Romantic road trip ideas for couples in Australia guide

Dreaming of the perfect getaway with your other half? A road trip offers the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind in the wilderness together. From Cape Tribulation to Kangaroo Island, Australia has countless gems just waiting to be explored on a trip for two - all you need is a sense of adventure, your partner by your side and a van to take you there. Discover the most romantic # vanlife getaways in the country with our list of the best road trip ideas for couples!

5 best road trip ideas for couples in Australia

1. The best route from Brisbane to Cape Tribulation

Total distance: 1,825km (one way) | Recommended days: 4 to 7 days | Best time to do the route: Summe | Route Map

If you’re after the perfect road trip where the trees meet the ocean, then jump in the van with your other half and make your way from Brisbane to Rockhampton, Airlie Beach and finally Cape Tribulation.

There is nothing more romantic than a little harbourside dining in Rockhampton. Head to Boathouse Rockhampton for some incredible views of the Fitzroy River, which has some delicious food as well. You can also delight in some history and culture together, at the Rockhampton Art Gallery or with a historical tour through town.

With powder-white sand and topaz blue waters, Airlie Beach is a must-see destination for couples. It acts as the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, and you can enjoy many days relaxing back on the sand or exploring the waters. There are so many great couple’s activities to enjoy, including snorkelling, sailing and even massages.

Cape Tribulation is located amid the beautiful Daintree National Park. Activities include ziplining, water sports and swimming, rainforest walks, long romantic strolls on the beach and relaxing in a scenic forest cabin.

Looking for more romantic getaways? Check out our post on Honeymoon destinations in Australia.

2. The best route around Hunter Valley

Total distance: 180km (one way) | Recommended days: 2 days | Best time to do the route: Spring or Summer | Route Map

After you sort out campervan hire in Sydney, you can hit the road straight away and travel just a couple of hours to find yourself in Hunter Valley, which has a little something for every couple.

Take a stroll through the Hunter Valley Gardens in Spring with everything in bloom around you. If you want an even more magical experience, head there during the Christmas Lights (from November to January) when the entire garden is completely transformed.

Of course, you don’t want to miss all the cellar doors in the region. You can either take a self-guided tour or join a group and spend your days leisurely making your way from one vineyard to the next. Add Brokenwood, Peppertree and Tempus Two wineries to your list, and don’t forget to grab a couple of bottles to take back to the van with you!

1. The best route from Melbourne to Great Ocean Road

Total distance: 668km | Recommended days: 3 days | Best time to do the route: between Spring | Route Map

One of the most scenic road trip ideas for couples in Australia, the Great Ocean Road makes for a perfect escape. Starting in Melbourne, you can make your way along cliff tops and sandy beaches, marvelling in the sites before you, making your way to Apollo Bay, Port Fairy and ending back in Melbourne.

In Melbourne, enjoy some of the most well-known surf beaches at the beginning of the drive. Relax back together and soak up the coastal views, before stopping in Lorne for some fish and chips on the beach. Apollo Bay is the perfect place to enjoy some quality beach time, too. Enjoy a romantic meal at Chris’s at Beacon’s Point, with cliff-top views and delicious food.

Follow the Great Ocean Road into the Otway National Park and travel from the beach to the rainforest. Head for a leisurely walk, or you can get the adrenaline pumping with some ziplining. On your way to Port Fairy, don’t miss the 12 Apostles, where you can even walk down for a ground view. Explore the small fishing village and walk hand in hand on one of their historical tours before making your way back to Melbourne.

4. The best route from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island

Total distance: 210km (one way) | Recommended days: 5 days | Best time to do the route: Summer | Route Map

Kangaroo Island is the ideal romantic getaway with so much to occupy you. Start off in Adelaide, stopping off in Cape Jervis and then heading across to Kangaroo Island.

Set near the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula, Cape Jervis has plenty of stunning natural scenery for you to soak up as a couple. Take a stroll along the Heysen Trail, with amazing views out onto the ocean. Head to Deep Creek Conservation Park to see some of the natural wildlife. Spend the day at Rapid Bay Beach, with nice shallow waters for you to enjoy a dip, or walk up to Cape Jervis Lighthouse.

Next stop, Kangaroo Island. One of their must-see attractions is Flinders Chase National Park, where you can explore waterways, forests, hiking trails and more. You might even come across fur seals. Head to Vivonne Bay, where you can set up a picnic for the day or enjoy a spot of sunbathing.

Lastly, don’t miss Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where you can cuddle koalas together and see more than 150 species of animals.

5. The best route from Sydney to the Blue Mountains

Total distance: 235km | Recommended days: 2 days | Best time to do the route: Winter | Route Map

Of course, road trips don’t have to be all about sandy white beaches and blazing sunshine. You might prefer to opt for a winter escape where you can cuddle up in front of a campfire and spend some quality time together. The Blue Mountains is the dream destination for this.

While the days might be a little chilly and crisp, you will usually still be greeted with clear blue skies. You can still see out to the Great Dividing Range. Start with a ride on the Scenic Skyway to share some incredible views over Katoomba Falls and Jamison Valley.

There are also plenty of walks in the area that are perfect in the cooler months. You can head out for views of the iconic Three Sisters and make your way through the rainforest in the Blue Mountains National Park. At the end of a cool day, rug up together in front of a roaring fire!

Experience your favourite road trip ideas for couples

Whether you’re planning an extended holiday, mini-break or searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day caravan getaway, these 5 road trips for couples will set the perfect scene for a romantic getaway.

All you need is to jump in a van and hit the open road. Just you, your partner, and so many incredible places to explore. Check out hundreds of options for campervan hire in Australia today!

Want to see more? If your days of work are behind you then invest in the best small motorhomes for retired couples, so you can hit the road anytime you like. With so many amazing destinations to visit together, you won’t regret it!

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