by Zoe Ng
posted on 15 October 2024
There’s something magical about a road trip. Whether it’s the promise of an open highway, the chance to explore unknown destinations, or simply the joy of being in your own little moving bubble, road trips are where spontaneous adventures meet good old-fashioned fun. But if you’ve ever been on a long drive, you know that “Are we there yet?” hits a little harder after the third hour.
That’s where this guide comes in — packed with great ideas and fun things to do on a road trip for all ages and groups. From car games to scenic stops, we’ve got everything you need to know about how to spend time on a road trip and make it unforgettable.
In this guide, you’ll find a mix of activities, tips, and hacks to keep everyone entertained on those long car rides — whether you’re wrangling kids in the backseat or cruising with your friends.
Jump ahead:
- 20 fun activities for a road trip
- Road trip activities: Planning ahead
- Car games for kids
- Road trip playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks
- Activities for adults on a road trip
Tip from the author: To take your adventure to the next level, discover the perfect rental car for your road trip on Turo.
20 activities you need to try on your next road trip
Turn your road trip into a party on wheels with these 20 road trip activities — because why should the fun start at the finish line?
1. Visit a scenic outlook
What’s a road trip without pulling over for a stunning view? Look out for scenic outlooks along your route. Many highways and national parks have designated spots for you to take a breather and snap some postcard-worthy shots.
If you have the option to add scenic drives into your route, definitely do so. Waterfall Way Scenic Drive in NSW and Bowman Scenic Drive in SA are a couple of our favourites.
2. Take a short hike
Stretch those legs! Many places along your route will offer hiking trails. Whether you’re after a 20-minute nature walk or a challenging climb, a short hike is a great way to break up the drive and take in some fresh air.
If you’re road-tripping through Tasmania, the Hobart to Cradle Mountain drive is peppered with some of the most beautiful hikes in Australia, so be sure to take the time to lace up those hiking boots throughout your journey.
3. Explore a local landmark
If you’re driving through small towns or off-the-beaten-path areas, there’s always something quirky to see. Giant roadside statues, historical markers, or hidden local gems — these are the kinds of spontaneous stops that make road trips legendary. You’ll find plenty on the route from Sydney to Brisbane — don’t miss the Big Banana at Coffs Harbour.
4. Stop at a roadside diner
Forget fast food chains! Pull over at a retro roadside diner for a milkshake and fries. These vintage eateries often have more personality than big-city restaurants and are the perfect place to refuel.
5. Visit a museum
Whether it’s an art museum, a quirky local collection, or a historical site, museums along your road trip route offer a fascinating break from the drive. Bonus points if you can find something super niche, like a museum dedicated to socks or sandwiches. Our pick of the weird and wonderful? The Mad Max 2 museum just outside of Broken Hill, NSW.
6. Shop at a local market
Hit up a farmer’s market or local craft fair for a taste of the region. Not only will you find fresh, local produce and unique handmade items, but it’s also a great way to meet the locals and get a feel for the vibe of the area.
7. Explore a national park
If your road trip takes you near any national parks, don’t miss the chance to get out and explore. Whether you’re hiking, driving scenic routes, or setting up camp, national parks offer some of the most breathtaking scenery.
The trip from Melbourne to Mt Baw Baw is one of our favourite routes when it comes to national parks; be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore (and don’t forget your hiking boots!)
8. Try geocaching
Geocaching is a high-tech scavenger hunt that’s perfect for long trips. Download an app, and you’ll be guided to hidden “treasures” all around you. It’s an activity that combines adventure, discovery, and exploration — perfect for curious travellers.
9. Take photos of unique locations
A long trip isn’t complete without a few snaps for Instagram. Whether it’s a breathtaking mountain range, a quirky roadside attraction, or a cool street mural, keep your camera ready to capture those memorable moments.
10. Have a picnic at a rest stop
Rest areas are severely underrated and often have some gorgeous views. Pack a cooler and stop for a picnic at a scenic rest stop. It’s cheaper than eating out, and nothing beats a meal with a view. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs and refuel for the next leg of the journey.
11. Visit a famous monument
If there’s a famous landmark or monument near your route, be sure to swing by. From national treasures like the Big Banana to lesser-known statues, these stops make for great stories and photo ops.
12. Attend a local festival
Depending on the time of year, you might stumble upon a local festival or fair. These events are great for experiencing the area’s culture, sampling regional food, and maybe even dancing in the streets.
