Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Caravan Routes Across Australia

Australia is renowned for its iconic road trips, from the Great Ocean Road to the Stuart Highway. But beyond these popular routes lie hidden gems, lesser-known caravan journeys that offer a more intimate glimpse of Australia’s diverse landscapes. These under-the-radar routes are perfect for travellers seeking adventure, tranquillity, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Whether you’re drawn to the remote Outback, scenic coastal drives, or lush rainforests, these lesser-travelled caravan routes promise unforgettable experiences. Here’s a guide to Australia’s hidden gems for caravanning, showcasing routes that offer breathtaking views, local charm, and a true connection with nature.

1. The Great Alpine Road, Victoria

Starting in the foothills of Wangaratta and winding through the Victorian Alps, the Great Alpine Road is Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road, providing travellers with incredible alpine scenery, fresh mountain air, and picturesque towns.

Highlights Along the Route:

Mount Buffalo National Park: Featuring granite cliffs, waterfalls, and wildflower meadows, this park offers bushwalking, wildlife spotting, and, in winter, skiing.
Bright: This charming town is perfect for caravanners, with boutique shops, delicious eateries, and beautiful autumn foliage.
Dinner Plain: A unique alpine village where you can enjoy hiking in summer or skiing in winter.
Gippsland Lakes: As the road descends towards the coast, the Gippsland Lakes region offers stunning waterways, ideal for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Recommended Caravan Parks:

Bright Freeburgh Caravan Park: Close to the town of Bright and surrounded by mountains, this park offers powered sites, a camp kitchen, and a pool.
Tambo River Tourist Park: Located near the Gippsland Lakes, this park is ideal for those wanting to explore the lakes and nearby national parks.

This less-travelled route combines alpine beauty and coastal charm, providing a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

2. The Savannah Way, Northern Territory to Queensland

For those seeking true Outback adventure, the Savannah Way is an epic caravan route that stretches 3,700 kilometres from Broome in Western Australia to Cairns in Queensland, passing through some of the most remote and rugged landscapes in Australia. While parts of the route are well-known, the stretch between Katherine and Normanton is a hidden gem, offering a real sense of isolation and connection with nature.

Highlights Along the Route:

Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk National Park): Take a boat cruise or kayak through the dramatic gorges, carved by the Katherine River.
Roper River: A remote and beautiful spot where you can fish for barramundi or simply enjoy the peace of the Outback.
Cobbold Gorge: A hidden treasure in Queensland’s Gulf Country, Cobbold Gorge offers guided tours of its narrow sandstone gorges.
Undara Lava Tubes: These ancient lava formations are a unique geological feature that is fascinating to explore.

Recommended Caravan Parks:

Cobbold Gorge Village: A remote camping and caravan park offering guided tours and access to the gorge.
Katherine Holiday Park: A great base for exploring Katherine’s gorges and hot springs.

The Savannah Way offers a true sense of adventure, with vast, open skies, remote Outback stations, and unique natural wonders waiting to be discovered.

3. The Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways, Western Australia

For a journey through the heart of Western Australia’s Outback, the Gascoyne Murchison Outback Pathways is a collection of caravan-friendly roads that lead you through gold rush history, wildflower fields, and rugged landscapes. This hidden gem is perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds and discover some of WA’s most remote and beautiful regions.

Highlights Along the Route:

Mount Augustus: Known as the world’s largest monolith, Mount Augustus is a sacred Aboriginal site and offers fantastic walking trails with panoramic views.
Wooleen Station: Stay at a working cattle station and experience the vastness of the Outback while learning about sustainable farming practices.
Geralton: A coastal stop at the western end of the pathway where you can explore beautiful beaches and shipwreck history.

Recommended Caravan Parks:

Wooleen Station: Offers bush camping for caravanners wanting to experience life on a remote station.
Mount Augustus Tourist Park: A convenient base for exploring the monolith and its walking trails.

This route is perfect for travellers wanting to explore remote, lesser-known Outback locations, far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots.

4. The Waterfall Way, New South Wales

The Waterfall Way is a hidden gem that winds its way from the coastal town of Coffs Harbour up into the New England Tablelands, taking you through lush rainforests, fertile valleys, and dramatic waterfalls. At just 185 kilometres, it’s a short but incredibly scenic route that is perfect for caravanners wanting to explore the natural beauty of New South Wales.

