Australia’s ultimate road trip pit stops revealed

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From the best sausage rolls and surf clubs to finger buns worth the drive, discover Australia’s top road trip pit stops as crowned by Wotif’s 2024 Uniquely Aussie Awards.

Australians famously love a road trip, jumping at any chance to explore a new nook of our vast, beautiful country. And as we head into the warmer months of the year, Wotif has announced the winners of its 2024 Uniquely Aussie Awards, offering some exciting new inspiration for your summer road trips.

From mouth-watering sausage rolls and beachside surf clubs to finger buns that are worth the detour, these are the pit stops every road tripper needs to know about.

The best sausage roll; a flaky, golden masterpiece

Flaky, golden and packed with flavour, the best sausage roll in Australia can be found at Kenilworth Bakery, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Not only is this iconic bakery known for its mouth-watering sausage rolls, but adventurous foodies can take on the one-kilogram sausage roll challenge – finish it in one go and get your money back!

Sausage rolls from Kenilworth Bakery

Stop in at Kenilworth Bakery for the best sausage roll in Australia.

Jaw-dropping views at the best lookout point

For a view that will take your breath away, head to Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet, Tasmania. A scenic 1.3-kilometre trek leads you to this stunning vantage point, where crystal-clear waters meet a perfect crescent of white sand. Keep an eye out for dolphins or even whales as you soak in one of Australia’s most iconic views.

Wineglass Bay Track Lookout in Freycinet, Tasmania

Wander the scenic 1.3-kilometre trek to reach Wineglass Bay Lookout. (Image: Chad Dewson)

Sip in style at the best hotel bar

Sip in style at the Terrace Rooftop Bar, one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, perched atop the Emporium Hotel South Bank. With its retractable ceiling and panoramic city views, this architectural wonder offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the expansive vistas that stretch out to the South Bank Parklands – this is the ultimate pit stop for those who appreciate a drink with a view.

the Terrace Rooftop Bar at the Emporium Hotel South Bank.

The Terrace Rooftop Bar is one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars.

Best finger bun: A must-try sweet treat

Humble Bakery in Sydney has redefined the classic Aussie finger bun with its decadent take on this nostalgic treat. Featuring a dreamy pink cream cheese frosting and a buttery finish from locally sourced ingredients, this gourmet version is a must-try. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, one bite of this finger bun will leave you craving more.

Finger bun from Humble Bakery

Devour this nostalgic treat at Humble Bakery.

Soak in the beach vibes at the best surf club

As the first surf lifesaving club in South Australia, Henley Surf Life Saving Club in Henley Beach is a true icon. With its stunning Ocean Bar and Kitchen helmed by celebrity chef Adam Swanson, you can enjoy locally sourced Italian-inspired dishes while gazing out over the water. This community-driven club offers family-friendly vibes and unforgettable sunsets, making it a perfect coastal pit stop.

Henley Surf Life Saving Club table set nicely

Henley Surf Life Saving Club was the first surf lifesaving club in SA.

Learn about history at the best regional museum

The National Wool Museum in Geelong, Victoria, offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s rich wool history. Housed in a former wool store, this museum showcases everything from the production process to the final product. After exploring, head to the museum’s shop for high-quality woollen goods, or take a stroll along the nearby waterfront for a relaxing afternoon stop.

National Wool Museum exterior

The National Wool Museum showcases everything from the production process to the final product.

Discover 100 of Australia’s most spectacular road trips.

Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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Win 1 of 10 luxury holidays worth over $38,000!

What’s better than booking your dream holiday? Winning it, of course!

Enter the 2025 Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for your chance to win big in our mega prize giveaway!

To celebrate our Readers’ Choice Awards, we have curated 10 incredible travel prizes worth $38,871 to give away, to inspire you to explore Australia.

Please note: you will not be able to choose which prize you win.The winners will be contacted after the competition closes and announced in issue 108 (on sale from 3 November 2025).

Read the general competition terms and conditions, as well as the Australian Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards terms and conditions, before you enter. You only need to enter the giveaway once.

Entries for this competition close at 5 pm AEST on 25 September 2025.