13. Tour a historical site
If history is your thing, check out the historical sites along your drive. From battlefields to old forts, there’s always something to learn. And let’s be honest, it’s a lot more interesting than listening to the GPS for the 100th time.
14. Sample local cuisine
Every region has its own food specialities. Whether it’s BBQ in the South or seafood on the coast, sampling the local cuisine is one of the best ways to experience the culture. Don’t just drive by — stop and taste the difference!
Plan a stress-free adventure with Turo. Skip the traditional rental counter and get your car delivered straight to you. Turo’s easy-to-use platform lets you pick the ideal vehicle for your travel needs, so you can focus on enjoying breathtaking views and making memories.
15. Go wildlife spotting
Driving through areas known for wildlife? Keep your eyes peeled for local creatures. Whether it’s bison, deer, or kangaroos, spotting animals in their natural habitat is always a road trip highlight. The Perth to Monkey Mia road trip has some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities you’ll find anywhere in the world; from bottlenose dolphins to echidnas and everything in between.
16. Visit a small town antique store
Take a step back in time by browsing through a small-town antique store. You never know what treasures you’ll find, and it’s a great way to support local businesses.
17. Go to a local beach or lake
If the weather’s nice, why not take a dip? Many roads will take you past beautiful beaches or serene lakes where you can cool off, relax, and enjoy some downtime.
18. Camp overnight
Sometimes the best road trip stops are the ones where you can stay the night. Pack some camping gear, and find a spot in a nearby national park or campground. It’s a great way to experience nature and break up a long drive. There are even great free camping options in NSW, Tasmania and other areas.
19. Visit a vineyard or brewery
Love a good glass of wine or craft beer? Many vineyards and breweries offer tastings and tours, making them a fun and tasty pit stop on your journey. If you find yourself road-tripping through Torquay, you’ll be spoilt for choice with wineries; options include Mt Duneed Estate, Nicol’s Paddock, and The Minya Vineyard & Winery.
20. Take a guided tour
In towns and cities along your route, there are often guided tours that can give you a deeper look at local culture, history, or architecture. It’s a great way to learn something new while giving your legs a break from driving.
Planning your road trip activities ahead of time
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to making your road trip fun from start to finish. While spontaneous adventures and unexpected detours are all part of the experience, having a game plan ensures the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. From mapping out key stops to creating playlists and car games, here’s how to plan ahead for maximum road trip fun.
Tip 1. Map out key stops along your route
Before hitting the road, take some time to research the interesting spots along your route. Road trips are not just about getting from point A to point B — they’re about discovering hidden gems along the way. Look for scenic outlooks, quirky roadside attractions, and must-see landmarks that might not be on the beaten path.
Browsing the Turo Australia blog, and using travel apps like Google Maps or Roadtrippers can help you find unique places to stop that you might not have thought of. Sometimes the best moments come from those unexpected stops that turn into lasting memories.
Make sure to consider how much time you want to spend at each stop. Some places might warrant a quick photo op, while others — like a national park or historic site — might deserve a longer visit. Balancing these stops is key to making sure the road trip doesn’t feel like a race, but rather a journey.
Tip 2. Build a flexible road trip itinerary
When it comes to road trips, flexibility is the name of the game. While having a rough itinerary is helpful to avoid missing out on must-see spots, it’s just as important to leave room for impromptu detours. Maybe you’ll stumble upon a charming small-town diner, a hidden waterfall, or a local festival — don’t be afraid to veer off course and check them out.
The trick is to find a balance between driving and exploring. It’s a good idea to break up long stretches of driving with fun stops along the way. This keeps everyone energised and avoids road trip burnout (yes, it’s a thing!).
If possible, try to avoid driving for more than three to four hours without taking a break — both you and your passengers will appreciate the downtime. And who knows, those unplanned stops might end up being the highlights of the trip!
Tip 3. Prepare car games ahead of time
No road trip is complete without some classic car games. Before you set off, it’s worth preparing a few to keep everyone entertained. While it might be tempting for passengers (young and old) to pop on a set of headphones and play a video game, getting the whole car involved helps keep minds busy and those long road trips fly by.
- Classic car games: Old school games like “I Spy” and “20 Questions” never go out of style, especially if you’ve got younger passengers.
- Who am I: For older kids and adults, word games like “Who Am I?” can keep the conversation lively.
- Trivia: A road trip is a great time to test your trivia knowledge! Pick one person to play trivia host, or get everyone involved with one of the many YouTube channels that host trivia, like TheQuizChannel (keep in mind, you’ll need reception for this!)
