The 11 best spring road trips around Australia

Embrace lengthier days, blooming fields and the annual whale migration with the country’s most-loved spring road trips.

There’s no better time to explore our own backyards than when winter-coddled bodies begin thawing amid rising temperatures. Whether you’re keen to spot the annual humpback migration, combing mountain ranges for blooming wildflower flushes or aching for outdoor adventure sports, spring road trips will often take your breath away – as long as you know where to steer. Here, a handful of our favourites, renowned for their jaw-dropping moments.

1. Bowral to Canberra, NSW to the ACT

Tulip flower festival — The annual Tulip Time Flower festival boasts a spectacular display of tulips. (Image: Destination NSW)

Chase the rainbow to not one but two dazzling spring flower festivals with the two-hour journey from Bowral to Canberra. First up, you’ll spy vivid colour at the Southern Highlands’ Tulip Time Flower Festival , staged for a little over three weeks each year and home to more than 80,000 plantings and a marketplace. Once you’re done, hit the Hume Highway, past Goulburn (but do drop in for a house-baked triple chocolate cookie at Grit Cafe ), before hitting our roundabout capital for the most spectacular green thumb extravaganza of all: Floriade . Expect staggeringly beautiful flowers, live entertainment, sculptures, artworks, and so much more.

2. Avon Valley 500 Loop, WA

Avon Valley hot-air balloon — A hot-air balloon delivers a defining Avon Valley experience. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Stretching roughly 392 kilometres in length, about 30 kilometres east of Perth, the Avon Valley 500 Loop winds through tiny towns and Western Australia’s first national park, the John Forest National Park. But arguably its prettiest highlights (and there are many) are the canola fields found along the Great Southern Highway portion of the trip – otherworldly yellow spreads that intensify at the end of winter and into the first month of spring. Additionally, the heritage town of York, where you should most definitely spend the night, offers antique stores, galleries and stunning architecture.

3. The East Coast, Tas

The Freycinet National Park is known for its wildlife wonders. (Image: Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service)

Ready to see a whale? Drift along the east coast of Tasmania, starting from the beach town of St Helens to like-minded sleepy Swansea before turning into Freycinet National Park for Wineglass Bay, where humpbacks are spotted seeking warmer waters from June to November. If you don’t catch them the day you’re there, don’t despair – the entire easterly coastline is renowned for top-notch whale-watching until November as the majestic giants migrate north and south to breed and birth.

4. The Red Centre Way, NT

While Northern Territory headliners Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa National Park pull crowds all year round, the iconic Red Centre Way shines in spring amid blossoming wildflowers. The vivid blooms pop against the region’s famed red dirt, creating some of the most extraordinary scenes on the planet. It’s a mammoth trail, notching up 835 kilometres in total, so it’s common to tackle small portions, like the unsealed Mereenie Loop Tourist Drive.

5. Adelaide to Kangaroo Island, SA

Hit the M2 from Adelaide to Kangaroo Island’s ferry stop in Cape Jervis to experience world-famous wine country before descending on wildlife heaven. You’ll need to turn off the freeway to sample McLaren Vale’s famed drops, but don’t linger too long because Kangaroo Island is just a 45-minute ferry ride off the coast. In spring, the island bursts with wildflowers and orchids while kangaroos, sea lions, baby koalas and joeys are also known to emerge.

6. Kosciuszko Alpine Way, NSW

Lake Jindabyne, Kosciuszko National Park — The Kosciuszko Alpine Way is a 100-km drive. (Image: Destination NSW)

Located within the Snowy Mountains, the Kosciuszko Alpine Way really turns the table on its moniker during the warmer months. The 100-kilometre stretch from Jindabyne to the Victorian border is flanked by wildflowers, making for a scenic trail dotted with activity. Scale Jindy Rock with rock-climbing experts K7 Adventures , skid with the best of them at Thredbo Mountain Bike Park, and uncover historic alpine huts at Geehi Flats, just off the pristine Swampy Plains River.

