Swap This For That: Road Trips Worth The Detour

Oh, the road less travelled. There’s a good reason why this iconic phrase stirs curiosity. For road-trippers, it’s an invitation to explore destinations that offer more space, ease and charm.

This season is the perfect time to trade the popular for the peaceful. Here are four 'swap this for that' road trip ideas that explore mainstream destinations and their underrated alternatives, all just a few hours’ drive from major capitals.

Queensland: Swap Noosa → Try Currumbin

Noosa will always remain a favourite coastal escape, but for an alternative seaside road trip destination head south to Currumbin, just under one-and-a-half hour’s drive from Brisbane on the Gold Coast. Here, the vibe is easy and the ocean takes centre stage. Grab a thickshake and a brekkie roll from a classic beachside bar, then hit Currumbin Alley, a favourite for both surfers and swimmers.

Families can spend a few hours at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, while coastal drives lead to quieter stretches like Tugun and Palm Beach. Currumbin serves up everything that’s truly great about a seaside holiday – surf, sand and sunshine – without the hustle.

New South Wales: Swap Bowral → Try Glenbrook

Bowral in the Southern Highlands is a springtime favourite, especially during tulip season, but its popularity can mean busy streets and booked-out cafes. For a quieter alternative, head west to Glenbrook, the gateway village to the Blue Mountains.

Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Glenbrook offers a creative mix of cosy cafes and boutique shops. Families will love enjoying takeaway from Con’s Continental Deli then running the kids around at the expansive Glenbrook Park, with its shaded play equipment and picnic spots.

Food lovers can linger over brunch at Cafe 2773, Kickaboom or Vincent. Post lunch you’re perfectly placed to explore some of the best, lesser-known bushwalks in the Blue Mountains, like the Jellybean Pool walk or the Red Hands Cave track, both easy, family-friendly walks rich in scenery and heritage.

Victoria: Swap Daylesford → Try the Dandenong Ranges

Daylesford is well known for its foodie scene and spa days (think Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa), but if you’re after a day trip with less distance and just as much charm, head to the Dandenong Ranges. Around a one-hour drive from Melbourne, the Ranges make an easy escape into lush fern gullies, winding mountain roads and welcoming villages.

Start your morning with brunch at one of the cosy cafes in Sassafras or Olinda; many serve hearty plates with locally roasted coffee. Afterwards, take a short stroll to Olinda Falls, where gentle cascades and shaded forest walks invite a slower pace.

In the villages, you’ll find plenty of shops to browse, from homewares and garden decor to essential oils, candles and handmade soaps that make perfect mementos or gifts. The Ranges can be enjoyed in a single day, but they’re equally lovely for a two- or three-night weekend stay. Think snug cottages and Airbnb hideaways tucked among towering trees, perfect for slow spring mornings.

South Australia: Swap Glenelg → Try the Fleurieu Peninsula

If seaside towns are what usually draw you, you might normally think of enjoying a visit to Adelaide’s most popular city beach, Glenelg. This spring, consider driving to the Fleurieu Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide. Make the trip extra scenic by road-tripping via South Australia’s Route 31 Coastal Drive, stopping off at charming coastal towns such as Christie’s Beach and Aldinga.

Once you’re in the Fleurieu Peninsula, farm-to-table dining and winding drives through olive groves await. Pair foodie experiences with a wander through villages like Willunga or Meadows, where you’ll find artisan cheese, bakeries and craft shops. Then head back to the coast to explore breathtaking beaches and cliff-top walks.