Australia’s Most Scenic Drives (and Where To Stop Along the Way)

Sunroof open, windows down and Carplay tuned to your favourite album – there’s nothing quite like a drive with no end in sight. And it’s even better when the route includes good coffee, food and scenic lookouts along the way. The tricky part can be figuring out where to go – so we’ve done the hard yards and put together some of the most scenic drives around the country. Just jump into the next-level comfort of your BYD ATTO 3 and let it do the navigating.

Merimbula, NSW

In southern NSW, on the Sapphire Coast, Merimbula is one of those towns that has you googling real estate in the area and trying to work out if you could do your job remotely from the beach. A drive along the coastline offers plenty of beaches and rockpools to stop at. If you’re in need of a break, pull up at Mitchies Jetty, where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards to explore Merimbula Lake or Main Beach, or drop by the outdoor espresso bar. If you’re after something a bit more filling, Mormors cafe has you covered with a sunny courtyard and hearty breakfast options – and don’t skip the milkshakes.

If you find yourself tired of Merimbula, you can drive the 10 minutes to Pambula. The gorgeous little town is filled to the brim with boutiques, galleries and handicrafts. And it’s worth visiting just to make a stop at Wild Rye’s bakery. You can make a long, leisurely day of it in the efficient BYD ATTO 3 – but if you do need a top up, there are EV charging stations right on Merimbula Drive, and between Pambula and Merimbula Beach.

Fleurieu Peninsula, SA

With its famed wine country, wetlands and coastal towns, Fleurieu Peninsula is an obvious choice for a scenic drive. It’s less than 30 minutes from Adelaide, so you can even make the trip in a single morning or afternoon, leaving plenty of charge in your BYD ATTO 3 (and limited time to listen to your friends battle it out on the in-car karaoke). In fact, we’d venture to say that it’s worth stopping by just to visit Kuti Shack, a seafood-centric kiosk right in the sand behind Goolwa Beach. It’s known for its pippies (or “kuti” in the local Ngarrindjeri language), but the kingfish sashimi and crab belly tacos are equally tasty.

If you find yourself with time for a longer visit, there are charging stations all along the coast, meaning you could drive your car onto the ferry for an overnight stop at Kangaroo Island. At the boutique Ecopia Retreat, floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Since your car comes along for the trip, you can easily explore the town centre of Kangaroo Island too.

Freycinet Peninsula, Tas

Tasmania is jam-packed with things to do and see – so exploration by car is a must. With a 420-kilometre range and high-speed charging, an EV like the BYD ATTO 3 is well-suited to an expansive road trip.

Our top recommendation? Head to Freycinet on the east coast, where your first views as you drive down from Bicheno will be the turquoise waters of Friendly Beaches. Stop at the deck restaurant at Freycinet Marine Farm, where you can dine on blue mussels, scallops and salmon.

Once you’ve had your fill, take a drive through the bush, beneath the dramatic Hazards mountain range, to reach Freycinet National Park. If you can, time it for sunset and watch the sun disappear behind Wineglass Bay.

Wilsons Promontory, Vic

If your memories of Wilsons Promontory are of school excursions spent sleeping in tents, it’s time for a refresh. Affectionately referred to as the Prom, the area is full of bushwalking trails and remote beaches, with plenty of native wildlife around too. Just three hours’ drive from Melbourne, and with 50,000 hectares to explore, it’s ideal territory for a road trip, taking in the scenery from the car.

For a more comfortable outdoorsy experience than your high-school camp, the BYD ATTO 3 transforms into a mobile power bank that charges almost any external appliance, and “camping mode” means you can use the AC while the engine’s off. But of course, you’ll still want to stop for food and coffee. There’s no shortage of options in South Gippsland, but there are two you can’t go past. Olive at Loch is a charming country cafe and homewares store with hearty pies and sausage rolls, as well as white chocolate scones with jam and cream. Later, make a stop at Trulli Woodfire Pizzeria, where Francesco Laera (a vet turned farmer turned pizza chef) is serving up traditional Italian pizza. There’s a picnic area and a courtyard, so get comfortable and have a well-deserved driving break. You can top it off with a gelato next door at Gusto.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with BYD. One of BYD’s best-selling electric hybrid vehicles, the ATTO 3 uses sophisticated and reliable Blade battery technology equally suited to urban commuting and long-haul drives. Find out more here.