Three-day road trips for the long weekend

Fortunate enough to have a long weekend ahead of you? Forget the extra night at the pub and hit the road on one of these three-day trips instead. With beautiful beaches, unparalleled national parks and more top-notch bakeries than you can shake a rolling pin at, Australia’s highways and byways have you sorted for an unforgettable long weekend.

Victoria****

Get to know the Gippsland region The Great Ocean Road may be Victoria’s most popular strip of bitumen, but head east from Melbourne instead and you’ll discover a treasure trove of beaches, mountains, wineries and rainforests in the perennially underrated Gippsland region. You could spend a lifetime exploring Gippsland, but if you’ve only got a three-day break on the horizon, consider this your ideal itinerary.

Day 1: Feeling great at the Great Lakes Make the iconic 90 Mile Beach – three hours east of Melbourne – your first stop. This gigantic stretch of sand is a top-notch spot for swimming, surfing and fishing, and with 150 kilometres of sand available, you’re sure to secure a bit of space for you and your crew. Once you’ve had your fill of sun and surf, continue east to The Lakes National Park before arriving in Lakes Entrance, a charming (and v. popular) coastal town known for seafood and sunsets.

Day 2: Chasing peak experiences Time to get high, folks – Gippsland’s mountains are calling and outdoor adventures are the order of the day. Visit Mitchell River National Park for hiking and rafting, or check out the gold-mining town of Walhalla for a hefty dose of history and rugged natural beauty. Mount Baw Baw is well within reach too, so look no further if you’re desperate for some alpine air. And whatever you do, be sure to stop at as many bakeries as you can – the pies in these parts are hard to beat.

****Day 3: Feeling tiny in the Tarra-Bulga **** The Tarra-Bulga National Park is home to ancient rainforests and jaw-dropping waterfalls and every self-respecting Victorian should, at some point, take a hike underneath its verdant canopy. Walk the swinging suspension bridge, gaze up at gigantic Mountain Ash trees, search for lyrebirds and spend an afternoon following the twisting paths and roads. Afterwards, you can check out the Coal Creek Community Park and Museum, which offers a glimpse into 20th-century life here, before cruising back to Melbourne (or wherever you came from).

Tasmania

A three-day coastal cruise Tasmania is an epic destination for a road trip. Three days could have you zipping the length of the state and back again, but we recommend travelling slowly and intentionally so you take a real bite out of The Apple Isle. Mountain lovers would do well to head to Cradle Mountain and the wild west, but for now we’re focusing on the beautiful coastal landscapes to Tasmania’s east.

Day 1: Historic Hobart and the Tasman Peninsula Start your road trip by exploring Hobart, Tasmania’s capital city. The Salamanca Market, which is open every Saturday, is always worth checking out, as is kunyani/Mt Wellington (so long as the weather is behaving). From Hobart, it’s an hour’s drive to the Tasman Peninsula, where the stunning views and pristine beaches are sure to impress. Take a tour of Port Arthur and learn about the tragic events that took place there, or tackle a trail in Tasman National Park before settling in for the evening with a heavenly portion of fish ‘n’ chips.

Day 2: Exploring the East Coast It takes less than three hours to drive from the Tasman Peninsula to Coles Bay and Freycinet, where iconic Tassie sights like Wineglass Bay await, but with plenty of scenic spots for a swim along the way, you’re going to want to take a little longer. A favourite (and free) bush camping spot is Friendly Beaches, which is right by the water, though sites are on a first come, first serve basis. Once you’ve claimed your spot, drive into Freycinet National Park to check out the gorgeous beaches and take a walk to Wineglass Bay – the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Day 3: Looping back to Hobart After a morning swim in Freycinet, continue north to beautiful Bicheno for breakfast. Here you’ll find white-sand beaches, a few top-notch cafes and the Bicheno Blowhole, which is well worth checking out. You can return to Hobart via the same coastal road, or choose to head inland via historic towns like Campbell Town (be sure to visit the Foxhunters Return bookshop) and Oatlands, which is home to Australia’s largest collection of sandstone Georgian buildings.

South Australia

****Winding roads and wineries **** Who knew you could stick so close to Adelaide and still have three days of adventure? From world-class wineries to Australia’s best beaches, it’s all on offer here in South Australia.

Day 1: All hail McLaren Vale Just 45 minutes south of Adelaide, McLaren Vale has to be South Australia’s most underrated wine region. It’s a cruisy drive out to the Vale, as the locals call it, and once you arrive you’ll no doubt notice the region’s Italian influence. Top wineries include Serafino, Coriole and Hither & Yon, while The Salopian Inn and Star of Greece are must-visit restaurants, with the latter perched above the beach. The water at Maslins Beach is always inviting and the cliffs are a photographer’s dream.

Day 2: Run (or drive) to the Hills Treat yourself to a morning dip before heading into the Adelaide Hills. Onkaparinga River National Park is a worthy detour for anyone partial to a hike and your destination, the Bavaria-inspired town of Hahndorf, is the perfect place to relax after working up a sweat. Check out the German pubs, visit one of the famous wineries – like Shaw + Smith – or head to nearby Mount Lofty for a relaxing stroll in the Botanic Gardens.

Day 3: Back via the Barossa (and a bakery or two) For the final day of your road trip, drive north (for just over an hour) to the world-famous Barossa Valley. Here you’ll find farmers’ markets, celebrated restaurants, renowned wineries and some of the best bakeries in the country. Our tip? Head to Apex Bakery, the region’s original wood-fired bakehouse, which has always been a family-run operation and dishes up everything from sourdough bread to fancy pies and life-changing cinnamon scrolls.

Pumped to take a road trip through Victoria, Tasmania or South Australia? We’ve got the perfect van for your three-day adventure.