All hail the rise of the road trip.
Just shy of a year after Australia snapped shut international borders and local states and territories continue to open and close theirs like draw bridges, this is the mantra to adopt when it comes to travel in 2021.
WATCH: Caitlyn Jenner prepares to embark on a road trip
As well as the goes-without-saying tragic losses, physical and mental health issues and general chaos the coronavirus pandemic has caused in 2020, the way we travel has also been given a considerable shake-up.
Packed away are our passports as overseas leisure travel is put on hold for the foreseeable future in favour of socially distanced sojourns in our own backyard.
Fortunately for us, there’s quite a few treasures in our beautiful country. With New South Wales currently in the line of fire when it comes to the ever-changing border closures, those wanting a change of scenery may find themselves looking within for their next move.
And, despite what the array of Hollywood A-listers (Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman, we’re looking at you!) and Instagram influencers will have you believe, Byron Bay isn’t the only beautiful holiday destination on offer in the state.
Armed with a reimagined Lexus IS (think road trip, but make it luxe), we’ve headed south of Sydney and rounded up some of the best travel inspo for your next rural road trip.
THE STICKS
Affectionately nicknamed “The Sticks”, due to its secluded location in what feels like the middle of nowhere, but is actually just two hours south of Sydney nestled in Kangaroo Valley is this bespoke accommodation, which is perfect for a getaway with more than a touch of luxury.
The view of the surrounding landscape is the real pièce de résistance of this place, which is a feat in itself considering the dwelling is an architectural masterpiece.
Instagram-worthy from every angle, the place has five bedrooms. Each is purposely designed to feature its own distinctive view of the breathtaking scenery and angled so privacy within each room is still ensured.
Meanwhile, the spacious lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows and the adjacent entertaining deck makes it impossible not to soak up the stunning vista while wild kangaroos literally bounce around the place.
Did we mention several of the bedrooms’ ensuites have freestanding bathtubs overlooking aforementioned view? Hand us a wine and good book and bring on the utter bliss.
Road travel time: Two hours from Sydney; two-and-a-half hours from Canberra (approx).
Our favourite feature? The Sticks is separated into different “wings” that can be divided for separate bookings. Hire the whole place for a group getaway (it accommodates up to 10 people) or scale down for a romantic couple’s escape. Versatile!
For more information and to book, click here.
ABERCROMBIE RIDGE
For those who adore the “road” part in “road trips” Abercrombie Ridge in Curraweela, NSW, is the place to program into your Sat Nav ASAP.
Settling into our comfortable seats in the Lexus IS and connecting our favourite bangers via the car’s Apple CarPlay as we drove could not be a more pleasant way to travel. The Lexus IS’ effortless handling made navigating the meandering roads that snake around mountains feel second nature as we enjoyed the postcard-worthy backdrops of valleys and pastures.
Traversing the surrounding roads is a joy on its own but it’s once you reach Abercrombie Ridge’s peak there’s the real reward.
Featuring panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous countryside, Abercrombie Ridge is a perfect road trip pit stop. Or, if you really want to spoil yourself with a country retreat, stay overnight.
For accommodation, “The Barn” houses up to six guests while “The Lodge’ can be used for any extra people (up to 10 guests total) while the firepit, spa, hammock and huge outdoor table for socialising means you’ll likely to be spending most of your rustic country retreat holiday outside anyway.
Travel time: Three hours from Sydney; two hours from Canberra (approx).
Favourite feature: An outdoor jacuzzi with a view to die for. Need we say more?
For more information and to book, click here.
For Lexus IS options, click here.
MAYFIELD GARDEN
There’s only one thing better in life than a grazing plate. And that’s eating a grazing plate in a picturesque location. Mayfield Gardens in Oberon, NSW – about an hour’s drive north of Abercrombie Ridge – is an ideal spot to check out after getting peckish while on the road. After filling your stomach and quenching your thirst at the on-site café, take a stroll around the gardens.
Housed within the 65-hectare cool climate garden is an immaculately manicured hedge maze, a giant chess board, Japanese cherry blossoms and glistening streams.
Visit at the right time of year (December to January) and there are even glamping options available at Mayfield Garden’s Obelisk Pond with romantic sunrise/sunset picnics or breakfast delivered straight to your glamping tent among the optional extras.
Travel time: two hours, 45 minutes from Sydney; three hours from Canberra
Favourite feature: You can’t go past the garden itself. If only every rest stop was this pretty!
For more information and to book, click here.
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