Another long weekend is upon us and if you didn’t get your travel fix over Easter, we’ve listed some perfect autumn-inspired road trips to make your time off memorable.
Plus, check out what a few of the Nodifi team are planning.
Top autumn long weekend road trips
NSW/ACT – Hunter Valley
Travel time from Sydney: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cool, fresh air, scenic walks, great food and really great wine – if that sounds like you, the Hunter Valley is a good place to be during autumn.
The Hunter Valley is home to 150 wineries, some top-tier food experiences and scenery worth the drive. Check out the cellar doors and the stunning architecture they’re nestled amongst.
For example, Pokolbin, the central town in the Hunter Valley and where to direct your sat nav / Google Maps, offers some top-shelf vineyard restaurants including must-see Tyrrell’s.
On the accommodation scene, you’ll find everything from luxe options to campsites and everything in between.
Although the Hunter Valley can be a day trip, make it an overnighter as there’s so much on offer.
VIC – The Grampians
Travel time from Melbourne: 3 hours, 15 minutes
A little too long in the car for a day trip, The Grampians make a stunning backdrop – day and night – for a long weekend getaway.
The journey is absolutely worth it as you’ll be treated to rugged mountains, forests and wildlife, especially kangaroos and wallabies, and of course the breathtaking views from peaks like The Pinnacle lookout.
Some hikes can be quite demanding with steep slopes, while others are much more quick and tourist-friendly so make sure to do a little Googling prior to going.
Accommodation is mainly situated around Halls Gap, the central town of The Grampians and offers some amazing gems, for example breakfast mere metres away from kangaroos.
QLD – Lamington National Park
Travel time from Brisbane: 1 hours, 35 minutes
A great day trip option for those who want to catch up on their exercise in some amazing open spaces. Expect Australia’s subtropical rainforest to offer up the sounds, sights and fresh air that it’s known for as well as some wildlife like the iconic lyrebird and bowerbird.
In the Binna Burra section of the park, walks range from short 30-minute circuits, right through to eight-hour treks so, like most national parks in our country, require little planning ahead.
The 7.2km return hike to Elabana Falls is a highlight and, with a little luck from the clouds, will likely showcase some of the spectacular scenes the area is known for.
Speaking of weather, there are a few places you can swim too so if temperatures permit, pack for the occasion.
NT – Litchfield
Travel time from Darwin: 1 hours, 30 minutes
Kakadu, Uluru, Arnhem Land and the Red Centre all seem to dominate the lists when it comes to the NT.
Litchfield National Park could possibly be the Northern Territory’s best kept secret – and it’s only just over an hour from Darwin, making day trips easily doable.
Filled with stunning waterfalls and waterholes, Litchfield offers hiking trails of all expertise levels, from beginner to pro, but the longer ones can really encompass all the 1,500 km2 park is known for (you won’t need to explore all 1,500 km2 to experience Litchfield).
The nearby Rum Jungle Tavern offers local cuisine if you’re not keen on packing your own lunch.
If you plan to stay a night or two, which is a great idea, cabins, camping and caravan sites are within a short drive of the park gates.
SA – Robe
Travel time from Adelaide: 3 hours, 40 minutes
Robe is often described as a gem of the Limestone Coast – and for good reason. Located 90 mins from Mount Gambier, the picturesque coastal town offers scenic views and drives – most of the journey from Adelaide is along the wild Coorong.
In Autumn, Robe may be a little too cold for swimming, something the area is known for, but don’t let that deter you.
Long sandy white beaches, cosmopolitan cafes and galleries along with the Robe Town Brewery are just some of the attractions ideal at this time of year.
Don’t forget to indulge in the local seafood which the town is also famous for, especially from the famous Sails at Robe restaurant.
WA – Bickley Valley
Travel time from Perth: 45 minutes
WA is full of long distances so this one might suit those Western Australians who don’t feel like hours and hours in a car.
Bickley Valley offers wineries, rolling hills and Aussie bushland which means great hiking trails, amazing photo opportunities and, of course, some of Australia’s top wines.
A meal at the Embers is a must to take in the food at atmosphere that the Bickley Valley offers.
Imagine biking or hiking through the Perth hills from cafe to restaurant to winery while taking in the landscape in the cooler autumn air as deciduous trees turn red and gold.
No need to imagine anymore.
Take a trip to the Bickley Valley this long weekend.
TAS – Great Eastern Drive
Travel time from Hobart: 6 hours 25 minutes
Tassie’s east coast is a perfect road trip for those keen to unwind, take in the rugged coastal sights and enjoy some of the local produce.
The time quoted above is the return trip, meaning a day trip is definitely doable, however, to make the most of it, stay a night or two at one of the towns along the way. The coastal town of Swansea is a good suggestion.
A must-see (and must enjoy) is Kate’s Berry Farm, a dessert cafe that overlooks rows of berries and views across Great Oyster Bay.
Keen hikers can also take a detour down the Freycinet Peninsula to enjoy the half-day trek to Wineglass Bay.
You can also explore the spectacular Bay of Fires and historic fishing village of St Helens.
The Nodifi team
Here’s what some of the team are planning to do this long weekend.
Nyssa Lambert
Performance Marketing Manager
“It’s family time for me and my partner – been a long time since I saw some of our extended cousins. They’re all over from WA, the first time in a long time too!
“We’re all going for a picnic in the Adelaide Hills and I’m planning some activities for the kids.”
Jordan Mutton
General Manager – Sales and Service
“I’m having a long weekend at home.
“It’s a great chance to do some odd jobs around home at my own pace and the cool-but-not-cold weather helps too.”
Alex Bodriagin
National Sales Manager
“I’m having a quiet one this weekend.
“I think I’ll take my Harley out for a cruise and do something nice with my family, I’m looking forward to an unplanned long weekend!”
Peter Fullwood
Business Development Manager – Western Australia
“I’ve got a few family dinners planned for the evenings as well as some 4x4ing during the day.
“I’m going to drive along the beach and hopefully get either the surfboard or fishing rod out – or both!”
Caleb Waye-Harris
Commercial Strategist
“I’m going on a wine tour on Sunday in the Adelaide Hills, should be really good.
“A bit of relaxing is due for the other days.”
Amy Di Fabio
Credit Officer
“My plans are filled with family and friends.
“My family loves a meal together – we usually meet my cousin when we have extra time, we might enjoy an Italian feast, although sadly a lot smaller this year than previous.”
Daniel Zandona
Consumer Strategist
“I’m up for a bit of garden TLC and jobs around the house.
“Other than that, I’m meeting a few friends and family members and we’ll get out and about, but nothing locked in yet.”
Elliot Bloem
Support Team Leader
“I am going camping on a friend’s farm in Naracoorte [south east SA].
“We’ll check out the local area too which means some nice restaurants and hiking trails.”
Have a happy and safe long weekend from the Nodifi team.
