Five Aussie winter road trips worthing exploring

In fact, road-tripping to a winter wonderland might be one of the most exciting things of all. Australia might be known for its warm, sunny days, and while there’s nothing better than a summer road trip, why not revel in the novelty of a crisp, snowy day in the Blue Mountains, or even treat yourself to an interstate holiday.

Before you head too far into the icy cold Aussie winter wilderness, make sure to check out these winter and snow driving tips.

So pack your warmest coat and woolly socks, here are some of the best places you can travel to this winter.

Alpine Way is Australia’s own winter wonderland, where scenic valleys will surround you for hours on end. This drive joins Jindabyne in the southern region of Kosciuszko National Park and takes you through the forests of the Snowy Mountains region.

From Sydney, Jindabyne is easily a day trip, with a stop in Canberra for lunch. There’s also the option of spending a couple of days in the area before you hit the road again!

This whole region has a lot to offer, with numerous walking trails, fishing spots and even mountain biking areas to take advantage of. And of course the snow. Pack your beanie and uggs, pour yourself a glass of wine (for your post-drive chill) and get ready to get cozy.

Also known as the ‘green lungs’ of Melbourne, this Victorian road trip could be the ultimate winter drive. If you’re after a chilly road trip, you’re going to get it, with temps regularly hovering in the low double digits, so definitely pack your warmest jacket.

Despite the chilliness, this road trip promises some next-level driving adventures. Travelling through ancient forests, stop in the villages of Olinda and Sassafras and if you’ve got time to spare, visit the iconic Puffing Billy Railway as it cruises through Belgrave to Gembrook.

This road trip will have you thinking you’re in the movie Fern Gully, and for good reason! If you can extend the road trip, make sure you hit Billabong Falls in the Yarra Valley too.

Does anything scream winter road trip more than hitting the highway in Tassie? Not only do you have the opportunity to have an extended road trip holiday – driving to Melbourne and even taking your own car on the Spirit of Tasmania – you can explore one of the country’s most picturesque places, all from the comfort of your heated car seats!

The hour-long Queenstown to Cradle Mountain drive gives you mammoth mountain ranges, rivers, and wilderness to boot. Talk about winter paradise!

There might not be an actual township to visit at Cradle Mountain, but that shouldn’t stop you from exploring. Continue your drive to the World Heritage Wilderness Area and see the rolling grasslands, ancient plants, the famous King Billy pines all for yourself!

When you think of winter anywhere close to Sydney, spending time in the Blue Mountains instantly springs to mind. It’s an easy drive along the highway if you only have a day spare and want to get out of the city, and there are always new things to explore within the wider region too!

Kick-off your road trip with a coffee at any one of the cute cafes in Leura, before making your way to Katoomba, where you can continue on to Echo Point, best known as the viewing point for the famous Three Sisters.

After that, you have the entire Mountain Region at your fingertips - Blackheath, Hartley Vale, Mount Tomah, and Kurrajong.

From checking out waterfalls to exploring local heritage buildings and antique stores, there’s something for everyone along the road, including any of the impressive mega lookouts, ultimate scenic views and crisp winter's air.

There are so many hidden gems in the Adelaide Hills Region, some of which will make you feel like you have been transported to a quaint European village in the middle of winter. The only issue will be choosing which ones to stop at on your road trip journey!

From Adelaide, a drive along the Torrens Valley Scenic Drive will see you end up in Mount Pleasant. This road trip will see you pass through the beautiful northern Adelaide Hills and a number of townships including Inglewood, Gumeracha and Birdwood. On this drive, you can also continue onto the Barossa via Springton and Eden Valley.

The Onkaparinga Valley Scenic Drive, takes you from Hahndorf to Birdwood (or visa versa) and is a favourite for South Australian road trip enthusiasts.

Before you set off, make sure you check out the German village of Hahndorf. This will have you feeling like you have been transported to Germany (even if the international borders are closed right now). Then before getting to Birdwood, you’ll be able to take in in wineries, roadside stalls and charming towns like Verdun, Balhannah, Oakbank, Woodside, Charleston and Mount Torrens.

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