Darren YeohThere’s a certain magic that unfolds when you get behind the wheel, leave the city skyline in your rear-view mirror, and let the open road lead you somewhere unexpected. Beyond Australia’s most photographed landmarks lie countless hidden towns where life moves more slowly, nature stretches wider, and the people greet you like old friends.
These are the places that reveal the country’s quieter beauty, the kind you can only experience when you’re free to explore at your own pace. Not sure where to start? Here are eight off-the-beaten-path towns in Australia to explore by car.
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With a reliable Hertz rental car, travellers can discover these lesser-known destinations with ease, unlocking journeys defined not by schedules but by spontaneity and the thrill of finding something truly authentic. What’s more, Hertz has plenty of pick-up locations throughout Australia, from major cities and airports to even some of the quieter parts of the country. Thanks to this, picking up your rental car is super convenient, whether you’re visiting well-travelled cities or hidden gems. What’s more, book your rental today to enjoy up to 18% discount for non-members, and up to 25% discount for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members! Offer ends on 31 Dec 2025. |
1. Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales
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Nestled between the Southern Highlands and the Shoalhaven region, Kangaroo Valley feels like a peaceful, green sanctuary carved out of time.
As you drive into the valley, the scenery shifts into rolling farmland framed by dramatic escarpments and clusters of historic cottages. The village is anchored by the stunning sandstone arches of Hampden Bridge, a picture-perfect reminder of Australia’s colonial past.
Days here are wonderfully slow; mornings spent kayaking along the calm Kangaroo River blend into afternoons filled with small cafés, homemade sweets, and scenic walks through countryside that feels untouched. The road into and out of Kangaroo Valley is just as memorable, making it the ideal detour for travellers seeking nature without straying too far from Sydney.
Speaking of, if you’re driving from Sydney to Kangaroo Valley, you can pick up your Hertz rental car from a multitude of locations, including at Sydney Airport, Castle Hill, Downtown Sydney, and more. Thanks to its wide range of pickup points in New South Wales, you can even venture further with your own flexible road trip itinerary!
2. Esperance, Western Australia
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On Western Australia’s southern edge lies Esperance, a town that feels remote in the most rewarding way. The road trip from Perth is long but incredibly scenic, drawing you through farmland, wheatbelt plains, and vast open skies before finally revealing the blindingly white sands and crystal-blue waters that Esperance is famous for.
A drive along the Great Ocean Drive offers vista after vista, from turquoise bays to wind-sculpted lookouts and even pink-hued salt lakes. Lucky Bay, where kangaroos sunbathe on the beach, is the town’s signature postcard, but it’s the overall atmosphere, tranquil, expansive, and unhurried, that makes Esperance a true gem for road-trippers who want their journey to feel both beautiful and wild.
3. York, Western Australia
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Just a short drive east of Perth, York stands as Western Australia’s oldest inland town, yet it feels surprisingly undiscovered by many travellers. The moment you arrive, its heritage streetscapes and Victorian-era facades create the sense of stepping into another era.
The Avon Valley surrounding the town is remarkably picturesque, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom along the roadsides. Visitors often spend their time exploring vintage shops, wandering through museums, including the much-loved York Motor Museum, and enjoying the calmness of country life. Its close proximity to Perth makes York a wonderful road-trip addition for anyone wanting to escape the city without venturing too far.
Whether you’re planning a scenic drive to Esperance or an adventure to York, you can pick up your rental car with minimal fuss in Perth and embark on a leisurely journey on wheels, thanks to Hertz’s convenient pick-up locations in Western Australia.
4. Beechworth, Victoria
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In north-east Victoria, Beechworth blends the romance of gold-rush history with the warmth of a thriving modern community. Its perfectly preserved 19th-century buildings now house cosy cafés, artisanal bakeries, boutique breweries, and small shops that champion local makers.
Travellers can wander the historic precinct where Ned Kelly once stood trial, taste local honey at the Beechworth Honey Experience, or park their vehicle and cycle the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail to enjoy the scenic views of rolling fields. It’s a town that rewards slow exploration, where every corner reveals a glimpse into Victoria’s past while celebrating the creativity of its present.
5. Port Fairy, Victoria
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At the southwestern tip of the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy offers the kind of coastal charm that feels entirely unrushed. The village is a tapestry of bluestone cottages, quiet fishing docks, wind-swept beaches, and creative spaces filled with local art.