7. Capricorn Way, Qld

The Capricorn Way road trip through Blackdown Tablelands National Park — The Capricorn Way is calling your name. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

If you’re a foodie, the Capricorn Way is calling your name, particularly at the beginning of September. Encompassing 600 glorious kilometres, the road trip starts in Rockhampton, home to the Capricorn Food and Wine Festival from 4 to 7 September 2025. There you’ll sample the region’s finest seafood, spring produce and arts scene, before you should really keep on trucking to the astonishing limestone tunnel network of Capricorn Caves, secret swimming holes warm enough to bathe in, and a giant Van Gogh ‘Sunflowers’ replica. Your final destination? Barcaldine in the Queensland outback.

8. Silo Art Trail, Vic

A 200-kilometre scenic route through western Victoria, the Silo Art Trail is Australia’s largest outdoor art gallery, dotted with 23 enormous murals created by international street artists. Starting in Rupanyup, the cultural awakening is also littered with wildflowers in spring, crafting an ongoing visual feast unlike any other in the country. You can navigate in two directions, but both visit a string of totally charming rural towns

9. Nullarbor crossing, SA

Car sitting at pit stop along the Nullarbor — Every Australian should cross the Nullarbor at least once. (Image: Mason Kirby & Sarah Parker)

Go big or go home with a bucket list journey across the Nullarbor Plain. Tackle it in spring to spy wildflowers popping out along the grand 1256-kilometre trail, which takes in remote campsites and pubs, gigantic rock formations, spotless beaches and sand dunes, and Australia’s longest and straightest road, the 90 Mile Straight. A journey for the ages, whether you do it in full or take smaller bites.

10. The Great Ocean Road, Vic

Van driving on Great Ocean Road — Spring is arguably the best time to explore the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

You’ve probably driven its winding routes more than a few times, but spring is arguably the best time to explore the Great Ocean Road. Waterfalls are flowing, wildflowers are blooming, and the mercury sits at just the right point – a rarity in Victoria. Unmissable pit stops include the iconic Twelve Apostles, trendy Lorne and watching the waves at Bells Beach and Torquay.

11. Pacific Coast Way, Qld

Taking advantage of Queensland’s 300-odd days of sunshine per year, the Pacific Coast Way goes from the Gold Coast to Cairns, offering up quintessential Sunshine State experiences. From the Glitter Strip’s glitzy wining and dining scene and one of only two Everglade systems in the world, to more seasonal whale-watching and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, the 1800-kilometre road trip offers non-stop sunny season thrills.

The wild, otherworldly beauty of The Grampians offers a perfect place to unwind, slow down and relax.

Not all holidays yield the same result; some are bustling, with endless things to do, events to book and places to see. All great things, but they leave you feeling more tired than before. Then, there are destinations that help you slow down, making real connections and participating in self-care.

Destinations like The Grampians : surrounded by untouched nature, allowing a chance to reconnect with yourself and loved ones at a slower pace.

Discover six science-backed ways to enjoy a holiday and feel restored at the end of it.

1. Practice mindfulness

Hamilton Gallery, the grampians — Be present at Hamilton Gallery. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Mindfulness – the practice of tuning into the present moment – has been found to help in reducing stress, anxiety and depression. One way to practice this art is by immersing yourself in art.

Hamilton Gallery has been in operation for over 60 years, and is not only home to many significant art pieces but also runs workshops and events for all ages to expand their awareness and understanding of art. The gallery is also the custodian of the largest collection of Gunditjmara artefacts held on country.

If you prefer to practice mindfulness through movement, visit Halls Gap Zoo to feed the meerkats – who wouldn’t feel better after focusing on these little guys? Or visit The Grampians Horse Riding Centre for an unforgettable morning ride through 10 kilometres of bushland. Enjoy the soothing movement of the horse and experience the bush anew.

2. Indulge in self-care

two people swimming in the Venus Baths, the grampains — Take an immersive bath in nature on the Venus Baths loop walk. (Image: Visit Victoria)

While the term self-care might conjure up images of indulgent bubble baths or a soothing massage, there’s more to it than pampering. Self-care is any action that protects your physical, emotional and mental well-being.

