Australia’s ultimate road trip pit stops revealed

Emily Murphy Emily Murphy
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From the best sausage rolls and surf clubs to finger buns worth the drive, discover Australia’s top road trip pit stops as crowned by Wotif’s 2024 Uniquely Aussie Awards.

Australians famously love a road trip, jumping at any chance to explore a new nook of our vast, beautiful country. And as we head into the warmer months of the year, Wotif has announced the winners of its 2024 Uniquely Aussie Awards, offering some exciting new inspiration for your summer road trips.

From mouth-watering sausage rolls and beachside surf clubs to finger buns that are worth the detour, these are the pit stops every road tripper needs to know about.

The best sausage roll; a flaky, golden masterpiece

Flaky, golden and packed with flavour, the best sausage roll in Australia can be found at Kenilworth Bakery, nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Not only is this iconic bakery known for its mouth-watering sausage rolls, but adventurous foodies can take on the one-kilogram sausage roll challenge – finish it in one go and get your money back!

Sausage rolls from Kenilworth Bakery
Stop in at Kenilworth Bakery for the best sausage roll in Australia.

Jaw-dropping views at the best lookout point

For a view that will take your breath away, head to Wineglass Bay Lookout in Freycinet, Tasmania. A scenic 1.3-kilometre trek leads you to this stunning vantage point, where crystal-clear waters meet a perfect crescent of white sand. Keep an eye out for dolphins or even whales as you soak in one of Australia’s most iconic views.

Wineglass Bay Track Lookout in Freycinet, Tasmania
Wander the scenic 1.3-kilometre trek to reach Wineglass Bay Lookout. (Image: Chad Dewson)

Sip in style at the best hotel bar

Sip in style at the Terrace Rooftop Bar, one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars, perched atop the Emporium Hotel South Bank. With its retractable ceiling and panoramic city views, this architectural wonder offers a perfect blend of luxury and relaxation. Enjoy a cocktail while taking in the expansive vistas that stretch out to the South Bank Parklands – this is the ultimate pit stop for those who appreciate a drink with a view.

the Terrace Rooftop Bar at the Emporium Hotel South Bank.
The Terrace Rooftop Bar is one of Brisbane’s best rooftop bars.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Best finger bun: A must-try sweet treat

Humble Bakery in Sydney has redefined the classic Aussie finger bun with its decadent take on this nostalgic treat. Featuring a dreamy pink cream cheese frosting and a buttery finish from locally sourced ingredients, this gourmet version is a must-try. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, one bite of this finger bun will leave you craving more.

Finger bun from Humble Bakery
Devour this nostalgic treat at Humble Bakery.

Soak in the beach vibes at the best surf club

As the first surf lifesaving club in South Australia, Henley Surf Life Saving Club in Henley Beach is a true icon. With its stunning Ocean Bar and Kitchen helmed by celebrity chef Adam Swanson, you can enjoy locally sourced Italian-inspired dishes while gazing out over the water. This community-driven club offers family-friendly vibes and unforgettable sunsets, making it a perfect coastal pit stop.

Henley Surf Life Saving Club table set nicely
Henley Surf Life Saving Club was the first surf lifesaving club in SA.

Learn about history at the best regional museum

The National Wool Museum in Geelong, Victoria, offers a fascinating glimpse into Australia’s rich wool history. Housed in a former wool store, this museum showcases everything from the production process to the final product. After exploring, head to the museum’s shop for high-quality woollen goods, or take a stroll along the nearby waterfront for a relaxing afternoon stop.

National Wool Museum exterior
The National Wool Museum showcases everything from the production process to the final product.

Discover 100 of Australia’s most spectacular road trips.

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Emily Murphy
Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.
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8 Northern Territory secrets the locals don’t want you to know

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

    Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

    Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

    1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

    Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park, just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

    Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

    2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

    Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole, open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

    Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park
    Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

    3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

    The Tiwi Islands, a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

    Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

    A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space.
    Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

    4. Dine in Darwin

    Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets, Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets.

    Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

    A bowl of Laksa.
    Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

    5. Up close with Uluṟu

    The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

    There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

    A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

    6. Drive the Red Centre Way

    From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

    Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

    SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT).
    Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

    7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

    Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa. This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

    Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

    The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden.
    Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

    8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

    Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen.

    Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory.
    Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

    Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

    Australia’s Ultimate Road Trip Pit Stops Revealed | Australian Traveller