With warmer weather (finally) here, and spring produce taking centre stage, there's never been a better time to plan a road trip. But as anyone who's hit the open road before will know, a long drive tastes better with good snacks and great stops. So why not combine the two?
Whether you prefer to wind through vineyard valleys on the hunt for the perfect drop, or detour through the countryside for the perfect pastry, we've found several road trips in Australia made for those who travel with food in mind. From fresh oysters in the tropics to wine and cheese pairings in rolling hills, these are the most delicious drives in the country — and the ones we’re dreaming of this spring and summer season.
1. Legendary Pacific Coast, NSW to QLD
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Distance: 1,000 km
Winding from Sydney to Brisbane, this stretch of east coast boasts plenty of trendy food spots – as evidenced by its ample presence on Instagram. Start in the Hunter Valley with a long lunch and a local Shiraz, stop by Port Stephens for beachside fish and chips, pop through Byron Bay for something seasonal, and end in Tweed Heads with fresh mud crabs.
2. Epicurean Way, SA
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Distance: 210 km
This route is all about slowing down. Winding through four of South Australia's most iconic wine regions — McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Barossa and Clare Valley — the Epicurean Way is dotted with cellar doors, country bakeries, and outdoor seating made with long lunching in mind. With nearly seven food stops per 10 kilometres, it’s a route that practically begs you to take multiple pit stops.
3. Great Barrier Reef Drive, QLD
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Distance: 170 km
The Great Barrier Reef Drive delivers, whether its tropical produce or warm sea air you're craving. This route hugs the coastline between Cairns and Cape Tribulation, where you'll find quaint fruit stalls on the roadside, seafood platters by the water, and restaurants like Salt House in Cairns — a local favourite where you can dine under palm trees with the Coral Sea as your backdrop. Don't mind if we do.
4. Cape to Cape, WA
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Distance: 111 km
It's not just South Australians who do wine well. Over west, the Cape to Cape drive takes you through the heart of the Margaret River region, which is best known for cool-climate wines and artisanal, seasonal produce, from cheeses to breads. Stop in at a cellar door for lunch, then stretch your legs with a coastal walk, for the best of both worlds.
5. Grand Pacific Drive, NSW
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Distance: 140 km
If, like the RUSSH team, your idea of the perfect road trip involves pastries and ocean views and charming towns, Grand Pacific Drive might be your dream route. Just south of Sydney, this drive moves through rainforest and along cliffside roads (including the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge), with stops like the Berry Donut Van and boutique cafés in Kiama offering sweet breaks to keep your sustenance up along the way.
6. Sydney to Melbourne Coastal Route
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Distance: 1,050 km
This is a long drive, but it's a classic and, if you ask us, on that's made for food lovers. From oysters in Narooma to sourdough in Tilba and local cheese in Gippsland, this route is all about regional flavour. There's also no need to rush when the food is this good.
7. Great Ocean Road, VIC
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Distance: 243 km
Yes, the Great Ocean Road is famous for its dramatic cliffs and surf beaches, but it also delivers on dining. Along the drive, you’ll find small-town bakeries, seafood shacks, and cosy cafés perfect for warming up after a windswept walk. Try the burgers at The Bottle of Milk in Lorne, or settle in for a long lunch in Apollo Bay.
8. Tasmania’s Southern Edge
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Distance: 124 km
Tasmania’s Southern Edge may be shorter than the other spots on our list, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in flavour. Stretching from Hobart down to the southern coast it's packed with distilleries, oyster farms, bakeries and intimate restaurants.
With thanks to ROLLIN' Car Insurance for providing data to support this story.
Feature images by Callum Eddings and William Pickard, both via Unsplash.
