Besides the diverse landscape, the crisp winter air and softer sunlight further make the road journey more captivating and relaxing. The frosty season also offers unique opportunities, such as witnessing wildlife in their natural habitats, exploring winter festivals, and even experiencing snow in regions like the Snowy Mountains or Tasmania's highlands.
This article will unveil the five best Australian road trip routes perfect for winter, each chosen for its breathtaking scenery and memorable stops. Additionally, there are reminders for your well-rounded preparations before you hit the road, introducing necessary considerations that ensure you stay connected, comfortable and prepared throughout your journey!
5 Best Australian Road Trips for Winter
The following 5 routes are recommended by many for winter trips in Australia. They are known for offering a perfect blend of tranquillity and natural beauty, providing a delightful escape away from the bustling city life.
- Great Ocean Road
Spanning over 240 kilometres along Victoria's rugged southern coastline, the Great Ocean Road is a winter wonderland. It is a combination of dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests, and stunning ocean views. During winter, this iconic route offers a quieter and more serene experience compared to the bustling summer months.
The big swells along Victoria's coastline bring impressive waves to the coastline during the snowy season. You can enjoy surfing or witness large waves rolling in from the Southern Ocean. The Twelve Apostles standing on the Loch Ard Gorge with waves crashing against the cliff is a beholding site in winter.
During chilly days when the Great Ocean Road is less noisy, you can enjoy the lush rainforests of the Otway National Park (especially if it's raining). The cascading waterfall, the towering eucalyptus trees, and the green scenery will instantly lift your mood and spirit!
Whale watching and seeing koalas in their natural habitat are other popular activities at the Great Ocean Road during winter. Visitors are also invited to take part in the WinterWild festival held in the seaside towns of Apollo Bay and Lorne. The festival celebrates art, music, theatre and culture.
- Savannah Way
Located in Australia's northern expanse, the Savannah Way is a remote, captivating landscape worthy of a winter tour. It stretches 3,750 km from Cairns in North Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. As the temperature begins to drop, the Savannah Way, with its scenic drives, spectacular beaches, and tropical islands, comes to life!
The route covers tropical savannahs, ancient limestone caves, and vibrant wetlands, with stops in fascinating outback towns like Katherine and Halls Creek. Adventure lovers can dive and snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef or catch the waves for a better surfing experience.
The beaches here are also comfortable and inviting during the winter season. With hundreds of kilometres of sandy shores, cool breezes and swaying palm trees offer a tranquil escape.
You can explore the Nitmiluk Gorge, the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park, and the vast Kimberley region. Hiking, mountain biking, or camping at the Boodjamulla National Park can be a real treat in the winter. The dry season ensures the roads are passable and the wildlife is abundant, enhancing the overall adventure.
And finally, dinner under the stars is always a good idea during road trips. Rooftop cocktails, seafood by moonlight and lavish meals in the waterfront restaurants will make your journey even more elevating.
- Stuart Highway
Named after the Scottish explorer John McDouall Stuart, the Stuart Highway spans nearly 3,000 kilometres from Port Augusta to Darwin, crossing the heart of Australia.
It is also known as "the Explorer's Way", and the best time to visit the place is from May to September (Australian Winter). This is because the temperatures are milder and more comfortable during winter. The journey guides you through different extraordinary landscapes, from the fertile plains of South Australia to the red deserts of the Northern Territory. Key attractions include the opal mining town of Coober Pedy, the breathtaking MacDonnell Ranges, and the historic town of Alice Springs.
Winter is also a perfect time to witness some unique flora and fauna of the Outback in their peak season.
- Great Alpine Road
Victoria's Great Alpine Road is Australia's highest year-round accessible road. The amazing road takes you through the mountains of Victoria on a 300+ km adventure!
In winter, the route transforms into a snow-capped paradise, offering stunning vistas of alpine scenery and charming mountain villages. A two-day trip will allow you to truly enjoy every sight and attraction on this route. However, make sure to pack snow chains, warm clothes, ski gear and a solar-powered battery pack for a safe journey.
Starting from Wangaratta, the road passes through the lush valleys of the Ovens and Kiewa rivers. Enjoy strolls in the beautiful parks and gardens, relax at the beaches and savour the local flavours of the region. Visit the historic town of Beechworth and traverse through the Mountains Rail Trail. The countryside has some of the best vineyards for your wine-tasting pleasure.
You can also visit the alpine resorts of Mount Hotham and Falls Creek during the trip. Besides the spectacular scenery, you can enjoy various snow-related activities, including skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. You can also take a chairlift ride to get mesmerized by the panoramic view of the place.
Alpine National Park and Mount Buffalo National Park are some of the best places on or near the Great Alpine Road. Besides offering great activities for the adventurers, the route also caters to the needs of the foodies. Wineries, resorts selling delicious hot chocolates, delightful breakfasts and bakeries selling freshly prepared baked goods are only a few things to satisfy your appetite on the long journey.
- Southern Highlands
Not far from Sydney, the Southern Highlands offer a tranquil escape with their rolling hills, historic towns, and cool-climate vineyards. You will love how winter casts a cozy charm over the region, with misty mornings, crackling fireplaces, and the possibility of light snowfall.
Key stops include the picturesque town of Bowral, known for its beautiful gardens and antique shops, the historic village of Berrima with its well-preserved Georgian architecture, and the stunning Fitzroy Falls in Morton National Park.
