Top ten Aussie towns to visit on your next road trip
![Two women laugh over a road trip map in their car, Australian desert background](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/women%20road%20trip%20map.jpg)
You’re not alone if isolation has given you a renewed appreciation for your own backyard. According to Wotif CEO Daniel Finch , 88% of Australians are planning on travelling within their own country this year.
Now that public health and border restrictions are easing, we reckon it’s time to celebrate our island’s breathtaking natural beauty with a tour of its most beautiful towns. Thankfully, the Top Ten Aussie Towns of 2022 have just been announced. So why not make your next holiday a road trip to these scenic destinations?
(Don’t forget to check up on the ol’ car insurance, too, while you’re at it – vacation is not the time to get caught out with unwanted expenses).
Without further ado, here are the top ten Aussie towns to visit for this year’s road trip.
1. Launceston, TAS (2022 Aussie Town of Year)
![Magic hour view of Launceston intersection](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Launceston.jpg)
This legendary little haven in the wilds of Tasmania remains heckin’ underrated. Nestled within a verdant wine region famous for its culture, nature, and pastoral charm, there’s always plenty to explore and do in Tassie’s second largest city.
Admire the chasm of Cataract Gorge or wander the largest regional gallery in Australia . Locals recommend checking out the Harvest Launceston Community Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. It’s events like this that earned Launceston recognition as a “UNESCO City of Gastronomy”.
2. Caloundra, QLD
![Beach view of Caloundra, Queensland](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Caloundra.jpg)
This sweeping town on the Sunshine coast has more to offer than just sapphire waters and ivory sands (though that already sounds divine). With plenty of beaches, markets, boutiques and attractions, Caloundra is perfect for swimmers, couples, and families seeking a seaside getaway.
3. Tamworth, NSW
![Magic hour view of Tamworth, NSW](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Tamworth.jpg)
The country music capital of Australia has certainly made a name for itself worldwide. Celebrated this year in April instead of the usual January, the Country Music Festival established Tamworth as a regional hub of art and culture, but there’s still plenty to do year-round. Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque country drives, it’s easy to get lost among the area’s many natural parks and waterfalls. Grab a selfie in front of the Big Golden Guitar and get amongst the rural vibes.
4. Yarra Valley, VIC
![Yarra Valley with a hot air balloon at dusk](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/hendra-pontomudis-yarra%20valley.jpg)
Up in the Dandenong Ranges just outside of Melbourne, locals know the Yarra Valley as a heaven-sent refuge from citylife. Romantic and dramatic, this place has all you need for a luxurious escape. Try the quality local food and wine, or float above it all in a colourful hot air balloon . There’s a range of accommodation options to suit your adventure tastes, too, all alongside breathtaking natural views and scenery .
5. Adelaide Hills, SA
![Sunset view of a vineyard in Adelaide Hills, SA](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Adelaide%20Hills.jpg)
Aptly named, this rolling, sylvan countryside locale just east of Adelaide boasts bountiful vineyards, exquisite natural surroundings, and year-round seasonal highlights. Never short of local colour, Adelaide Hills is perfect for a cosy, rustic getaway from urban living. Upcoming autumn highlights include a wash of red leaves in the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and apple/fig picking.
6. Bright, VIC
![Autumn suburb in Bright, Victoria](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Bright%20Victoria.jpg)
Adding to our collection of absolutely charming town names, the mountainous Bright is the perfect holiday spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Carved with beautiful valleys, crystal rivers, and snowy peaks, there’s plenty of nature to soothe your soul. Take a tour of the bike trails before resting up at the rustic breweries, day spas, or wellness boutiques.
7. Hervey Bay, QLD
![Jetty on the seaside in Hervey Bay, Queensland](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Hervey%20Bay.jpg)
Located three and a half hours north of Brisbane, Hervey Bay (pronounced “haa-vee”) is the natural cove between the World Heritage listed K'gari (Fraser) Island and the mainland. Home to nearly 14 kilometres of beach, Hervey Bay is famous for its whale watching tours and mild climate, making it a sunny oceanside destination year round.
8. Halls Gap, VIC
![A white woman stands on a cliff's edge overviewing Grampians National Park](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Halls%20Gap%20Grampians%20Vic.jpg)
Placed at the heart of a stunning national park, Halls Gap serves as the “Gateway to the Grampians”. Treat this iconic tourist village as your basecamp while embarking on highland adventures, with plenty of accommodation, eateries, and shopping to enjoy alongside ancient and epic landscapes.
9. Batemans Bay, NSW
![A white man walks down the pier at Batesman's Bay](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Batesmans%20Bay%202.jpg)
Batemans Bay and the surrounding Eurobodalla region has long been a jewel of the NSW South Coast. Known for marrying the best of civilisation and nature, Batemans Bay caters to everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday. Take the kids on a trip thirty minutes south to the Mogo Zoo , or surprise your significant other with a luxurious stay in a houseboat. Explore the ancient heritage sites and magnificent rock formations , or try out the fresh seafood and watersports on both the Clyde River and shimmering sea.
10. Busselton, WA
![A view of the famous blue jetty out into the Indian Ocean at Busselton, Western Australia](https://cdn.mozo.com.au/images/atwood/13404/Busselton.jpg)
Last but not least, Busselton rounds out our top ten by encompassing boundless ocean views, heritage adventures, and vivid sunsets on the Indian Ocean. Only a two and a half hour drive from Perth, Busselton rests at the edge of cellar country, with Margaret River vineyards within driving distance of its turquoise vistas. Have a walk on the nearly two kilometre long historic jetty while watching for the annual whale migrations from May to December, or sample the artisanal food and crafts.
