There’s something both nostalgic and comforting about an Australian road trip. Perhaps it’s the countless movie scenes of characters cruising through coastal towns, or the unique freedom of driving in a vague direction with snacks in tow and no strict schedule to be found.
Naturally, the make of any good road trip relies heavily on your choice of transport. So, we’ve teamed up with the Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER, which will allow you to experience an EV-like driving experience without the need to plug-in to recharge, as you explore everything the coast has to offer.
Whether you’re looking for an eventful vacation or a leisurely cruise along the shore, there’s a road trip across this spectacular country to suit your style.
Melbourne
Melbourne to Sorrento
210kms round trip; approx 1.5 hours each way
Arguably Melbourne’s most laid-back coastal town, every café and pub in Sorrento is littered with locals going about their life at a glacial pace—you’ll immediately experience a sense of ease as you fall into step with your surroundings. Trade in the highway and opt for the scenic route to soak in the sights from Mount Martha, which has a unique vantage point over Port Phillip Bay.
Mornington Peninsula's famous hot springs are worth a brief detour before you reach Sorrento, flanked by both the Sorrento Front Beach and Sorrento Back Beach (the latter boasting hefty waves ideal for surfing or bodyboarding).
Melbourne to Apollo Bay
400kms round trip; approx 2.5 hours each way
While there's much more of the Great Ocean Road to explore past Apollo Bay, this seaside haven should be considered a destination town all on its own.
Renowned for its fresh seafood available at pubs and cafes, what better way to get the most out of a road trip than feasting on fish while overlooking one of Melbourne’s most beloved beaches?
Of course, if you have the time and an efficient car, keep cruising down the Great Ocean Road—the trek to the 12 Apostles should be made at least once in your life.
Perth
Perth to Preston Beach
122kms round trip; approx 1.5 hours each way
For a road trip that can be confined to a single day, look no further than Preston Beach. There are more than enough sights to see if you’re looking for that distinctly Western Australian scenery—the nearby Lake Clifton is home to 350-million-year-old thrombolites rarely found elsewhere—but you can also set up camp at Preston Beach and get away from the city for a few hours.
Perth to Augusta
630kms round trip; approx 3.5 hours each way
For those who jump at the chance to tick off unique bucket list moments, a drive down to Augusta will scratch that itch.
To keep the road trip truly coastal, consider adding on a few more kilometres to ensure you pass through Margaret River and Yalingup, where you can live up to summer expectations and kick back at an outdoor cinema.
Once in Augusta, the world is your oyster. Scale the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse—the tallest lighthouse in Australia—and observe first-hand where the Indian and Southern Ocean collide. For the inquisitive, take the trip underground and explore the unfathomably large Jewel Cave, or simply settle in at The Colour Patch for a delectable fish curry.
Brisbane
Brisbane to Sunshine Coast
230kms round trip; approx 2 hours each way
The Sunshine Coast might be deemed an obvious choice, but it genuinely embodies everything you could want from a coastal road trip.
Once you’re clear of the M1 highway, the area surrounding the Sunshine Coast is a sanctuary of golden beaches (Queensland doesn't really have a winter) and you can spend days, if not weeks, beach-hopping along the coast. Beginning your beach crawl at Caloundra, the southernmost town of the Sunshine Coast, make your way up north and allow time for pit stops at every cafe, restaurant or swimming spot that strikes your fancy.
Once you’re in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, partake in a sunset cruise, eat your way through the Marcoola Twilight Markets or get well-acquainted with the marine life during a snorkelling session.
Brisbane to North Stradbroke Island
120kms round trip; approx 2 hours each way
If you’re comfortable factoring a ferry into your road trip, North Stradbroke Island (or Straddie, as it’s affectionately nicknamed) deserves a visit.
After a relatively short journey to Cleveland, your ferry awaits at the Howard Smith Wharves, where you can opt to bring your car along—it might be nice to show your Nissan the sights—or safely leave it behind as you explore the island.
Straddie is a whole world of its own, and you can pivot from being immersed in wildlife at the island’s Gorge Walk to playing a round of lawn bowls in no time at all. You’d be remiss if you didn’t sample some fresh seafood (seemingly the cuisine of choice on a coastal road trip), and Rufus King Seafoods is arguably as fresh as it gets.
If you’re looking to stay a few days, options to camp at Straddie are also available, or you can lay by the pool at one of its numerous top-notch hotels.
Sydney
Sydney to Mollymook
500kms round trip; approx 3.5 hours each way
Occasionally overlooked when compared to some of its nearby towns, there’s something incredibly wholesome about the innocence of Mollymook.
On any given Saturday morning, you’ll find locals and vacationers lining up for their coffee at the Breakers Café—usually sans shoes—before taking their flat whites across the road to the neighbouring beach.
Golf enthusiasts will be stoked by the courses found around Mollymook and Ulladulla, and getting around in your car’s a breeze.
Sydney to Nelson Bay
400kms round trip; approx 2.5 hours each way
With the honour of being the largest town in Port Stephens, Nelson Bay will likely give you warm and fuzzy flashbacks to childhood vacations where you’d collect sand in a jar and bring it home as a memento.
Leave behind the buzzing cities and retreat to Nelson Bay for its unbothered lifestyle and mouth-watering eateries overlooking the ocean. No location shows off Nelson Bay quite like the adorably named Little Beach Boathouse, and an hour or two of eating fresh oysters while watching the sunset will make you forget about everything else going on in the world.
If all of this sounds too tempting, it’s time to hit the road. The Nissan X-TRAIL e-POWER is driven by electric and fuelled by petrol, so you’ll be able to hit the road in an SUV with a smooth, quiet and responsive EV-like driving experience, without the need to plug-in to recharge. Click here to explore the range and find out more.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Nissan. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Urban List