Need a getaway? These day trips offer the best value for money.

Sometimes a day trip is as good as a holiday. We all know that a holiday is good for our health, but studies show even a short day trip, one providing a total change of scenery, is enough to lower stress, lessen the risk of heart disease and even revive your levels of motivation. And when we’re looking at high-value day trips? Well, I’m no doctor, but that’s got to be even better for your wellbeing.

New research from car insurance company Rollin’ has compared a standardised day out for two adults across 73 Australian destinations to find the most affordable day trips. They compared costs for things like food, attractions, park entry and fuel to find day trips that offer the most value for money. Here is where the data directed them.

Day trips from Sydney

Wollongong

Drive time: 2h 54m
Time at destination: 7h 06m
Cost: $102.29 per couple

In third place overall, but first for NSW, a day trip to Wollongong came in at $102.29 with a value for money score of 70.76 out of 100. Just under three hours from Sydney, the drive to Wollongong is actually one of the main attractions. Follow the Grand Pacific Drive for incredible views and cute towns to stop at along the way, before reaching the city centre. Then, enjoy mountain lookouts, gorgeous beaches, tasty treats and more.

Katoomba

Drive time: 2h 54m
Time at destination: 7h 06m
Cost: $123.33 per couple

It’s true that you can breathe easier in the mountains, and this Blue Mountains town has it all – including value for money. In fourth place on the list, the cost of a day trip to Katoomba was $123.33 with a value for money score of 68.21. While there, you’d be remiss not to get into nature. See the Three Sisters (and take the Giant Stairway trail to see them up close, gaze on Katoomba Falls and swim in Katoomba Cascades. Follow trails by foot or by bike in UNESCO World Heritage Blue Mountains National Park. And once you’re done, take advantage of the growing number of breweries, cafes and restaurants popping up – a beer at the Mountain Culture brewery is particularly satisfying after a hike.

Kiama

Drive time: 3h 32m
Time at destination: 6h 28m
Cost: $102.23 per couple

Heading South, Kiama offers a different kind of day trip. Just scraping into the top 10 for value, a day trip to Kiama came in at $102.23 with a value rating of 63.20. Famous blowholes, striking coastal walks, local galleries and even the local markets all make Kiama worth the trip. Foodies won’t be disappointed either. Head slightly south to Minnamurra for even more options.

Road trips from Melbourne

Geelong

Drive time: 2h 07m
Time at destination: 7h 53m
Cost: $104.83 per couple

Geelong ranked an impressive second-place with a value score of 70.98 out of 100 and a trip cost of $104.83. As the gateway to Barwon Heads, the Bellarine Peninsula (hello, vineyards) and the Great Ocean Road, there’s plenty to love in a day spent here. The town itself has had a glow-up of late, making it the perfect day trip destination for creatives, just as much as nature lovers.

Bendigo

Drive time: 3h 51m
Time at destination: 6h 09m
Cost: $99.01 per couple

A little lower down the list at number eight, Bendigo combines history, culture and a food scene that packs the punch of a much larger city. With a trip cost of $99.01 and a rating of 64.24, find markets, wineries, art galleries,  high-end restaurants, casual cafes and the city’s famous tramways to get you from point A to B.

Day trips from Adelaide

McLaren Vale

Drive time: 1h 21m
Time at destination: 8h 39m
Cost: $127.76 per couple

McLaren Vale has the highest value score at 73.96 out of 100, costing an estimated $127.76 for two while offering visitors plenty of free activities, natural attractions and almost nine hours of time to explore in one day. And, of course, its famed wineries. Beyond long lunches and tastings, head for the 31 kilometres of pristine coastline from O’Sullivan Beach to Sellicks Beach, explore the rugged cliff tops of Onkaparinga Gorge in the Onkaparinga River National Park or stop by the local farmers market to take some local produce home with you.

Victor Harbor

Drive time: 2h 20m
Time at destination: 7h 40m
Cost: $140.92 per couple

There’s something very special about the Fleurieu Peninsula, and Victor Harbor is the perfect place to soak it in for a day. At $140.92 for a day trip and a value ranking of 63.30, it came in at number nine. Nestled in the curve of Encounter Bay, this small town packs in history, wildlife and family-friendly experiences. Catch a horse and buggy over to the boulder-laden, little penguin-filled landscapes of Granite Island, take a ride on the 1854 Cockle Train or simply soak in the ocean views. In need of a good book? Pop five minutes over to the neighbouring town of Port Elliot to find one of the cutest bookstores in Australia.

Day trips from Perth

Perth Hills

Drive time: 1h 06m
Time at destination: 8h 54m
Cost: $72.15 per couple

Just outside of the city, the Perth Hills region offers stunning natural scenery, beautiful walking trails and some of the best wineries around. The legendary Bibbulmun Track is a great place to start, then stop into a winery for lunch. The road trip costs come in at $72.15, with a value for money rating of 67.01 out of 100.

Busselton

Drive time: 4h 32m
Time at destination: 5h 28m
Cost: $141.01

Perhaps most famous for its jetty, Busselton is the not-so-secret Western Australian coastal town with plenty to fill a fun day. For a day trip cost of $141.01 and a value ranking of 65.56, spend the day diving into these pristine beaches, or settle into one of the world-class wineries, like Whicher Ridge, Flametree Wines or Aravina Estate.

Day trips from Brisbane

Surfers Paradise

Drive time: 1h 59m
Time at destination: 8h 01m
Cost: $166.22

This one might surprise, given Surfers Paradise‘s reputation for glitz and glam. But this famous coastal city came in at $166.22 for a day trip, with a value rating of 65.61. In reality, it’s very easy to lean into its natural beauty to get more bang for your buck. Spend a lazy beach day, or even head up into the Hinterlands.