Why having car insurance is important
If you’re planning a road trip to any of these incredible destinations, be sure to check up on your car insurance policies beforehand. Remember: it’s required by Australian law to have a minimum coverage, usually Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP). Check out our FAQ below for more details, or peruse some best Australian car insurance policies.
FAQ
What kind of car insurance do I need in Australia?
No matter where you live in Australia, you are required to have a minimum level of car insurance, usually Compulsory Third Party Insurance (CTP). However, the rules can vary slightly in different states and territories, so be sure to get clear about what best applies to your situation.
Does travel insurance cover driving a car?
There are a few different kinds of travel insurance that cover the costs of driving a car, particularly rental car excesses or liability protection from accidents. These kinds of coverages are usually included in comprehensive policies (as opposed to basic) in both domestic and international travel insurances. At the end of the day, however, whether you’re vacationing locally or abroad, travel insurance is a must, so it’s important to consider your needs when choosing the policy that’s right for you.
Can I get travel insurance in Australia?
Absolutely; check our list of Australian travel insurance providers to get started.
What are some common car insurance exclusions?
There are a few no-brainers when it comes to car insurance exclusions. For example, you’re very unlikely to get a pay out for drug and alcohol related driving offences, or other illegal activities like driving without a licence or in an unregistered vehicle. However, there are some grey areas, too, like whether you’ve overloaded your car, or what level of roadside assistance is available to you. The key is to make sure you understand what’s covered in your policy before filing your claim.
We’ve written up the seven most common things not covered by comprehensive car insurance if you’d like to learn more.
What are the best car insurance policies?
We’re glad you asked! Every year our research team combs through thousands of car insurance policies and puts them through rigorous testing processes to measure quality against price, revealing the very best policies currently on the market. Check out Mozo’s Expert Choice Awards for the best car insurance to compare and save.
Compare and Save on the Best Car Insurance Policies
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $400 - $2,500
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Youi like to get to know you from the very first conversation, which provides you with the opportunity to find comprehensive car insurance cover that could better suit your lifestyle and your needs. Because we’re all individuals, so we all use our cars differently from day-to-day. Youi is car insurance that’s a bit more you-shaped. Mozo People's Choice Excellent Customer Service Car Insurance award winner in 2024.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 2 years and a listed driver is the first registered owner
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $50 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- Unlisted and aged 25 and over: $700, Unlisted and aged under 25: $2,000, Listed and aged under 25: $600
- Roadside assistance
- Yes
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Youi Comprehensive Car Insurance
Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $550 - $1,900 (varies By State)
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- No Claim Discount
- Online Discount Up To 15%
Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Get award winning Car Insurance. Save 15% ^ on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new policy online. Budget Direct offers tailor-made cover, new-for-old replacement, 24/7 claims, a highly-rated claims service, and get a hire car following a theft.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 2 years or 40,000 kilometres of original registration, whichever comes first
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days, max $1,000 total.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days for at fault accidents.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess. Option to reduce windscreen excess to $40 on every windscreen claim for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Covered only if agreed in writing.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for drivers under 21, $500 for drivers under 24, $600 for unlisted drivers, $500 for inexperienced drivers.
- Roadside assistance
- Optional Extra
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Budget Direct Gold Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $300 - $2,550
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- Online Discount $75
Comprehensive Car Insurance
QBE’s Comprehensive Car Insurance covers you for things like accident damage, fire and theft. Enjoy three year new car replacement. Get a hire car if you’re not at fault. Lifetime repair guarantee. Save $75 when you apply online.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 3 years and 60,000 km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess ($0 excess for repair only). Option to reduce windscreen replacement excess to $0 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Automatically covered.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for listed drivers under 25, $1,600 for unlisted drivers under 25.
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC NT TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about QBE Comprehensive Car Insurance
Comprehensive Car Insurance
- Monthly premiums
- Yes Costs Extra
- Choice of repairer
- Optional Extra
- Choice of excess
- $500 - $2,200
- Agreed or market value
- Agreed Or Market
Available discounts
- Online Discount $75
Comprehensive Car Insurance
Australia Post Comprehensive Car Insurance offers a broad range of coverage and includes cover for anyone who drives your vehicle. It also covers new car replacement if your recently purchased brand new car is written off within the first three years (provided it has travelled less than 60,000km). Get $100 off your first year's premium when you buy Comprehensive Car Insurance online. T&Cs apply.
- New car if written off
- Yes - within 3 years and 60,000 km of original registration
- Rental car after theft
- Yes - Up to 14 days.
- Rental car after accident
- Not at fault - Yes. At fault - Optional Extra. Up to 14 days.
- Windscreen cover
- Yes - standard excess ($0 excess for repair only). Option to reduce windscreen replacement excess to $0 for an additional premium.
- Modifications
- Automatically covered.
- Young driver excess imposed
- $600 for listed drivers under 25, $1,600 for unlisted drivers under 25.
- Roadside assistance
- No
- Other benefits
- -
- Other restrictions
- -
- States where offered
- SA VIC TAS NSW ACT QLD WA
Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about Australia Post Comprehensive Car Insurance
* Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Car Insurance Awards