Griffiths Island and its iconic lighthouse provide stunning walking routes, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sky softens over the Southern Ocean. Unlike more crowded spots along the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy maintains a sense of serenity that invites long walks, slow meals, and spontaneous seaside moments. It’s the perfect reward for travellers willing to go that little bit farther along the coast.
The city of Melbourne is the perfect starting point for your road trip adventures in Victoria. After all, thanks to Hertz’s many convenient rental car pick-up locations, such as the airport, South Yarra, Clayton, and more, starting your unforgettable journey along the Great Ocean Road is as easy as can be!
6. Coober Pedy, South Australia
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Deep in the South Australian outback sits Coober Pedy, one of the world’s most unusual towns and an essential stop for any traveller who loves a destination with character. Known as the “opal capital of the world,” Coober Pedy is famous for its underground homes, hotels, and churches, built beneath the earth to escape the scorching desert heat.
The best place to begin your adventure is Adelaide, the main gateway for international travellers to South Australia. From here, driving into town feels like entering another planet, with lunar-like landscapes stretching endlessly in every direction. Visitors can tour opal mines, sleep in subterranean rooms, and witness fiery outback sunsets that turn the desert into a glowing, red expanse. Getting here by road is an adventure in itself, offering that quintessential outback experience few travellers ever seek out.
7. Yungaburra, Queensland
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High in the Atherton Tablelands, Yungaburra is a charming, tree-shaded village surrounded by lakes, waterfalls, and volcanic craters. The drive from Cairns winds upward into cooler, greener landscapes, revealing rich farmlands, rainforest pockets, and lookout points that demand a quick stop.
Once in town, Yungaburra’s heritage buildings, cosy cafés, and weekly markets create a delightful atmosphere, while nearby attractions like Lake Eacham and the Curtain Fig Tree offer easy access to nature. It’s the kind of place that feels instantly welcoming, perfect for travellers who enjoy quiet escapes filled with natural beauty and friendly locals.
If you are starting your journey from Cairns, you can pick up your rental car from either the airport or downtown. Alternatively, if you fancy a longer journey with plenty more stops along the way, you can fly into Brisbane, where you can start your drive from the airport all the way to Yungaburra.
8. Stanley, Tasmania
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On Tasmania’s northwest coast sits Stanley, a tiny, windswept town watched over by a towering natural formation known as The Nut. The drive into Stanley reveals a rugged coastline dotted with farms and rolling hills, with The Nut rising sharply like a guardian of the sea.
Travellers can take the chairlift or hike to the summit for breathtaking views over Bass Strait, explore the town’s compact but charming centre, or wander the historic sites connected to Tasmania’s early settlement years. Its remote beauty makes Stanley feel like a rewarding discovery, the kind of place many travellers would miss if not for the joy of exploring by road.
The most common entry point to Tasmania is Hobart, its capital. From there, you can collect your Hertz rental car at the airport or at the city centre and embark on your northbound journey, passing notable locations like Campbell Town, Devonport, and Rocky Cape.
Planning your own off-the-beaten-path road trip
Planning an off-the-beaten-path adventure in Australia is as exciting as the journey itself, and the best trips often begin with a flexible mindset. Instead of mapping out every minute, allow room for detours and small discoveries: the roadside cafés, unexpected lookouts, and quiet walks you stumble upon often become the most memorable parts of the experience.
Distances in Australia can be vast, so understanding how much ground you’ll cover each day, planning rest stops, and knowing where to refuel all help keep the journey smooth and enjoyable. Seasonal weather can influence both driving conditions and scenery, so it’s worth checking forecasts, local advice, and road updates before setting off.
And perhaps most rewarding of all is embracing the local communities you visit, such as staying in family-run accommodations, sampling regional produce, and engaging with small-town culture.
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Choosing the right vehicle is equally important, and Hertz has a wide range of vehicles from compact cars for city-to-coast escapes to spacious SUVs built for longer stretches and rugged regional roads. You can match your ride to the style of trip you want. What’s more, Hertz has plenty of pick-up locations throughout Australia, from major cities and airports to even some of the quieter parts of the country. Thanks to this, picking up your rental car is super convenient, whether you’re visiting well-travelled cities or hidden gems. Looking for even better deals? Book your rental car in Australia today to enjoy up to 18% discount for non-members, and up to 25% discount for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards members! Offer ends on 31 Dec 2025. |
So, on your next adventure, pick up the keys, roll down the windows, and follow the roads that spark your curiosity. Because the real beauty of Australia often isn’t marked on a map. It’s discovered one small town, one scenic drive, and one unforgettable moment at a time.
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