Sydney
The Central Coast
Where: About an hour’s drive north
What: A region packed with villages, national parks and great surf beaches. The area begins with Gosford, the biggest town in the region. Heading east is Terrigal, a funky coastal town spilling over with beach culture. This is a good place to stay the night. While in the area pay a visit to The Entrance. For surfers, the beach is an ideal spot for hanging 10 while those that want to chillax can pay a visit to the tranquil yet striking Tuggerah Lake.
Why: Get your serenity hit at the national parks (Brisbane Water and Bouddi) and quiet beaches
Further on: Newcastle (90 minutes drive) 

Hunter Valley
Where: Two hours north
What: Ideal for a romantic getaway weekend or a booze up with a bunch of mates. Simply jump in the car (preferably with a teetotal mate to drive), grab a bike or join a tour. While Newcastle is the hub, the wineries are found in the lower region, some 140 of them to be exact. If you’re opting for a tour and want to stay overnight then go mid-week for lower prices.
Why: Because wine is nice, innit
Further on: Port Macquarie (three hours drive)

Blue Mountains
Where: About two hours north-west
What: Home to the dramatic Three Sisters, this World Heritage-listed area is great for bushwalking (just don’t get lost). The main hub is Katoomba, a bohemian-feeling town where you’ll find cool shops, cafés and restaurants to refuel after your hikes.
Why: You wouldn’t want to miss Three Sisters in action would you?

Melbourne
The Great Ocean Road
Where: Just over three hour’s drive
What: It’s home to the 12 Apostles, one of Australia’s most iconic sights. To get the most of the area, stop over in Apollo Bay for a couple of nights.
Why: To get snap-happy with some rock stars
Further on: Coorong National Park (seven hours drive)

Mornington Peninsula
Where: Just over 90 minutes drive
What: If you’re in search of seaside towns and great beaches then this one is for you. Sorrento is arguably the prettiest option, as well as being a good place to swim with dolphins.
Why: Did you hear us say, “swim with dolphins”?
Further on: Ballarat (three hours drive)

Grampians
Where: Just over three hours north-west
What: Away from the ocean, this is Victoria’s equivalent of the Blue Mountains. Great for hiking and taking in some beautiful scenery, the main town in the area is Halls Gap where you’ll find most of your accommodation options.
Why: The low cloud in winter can make you feel like you’re part of an eerie movie
Further on: Adelaide (seven hours drive)

Brisbane
North Stradbroke Island
Where: Two-and-a-half hour’s drive east
What: Grab your tent and drive over to what the locals call “Straddie”. You can find beaches and great walks to some stunning watering holes, like Blue and Brown Lakes (genius names). The more adventurous should try out the island’s 4WD tracks.
Why: Isle like it
Further on: The South Pacific Ocean

Stanthorpe
Where: Three hour’s drive south-west
What: Who would have ever thought you could get snow in Queensland? Well, if you’re going to get it, this is where it’s at. Sitting at an altitude of 915m the town is one of the only places in the state to get snow. It’s also home to the state’s only decent wine region, which you can visit by horseback if you so desire.
Why: Wine, snow and horse riding…romance in a nutshell
Further On: Coffs Harbour (four-and-a-half-hour’s drive)

Noosa
Where: Two hour’s drive north
What: A surfer’s paradise in the 60s has turned into a high end resort town but you can still get cheap accommodation 
in various hostels or caravan parks and 
still enjoy the surroundings. The Great Sandy National Park will captivate you, especially if you do it by kayak or 
canoe.
Why: Because it’s small enough to be relaxing and big enough to entertain
Further On: Rainbow Beach (Two hour’s drive)

Perth
Rottnest Island
Where: A 25-minute ferry ride from the Perth suburb of Fremantle
What: The fact that private cars are not allowed on the 11km island adds to the charm of this coastal gem. To get around, you can hire bikes and even take the 24km ride around the island which will take you about two-and-a-half hours. For dorm accommodation you can stay in Kingstown or if you want to treat yourself then there’s self-serviced units and rooms also available.
Why: Cute little quokkas
Further On: South Africa

Mandurah
Where: One hour drive south
What: A popular beach resort where you can hire your own boat, throw a line in and watch the world go by. As you’re lazing about, so will the wildlife with plenty of dolphins and birds known to pay travellers a visit. The caravan park is your best bet for camping where they can also provide you with crab-catching and cooking equipment.
Why: Because fishing is relaxing and we like being lazy
Further On: Margaret River (three-and-a-half hour’s drive)

Lancelin
Where: Two hour’s drive north of Perth
What: Lancelin locals love to break wind…by surfing that is. While most of us would stray from the beach when it’s windy Lancelins strap themselves to a big kite and surfboard and make the most of it. You can learn to get some air yourself here with a caravan park and a hostel available to rest that crazy head of yours.
Why: For something other than lazing on a beach
Further on: Geraldton (five hour drive)

Adelaide
Like other Aussie cities, there’s a lot to explore beyond the buildings and Adelaide is no exception. Known for its wine, South Australia’s great grape growing regions are all within feasible driving distance from the city.

McLaren Vale is an hour south of the city, the Barossa is 90 minutes north-west and the Adelaide Hills are only half an hour away.

Once you’ve had a drop or two (and sobered up of course) then you can head to Victor Harbor in just over 90 minutes to see the gorgeous fairy penguins and you may even spot a whale or two.

For beach action away from the city, where you can literally drive along the beach, head north across the coast to Wallaroo, which’ll only take you around two and a half hours.

But if you’ve got a few days to spare, you’d be crazy not to hop down to Kangaroo Island.