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Australia’s most loved winter road trips revealed

Credit: Tourism Western Australia

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
The data is in, and the most loved drives this winter are…

Winter has settled in Australia, but for road trippers, the cooler season is no reason to stay parked. In fact, it’s the perfect time to hit the open road, with misty mornings, star-filled nights and epic scenery in every direction. But which routes are worth the drive when the temps drop?

A report by the car insurance experts at ROLLiN’ has crunched the numbers to reveal the most loved winter road trips in Australia. By analysing 22 of the country’s most iconic routes across key data points – including search volume, social media buzz, Google reviews and distance – they’ve ranked the ultimate cold-weather drives that travellers can’t get enough of.

anglesea
The Great Ocean Road is the most popular winter road trip.

And topping the list? No surprises here: the Great Ocean Road reigns supreme. This Victorian icon racks up 196,600 winter monthly searches, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of all searches on the route. Its fame extends well beyond Google, with over 33 million TikTok posts and 1.8 million Instagram posts capturing its winding clifftops, seaside towns and the iconic Twelve Apostles.

From crossing the red heart of Australia aboard The Ghan, to chasing coastal magic along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, you crowned the very best ways to get around in 2025. These top honours prove adventure starts the moment you’re on the move.

Whether it’s misty mornings or golden hour glow, the Great Ocean Road is a year-round crowd-pleaser – but winter, it seems, is peak time for those in the know.

Great Beach Drive
Drive along the beach on the Great Beach Drive. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

In second place is Queensland’s Great Beach Drive – a unique stretch where you can literally drive along the sand. 26 per cent of all interest in this route spikes in the cooler months, proving the novelty of cruising the coastline, dodging the tides and soaking up some sunshine is an all-season thrill. The route also boasts over 622,000 Instagram posts and a strong 4.74-star Google rating.

Gibb River Road
Head to the outback on Gibb River Road. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Rounding out the top three is Western Australia’s Gibb River Road. It racks up a solid 95,400 winter searches, and with 38 per cent of all interest landing in the cooler season, it’s clear the dry, dust-free conditions of winter make this remote red-dirt adventure a bucket-list favourite. Add in a 4.77-star Google rating, and you’ve got a road trip that’s as rugged as it is rewarding.

Sea Cliff Bridge
Drive along the Sea Cliff Bridge on the Grand Pacific Drive. (Image: Destination NSW)

Other standouts on the list include the Red Centre Way in the NT (think starry skies and ochre landscapes), Grand Pacific Drive in NSW (with its iconic Sea Cliff Bridge), the Great Barrier Reef Drive (tropical vibes and ocean views) and Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive, which, while clocking fewer searches, punches above its weight with a near-perfect 4.79-star Google rating.

Great Barrier Reef Drive
Take the scenic route on the Great Barrier Reef Drive. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Tasmania’s Western Wilds also deserves a shoutout – while it didn’t crack the top 10 for winter road trips, it holds the crown for the highest-rated road trip in Australia, with an impressive 4.80-star average.

What does it all mean? That winter road tripping in Australia is alive and well. Whether you’re chasing rugged coastlines, remote outback adventures or misty rainforest vibes, there’s a road trip calling your name. And with fewer crowds, crisper air and the chance to spot wildlife like migrating whales or desert wildflowers, winter could just be the best time to pack the car and hit the road.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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Emily Murphy
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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The Gold Rush town that’s become Victoria’s best country escape for foodies

    Jocelyn Pride Jocelyn Pride
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    The well-preserved Gold Rush town where an idyllic country vibe meets the best of city living.

    Cafe culture

    ‘Slow down’ is the mantra of Tortoise Espresso, and it’s apt for anyone visiting town. This local coffee hangout was the brainchild of Lloyd Meadows, who at 16 started it as a hole in the wall of an old pub. Five years on, it graces a fine shopfront with a menu of around 60 different coffees. Other one-off centrally located daytime cafes, such as Saffs, Togs, Saint Florian and Lazy Bones, are tucked into historic buildings and serve creative menus featuring local produce. A personal favourite is Origini, where chef Luca Sartori brings a taste of northern Italy to his rustic restaurant. For the best banh mi outside Vietnam head to Super Hero, and the pastries at Johnny Baker are legendary.

    the Saint Florian Cafe, Castlemaine
    Saint Florian is one of many businesses tucked away in a historic building. (Image: Griffin Simm)

    On the town’s fringe you’ll find some treasured cafes: Blackbird. Grist, Doveton Corner Store, and the cosy Aitken’s Corner. The Mill precinct also brings another dimension to Castlemaine. Located directly opposite the beautiful Botanical Gardens, this once-derelict woollen mill is a hive of creativity and collaboration. Retaining an industrial feel, it is home to a myriad of 44 unique businesses, galleries and studios that stretch over the three-hectare site.

    Brilliant brews, bars and food

    diners at The Mill, Castlemaine
    The Mill is home to many local businesses. (Image: Visit Victoria/Michelle Jarni)

    The Mill is also home to one of Castlemaine’s bespoke breweries, Shedshaker Brewing Company and Taproom. Within the sensitively restored walls of the oldest part of the building (circa 1875), small-batch, handcrafted beer features alongside fine wholesome food and live music.

    A more recent newcomer to the brewing scene is Love Shack. Starting small as a laneway pop-up in 2021, visionaries Conna Mallett and Harry Cox were armed with a Melbourne beer culture pedigree, which helped them create a great new ‘pub’ that feels as though it’s been there since the 1850s. Other atmospheric bars and restaurants are dotted around town – Grafting Cellars for local wines by the pour; buzzy Mostyn Street Cellars; Table Records plays vinyl on weekends; and the quirky Maurocco bar is not to be missed.

    food and drinks at Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro, Castlemaine
    The nostalgic Love Shack Public Bar & Bistro serves comfort food. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    For food you’ll write home about, the hatted Bar Midland serves exquisite dishes from Victorian-only produce. The freshly renovated Wild is located in the original firestation, Voor Ouker specialises in Indonesian/Dutch fusion, and the Railway Hotel oozes English pub charm.

    the Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
    Theatre Royal is the longest continually operating theatre on the mainland. (Image: Chloe Smith Photography)

    Much-loved Teatro Regio, found in the magnificent Theatre Royal, is the go-to for pizzas with a twist. As mainland Australia’s longest continually running theatre, this grand dame is also one of more than a dozen performance spaces that add to a rich and diverse entertainment and festival scene.

    pizza at Theatre Royal
    Dine before a show at Theatre Royal. (Image: Tourism Australia/Visit Victoria)

    Quirky country stays

    Quirky, authentic and perfectly located, the Midland Hotel is a private hotel that dates back to 1879. Each of the nine rooms at the Northern Arts Hotel is different and named in honour of an Australian artist. Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation also has a range of properties to suit all types of travellers.