Like taking an immersive ‘bath’ in nature. Do just that on the Venus Baths loop walk – ideal for less experienced hikers or those walking with kids – stopping at freshwater-filled rockpools to cool down along the way.

Serious hikers (we’re talking some rock hopping and traversing slippery tracks) can tackle the Wurgarri, or Mount Sturgeon walk, which rewards the effort with panoramic views from the summit.

For those whose idea of self-care leans more towards arts and culture, a visit to WAMA is a must. Australia’s first national centre for environmental art is home to exhibitions that explore the natural world through film, installation, painting, performance and more.

3. Embrace nature

Boroka Lookout, the grampians — Soak in incredible views over Halls Gap at Boroka Lookout. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Spending time in nature is the ultimate way to soothe your body and mind. It’s been proven to help with all manner of things, from reducing stress to boosting cognitive function. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than among the raw sandstone, wildflowers and native creatures of The Grampians.

Rocklands Reservoir, spanning 6700 hectares, is an ideal spot. Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the view over Grampians National Park. Cast a line, hire a canoe or follow nature trails along the water’s perimeter. How’s the serenity?

To appreciate nature’s imposing power, head to Splitters Falls. Here, find unrivalled tranquillity. Spring is the best time to visit, when bouquets of native spring flowers greet visitors.

Those with limited mobility will appreciate Boroka Lookout, a viewing platform surrounded by breathtaking views over Halls Gap and the eastern Grampians. Come early to witness a sunrise you’ll never forget.

4. Prioritise Rest

outdoor bathtub at Nook On The Hill — Recharge at Nook on the Hill. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Above all else, a holiday should be an opportunity to recharge, and there’s no better way to do it than to get a good night’s sleep. We don’t need to tell you how essential sleep is, for everything from mental health to strengthening the immune system.

Try Wanderlust Glamping , where guests fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature after an evening relaxing around the fire pit and wake to your very own green oasis.

For pure luxury in the foothills of the Grampians National Park, look no further than Nook on the Hill – a handcrafted tiny house surrounded by rewilded, lush native Australian bush. It might be small, but Nook on the Hill has everything needed to unwind in style, including an outdoor bath for balmy nights.

For a modern farm stay, book at Mount William Station in the foothills of The Grampians. The station combines old-world charm with modern amenities and easy access to everything this region has to offer.

5. Engage Your Senses

Salingers Cafe, destinations that help you slow down — Indulge in a meal at Salingers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Few human senses are as fun to indulge in as taste. A meal at Salingers in Great Western is the ultimate treat, and not only for the taste buds. The food is excellent, but Salingers’ really unique attraction is the bustling beehive that lives within the walls of the historic building.

For an expertly smoked burger, ribs, or beef brisket, head to Flame Brothers in Halls Gap. Tuck into delicious food while you enjoy the view.

If you prefer your senses heightened by the pump of adrenaline, Grampians Soaring Club offers an eagle-eye view of the Grampians National Park and Pyrenees Ranges from a glider. Take in the sights with a cross-country flight, ridge soar, or altitude wave flight.

6. Connect and reconnect

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

Making shared memories is a wonderful way to reconnect with old friends or make new ones. These unexpected finds make it easy to discover something new in The Grampians.

Amateur geologists will delight at the Kanawinka geotrail, which covers 60 sites over Australia’s most extensive volcanic province. Visit the Penshurst Volcano Discovery Centre to learn more about volcanic activity in The Grampians, or head to nearby Mount Napier State Park for a trip into the Byaduk lava caves.

Pop in to the Ros McArthur Art Studio to peruse the gardens full of native and exotic plants and flowers that serve as the subjects of Ros’s still life paintings.

For a shopping experience like no other, head to the Dimboola Imaginarium . Far more than a shop, the Dimboola Imaginarium is an immersive experience where you’ll find all manner of quirky bits and pieces. Expect the unexpected.

Put these science-backed holiday benefits to the test during a trip to The Grampians. Plan your peaceful getaway at visitgrampians.com.au.