Intrepid Travel | JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa | Pair’d Margaret River | Kingfisher Bay Resort | Prancing Horse | Star RV | Lancemore | The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | Glenayr Farm | Taronga Zoo

Intrepid Travel’s six-day exploration of Tasmania’s Cradle Coast worth $6430

Intrepid-Travel-Tasmania-Cradle-Mountain-leader

Explore the edge of the world on this six-day exploration of Tasmania’s untamed Cradle Coast.

Discover the wild and rugged beauty of Australia’s most southern state on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Tasmania’s Tarkine & Cradle Mountain trip. The ultimate six-day escape for two loops in Tarkine/Takayna rainforest, a Cradle Mountain hike and inspired pit stops along the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail. Spot wombats, stargaze in remote stays, and connect with Indigenous culture in stunning national parks. Includes accommodation, select meals, and unforgettable scenery.

What’s included?

  • Hotel stay (four nights)
  • Cottage stay (one night)
  • Five breakfasts
  • One lunch
  • Two dinners
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A luxury stay at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa worth $5280

JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa_ Saltwater Lagoon Ariel View

Enjoy white sandy beaches, a swim-up grotto and waterfalls.

Treat your other half to a long weekend away in an Ocean View Executive Suite at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa. Enjoy daily breakfast for two at Citrique restaurant, a signature massage or facial at Spa by JW, and a three-course dinner with wine pairing at the award-winning Citrique. This unforgettable experience also includes complimentary self-parking so you can get out and explore while on the Goldie.

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  • Three-night stay in an Ocean View Executive Suite
  • Breakfast daily for two in Citrique Restaurant
  • Signature massage or facial for two at Spa by JW
  • Three-course dinner with wine pairing for two in the award-winning Citrique Restaurant
  • Self-parking

A Pair’d festival getaway in Margaret River worth $5000

Beach club at Pair'd Margaret River

Enjoy diverse programming at Pair’d. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Win a three-night luxury escape for two at Smiths Beach Resort during the annual Pair’d Margaret River Festival. Enjoy return flights to Busselton, admission to select signature events from 21–23 November, and access to the best of the region’s bounty. This prize also includes exclusive Pair’d merch – everything you need for the ultimate festival adventure in the heart of WA’s iconic Margaret River Region.

Pair’d is Western Australia’s top wine and food festival, designed with a ‘wine first’ approach. This festival brings together the best of culinary, music and cultural experiences, all thoughtfully curated by sommeliers to create an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

What’s included?

  • Three-night luxury stay at Smiths Beach Resort, nestled on the pristine coastline of the Margaret River Region
  • Festival ticket pack to select signature events across the weekend of 21–23 November
  • Return flights to Busselton, flying into the heart of the region
  • Exclusive Pair’d merchandise, perfect for your weekend adventure

The ultimate K’gari adventure worth $5000

Lake McKenzie aerial shot on K'gari

Paradise awaits on K’gari.

Pack that floppy hat and factor 50+ sunscreen for five unforgettable days on World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). This epic prize includes airport transfers, ferry transport to the island, three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort and one night at K’gari Beach Resort.

This ultimate island escape includes two days of guided 4WD touring, daily buffet breakfasts, touring lunches, national park fees and tickets to the magical Illumina light and sound show.

What’s included?

  • Return airport transfers to River Heads / Hervey Bay Airport
  • Return passenger ferry transfer
  • Three nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort
  • One night at K’gari Beach Resort
  • Full days of guided 4WD coach touring including lunch, National Park fees and permits
  • Daily buffet breakfast
  • Illumina light show experience

A $5000 supercar escape with Prancing Horse

Red Ferrari driving down road with Palm trees.

Drive an unparalleled collection of supercars on exclusive driving experiences across Australia.

Buckle up for the drive of a lifetime with Prancing Horse luxury driving experiences. Take the wheel of the world’s most coveted supercars – think Ferrari, McLaren or Lamborghini – for a breathtaking spin through one of six spectacular Australian regions. The ultimate road trip for two lucky rev-heads includes curated routes with gourmet dining, luxury hotels and jaw-dropping scenery.

What’s included?

  • Gourmet dining at award-winning restaurants
  • Exceptional hospitality and some of the most exciting driving roads in Australia

A seven-day Star RV motorhome getaway worth over $4300

Star RV Polaris 2 MountCook 1 NZ

This is your chance to live the van life dream. (Image: Clint Trahan)

Ready to hit the road? Win a seven-day adventure in a premium Star RV Polaris 6 motorhome valued at more than $4300. Choose to explore Australia or New Zealand with unlimited kilometres, 24/7 roadside assistance, basic insurance and a fully equipped home on wheels that sleeps six. The swanky motorhome is decked out with a full kitchen, bathroom, air-conditioning and outdoor gear included.

