Drives and road trips

Searching for inspiration about where to take a break this year? It might be time to look outside the square…

Often, some of the best experiences are found in places not typically on your radar.

We’ve handpicked several destinations that aren’t necessarily top of the travel itinerary for many, yet each has the ability to create a fun-filled escape.

Delve into these action-packed locations – there are two each per state.

Where to stay in NSW

Eden

Where: 550km south of Sydney.

Set on the shores of Twofold Bay, NSW’s most southern town is enchanting. Beautiful beaches, spectacular coastal views, and a fascinating whaling past are among its highlights coupled with a warm, relaxing vibe.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Eden Killer Whale Museum
  • Ben Boyd National Park
  • Seasonal whale watching
  • Port of Eden precinct
  • Aslings Beach

Nearby accommodation: Ingenia Holidays Eden Beachfront

Read more with this great guide to Eden here.

Tamworth

Where: 410km north of Sydney.

Known as Australia’s Country Music Capital, Tamworth is a thriving riverside city that has retained its friendly, small-town charm. While highly regarded for its country music roots, the city is no one-hit wonder, entertaining visitors with a variable mix of engaging attractions.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Australian Country Music Hall of Fame
  • The Big Golden Guitar and associated museums
  • Oxley Scenic Lookout
  • Tamworth Botanical Gardens
  • Powerstation Museum
  • Tamworth Regional Gallery
  • Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Paradise Tamworth or City Lights Holiday Park.

Discover more things to see in Tamworth here.

Check out all BIG4 parks in NSW here.

Where to stay in QLD

Mackay

Where: 950km north of Brisbane.

Perched at the mouth of the Pioneer River and regarded as the gateway to the Southern Whitsundays, this vibrant coastal city serves up all the attributes for a brilliant break. Beautiful beaches blend with sprawling hinterland, a busy marina neighbours relaxing botanic gardens, and modern architecture melds with art deco. And there is a wealth of enchanting experiences to suit all tastes.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Bluewater Lagoon
  • Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
  • Queens Park (Orchid House)
  • Artspace Mackay
  • Explore dozens of beaches
  • Art deco trail
  • Mackay Marina Village
  • Cape Hillsborough National Park
  • Eungella National Park

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Mackay Blacks Beach Holiday Park or Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.

Innisfail

Where: 1600km north of Brisbane.

Innisfail delivers instant appeal; its main street dotted with delightful art deco buildings coupled with tall palm trees and a setting at the junction of two rivers. It’s also within grasp of the coast and in striking distance of key sections of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. 

Top attractions and experiences

  • Art deco trail
  • Warrina Lakes park
  • Etty Bay
  • Australian Sugar Heritage Centre
  • Paronella Park
  • Wooroonooran National Park (Mamu Tropical Skywalk)

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Innisfail Mango Tree Tourist Park.

Learn more about intriguing Innisfail here.

Check out all BIG4 parks in QLD here.

Where to stay in WA

Denmark

Where: 415km southwest of Perth.

While its name might be better associated with a Scandinavian country, this small coastal town has all the attributes for a right royal escape. Whether seeking adventure or indulgence, Denmark and its surrounds deliver big time.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Ocean Beach
  • Boston Brewing Co
  • Cellar doors of the Great Southern wine region
  • Denmark Historical Museum
  • Denmark Dinosaur World
  • William Bay National Park (Green Pools/Elephant Rocks)
  • Walpole-Nornalup National Park (Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk)

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Denmark Ocean Beach Holiday Park.

Uncover more of delightful Denmark here.

Kalgoorlie

Where: 595km east of Perth.

The Australian Outback’s largest city is steeped in gold-mining history and full of fascinating finds that give it distinction. Coupled with impressive attractions that surround it, Kalgoorlie possesses all the elements for a memorable getaway.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Super Pit lookout
  • Hannans North Tourist Mine
  • Museum of the Goldfields
  • Karlkurla Bushland Park
  • Kalgoorlie Two-Up School
  • Exploring surrounding ghost towns
  • Inside Australia – Antony Gormley Sculptures

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Acclaim Prospector Holiday Park.

