Intrastate travel restrictions are beginning to ease from June 1st, so now is the perfect time to scratch that travel itch and support domestic tourism. There’s a long weekend coming up, so now is the time to pack the car, choose your favourite playlist and get out onto the great open road. These are all the great Aussie road trips you can take from this week.

The great thing about road trips is that they allow you to see the places in between more popular tourist spots. Driving takes time, but it also gives you access to hidden gems that you’d otherwise never see. “The process of rebuilding tourism is likely to be gradual,” said Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia. “Starting first with day trips and weekend getaways as people begin exploring their local and regional gems. And while taking a road trip to a local region might not seem like much when compared to big extended break, each time you choose to explore and spend locally you’ll also be helping regional tourism businesses and communities to get back on their feet after what has been perhaps the most challenging period the industry has ever faced.”

New South Wales (NSW) residents will be able to take a holiday anywhere in NSW from next month, with intrastate travel restrictions lifted from Monday 1 June 2020. Escape Sydney city and head northeast for an hour, and you’ll discover Palm Beach. It’s situated at the top of a long peninsula and surrounded by clear waters and leafy, mansion-studded streets. At the far end of the beach, take the 800-metre (half a mile) walking trail to Barrenjoey Lighthouse and lightkeeper’s cottages for panoramic views over Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Foodie must-dos include: dining at the exquisite Jonah’s Restaurant & Boutique Hotel and The Boathouse Palm Beach.

Head north another 2.5-hours to Newcastle, Australia’s second-oldest city. See why the city is a world-famous surfing destination with a swim at Merewether Beach, or enjoy some more leisurely laps at heritage-listed ocean pool, Bogey Hole. Three Monkeys Cafe in Darby Street is a local favourite for brunch, Parry Street Garage is perfect for a long, leisurely lunch. Or if you simply can’t go past the allure of fresh sea air, then beachfront eatery Estabar is an ideal spot. If you get hungry on the way there (or back), take a detour at Berowra Waters for one of Sydney’s best kept foodie secrets: the water-access only Berowra Waters Inn.

Over 80% of the Blue Mountains World Heritage Area burned in Australia’s summer bushfires this past year, but recently, the area has begun bursting to life with new greenery as the bush regenerates. This great day trip from Sydney is about a one hour drive before you start to climb up the mountains. Locals know that the most scenic trip up the mountain is via Bells Line of Road stopping in at Bilpin for friendly faces and some of Australia’s best 100% mountain-grown apple cider. Further along, visitors can get back to nature at the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden before choosing from a plethora of quaint towns to stop into. Also don’t miss the Three Sisters which is usually the highlight of any Blue Mountain trip and a must see stop. Just one township further, you’ll find Medlow Bath: home to The Hydro Majestic’s epic views and lush high teas. Venture a little further across the mountains to discover Lithgow’s unique and burgeoning foodie scene.

There are no current restrictions on intrastate travel within South Australia, so hit the road and enjoy the journey. Drive to Flinders Ranges which takes you into the heart of this dramatic mountain range. From Adelaide it takes around five hours to reach Wilpena Pound, a natural phenomenon that looks like a giant crater in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. If you have a 4WD vehicle of your own, explore the network of gravel roads through ancient gorges and over rocky, weathered peaks. For those who prefer to leave the camp stove at home, Wild Bush Luxury operates fully catered luxury walking tours of the Flinders Rangers and the Mary River, which highlight uniquely South Australian foods and wines. If you prefer to stick closer to home, just an hour’s drive from Adelaide airport and CBD, tucked away on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, lies the quaint town of Goolwa. Despite its proximity to a major city, this coastal town feels worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of city living. With its unpretentious beauty, historic charm and seriously easy-going locals, Goolwa became known for its leisurely lifestyle and laid-back culture when it was titled the first ‘Cittaslow’, or ‘Slow Town’, outside of Europe in 2007. It’s the only place in the world where you can board a steam train on Australia’s oldest railway and ride a steam powered paddle-boat that is over one hundred years-old. Once you’re finished exploring, savour local wines, fresh seafood and water views at local favourite, Blues Restaurant.

