Five reasons to take the back way instead of the highway on your next road trip
The decision to take the highway when you’re planning a road trip is usually an automatic decision. Generally it’s quicker to get from A to B, the roads are smoother, and should something go awry it’s easier to get help.But recently when about to embark on a seven and a half hour road trip from Tamworth to Canberra, we decided to take the “back way”, after realising we were guilty of just taking the long, straight highway out of convenience far too often, if not always.
So if you’re up for an adventure and keen to explore, these are five reasons to take the back way on your next road trip. As they always say it’s about the journey, not the destination…
You can avoid major traffic
Long weekends are a prime time for road trips and while it may be smooth sailing leaving, coming home you’re usually joined on the roads with hundreds, if not thousands, of your closest motoring friends.
Taking a back road avoids this! Desperate not to be caught in traffic for hours on end on the M1 after Australia Day long weekend, taking the country road meant not only was there less traffic, but we still made it home in the same amount of time. Sure, there was the occasional caravan – or tractor - to overtake, and it wasn’t a multi-lane highway, but it was smoother and less frustrating than sitting still in what is usually 110km/hour.
You get to appreciate how beautiful Australia really is
Of course this applies to any country you’re travelling in, but there’s no place like home. There’s a good chance a lot of us won’t get an opportunity to experience all the beautiful scenery it has to offer, so why not take advantage of it while you can?
There was always something to see looking out the windows while travelling from North-West NSW, through the Central West, down to the Southern Tablelands. While crop fields as far as the eye could see doesn’t sound that exciting, seeing it for yourself and the vastness it covers in this part of the world is impressive.
There are a lot of quirky country towns to explore
Do you remember where you were when Polish Club came in at number 76 in the Hottest 100? I was driving through Dunedoo, NSW. It’s possible the reason I remember that so clearly is because of the town’s unique name, which isn’t a bad thing. A pit stop at Hotel Dunedoo is worth a visit.
Did you know Canowindra is known as the Balloon Capital of Australia? Neither did I until we stopped off at the Driver Reviver caravan (manned by the cutest elderly couple) for a coffee, and went for a walk to explore what the town had to offer.
The point is, Australia is so big we’d be lucky to be able to see a small percentage of it all, so why not look up where you’re passing through and find some truly unique Aussie gems!
You’re going to need to snack…
And boy are you in luck, because there are some glorious road trip food options should you decide to take the ‘ol road less travelled. Craving a pie? Why not stop and check out the cute country bakery you might have passed previously?
Growing up in North-West NSW, road trips to Sydney or Newcastle meant driving through Aberdeen and while it looks unassuming, a stop at Crofts Pies is ESSENTIAL (even if it is 10am) because they are some of the best pies and sausage rolls you have ever tasted in your life. More of our top five pies here.
There’s no two-ways about it, you’re going to get hungry. While a short lunch break may add a bit of time onto the overall trip, being able to experience yummy treats outweighs dealing with a hangry driving buddy. Plus it is always great to support local business.
You can have adventures while on the road trip
As the old (aforementioned) saying goes, “it’s about the journey, not the destination”. So while the road trip is one experience, why not create an adventure within an adventure.
Whether you’re travelling through the Hunter Wine Region in NSW, or in the Central West, there are hundreds of wineries and experiences to enjoy. Heading towards Dubbo? Check out the Western Plains Zoo, you can even camp there overnight, and listen to the lions roar well into the evening.
Sure, some of these things require extra planning, and maybe another nights stay somewhere that’s not the ultimate destination, but the memories and experiences are priceless. And if you’re already heading off for a long weekend, what’s taking another extra day off work anyway?
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