9 charming regional getaways to plot your escape to this year

Australia

07 May 2025

From rail trails connecting the dots between town and country to hinterland gems and headlining art, travelling regional Australia is the ultimate choose-your-own adventure.

1. Port Stephens, NSW

Travelling with: Lara Picone

The topography of Port Stephens spoils visitors with a veritable buffet of natural beauty, offering everything from shifting sand dunes to holiday-brochure beaches and lushly forested hikes. Being just two-and-a-half hours from Sydney also makes this Pacific-facing town a win. In fact, so bequeathed with enchantments is Port Stephens that it recently won Wotif’s 2025 Aussie Town of the Year. Check into the marina-edged Anchorage to check out the allure of this coastal hamlet.

The Anchorage Port Stephens — Escape to the luxe bayside retreat at The Anchorage Port Stephens. (Image: Destination NSW/Dallas Kilponen)

2. Southern Highlands, NSW

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Food, wine, art and outdoor adventures seem to be melded into the heart of the Southern Highlands in NSW. While the region attracts visitors year-round, the scene changes during winter, when cool-to-freezing temperatures inspire activities such as fireside dining and truffle hunting. Enjoy a curated picnic at Cuttaway Creek. Taste cool-climate wines at Dawning Day Farms . Congregate with friends at Ngununggula, Southern Highlands Regional Gallery before settling in for an intimate dining experience at Eschalot. Then, bunker down at The Pill Factory in Bundanoon.

Sarah Drinan and Dionisia Salas Installation View Tender at Ngununggula — Sarah Drinan and Dionisia Salas Installation View Tender at Ngununggula. (Image: Mim Stirling)

3. Coal River Valley, Tas

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Tasting Tasmania’s terroir is a gentle way to explore the Coal River Valley. While you can enjoy a river-sledding adventure or hire bikes to see the valley on two wheels, a cellar-door experience at Tolpuddle Vineyard is the ultimate celebration of the landscape. Visit the sleek, new tasting room on the Traditional Lands of the Mumirimina people to taste award-winning vintages of chardonnay and pinot noir with the vintners themselves.

a close-up of food at Tolpuddle Vineyard — Dine on local produce at Tolpuddle Vineyard. (Image: Adam Gibson)

4. Namadgi National Park, ACT

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Namadgi National Park makes up a whopping 46 per cent of the ACT’s total land area. Join Dhawura Tours to see Indigenous rock art, look for wildlife such as wombats and lyrebirds and walk the Mt Tennent Trail to really immerse yourself in the landscape. Pitch a tent in the national park near a squiggle of the Gudgenby River at the northern end of the Australian Alps.

hiking at Namadgi National Park, Canberra — Immerse yourself in nature at Namadgi National Park. (Image: We Are Explorers For Visit Canberra)

5. The Cairns Hinterland, Qld

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Head inland from Cairns to discover a Queensland region rich in heritage charm, outstanding natural beauty, and foodie and cultural attractions. The local farmers at the weekly Yungaburra Market sell produce grown in and around the Atherton Tablelands . Follow the crowds after the market, just 50 metres down the street, to Yungaburra Hotel . Take the pretty Peterson Creek walking track and try your luck at spotting the elusive platypus. North of Cairns, the vintage Kuranda Scenic Railway journeys through World Heritage-listed rainforest and past waterfalls to the hippie-chic village of Kuranda.

the lush greenery at Atherton Tablelands — The fertile fields make Atherton Tablelands the food bowl of the region. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland/Tourism Tropical North Queensland/James Vodicka)

6. The Tweed, NSW

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

The Tweed is the hip new regional getaway worth knowing about. The true heart of the Tweed in NSW lies in the fact it’s got the trifecta of coast, valley and river. And while it’s known for its landmark cultural attractions such as the Tweed Regional Gallery & Margaret Olley Art Centre and Minjungbal Museum and Cultural Centre, you could also tack together an itinerary based around culinary offerings or stopping points along the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

the scenic Tweed Valley — Coast, valley and river in the Tweed. (Image: Destination NSW/Trevor Worden)

7. Mandurah, WA

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

Mandurah is having a moment. Originally known as Mandjoogoordap, meaning ‘meeting place of the heart’, the WA town was recently named third-best destination in Australia in the 2025 Wotif Aussie Town of the Year Awards. From above, the coastal city is all rippled cobalt and aquamarine. Stroll along its wide sandy beaches, soak up those big skies, then set off to discover the Giants of Mandurah sculptures, followed with fish and chips by the sea.

the Giants of Mandurah sculptures by Thomas Dumbo — Discover the Giants of Mandurah sculptures. (Image: Duncan Wright)

8. High Country, Vic

Travelling with: Carla Grossetti

A sprawling $5-million trail network has opened in Rutherglen on Yorta Yorta Country. The Rutherglen Loops connect 14 cellar doors around the world-class wine region, making Victoria’s High Country even more accessible for visitors. The four trails are like Venn diagrams with distinct loops that overlap everything from cellar doors and winery restaurants to the mighty Murray River and Lake Moodemere.

bicycles in Victoria High Country — Cycle Victoria’s High Country.

9. Mildura, Vic

Travelling with: Imogen Eveson

Mildura was rebranded last year as Tropical North Victoria in a wink-wink campaign that nods to the abundance of sunny days in this regional city on the Murray River. New boutique hotel Kar-Rama sprinkles more Palm Springs vibes, with its modern interpretation of mid-century design making it the ideal oasis to retreat to after days spent visiting wineries, cruising the Murray and venturing into nearby Mungo National Park. And now, Trail of Lights, the latest large-scale experiential installation by British-Australian artist Bruce Munro, is providing another shining example of reasons to visit.