The Southern Highlands also boast a thriving food and wine scene, perfect for warming up with gourmet meals and local wines after a day of exploring.
What Challenges are there during Your Winter Road Trips?
Winter road trips in Australia present several challenges that travellers should prepare for to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
- Weather Conditions
Winter brings lower temperatures and the potential for snowfall in certain regions, especially in alpine areas like the Snowy Mountains or Tasmania. Electric appliances like heaters are crucial to provide warmth inside the vehicle. It is essential to check that the vehicle's heating system is functioning properly before setting out on the trip.
- Vehicle Maintenance
Proper vehicle maintenance is critical for winter road trips. This includes choosing appropriate winter tyres designed for better traction on icy or snowy roads. Additional checks should be conducted, such as ensuring adequate levels of antifreeze to prevent the engine from freezing and checking the battery's health to avoid unexpected breakdowns in cold weather.
- Travel Preparations
Preparation for winter conditions should include carrying essential emergency equipment. This may include a shovel to clear snow, tow ropes or chains for traction on slippery roads, and possibly a portable jump starter for emergencies.
Adequate warm clothing and blankets are essential in case of unexpected delays or breakdowns. Get a solar battery pack or a USB battery pack for off-grid camping. It is also essential to carry emergency medical supplies, including a first aid kit, to handle any health emergencies that may arise during the trip.
- Travel Planning
Thorough travel planning is crucial for a winter road trip. Check weather forecasts and road conditions along your planned route. There could be potential for road closures or restrictions due to snow or ice. Plan your accommodations in advance, as some places may have reduced availability during the off-season. Identify service areas along the route where you can refuel and restock supplies.
Why an Extra Portable Battery Pack is Essential for a Successful Winter Road Trip?
Among all your preparations, an extra portable battery pack is indispensable for ensuring a successful winter road trip for several crucial reasons:
- Extended Use of Electronic Appliances
In winter, electronic appliances such as the heating system for warmth and entertainment devices are essential for comfort during long journeys. An additional portable battery pack ensures an uninterrupted power supply, allowing for extended use of these appliances without draining the vehicle's main battery. This is particularly important in colder climates where heating may be required for extended periods.
- Emergency Situation Backup
A portable battery pack serves as a reliable backup power source for critical emergency equipment. It can power emergency lights, navigation systems for route planning in unfamiliar areas, and communication devices such as smartphones or two-way radios for contacting assistance in case of breakdowns or emergencies.
- Mobility in Diverse Scenarios
Whether you are on the road or stopped for specific activities like star gazing or camping, a portable battery pack enhances mobility. A portable battery pack allows you to power devices away from the vehicle, providing flexibility in how and where you set up camp or enjoy recreational activities without worrying about draining the vehicle's battery.
- Self-independence in Electricity Generation
Opting for a solar-powered portable battery pack further enhances self-reliance during winter road trips. Integrated with solar panels, a battery power pack can harness sunlight to recharge, providing an independent and sustainable power source. This capability is beneficial for off-grid adventures or situations where access to traditional power outlets is limited.
Best Portable Battery Pack for Road Trips around Australia
If you would like to enjoy road trips with no power worries, visit Jackery to have some of the best portable battery packs. They are built to deliver reliable performance with compact size. Moreover, you can upgrade your power gear if you choose to integrate Jackery solar panels. Here, we pick two popular portable power stations for your successful road ventures.
- Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus Portable Power Station is the smallest option among all Jackery portable power stations. It boasts a lightweight design, weighing only 3.75kg, making it easy to carry in your backpack. Additionally, it is highly versatile and offers four charging options—solar panels, mains, car lighter, and USB-C—ensuring you can recharge it no matter your location.
Its multiple charging ports, including a 100W USB-C input and output, allow you to fast-charge multiple devices simultaneously, from laptops to small appliances.
With an impressive capacity of 288Wh and a 300W output, this portable battery pack provides ample power to keep your essential devices running, making it a dependable and convenient solution for staying charged during your short road trips.
- Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus Portable Power Station is an excellent option for winter road trips, providing ample reliable power and convenience in challenging conditions.
Supports up to three additional battery packs, bringing the total capacity to 5kWh and providing 1-3 days of home backup power. A solar generator can power your communication devices, medical equipment, and refrigerators, bringing comfort and convenience.
Stay connected and keep critical devices running with reliable backup power, assuring safety and convenience in an emergency.
The Jackery Explorer 1000 Plus portable power station, with a 10-year lifespan and a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, provides a consistent voltage and pure sine wave to ensure the safety of all your electrical gadgets. Additionally, the innovative ChargeShield technology and consistent power delivery avoid equipment damage.
Wrapping it Up
During a winter road trip in Australia, having a power backup can be a lifesaver; it ensures phones, GPS, and even portable heaters stay charged and ready to use. As you explore the diverse terrains of the vast continent of Australia, a Jackery portable battery pack aims to help travellers enjoy uninterrupted comfort and convenience amidst the chilly landscapes.
From powering essential electronics to enhancing safety with emergency lighting and communication devices, a portable battery pack ensures you are prepared for any adventure. Embrace the serenity of Australia's winter wonderlands, knowing that with the right equipment, every journey becomes a comfortable, memorable and enjoyable experience.