- Boardless board games: Most question-based board games can easily be adapted to be played in the car without the board. Games like Articulate and Taboo work brilliantly. You can generally pick these classic games up from your local dollar store.
- Road trip bingo: For something a bit more interactive, try creating a road trip bingo sheet with things you might spot along the way (e.g., a certain animal, or licence plate). Not only does it keep everyone engaged, but it also encourages you to take in the sights as you drive.
- The counting game: This one is ideal for all ages. The idea is for the group to count to twenty, one number at a time. One person starts the count. Then the next person says the next number. If two or more people happen to speak at the same time, start the count again from the beginning.
From scenic lookouts to fun car games, every road trip is better with the perfect ride. With Turo, you can rent your dream car from local hosts across Australia, offering everything from eco-friendly vehicles to family-friendly SUVs.
Tip 4. Road trip playlists and podcasts
No road trip is complete without the perfect soundtrack. Spend some time before your trip curating a playlist that fits the vibe of your journey. Whether it’s classic rock for the open road, indie hits for scenic drives, or throwback tunes to spark nostalgia, a good playlist sets the mood for the entire adventure. You can even create a collaborative playlist where each person in the car adds their favourite songs — this way, everyone gets a taste of their favourite tunes.
When the music runs out or conversation slows, podcasts are a great way to pass the time. There’s a podcast for everyone, from true crime fans to comedy lovers. Popular road trip podcast picks include:
- Hamish & Andy
- My Favorite Murder
- How I Built This
- Stuff You Should Know
For longer stretches, audiobooks are another fantastic option to keep the whole car entertained. Whether it’s a gripping thriller or an insightful memoir, listening to a great story makes the miles fly by.
By planning ahead and incorporating a mix of activities, stops, and entertainment, your road trip will be smooth, fun, and packed with memories.
Tip 5. Road trip activities for the whole family
When planning a long road trip, keeping everyone entertained is key to ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey — especially when you’ve got a full car. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone needs something to keep them occupied during those long stretches of highway.
Whether it’s car games, podcasts, or creative activities, planning ahead with screen-free options for all ages means less “Are we there yet?” and more fun along the way.
Not quite enough hours to get through all these suggestions? Save them for your next road trip!
Activities for younger kids in the car
Figuring out how to keep younger kids entertained on a road trip can feel like a challenge, but with the right mix of activities, it’s easier than you think. For the littlest passengers, simple car games can go a long way to keep the kids busy (and the back seat mess-free).
- Classic car games: “I Spy” or “The Alphabet Game” are designed for younger children and work great in the car. They’re fun and interactive; perfect for the backseat!
- Drawing: If your kids love to colour or draw, pack printable activity sheets or colouring books to keep them busy. While water painting might be a bit messy, magnetic travel games or sticker books are also great for minimising mess. Just make sure your kids aren’t prone to motion sickness before packing these hands-on activities.
- Kid’s podcasts: Don’t want to listen to Baby Shark on repeat for 7 hours? We don’t blame you. For longer trips, consider kids’ podcasts like “Story Pirates”.
What are the best activities for adults on a road trip?
Adults need entertainment for long road trips too! For those long drives, podcasts and audiobooks are lifesavers. Whether you’re into true crime, comedy, or learning something new, a podcast can make the miles fly by.
Try:
- “The Daily” by The New York Times
- “Armchair Expert” by Dax Shepard or;
- “TED Talks Daily” with Elise Hu
For book lovers, try an audiobook that everyone in the car can enjoy — a thriller or mystery is always a good choice. Spotify hosts a range of Audiobooks on their platform. For a broader range, try Audible.
If you’re travelling with friends or older family members, word games and trivia are a great way to pass the time. Games like “Would You Rather?” can spark conversation and keep everyone laughing.
Rent the perfect car for your road trip
Looking to lock in the ideal ride for your road trip? Turo has you covered with a variety of unique cars you won’t find anywhere else, all available from local hosts. Whether you’re planning to rent a car in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, or beyond, Turo makes it easy to find and book your perfect set of wheels.
Zoe Ng
Zoe is a writer from Malaysia who now calls Sydney home. With a background in crafting engaging campaigns and writing for one of Asia’s largest airlines, Zoe loves creating compelling travel content and sharing her experiences and insights. When she’s not off planning her next big trip, Zoe enjoys discovering new food spots and living vicariously through Google Maps.
