Five Roadside Stops Worth the Detour
The beauty of caravanning is that the journey matters just as much as the destination.
Some of your favourite travel memories won’t come from the big-ticket attractions. They’ll come from the random lookout, the tiny town, the roadside coffee or the decision to pull over because something caught your eye.
So next time the GPS says “continue straight for 300 kilometres”, remember: the best adventures are often waiting just off the road.
The Big Banana, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Why: Because Every Great Road Trip Needs an Iconic Photo
The Big Banana has been welcoming travellers on the Pacific Highway since 1964 and remains one of Australia’s most recognisable roadside stops.
While it started as a simple giant banana photo opportunity, it has grown into a full attraction with food, activities, shops and plenty to explore.
For caravanners, it’s the perfect excuse to pull over, stretch your legs and embrace a little bit of classic Aussie road trip nostalgia.
Best for: Families, first-time visitors and anyone who loves a good “big thing” photo.
The Tree Top Walk, Walpole, WA
Why: Some Stops Deserve More Than 10 Minutes
Deep in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, the Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk takes travellers high above the forest floor among towering tingle trees.
It might not be your typical roadside stop, but it’s exactly the kind of detour that turns a drive into an adventure.
Best for: Nature lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to swap highway views for ancient forests.
The Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road, VIC
Why: The Stop Everyone Knows but Still Deserves a Spot
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it can get busy. But there’s a reason millions of people stop to see the Twelve Apostles every year.
Watching those limestone stacks rise from the Southern Ocean is one of those moments that reminds you why road trips are worth taking.
If you’re towing, plan ahead and check parking access, but don’t rush past one of the country’s most spectacular coastal views.
Best for: Bucket-list travellers and unforgettable scenery.
The Head of Bight, SA
Why: Where Your Roadside Break Comes with Whales
Travelling the Nullarbor is one of Australia’s greatest road trip experiences, and the Head of Bight is a stop that makes the journey even better.
During whale season, visitors can watch southern right whales gathering close to shore, while the dramatic cliffs provide one of the most impressive coastal views in Australia.
It’s proof that sometimes the best attractions are found in the middle of nowhere.
Best for: Big landscapes, wildlife encounters and epic road trip memories.
The Big Rocking Horse, Gumeracha, SA
Why: The Quirky Stop You Didn’t Know You Needed
Just when you think you’ve seen it all on an Aussie road trip… a giant rocking horse appears on the side of the road.
Standing tall as you head out of Gumeracha in the Adelaide Hills, this 18-metre-high icon is exactly the kind of wonderfully random stop that makes caravanning so much fun. It all started back in the ’70s when toy maker Wal Wilkinson decided he needed something to tempt passing traffic to pull over. After experimenting with a few smaller ideas (including a wooden giraffe), he went all in, and in 1981, the Big Rocking Horse was born.
And yes, you can climb it.
These days, the rocking horse sits alongside the toy factory, a café and a small wildlife park, making it an easy (and slightly ridiculous) stop to stretch your legs.
How to Find Your Own Hidden Gem Stops
The best roadside stops aren’t always marked with a big brown tourism sign.
Some of the most memorable moments come from:
- Following a sign to a lookout you’ve never heard of
- Stopping at a tiny country bakery
- Exploring a historic town instead of driving past
- Asking locals where they’d stop for lunch
- Taking the scenic route instead of the fastest one
The joy of caravanning is having the freedom to slow down. The best memories often come from the places you never planned to stop, whether it’s a roadside lookout, a quirky little town or a hidden gem you would have missed if you’d kept driving.
Because the best road trip stories usually start with, “We weren’t even planning to stop here…”
