Five Regional Spots Worth Putting on Your Road-Trip List
If you’ve been wondering whether Australia’s love affair with caravanning is still going strong, the latest numbers are pretty convincing.
New data from Tourism Research Australia shows 2025 was the biggest year on record for caravan and camping trips, surpassing the previous high recorded in 2023. While the numbers are impressive, there’s another part of the story that really stands out: regional Australia is getting a huge slice of the action.
In fact, 88 per cent of caravan and camping holiday trips and nights were spent in regional Australia, along with 78 per cent of all caravan and camping holiday spending, a whopping $7.8 billion.
Translation? We’re not just towing the van out of the suburbs for a weekend. We’re heading into the regions, staying longer, spending money and discovering the places that make Australia such a brilliant road-trip destination.
Here are a few of our favourite places to put on your road-trip list.
The Grampians, Victoria
Rugged mountains, spectacular lookouts, native wildlife and plenty of places to pull up for the night. The Grampians have all the ingredients for a great caravan escape.
Base yourself around Halls Gap and you’re perfectly positioned to explore walking trails, waterfalls and some seriously impressive scenery. Come spring, the region also puts on a spectacular wildflower display.
Clare Valley, South Australia
Yes, the Clare Valley is famous for its wine. But there’s much more to this picturesque part of South Australia than cellar doors.
Cruise through rolling countryside, explore the region’s historic towns, cycle the Riesling Trail or time your visit for spring when the canola fields turn brilliant gold.
The Kimberley, Western Australia
If you’re looking for a trip that feels like a proper adventure, put the Kimberley on the list.
Think dramatic gorges, ancient landscapes, red dirt, waterfalls and enormous distances between destinations. It’s a place where the journey is very much part of the experience and exactly the kind of trip caravanning was made for.
Just make sure you plan ahead, check road conditions and give yourself plenty of time.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland
You don’t always need to venture hundreds of kilometres from civilisation to find a great regional escape.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is packed with rainforest, waterfalls, charming country towns, local produce and plenty of scenic drives. Spend a few days exploring places like Montville, Maleny and the Glass House Mountains, then return to your caravan for a relaxed evening surrounded by nature.
The Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Few places showcase the sheer scale and diversity of regional Australia quite like the Flinders Ranges.
The ancient landscape, dramatic mountain ranges and vast open skies make it an unforgettable destination for a caravan adventure. It’s also a great reminder that some of Australia’s best travel experiences aren’t found in the big cities. They’re found down the long roads that lead somewhere completely different.
So, if you’ve been sticking to the same weekend destinations, maybe it’s time to hitch up, fill the fridge and point the van somewhere new. The regions are waiting. And apparently, the rest of Australia has already figured that out.