More things to see and do in Kalgoorlie here.

Check out all BIG4 parks in WA here.

Where to stay in VIC

Aireys Inlet

Where: 125km southwest of Melbourne.

While smaller than many of the star-studded towns along the Great Ocean Road, this coastal hamlet is every bit as appealing. Expect to encounter brilliant beaches synonymous with this stretch as well as excellent attractions for all tastes.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Local beaches
  • Split Point Lighthouse
  • Salt Brewing
  • Allen Noble Sanctuary (wetlands walk)
  • Cliff Top Walk (from lighthouse precinct)

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Aireys Inlet.

Shepparton

Where: 190km north of Melbourne.

Set on the Goulburn River and among a rich agricultural area, Shepparton is the perfect place to get away from it all. Its mix of attractions ranges from quirky to first-rate and engages all interests.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Moooving Art exhibition
  • Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton
  • Victoria Park Lake
  • KidsTown adventure playground
  • Mooroopna Aboriginal Historical Walk
  • Shepparton Art Museum (new building opened late 2021)

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Shepparton Park Lane Holiday Park or Shepparton Holiday Park and Village.

Check out all BIG4 parks in VIC here.

Where to stay in SA

Loxton

Where: 255km east of Adelaide.

Loxton has nabbed a prime piece of river frontage overlooking the Might Murray and symbolises the strong allure of this famous waterway. Its quiet but inviting town centre enhances Loxton’s laidback atmosphere.

Top attractions and experiences

  • The Village – Historic Loxton pioneer settlement
  • Loxton Golf Club
  • Loxton Memorial Gardens
  • The Pines historic house and garden
  • Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre
  • Overland Corner Hotel

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Loxton Riverfront Holiday Park.

Mt Gambier

Where: 435km southeast of Adelaide.

SA’s most populous regional centre bursts with gripping natural attractions that typify the beauty of the wider Limestone Coast region. Mt Gambier also delivers plenty of other first-rate experiences and amenities that ensure it is a destination deserving of extended stays.

Top attractions and experiences

  • Blue Lake
  • Umpherston Sinkhole
  • Little Blue Lake (swimming)
  • Centenary Tower
  • Mt Schank
  • Engelbrecht and Tantanoola Caves

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Blue Lake Holiday Park.

Unearth more of Mt Gambier's riches here.

Check out all BIG4 parks in SA here.

Where to stay in TAS

St Helens

Where: 250km northeast of Hobart.

St Helens pours on the charm, beginning with a setting overlooking Georges Bay. Its centre expertly blends relaxing with vibrant, and the town’s magnetism is heightened with a positioning that puts it within arm’s reach of stunning natural attractions.

Top attractions and experiences

 

  • St Helens mountain biking trails
  • Mainly Maritime museum
  • St Helens Point Conservation Area
  • Game fishing
  • Bay of Fires
  • St Columba Falls State Reserve

 

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Tassie Getaway Parks St Helens or Tasman Holiday Parks - St Helens.

Want to know more about St Helens? Read here.

Launceston

Where: 200km north of Hobart.

While Launceston is possibly the most recognisable name of this list, this historical riverside city still seems somewhat underrated. Its collection of heritage structures is mightily impressive, its parks and gardens plentiful, and literally on its doorstep is an epic gorge. And don’t forget the easy access to first-class wineries from here. 

Top attractions and experiences

  • Cataract Gorge
  • City Park
  • Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery
  • Tamar Island Wetlands
  • James Boag Brewery
  • Tamar Valley

Nearby accommodation: BIG4 Launceston Holiday Park.

Check out all BIG4 parks in TAS here.

Isn’t it time you planned your next BIG4 break? See all our holiday parks here.

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