Fireflies by Bruce Munro — Tropical North Victoria gets a glow-up. (Image: Serena Munro)

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7 features of a quintessential Aussie road trip

By Kassia Byrnes

31 Jul 2025

No one does road trips like Australians. Make your journey perfect.

The humble road trip is a way of life in Australia, and it’s not the same here as it is anywhere else. Sure, you could fly, but then you’re missing out on the bonding time and priceless memories that get made along the way (good or bad, you’ll be sharing them for years to come). Not to mention, some of Australia’s most worthwhile and untouched places can only be accessed by road .

But how to ensure your road trip is quintessentially perfect? Why use this checklist, of course.

1. Start with the perfect vehicle

A woman sitting while reading inside Star RV Motorhomes spacious Polaris 6. — Relax with stunning views in a spacious motorhome. (Image: Demi Gavin)

I can tell you from experience, nothing will push even the most tight-knit group to devolve into chaos and fighting faster than a vehicle that isn’t up to the task of a proper road trip. Enter the premium options of Star RV Motorhomes.

They have a range of sizes to suit any group, from solo travellers and couples to families. And they’re designed to be easy to drive.

Take the Polaris 6 , for example. This light-filled sanctuary of comfort has plenty of space for bigger groups. Three double beds, a shower and toilet, and an extendable awning (with room to move between them all) make it perfect for exploring Australia.

Couples might prefer the Polaris 2 with a fully self-contained bathroom, kitchen and a bed for two that transforms into comfortable seating during the day. Both models are pet-friendly.

2. Pack the tastiest snacks

A couple having a picnic beside Star RV Motorhomes. — Make use of the spacious storage in your Star RV.

Road trip snacks are an Australian art. Some, you’ll need to pick up along the way. We’re talking the iconic Chico Roll, choccie milk and maybe a sneaky potato scallop (or several).

Others, you can pack ahead of time to save on time and, usually, money. Thankfully, Star RV Motorhomes all come with plenty of storage space, so your snacks can last as long as your road trip. Think fresh fruit and other supplies to cook lunch and dinner along the way. Plenty of lollies and maybe even some soft drinks and Red Bulls for the road.

Not to mention, many Star RV motorhomes have a kitchen onboard, complete with a full-size kitchen, so you won’t need to lug an esky around.

3. Bring your pet for the ride

A child and its pet inside Star RV Motorhomes. — Travel Australia with your four-legged co-pilot. (Image: Erin Bacchi)

Man’s best friend is essential for a truly Aussie road trip. Pet-friendly Star RV Motorhomes not only mean your dog (or cat, if they enjoy the open road more than mine do) can experience Australia with you, but that you save a small fortune on pet sitters or dog hotels.

4. Prepare the perfect soundtrack

Two people having coffee with a view. — Chase the journey and the destination.

No ifs, ands or buts, the perfect soundtrack can make or break a road trip. It’s really up to you, but we recommend plenty of Australian classics. Cold Chisel never hits quite the same as when you’re listening to it with only gumtrees and kangaroos for company.

Of course, this means you’ll also need a good sound system to listen to your carefully curated tunes on. Star RV motorhome sound systems allow you to connect your device and play your own music. Goodbye, spotty radio reception.

5. A spacious tent and camping gear

A woman sitting inside Star RV Motorhomes with a view of the lake in the background. — Enjoy soft linens and space to stretch. (Image: Cariund Hannes)

If there’s one thing that a road trip can guarantee, it’s a campsite or several. So you’d better source a good sturdy tent, sleeping back, and a camping mattress that probably won’t help much – but it’s better than the ground.

Or, just hire a motorhome so your vehicle is also your bed, and comfort is a priority (goodbye foam camp mattresses) with linens provided. And you’ll have room to unpack and move around. Heaven.

6. Plan your toilet breaks

Typically, an Aussie road trip means pulling over at a good bushy area or finding a horrific pit toilet on the side of the road – the smell of which will stay with you forevermore. If you’re planning to camp, better pack that handy shovel and find a good, bug-free place to dig your own loo hole.

To avoid that hassle (and smell), forgo the shovel and hire a motorhome with an onboard toilet. When the toilet comes with you, there are no emergency roadside stops. Plus, it’s a whole lot fresher.

7. Pick the ultimate destination

Aerial view of the Polaris 6 cruising along a coastal road with sweeping beach views. — Hit the road, Aussie-style. (Image: Matt Finch)

Of course, the journey is half the fun. But the other half is an incredible destination. With accommodation and transportation sorted out with one motorhome, you have the flexibility to choose a gorgeous view for the night (or several).

There are endless views to choose from, like the rugged cliff faces of Queensland’s Carnarvon Gorge National Park. Carnarvon Gorge camping area (near the visitor area) and the Big Bend walkers’ camp both have bushy surrounds and a trail to the gorge itself.

Or Lake Argyle, Western Australia‘s largest man-made freshwater reservoir. Find the only dedicated camping and caravan park at Lake Argyle Resort.

Meanwhile, Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria is prolific for its wildlife. Wander through snow gum forests and keep an eye out for wombats, Australian kestrels and more. There are several camp options here.

Start planning your Australian road trip adventure (and get 15 per cent off on any Star RV motorhome rental in Australia) at starrv.com/au .