Designed with space, style and adventure in mind, the Polaris 6 has ample room to stretch out. Whether you’re chasing sunsets along the coast or stargazing in the outback, this is road tripping at its best. Perfect for a family holiday, a friend escape or a couple’s adventure – you get to write the story.

What’s included?

  • Unlimited kilometres
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Basic insurance cover
  • Fully equipped kitchen, bathroom and air conditioning
  • Camping chairs and a table for those al fresco moments

A luxury Red Hill Escape worth over $2500

The Ninch Lindenderry

Rest and dream at Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill.

If ever there was a place for you to rest and dream, it is Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill. The escape includes a stay in the luxurious Balcony Suite, tucked away amid 13 hectares of gardens and vineyards on the Mornington Peninsula.

Enjoy daily breakfast and a two-course degustation dinner with wine pairing at the acclaimed two-hatted restaurant, The Dining Room. Just minutes from beaches and top wineries, this is the perfect getaway for food, wine and nature lovers.

What’s included?

  • Breakfast
  • Two-course degustation dinner and wine pairing at the award-winning two-hatted restaurant, The Dine Room

A night at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney worth $2200

The Fullerton Staircase

A night in the Heritage Long Suite offers a truly unforgettable stay.

Experience over-the-top indulgence in the Heritage Long Suite, the largest guestroom at The Fullerton Hotel Sydney in the historic former General Post Office building. The suite features original marble fireplaces, a grand living area, the postmaster’s original writing desk from 1874 and a dining space for six.

Two lucky guests will enjoy Fullerton Club Lounge access with breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés and handcrafted cocktails. With its heritage charm and modern amenities, the prize amounts to an unforgettable stay for two.

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  • Exclusive access to the Fullerton Club Lounge
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  • Stocked mini-bar (on request)
  • A dining area for six
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  • Separate guest bathroom
  • King-sized beds

A luxe glamping stay for eight at Glenayr Farm worth $2000

Glenayr Farm hot tub

Glenayr Farm is a fully sustainable, off-grid accommodation. (Image: Salty Luxe)

Grab seven of your nearest and dearest and make a beeline for wine country in Mudgee. At Glenayr Farm, a 129-hectare working sheep and cattle property, you’ll have four luxe bell tents all to yourselves for two blissful nights. Pick up a bottle of wine at a nearby cellar door and uncork it in a hot tub or by the outdoor fire pit come evening.

Fall in love with the unrivalled views of the sunsets and incredible vistas over one of the most beautiful areas in the region. At night, the sky explodes to life as the area is one of the premier stargazing sites in Australia. Disconnect to reconnect and immerse in the peace of nature and country living.

What’s included?

  • Communal area with kitchen
  • Lounge/games room with billiards table, TV and bathrooms
  • Private hot tubs
  • Fire pits

A Wildlife Retreat experience worth $1159

Taronga Zoo Eco Retreat

Unique eco-retreat accommodation with immersive native animal experiences, modern Australian dining, all overlooking iconic Sydney Harbour.

Wake up with koalas and kangaroos at the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga with an unforgettable overnight stay for two in an Animal View Room. Overlooking Sydney Harbour and hidden within Taronga Zoo, this luxury eco-retreat includes two-day zoo access, a guided Sanctuary tour, buffet breakfast at Me-Gal restaurant and free onsite parking. It’s a unique blend of nature, comfort and conservation – the perfect wild escape in the heart of Sydney/Warrane.

Every visit to Taronga Zoo directly supports vital wildlife conservation efforts, meaning your unforgettable experience helps contribute to a greater cause.

What’s included?

  • Two-day access to Taronga Zoo Sydney
  • An exclusive guided Sanctuary tour to meet some of Australia’s most beloved native animals up close
  • A delicious buffet breakfast at the Me-Gal restaurant
  • Onsite parking

Subscribe now to increase your chances of winning big. Simply subscribe to view digital versions of past magazines going back seven years, so you can get plenty of travel inspiration while you wait for your first printed magazine to arrive.