining and winding drives through olive groves await. Pair foodie experiences with a wander through villages like Willunga or Meadows, where you’ll find artisan cheese, bakeries and craft shops. Then head back to the coast to explore breathtaking beaches and cliff-top walks.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Travel Well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Ftravel-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/page_tags_copy"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csub\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sub\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 9.75px; vertical-align: sub;\"\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva 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.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy_cop","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested 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road trips within two hours’ drive of major cities, offering space, charm and calm.","date":"2025-10-14T12:30:00Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Swap This for That: Underrated spring road trips near Australia’s capitals | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/underrated-spring-road-trips-near-australias-capitals"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc 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