Highlights Along the Route:

Dorrigo National Park: Home to ancient rainforests and beautiful waterfalls, this park is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. The Skywalk offers breathtaking views over the canopy.
Ebor Falls: A spectacular two-tiered waterfall, perfect for a scenic picnic or photography stop.
New England National Park: Explore sub-alpine forests, stunning lookouts, and incredible biodiversity.
Armidale: A charming historic town, offering cool-climate vineyards and heritage-listed buildings.

Recommended Caravan Parks:

Dorrigo Mountain Holiday Park: Set in a peaceful location near Dorrigo National Park, offering powered sites and a camp kitchen.
Armidale Tourist Park: A convenient park with modern facilities, close to the attractions of Armidale and the New England Tablelands.

With its mix of coastal beauty, rainforest walks, and rural charm, the Waterfall Way is an often-overlooked gem in New South Wales.

5. The Flinders Ranges Way, South Australia

For travellers looking to experience the rugged beauty of South Australia, the Flinders Ranges Way offers a scenic caravan route through ancient mountain ranges, gorges, and Outback landscapes. The Flinders Ranges are one of the most dramatic and beautiful regions in Australia, rich in Aboriginal culture and geological wonders.

Highlights Along the Route:

Wilpena Pound: A natural amphitheatre of mountains, offering excellent hiking opportunities and stunning panoramic views.
Brachina Gorge Geological Trail: A self-guided drive through one of the most important geological sites in the world, where you can explore 600-million-year-old fossils.
Parachilna: A tiny town with one of Australia’s most famous Outback pubs, the Prairie Hotel, known for its unique ‘feral food’ menu, featuring kangaroo, camel, and emu.

Recommended Caravan Parks:

Wilpena Pound Resort and Campground: Located within the national park, offering powered sites and easy access to the walking trails.
Rawnsley Park Station: A working sheep station offering caravan sites, eco-villas, and guided 4WD tours of the Flinders Ranges.

The Flinders Ranges Way is perfect for those who love history, geology, and the rugged beauty of the Australian Outback.

6. The Silo Art Trail, Victoria

For caravanners who enjoy combining art with travel, the Silo Art Trail in Victoria’s Wimmera-Mallee region is a unique route that takes you through rural towns, where massive grain silos have been transformed into stunning works of art. The trail is a hidden gem for those seeking an experience that blends culture, history, and the open road.

Highlights Along the Route:

Sheep Hills Silo: Painted by artist Adnate, these silos feature a stunning depiction of local Indigenous elders.
Brim Silos: The first to be painted, these silos depict four anonymous, stoic farmers and have become iconic in the region.
Patchewollock: A portrait of local farmer Nick ‘Noodle’ Hulland graces these silos, capturing the spirit of the community.

Recommended Caravan Parks:

Warracknabeal Caravan Park: Located near the start of the trail, this park offers powered sites and a peaceful setting by the river.
Hopetoun Caravan Park: A great option for those travelling the trail, with powered sites and easy access to nearby silo art.

The Silo Art Trail is a cultural treasure, offering caravanners the chance to explore rural Australia while admiring world-class art.

7. The Great Green Way, Queensland

Stretching from Cairns to Townsville, the Great Green Way is a tropical hidden gem filled with lush rainforests, national parks, and beautiful beaches. This lesser-known route showcases the natural beauty of far north Queensland, without the crowds of more popular destinations.

Highlights Along the Route:

Mission Beach: A tropical paradise with golden sands and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or spotting cassowaries in the nearby rainforest.
Hinchinbrook Island: Australia’s largest island national park, where you can explore rugged mountains, waterfalls, and pristine beaches.
Tully Gorge National Park: Take a walk through the rainforest or go white-water rafting on the Tully River.

Recommended Caravan Parks:

Beachcomber Coconut Holiday Park: Located in Mission Beach, offering beachfront caravan sites and a tropical pool.
Cardwell Van Park: A peaceful park with mountain views, close to the beach and walking tracks.

The Great Green Way is perfect for caravanners seeking a tropical escape with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

Conclusion

Australia is a country of vast and diverse landscapes, and some of its most rewarding caravan routes are hidden off the beaten path. From the alpine beauty of Victoria’s Great Alpine Road to the tropical wonders of Queensland’s Great Green Way, these lesser-known caravan routes offer a deeper connection with nature, culture, and history. For those seeking adventure away from the crowds, these hidden gems provide an unforgettable way to explore Australia’s unique landscapes, all from the comfort of your caravan.