Tasmanians are permitted to take day trips within the state, while overnight trips will be allowed from 3:00pm Friday 5 June. Visit Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay on a day trip from Hobart, where visitors can take in stunning views and enjoy scenic walks in the world’s cleanest air. Afterwards, relax with a glass of red wine at Freycinet Lodge or warm your hands by the crackling fire at Hazards Bar and Lounge while you pore over a selection of single malt whiskies. Drive through the seaside towns of Orford, Triabunna and Swansea enroute to Freycinet National Park. Savour fresh oysters or abalone for lunch from Freycinet Marine Farm (open for takeaway), or at the dockside seafood punts at the fishing centre of St Helens.

From Monday 1 June 2020, travel between and throughout the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales is permitted. The beautiful towns in the Southern Highlands are modelled after quaint English villages are set amid green landscapes. Drive out of Canberra for a round trip, visiting the quaint small towns filled with quirky antiques and historic buildings. Stop in at Bungendore known for its art, craft, antiques and restaurants. Continue north to Mittagong in the heart of the Southern Highlands and check out the town’s famous antiques and art and craft stores before driving the short distance to Bowral, at the foot of Mount Gibraltar. Stretch your legs in Moss Vale with a walk around Leighton Gardens and Australia’s oldest jail. Stop by the award-winning Gumnut Patisserie, before cricket buffs visit The Bradman Museum, or visitors go to spot platypuses on the river in Boorowa. Learn about the town’s Irish history on the Shamrock Heritage Trail before heading back to Canberra. The Snowy Mountains are a year-round paradise for enjoying the outdoors. Take a road trip from Canberra to one of the region’s towns, like Jindabyne, Thredbo, Tumut and Perisher. Tumut, a 2.5-hour drive from Canberra, is the perfect mountain escape where visitors can explore the mountainous terrain as they bike, hike, fish and golf. Don’t miss a stop at Tumut River Brewing Co for a range of local craft beers and pub-style meals (bookings are essential or takeaway is also available).

There are no current restrictions on intrastate travel within Queensland, however there are still restrictions on travel to Indigenous communities due to the biosecurity act. Take a day-trip from Cairns to Mission Beach, and on the way stop for breakfast at the legendary Babinda Bakery, which is ready to welcome hungry guests on their journeys. Once you’re at Mission Beach, take a dip in the swimming hole at Josephine Falls, then soak up the sun while you picnic on the banks. If you’ve still got energy to burn, trail through the picturesque 750m rainforest walk. On the way home, swing by Early Bird Beach Cafe for a coffee, then spend the afternoon exploring the Babinda Boulders scattered across Babinda Creek. For those based in Brisbane, a quick glance at Google Maps will reveal that the countryside is well within your reach, including Lamington National Park, at only 100 kms away. While the area is deliciously named after one of our favourite Aussie sweet treats, cake connoisseurs may be disappointed to discover that there are, unfortunately, no lamingtons here. Instead, you’ll find a rainforest worthy of World Heritage-listed status. This is Gondwana country, folks. In the Binna Burra section of the park, the walks range from short 30-minute circuits, right through to 8-hour treks – catering to bushwalkers who are as green to hiking as the landscape here. Foodies can create a gourmet experience worthy of such a trip, by packing plenty of spelt and pumpkin loaf, artichoke dip and spiced donuts (or whichever is your favourite of our 20 easy road trip snacks) Still want more? Here are ten other day trips you can take from Brisbane.

