Got a case of the winter blues? Shake off your seasonal slump with a cosy getaway that showcases the magic of winter across Australia. With a reliable car for rent, the roads are yours to explore. Soak in natural hot springs, hike through misty forests and stargaze under a sea of stars.
We've made a list of 5 scenic road trips from major cities that will help you chase away the frosty funk and embrace winter.
Adelaide to Yorke Peninsula, South Australia
Distance from Adelaide, SA: Approx. 4 hours one way
Often overlooked, the Yorke Peninsula is a beautiful gem with plenty of coastal charm, even in the winter. Pick up an Adelaide car hire with KINTO and journey 3 hours through sleepy towns to reach the Peninsula.
1st stop: Stansbury, SA
Set the tone for a slower pace in this quaint town. Head to the local oyster farm, Pacific Estate Oysters, and learn all about the produce and location.
2nd Stop: Yorketown, SA
Ever seen a pink lake? Take a driving tour of Yorketown's best pink lakes in your Adelaide car hire, to experience the magic for yourself. Depending on the lake's salinity or the time of year, the lakes may even be purple, orange, or white. [1]
3rd stop: Inneston, SA
Explore the magnificent Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Layer up and bushwalk through the remarkable, rugged scenery by day, then camp and stargaze under clear skies at night.
The Yorke Peninsula is a superb winter getaway destination, offering a quiet trip away with a seaside appeal that's close to home, especially with a comfortable car for rent to get you there.
Sydney to Oberon, New South Wales
Distance from Sydney, NSW: Approx. 3 hours one way
The Blue Mountains are the perfect setting for a cosy getaway. KINTO can get you there with convenient hire locations across the city. Pick up your Sydney car rental and be on the road in no time.
1st stop: Bilpin, NSW
While fruit picking is generally reserved for the summer months at Bilpin Fruit Bowl, you can pick strawberries all year round, then warm up with a mouth-watering hot apple pie sold in-store.
2nd stop: Clarence, NSW
A visit to Clarence is a must for a historic Australian rail trail adventure on board a steam train at Zig Zag Railway. See the stunning Blue Mountains from a new perspective with a train ride to remember.
3rd stop: Oberon, NSW
Winter means truffle season, which Oberon is renowned for. RedGround offers both truffle-hunting experiences and farm stays to extend your visit and soak in the wintertime serenity.
With your Sydney car rental, these scenic destinations are a comfortable drive away. Escape the chill with KINTO.
Sunshine Coast to Kin Kin, Queensland
Distance from Sunshine Coast, QLD: Approx. 2 hours one way
Roam the Sunshine Hinterland at your own pace with a car rental in Sunshine Coast. With a KINTO car for rent, a winter break is a short drive away. Relax and reset in winter bliss.
1st stop: Mapleton, QLD
Start your trip at Mapleton Falls National Park. Explore the lush rainforest, beginning with the Mapleton Falls, located just a short walk from the car park.
2nd stop: Eumundi, QLD
Continue to Eumundi, home to one of the largest artisan markets in the southern hemisphere, the Eumundi Markets. Browse the arts and crafts, eat delicious street food and listen to live music.
3rd stop: Kin Kin, QLD
The final stop is for the tranquil Kin Kin Spring Bathhouses, where you can take a relaxing winter soak in natural spring water. Then stay overnight at Mayan Farm Villas, offering a luxury escape surrounded by peaceful bushland.
Darwin to Bitter Springs, Northern Territory
Distance from Darwin, NT: Approx. 6.5 hours one way
Embrace adventure with a Darwin car hire for a wonderful winter road trip. The dry season is the best time to explore the Northern Territory, making winter the perfect time to camp and hike with warm days and cool nights.
1st stop: Litchfield Park, NT
The first stop is Litchfield National Park, where waterfalls cascade into clear pools. See the iconic termite mounds and sandstone pillars surrounded by bushland and stay the night in a nearby campground.
2nd stop: Nitmiluk, NT
The next stop is Nitmiluk National Park, where you'll see the breathtaking Katherine Gorge. Hike, swim, or canoe through the ancient waterways, then stargaze at night from your campsite, waking up to dazzling views.
3rd stop: Elsey NT
End at Elsey National Park, with the beautiful Bitter Springs, where you can soak in thermal waters surrounded by lush native vegetation. And with campgrounds a short drive away, there's no need to rush.
KINTO gives you the freedom to return your Darwin car hire at your own pace, allowing KINTO members to easily extend their booking through the app (subject to availability) so they can spend a little longer at one of these spectacular national parks.
Perth to Pemberton, Western Australia
Distance from Perth, WA: Approx. 3.5 hours one way
Searching for a car for rent? Look no further than KINTO with convenient Perth car rental for your next winter road trip. Pack the car for an adventure through towering forests and the quiet charm of the countryside.
Stop 1: Manjimup, WA
Manjimup is a town renowned for its black truffles, a gourmet speciality that can be found just about everywhere. Join a truffle-hunting tour and indulge in a paddock-to-plate lunch that showcases this local delicacy.
Stop 2: Yeagarup, WA
Drive on to Warren National Park, where you can climb the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree. Stay for hiking through misty forests and camping under a canopy of Karri trees.
Stop 3: Pemberton, WA
Pemberton is the start of the Karri Forest Explorer, a scenic 86km drive that loops through majestic karri forests. There are many locations along the drive to stop and connect with nature, and plenty of photo ops, too.
Keep the winter blues at bay with one of these fantastic road trips through Australia's stunning regional gems. With a car for rent from KINTO, you can embrace a cosy winter getaway on the open roads.
Download the KINTO app today and start planning your perfect winter escape.
What is the most cost-effective car rental?
KINTO offers a range of cost-effective cars for rent for longer term trips. Each KINTO rental includes fuel, maintenance, servicing, insurance and 24/7 Roadside Assistance. See KINTO cars & pricing for the full list.
Is the RAV4 good for road trips?
Yes. The RAV4 is ideal for road trips, with ample space to comfortably fit all your passengers and belongings; it's perfect for both city roads and scenic drives. Hire the RAV4 for your next road trip with KINTO.
What is the best car for long rides?
KINTO has a fleet of hire cars that are great for long rides, offering comfort, reliability, and space. Some options include the RAV4 Hybrid, C-HR Hybrid, Corolla Cross Hybrid, or, for large families, the spacious 7-seater Kluger Hybrid.
[1] https://yorkepeninsula.com.au/things-to-do/nature-and-wildlife/salt-lake-trail
