Top 5 Australian Short Road Trip Ideas for the Easter Long Weekend Plus Where to Camp | 2024 Guide

Easter is now less than a month away. And it is one of the last long weekends before winter arrives. Pack your bathers and thongs, because the sun is calling. We highly recommend taking this adventure in a campervan to streamline packing, relish the freedom of avoiding rigid hotel check-in times, and bask in the spontaneity of the journey!

Victoria Road Trip Itinerary: Melbourne - Great Ocean Road - Melbourne

Day 1: Melbourne to Torquay

• Begin your journey from Melbourne and head towards Torquay, the beginning of the Great Ocean Road.
• Explore the surf shops and cafes in Torquay.
• Spend the day surfing or sunbathing by the beach.
• Or, continue driving along the Great Ocean Road, stopping at Bells Beach and Anglesea.
• Reach Lorne in the evening and enjoy a sunset walk along the beach.
• Spend the night at the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park.

Day 2: Lorne to Port Campbell

• Begin the day by exploring Erskine Falls near Lorne.
• Continue driving along the Great Ocean Road, passing through the scenic Great Otway National Park.
• Visit the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and Gibson Steps.
• Head to Port Campbell for the night, stopping at the London Arch along the way.
• Spend the night at the Port Campbell Holiday Park.

Day 3: Port Campbell to Geelong or Melbourne

• Start your day slow and easy. Take some time to explore the remaining attractions along the Great Ocean Road, including the Bay of Islands and the Grotto.
• Head back Melbourne but take the inland route through the Otway Ranges for a different scenery. If you have another day to spare, explore Geelong or you can head back to Melbourne.

New South Wales Road Trip Itinerary: Sydney – Blue Mountains – Mudgee – Sydney

Day 1: Sydney to Blue Mountains

• Start your day from Sydney and head west towards the Blue Mountains.
• Explore the Three Sisters rock formation and take a scenic walk in the Blue Mountains National Park.
• Visit the town of Katoomba for lunch and explore the local shops and galleries.
• In the afternoon, take a ride on the Scenic Skyway or Scenic Railway for breathtaking views.
• Spend the night at Katoomba Tourist Park.

Day 2-3: Blue Mountains to Mudgee

• Drive to Mudgee, a charming wine region known for its vineyards and historic town.
• Visit wineries and enjoy wine tasting. Some popular wineries include Robert Stein Winery, Logan Wines, and Moothi Estate.
• Explore the historic town center with its boutique shops and cafes.
• Spend the night at Mudgee Holiday Park.

Day 4: Head back to Sydney

**Tip: If you are renting a campervan in Sydney, make sure you check the depot operating hours to avoid a late return penalty.**

South Australia Road Trip Itinerary: Adelaide – Barossa Valley – Clare Valley – Flinders Rangers – Adelaide

Day 1: Adelaide to the Barossa Valley

• Start your day by driving from Adelaide to the Barossa Valley, one of Australia's most famous wine regions.
• Visit iconic wineries such as Penfolds, Seppeltsfield, and Jacob's Creek for wine tasting.
• Have lunch in the town of Tanunda and explore the charming local shops.
• In the afternoon, visit Maggie Beer's Farm Shop for gourmet delights.
• Spend the night at the Barossa Valley Caravan & Holiday Park.

Day 2: Barossa Valley to Clare Valley

• Head to Clare Valley, another renowned wine region.
• Explore wineries like Kilikanoon, Jim Barry Wines, and Sevenhill Cellars.
• Have lunch in the picturesque town of Clare and stroll through its historic streets.
• If time allows, visit the Riesling Trail or enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside.
• Stay overnight at the Clare Valley Caravan Park.

Day 3: Clare Valley to Flinders Ranges

• Drive north to the stunning Flinders Ranges, known for its rugged landscapes and rich Aboriginal history.
• Explore Wilpena Pound, a natural amphitheater, and take a hike to enjoy panoramic views.
• Visit the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary for unique geological formations.
• Spend the night at the Hawker Caravan Park.

