Research reveals almost half of Aussies don’t follow scenic detour signs when road tripping

We see them all the time on our travels down our major highways and across regional centres, but have you ever actively followed a Scenic Detour sign?

Subaru has released the results from its Great Australian Detour research report which has highlighted some of the changing travel habits of Australians in 2020. International borders remain closed for now but that hasn’t stopped the travel bug for many Aussies with the research revealing 61% are taking more road trips in 2020 instead.

Despite this, almost half of people surveyed (45%) said that they bypass the tourist attractions and detour signs on the road and instead head straight to their destination. As a result, the majority of drivers are missing out on discovering some of the country’s best local attractions and small regional towns.

More than 1 in 3 said they had never taken a scenic route, tourist drive or detour on their road trips, with Gen Z (41%) and Baby Boomers (40%) being the most likely to want to get to their destination by the most direct route. While Millennials have been revealed to be the generation who favour taking the scenic routes (72%).

While getting to their main destination faster was the main reason to skip the regional detours and attractions, those who followed the scenic route and detour signs reap the perks and benefits of taking the road less travelled.

The survey noted that the most common reason for a detour was that travellers had extra time to enjoy the drive (51%), to visit a tourist attraction or heritage site (49%), to visit a natural site or walking track (42%) or to visit a well-known restaurant, food store or winery (23%).

When it came to the state people had at the top of their to-visit list once COVID travel restrictions eased, Queensland came out on top (22%), followed by New South Wales (17%), Tasmania (11%) and South Australia (7%).

Amanda Leaney, General Manager Marketing Subaru, said "This year has presented a number of challenges in regards to travel plans, however, it has also provided an opportunity to discover what our country, and indeed our own state or territory, has to offer. With scenic route signs placed across Australia, we’re encouraging people to take that turn whilst travelling on the road and enjoy the unexpected moments along the way."

To coincide with the release of the report, Suburu is holding a competition which aims to encourage Aussies to get out and share a hidden gem they’ve discovered on their own Australian detour. Each week, from 23rd November 2020 until 17th January 2021, Subaru will be giving away a $500 accommodation voucher for those who share their favourite locations to encourage more discovery of backyard.

You can also nominate an essential worker who has done something great for their community this year and deserves a well-earned break, for a chance to win a $1000 accommodation voucher.

Related: Five reasons to take the back way instead of the highway on your next road trip

Related: Where should I go for a socially distanced daytrip when restrictions lift?

Related: Australia’s top 10 favourite Big Thing attractions revealed for 2020