The Drives Everyone’s Doing This Spring (And the Ones They Aren’t)

Spring’s that sweet spot in the year when everything softens. The days get longer, the skies get bluer, and the itch to get behind the wheel kicks in hard. No wonder road trips boom this time of year—everyone’s chasing blooms, coastlines, and country bakeries.

But with popularity comes crowds. If you want the vibe of a classic Aussie spring drive without the traffic jam at the lookout, you’ll need to know where not to follow the herd. This guide breaks down the trending road trips this spring—and the lesser-known alternatives that might actually give you a better time.

The Drives Everyone’s Doing This Spring

These are the big ones—the drives showing up in Instagram stories, TikToks, and every “Spring Escapes” roundup.

The Great Ocean Road, VIC
Blue Mountains via Bells Line of Road, NSW
Margaret River Coastline, WA
Bruny Island loop, TAS
Sunshine Coast Hinterland, QLD
Adelaide Hills blossom routes, SA

They’re trending for good reason: stunning views, iconic stops, easy access from major cities. But that also means they’re no secret.

Why They’re Popular

Seasonal perks: Spring means wildflowers, wildlife, waterfalls at their best
Mild weather: Not too hot, not too cold—ideal for driving and walking
Photogenic spots: Every turn has a photo opp
Local events: Spring markets, festivals, and roadside stalls make them feel festive

If it’s your first time, these drives are worth ticking off. But if you’ve been before—or just want something quieter—you might want to explore the lesser-known gems.

What You Might Not Love About Them

Traffic: Especially on weekends and public holidays
Parking headaches at key stops
Crowded lookouts and trailheads
That feeling of doing something because everyone else is doing it

In short: sometimes these drives feel less like an escape and more like a caravan parade.

The Drives No One’s Talking About (But Should Be)

Here are some alternatives that deliver the same spring magic—with fewer cars around you.

Instead of Great Ocean Road → Try Gippsland’s Coastal Route
Wide beaches, empty roads, and sleepy towns like Metung and Loch Sport. Less cliffs, more calm.

Instead of Blue Mountains → Try Oberon to Taralga Loop
Rolling farmland, ghost towns, and the kind of stillness you don’t realise you’ve missed.

Instead of Margaret River → Try Pemberton Forest Drive
Towering trees, misty mornings, and picnic spots that feel untouched.

Instead of Bruny Island → Try the Huon Valley Back Roads
Apple orchards in bloom, quirky roadside art, and no ferry queue.

Instead of Sunshine Coast Hinterland → Try Canungra to Lamington National Park
Winding rainforest roads, cooler air, and parrots for company.

Instead of Adelaide Hills → Try Clare Valley Scenic Drive
Still has wine and blossom trees—but less tour-bus energy.

How to Choose the Right Route for Your Mood

Need quiet? Pick roads that don’t connect major towns. Look for “loop” or “back” routes.
Craving views? Prioritise elevation and coastlines.
Want a destination? Pick a drive that ends in a town you can stay overnight in—less pressure to rush back.
Feeling indecisive? Let the weather guide you. Chase where the sun is.

Tips for Making Popular Drives Feel Fresh Again

If you do want to stick with a classic drive:

Go midweek
Start at sunrise—beat the rush
Take the side roads no one else takes
Bring your own food so you’re not stuck queueing
Detour intentionally: a left turn on a whim can become the best part of the day

A Final Word on Chasing the Quiet Roads

There’s no shame in doing the well-known drives—some are iconic for a reason. But this spring, if you’re looking for something that feels a little more like yours, try taking the road that doesn’t pop up in your feed.

Sometimes the best spring drive isn’t the one everyone’s doing. It’s the one that gives you room to breathe.