5 cosy spots to roadtrip to this long weekend

Ah, a long weekend. They’re few and far between, and for most folk around the country the next one won’t come around for another several months. If you’re looking for a delightful way to spend that extra time off this weekend, a roadtrip might just be in order. Pack up the car, pop on some tunes, and go get driving.

KYNETON, VICTORIA Sitting pretty in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges/Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Kyneton is a country town that is oozing with character. There are plenty of swish restaurants, shops and art spots to check out, however if you’re looking to really explore the weeds of this lovely village, heading out on one of their many historic and nature walks is sure to fill you up with the warm and fuzzies. For the ultimate Kyneton experience, check out the quirky Kyneton Springs Motel. This charming motel feels like travelling back in time, even if you’ve only travelled a little over an hour from Melbourne/Naarm.

PORT KEMBLA, NEW SOUTH WALES Just an hour and half’s drive south of Sydney/Warrane, Wollongong/Woolyungah’s neighbouring suburb of Port Kembla looks like a scene straight out of a postcard. The coastal village boasts all the usual seaside drawcards, although if you’re hunting around for an activity away from the weather or the ocean, Port Kembla’s live music venue The Servo is bound to rock your socks off. Featuring an array of musicians taking the stage in this retro service station bar, you can indulge in a tasty snack by the fire pit for the ultimate Servo experience.

SWANSEA, TASMANIA The historic town of Swansea is like the Goldilocks of Tassie getaways. Located less than a two-hour drive from both Hobart/nipaluna and Launceston/kanamaluka , Swansea makes for an accessible – and absolutely stunning – spot to roadtrip to if you’ve only got a few days of R&R up your sleeve. There are a bucketload of adventure-y things to try your hand at (walking the beaches, cycling the backroads) and a great selection of vineyards in the region to kick your feet up at, however the must-see attraction of Swansea is the town’s historic general store. Now a humble IGA, this heritage building in the heart of town still dons the ‘Morris’ General Store’ lettering across its façade, ensuring a nugget of the town’s history lives on in its architecture.

ROBE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA This beachside haven is somewhat of a hidden gem in South Australia’s crown of jewels. A sleepy seaside village that is growing more popular as a summer holiday destination, the first few weeks of winter is secretly one of the best times to visit. You’ll find historic cosy pubs – Robe Hotel serves top-notch fish’n’chips – and windswept coastal walks, backgrounded by the quiet hum of nature. If you’re heading there from Adelaide/Tarntanya, the drive is around three and a half hours.

BUSSELTON, WESTERN AUSTRALIA If you’re lucky enough to be catching some warm weather this weekend in Western Australia, the coastal town of Busselton is a perfect pick to pop away to. Famous for its almost-two kilometre jetty, there’s also plenty more cosy activities to explore around Busselton that don’t involve swimming. You can rug up by the shore at one of their snazzy eateries, find a pretty vantage point to watch the whales migrate past, or even journey down to the wineries and cellar doors of Magaret River. Driving to Busselton from Perth/Boorloo takes about two and a half hours.