Manheim’s top summer road trip guide for 2019 – Part One!
February 15, 2019
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Aerial photograph of the Mount Martha coastal drive located in the Mornington Peninsula.
The good weather is in full force this summer, so really there is no better way to spend our warmest season than on a road trip, seeing all the amazing sights of this great land.
But where to start? Well, Manheim team members have come together to make a list of their favourite road trips in their state and country. All the states our sites are located get a mention.
Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell National Park at sunset – Victoria, Australia. Sunlight hitting the rocks and sand creating a very sureal look.
So what are you waiting for? Pick your own state or explore a new state you want to explore and choose your road trip. Then pack your car up and off you go.
Govetts Leap, Blue mountain, Australia
Victoria
You need to choose the right day for your road trip in Victoria, as we all know it could be a sunny and hot 40 degrees one minute and raining the next! But you can’t go past the amazing coastline.
The Great Ocean Road is an absolute hit and a few hours drive from Melbourne. Plan your trip so you get the most out of it and make sure you stop in at the towns that surround – Apollo Bay, Torquay and Anglesea just to name a few! Our personal favourite spots are of course the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, Gibson’s Step, London Bridge and the Grotto. Be safe around the coastline, it can be a windy drive.
Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia, viewed from the air.
Prefer the mountains? Head into the beautiful countryside to the Grampians. Stopping in country towns like Beaufort and Ararat for a quick break before hiking and taking in the amazing mountain views.
Other places you can road trip to:
- Mornington Peninsula 1 hour from the city
- Gippsland Lakes around 4 hours from the city
- Dandenong Ranges 1 hour from the city
- Yarra Valley 1 hour from the city
- Wilsons Prom 3 hours from the city
- Ballarat 1 hour 30mins from the city
Point Nepean and Port Phillip Bay on a hot summer’s day in Victoria, Australia
South Australia
We all love a good long road trip, well most of us do right? But maybe you don’t. Well if you’re in Adelaide and want to explore the area, firstly try Glenelg. Only 20 minutes from the CBD, Glenelg will offer warm summer days by the beach, beautiful walking trails and loads of entertainment.
People stroll on Glenelg jetty at sunset sky splashed with colourful hues of red, orange and blue in Adelaide, South Australia
But, if you don’t mind driving an hour out of the city, why not go to Barossa Valley, wine country. See the ‘big rocking horse’, try the local food and of course the wine (drink responsibly of course and never drink drive), but just enjoy the beautiful country backdrop.
Beautiful Vineyard in the Adelaide Hills
If you want to experience the outback, Flinders Ranges is your place. It might be 5 and a half hours drive out of Adelaide but you can make a stop along the coast or at Port Augusta.
Or the beach might be more of your thing, well Yorke Peninsula will suit you better! A beautiful drive along the coast and in just over 2 hours you will be there ready to explore!
Beautiful Tropical Beach with white water
Beach, outback and countryside. South Australia has a lot for you to explore.
Scenic sunset view with sunburst from over the mountain ranges at Hucks Lookout within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. Looking toward Wilpena Pound.
Tasmania
There is so much to see in Tasmania, from Hobart, Launceston and Devonport there is lots to do.
So we have compiled a few road trips from Hobart for you to add to your list. Only an hour and a half out of Hobart is the beautiful Mount Field National Park to explore. In the other direction is the Tahune Forest area, which also features an “Air Walk”, a steel canopy walkway above the forest.
This is a perfect place for photography, the landscape is changing in everyday, if you can stay in here for a year, and you will find out what is magic
Cradle Mountain is a must see in Tasmania and is about a four hour drive from Hobart. The amazing scenery is not to be missed. Also while you’re heading that way, check out the Pumphouse Point!
If you’re looking to go to Tasmania, why not book yourself a trip to Hobart in June for the Dark Mofo Winter Festival?
Reflections at dawn at Tasmania’s beautiful Cradle Mountain
Tassie offers a lot, but did you know that Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world? Even more reason to go!
New South Wales
Mountains or coastal, you are guaranteed a beautiful scenic road trip in NSW. Close to Sydney? Well just over an hour from the city is the Blue Mountains. Beautiful scenery of steep cliffs, waterfalls and bushlands awaits, so you definitely want to add this trip to your list!
a rock formation just outside the far south coast town of Bemagui, the rocks here are in the form of a camel in this beautiful surf beach.
Or, if you are looking for more of a hike, what about the South Coast drive? Hug the coastline and stop along the way in towns like Narooma – or cottage towns Central Tilba and Tilba Tilba – Bermagui, Tathra and Merimbula, you will not be disappointed! Along the way, there are heaps of national parks including Mimosa Rocks!
Najanuga (Little Dromedary) is the smaller and striking rock outcrop just east of Gulaga and Tilba with wildflowers swaying in the wind in the foreground. Mt Gulaga and Najanuga are significant sites for the aboriginal Yuin people and land was given back to them in May 2006.
Want to head to wine country instead? What about Hunter Valley? Enjoy the beautiful countryside and maybe add a hot air balloon ride to see it from above!
A sunrise over vineyards, with a balloon floating in the background.
Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and New South Wales have a lot to offer and cover a lot of land! From city to sea to even the very vast desert, you won’t be disappointed when discovering these beautiful states. Next stop, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland!
View over the landmark rock formation “Three sisters” in Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia on sunrise.
Need a new car for all those road trips you will take this summer and leading into all the public holidays coming up? Well, we have you covered! Go to www.manheim.com.au for all our cars on offer!