There are no current restrictions on the distance you can travel within Victoria. From Monday 1 June, restrictions on travel within Victoria will be eased further and travellers will be able to stay in a holiday home or private residence, as well as tourist accommodation, including caravan parks and camping grounds, providing there are no shared or communal facilities. Cellar doors are now able to offer free tastings to seated customers. Wineries with a restaurant or café will be able to sell alcohol by the bottle or glass and, also be able to sell wine tasting experiences if they are served with a seated meal. Visitors can wind their way along Victoria’s Great Alpine Road, from Wangaratta in the north-east across to Metung on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Gippsland Lakes. The 340-kilometre adventure along Australia’s highest year-round accessible sealed road leads visitors through diverse landscapes, from lofty mountain ranges, down plunging valleys, into lush forests, and past rolling vineyards to sparkling coastal waterways. Dine on fresh local produce, sip award-winning cool-climate wines, or catch lunch by a mountain stream or lake. Take an hour-and-a-half drive from Melbourne to Daylesford and the Macedon Ranges for a relaxing weekend away. Slow down, unwind and be sure to take in the natural surroundings of Victoria’s spa centre. Watch native wildlife at play and fill up a bottle with the local mineral water down at Lake Daylesford, paddle around in a kayak on Jubilee Lake, or get the blood flowing with a walk to the top of Wombat Hill. Don’t miss visiting foodie faves The Lakehouse and Sakana, sister venue to Kuzuki. Or if you prefer to dine local-style, the Farmer’s Arms.

The designated biosecurity areas in the Northern Territory will be lifted for residents on 5 June 2020, including East Arnhem Land. However, there are still travel restrictions in place for interstate and overseas visitors. Take your time exploring the Greater Litchfield Loop to discover its incredible landscapes, cascading waterfalls and tropical walking trails. Starting in Darwin make your way to Litchfield National Park, known as the ultimate outdoor playground. Most areas in the park are open so make sure you check out Florence Falls and Buley Rockhole for a swim amongst the cascading pools and if you’re keen on camping, pitch your tent at Wangi Falls. For a rewarding detour, stop in at Dundee Beach for world-class fishing and great camping options before heading back to Darwin.

Travel is now permitted throughout Western Australia, except for entry into the Kimberley region, the biosecurity zones in parts of the Shire of East Pilbara that encompass the communities of Jigalong, Martu homeland communities and Kiwirrkurra, the biosecurity zones of the Shire of Ngaanyatarraku and remote Aboriginal communities. If you’re wondering where to head within Western Australia, here are a few ideas to travel within the current restrictions: Esperance to Kalgoorlie is a four-hour drive. Starting in Esperance, take a long walk along the white-sand beaches of Lucky Bay and see the local kangaroos lazing on the beach, then stop in to see the famous pink lake, Lake Hillier. Drive on to Kalgoorlie to witness the sheer size of the Super Pit, the biggest open gold mine in Australia which is right next to the town. Continue another hour to the salt plain of Lake Ballard to see the largest outdoor art gallery made up of sculptures, representing each local resident. Visitors are encouraged to spend a few days making their way along the rugged coastline from Exmouth to Geraldton. While in Exmouth, hike the Mando Mando Gorge track in the Cape Range National Park, cool off in the turquoise waters of Ningaloo Marine Park where you only have to swim (or snorkel) a few metres off the shoreline to see the tropical fish and multi-coloured coral of World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. Drive through to the spectacular Carnarvon blowholes, where the ocean jets up to 20 metres (66 feet) high. Stop in at Kalbarri National Park, a dramatic terrain of winding gorges and wind-carved cliffs that are 400 million years old, then hike to Nature’s Window, a natural rock arch that frames breathtaking views of the area. Take the scenic route from Perth to Albany. If you’re into art, drive along the PUBLIC Silo Trail, to view a series of world-class murals. Head to Rockingham, about 45 minutes south of Perth, for a close-up encounter with resident bottlenose dolphins. Stop in to explore the Margaret River Region, nip into a whisky distillery or sip your way around a few wineries. Stretch your legs with a walk through Torndirrup National Park, and see the spectacular wave-carved rock formations including Natural Bridge. Alternatively, stop for a walk along Little Beach at Two People’s Bay Nature Reserve – regularly voted one of Western Australia’s best beaches. Still need more convincing? Here are 10 restaurants worthy of a WA road trip.