Day 4: Flinders Ranges to Adelaide

• Take a morning walk or short hike to soak in the natural beauty of the Flinders Ranges.
• Drive back to Adelaide, stopping at towns like Melrose or Quorn along the way.
• If time permits, visit the Clare Valley again or explore the southern Clare Valley wine region.
• Arrive back in Adelaide in the evening.

Western Australia Road Trip Itinerary: Perth – Margaret River – Albany – Esperance – Perth

Day 1: Perth to Margaret River

• Start your day early in Perth and head south towards Margaret River, known for its wineries, beaches, and caves.
• Visit wineries along Caves Road, such as Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate, for wine tasting.
• Have lunch in the town of Margaret River and explore the local shops.
• In the afternoon, visit the Mammoth Cave or Ngilgi Cave for a fascinating underground experience.
• Spend the night at the Riverview Tourist Park.

Day 2: Margaret River to Albany

• Drive southeast towards Albany, a charming coastal town.
• Stop at the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk to experience the ancient tingle forest canopy.
• Visit the stunning Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks in William Bay National Park.
• Explore the historic Whaling Station or the National Anzac Centre in Albany.
• Spend the night at Albany Happy Days Caravan Park.

Day 3: Albany to Esperance

• Head east to Esperance, known for its pristine white-sand beaches.
• Visit Twilight Beach and Lucky Bay, famous for their turquoise waters and kangaroos on the beach.
• Explore Cape Le Grand National Park, known for its rugged coastal scenery and hiking trails.
• Enjoy a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Drive.
• Spend the night at the Esperance Bay Holiday Park.

Day 4: Esperance to Perth

• Take a morning stroll along Esperance's waterfront and enjoy the town's relaxed atmosphere.
• Drive back to Perth, stopping at Wave Rock in Hyden for a unique rock formation experience.
• Visit the nearby Hippo's Yawn and Mulka's Cave.
• Arrive back in Perth in the evening.

Tasmania Road Trip Itinerary: Hobart – Port Arthur – Freycinet National Park – Launceston - Hobart

Day 1: Hobart to Port Arthur

• Start your journey from Hobart and drive southeast towards the historic site of Port Arthur.
• Explore the Port Arthur Historic Site, a former penal colony with well-preserved buildings and beautiful gardens.
• Take a cruise around the Isle of the Dead and the Tasman Peninsula for stunning coastal views.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner in the nearby town of Eaglehawk Neck.
• Spend the night at the NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park.

Day 2: Port Arthur to Freycinet National Park

• Drive northeast to Freycinet National Park, known for its pink granite mountains and pristine beaches.
• Hike to Wineglass Bay Lookout for breathtaking views.
• Visit Honeymoon Bay and enjoy a swim or picnic on the beach.
• Explore Cape Tourville Lighthouse for panoramic coastal vistas.
• Stay overnight at the Swansea Holiday Park.

Day 3: Freycinet National Park to Launceston

• Head northwest to Launceston, Tasmania's second-largest city.
• Visit the Cataract Gorge Reserve for picturesque scenery and walking trails.
• Explore the city's art galleries, shops, and cafes in the afternoon.
• If time allows, visit the Tamar Valley Wine Route for wine tasting.
• Spend the night at the Big 4 Launceston Holiday Park.

Day 4: Launceston to Hobart via Midlands Highway

• Take the Midlands Highway south towards Hobart.
• Stop in historic towns such as Campbell Town or Ross for charming colonial architecture and bakeries.
• Visit the Salmon Ponds in Plenty for a peaceful stroll and fish feeding.
• Arrive back in Hobart in the evening.

Going for a road trip is one of the best ways to have fun and create lasting memories. Whether you are road tripping as a family, a group of friends, or as a couple, there is so much to do. If you are in need of a campervan hire, Aussie Campervans offers great deals and discounts. Our experienced team members are ever ready to offer recommendations and assistance.