The best summer road trip activities that don't cost a cent
Fun and free stops to break up a long road trip are exactly what you need as we all hit the road again this summer. Here are some ideas to get you started.We all know that a great road trip is built on a killer playlist, fun games, and plenty of snacks. But pimp your summer road trip even more by breaking up the journey with these fun stops that don’t cost a cent!
Viewpoints and look-outs
The endless highway doesn’t always offer up the most exciting view. So break up the monotony of the open road with a rest at a scenic viewpoint over the mountains, red centre or coastline. Take a few minutes to appreciate Australia’s natural beauty, and make sure you snap a picture from the ‘gram too.
Hunt down the ‘Big Things’
With almost 150 ‘Big Things’ in every state and territory in Australia, chances are you’ll be driving past one on your summer road trip. While you may know about the Big Banana and the Big Merino, some of the more quirky big things include the Big Ugg Boot in Thornton, NSW and The Big Boxing Crocodile in Humpty Doo, Northern Territory.
Related: This is Big – Australia’s Top Five Big ‘Things’
Geocaching
Geocaching is like a big global treasure hunt and the perfect excuse to pull over and stretch your legs. Download the app at Geocaching.org, then decrypt clues to find small treasure boxes hidden nearby. It’s a fun way to explore the local area and test your sleuthing skills. Don’t forget to pack a pen to sign the log book!
Wildlife spotting
It’s no secret that Australia is home to some seriously amazing wildlife. So what better way to break up a long drive than spotting kangaroos, koalas, emus, platypus and echidnas and in their native habitats.
Summer road trip favourite The Great Ocean Road is teeming with wildlife- spot kangaroos grazing on the Anglesea Golf Course, koalas hanging out in the eucalyptus trees in Kennett River and platypus swimming in Lake Elizabeth in the Otways National Park.
Related: Top five wildlife viewing spots
Wine/cheese/fruit tastings
Instead of ignoring those ‘FREE TASTINGS’ signs you see on the road side, take the time to pull over and your taste buds will be rewarded. While drivers should skip the wine tastings, there are always cheese, chocolate, fruit and olive oil producers who welcome weary travellers through their doors for free samples. You might even pick up a few more snacks to add to your road trip stash!
Related: Five pick your own berry farms to explore this weekend
Scavenger hunt in botanic gardens
Swap bitumen for botanicals as you take a stroll through botanic gardens. Australia has over 140 official botanic gardens, most of them free to enter, and many more local private gardens in even the tiniest of towns. Burn off some extra energy and challenge everyone to a quick photo scavenger hunt before you get back in the car: something purple; the word lawn; a pine cone, a butterfly; and something shaped like a triangle.
Related: Five Botanic Gardens to explore this weekend
Chase waterfalls
Driving is thirsty work. And while you could cool down with a quick dip in the beach, no one wants a sandy car. Instead, cheap thrills don’t get much better than cooling off in a natural waterfall. The Southern Highlands in NSW, Springbrook National Park in QLD, and the Grampians in Victoria are all hotbeds for waterfalls.
Related: Top five weekend waterfall walks
Related: Five long-haul Aussie road trips to add to the bucket list
Related: Five reasons to take the back way instead of the highway on your next road trip
Related: Five outdoor activities to do on your next regional road trip
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