Where to Road Trip If You Want to Avoid the Tourist Traps
Where to Road Trip If You Want to Avoid the Tourist Traps
You’ve seen the Instagram hotspots. You’ve waited in line for the “must-do” photos. Now you want something quieter—something real. Whether you’re tired of crowds or just crave a road trip with fewer rules and more room to breathe, this guide is for you. Here’s where to drive when you want to avoid the tourist traps, and actually experience the place—not just its postcards.
Table of Contents
What Counts as a Tourist Trap (and What Doesn’t)
Not every popular place is a tourist trap. But if the food’s overpriced, the vibe’s inauthentic, and it’s mostly selfie sticks and parking meters, you’re probably in one. The best way to avoid these? Don’t follow the crowds—follow the locals, the back roads, and your curiosity.
Why Driving Is the Best Way to Avoid Them
Tourist traps are easy to fall into when you’re sticking to public transport or package tours. A car lets you detour, linger, skip what doesn’t feel right, and discover places that aren’t plastered on social media. You’re in control of the route, the rhythm, and the stops. That freedom is the secret ingredient.
Tasmania: Under-the-Radar Road Trip Ideas
– The East Coast… but further north
Most people stop at Bicheno or Freycinet. Keep going. Try Scamander, St Helens, or Ansons Bay for quieter beaches and forest walks without the crowds.
– The Midlands, off the highway
Everyone barrels through the Midlands to get from Hobart to Launceston. But pull off the main road and you’ll find towns like Ross, Oatlands, and Tunbridge—full of convict history and country charm.
– The Far North-West
Stanley gets some love, but what about Marrawah or Arthur River? This region is wild, remote, and feels like the edge of the world. The drives are coastal and raw—and you’ll barely see another car.
New South Wales: Quiet Roads and Local Stops
– The Tablelands Loop
Instead of the Blue Mountains, try Oberon, Taralga, and Crookwell. You’ll get misty mornings, country pubs, and rolling hills—without the tour buses.
– The Riverina Drift
Wagga Wagga gets overlooked, but the food scene is strong. Drive from Griffith to Tumut, stopping at family-run wineries, bakeries, and sleepy riverside towns.
– Beyond the South Coast
Jervis Bay is stunning, sure—but try the hinterlands behind it. Places like Bemboka, Cobargo, and Tilba Tilba are rich with local character and light on tourists.
How to Find Hidden Gems Without Winging It
Winging it sounds fun until you end up with no food, no fuel, and no campsite. Instead:
Search for local tip blogs or community Facebook pages
Follow hashtags like #TassieHiddenGems or #NSWRoadTrips, then scroll past the first 20 posts
Look for council-run tourism sites—they usually promote local experiences, not tourist traps
Ask locals in small towns—they’ll tell you what’s worth the drive
Signs You’re on the Right Road
There’s no cell reception, but you feel oddly calm
The best coffee is from a servo with hand-painted signs
You don’t see another car for ages
You forget what day it is
The scenery keeps changing and no one’s trying to sell you anything
Packing for the Road Less Travelled
When you’re going off-script, prep matters. Bring:
Offline maps
A physical road atlas (yes, really)
A stocked esky or cooler
Extra fuel if you’re heading way out
A decent playlist and a backup battery
An open mind (and snacks for mood management)
Final Word
There’s nothing wrong with seeing the icons—but sometimes, it’s the unknown roads that leave the strongest memories. So skip the brochure stuff this time. Follow the odd road sign, the winding trail, the tiny town with no WiFi and great pie. That’s where the good stories are.
Book a YesDrive car and start your no-traps-needed road trip, wherever it takes you.
