With the long weekend looming, you might feel the irresistible urge to jump in the car and hit the open road. And why not?
You certainly won’t be alone in your wanderlust. With the school holidays overlapping public holidays, over 4.5 million Australians are expected to travel during the Easter break – and a good chunk of them will be road trippers.
So, while spontaneity is part of the fun, a last-minute getaway still benefits from a few smart checks. Here's how to keep your Easter road trip stress-free and full of good vibes.
Check your levels
For a smoother trip, checking tyre pressures, oil levels, coolant, brakes, and battery charge (for electric drivers) is non-negotiable. At the risk of stating the obvious, unexpected car trouble will seriously blight your holiday spirits. Make sure to pack a basic toolkit and check your spare tyre and jumper cables are readily available, just in case.
Driving electric? If your Easter escape involves a battery rather than a bowser, a little route prep goes a long way. These days, most states and territories offer EV-friendly holiday routes – complete with public charging stations, scenic pit stops, and EV-specific travel guides.
Check out apps like PlugShare or Chargefox to map out chargers along your route and avoid any range-related surprises. Now that’s what we call a full recharge.
Set your sights
Let’s talk destinations. If you don’t already own a weekender or have mates with spare keys, you’ll want to book in advance – even for campsites. Popular coastal hotspots and regional towns tend to book out fast. Here’s a quick whip-around the states and territories:
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ACT
• Beyond Canberra’s galleries and parks, the Snowy Mountains or Southern Highlands are within easy reach and well worth exploring
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New South Wales
• Byron Bay, Jervis Bay (see Booderee National Park below), and Port Stephens remain crowd favourites
• For a quieter vibe, try Mudgee, Orange, or the Blue Mountains
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New Zealand
• Kick off from Auckland and head north to Bay of Islands for coastal charm, dolphin cruises, and fresh seafood
• Or, take the scenic route to Coromandel Peninsula for golden beaches, lush forest walks, and the legendary Hot Water Beach
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Northern Territory
• Litchfield National Park is ideal for a weekend of waterfalls and swimming holes
• Or take the scenic route from Darwin to Katherine Gorge
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South Australia
• Hit the Fleurieu Peninsula for beachside bliss
• For wine lovers, Clare Valley or Barossa make perfect long weekend escapes
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Queensland
• The Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers waterfalls, forest walks and wine
• Or cruise north from Brisbane to 1770, Agnes Water (see below), or Yeppoon for something a little less people-packed
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Tasmania
• Try a short roadie from Hobart to Bruny Island or up to Freycinet National Park
• Tassie’s compact size equals maximum adventure in minimal time
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Victoria
• Road trip the Great Ocean Road or head into the High Country for crisp air and charming towns like Beechworth or Bright
• For surf and scenery, Wilson’s Promontory is always a win
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Western Australia
• The Margaret River region is a blend of beach, bush, and wine
• Or go off-grid with a trip to Kalbarri (see below) or Esperance – think turquoise water, pink lakes, and Insta-brag levels of beauty
Pro tip: Watch for double demerits in certain states and plan regular rest stops – chocolate-fuelled, of course.
Final thought
Ultimately, a last-minute road trip is about embracing your spirit of adventure and going with the flow. If you prize comfort, then add a dash of planning to your spontaneity, pop on your favourite playlist, and head for the highway.
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