CYNDI Lauper made the call back in 1983 and there’s no doubt one of the best ways for girls who wanna have fun Down Under is to head off on the great Aussie road trip. But where to go?

With Spring in the air and Summer just around the corner, I called upon five friends from five different Australian states and asked the question: What’s your ultimate girls’ weekend road trip getaway after you grab a car hire at the airport? Here are their answers …

VICTORIA

Daylesford. A 90 minute drive from Melbourne along Western Hwy/C141 (115km).

“No question, has to be Daylesford, the perfect road trip for girls as it’s not to far and once you get there it’s heaven. In this former gold mining town surrounded by mountains you will find Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Wow. It’s definitely a treat. Hepburn is known for its natural spring mineral spas, where you can treat yourselves to well-deserved massages and body treatments. It’s also great to take in the thick forest scenery from your window as you sit back and relax. You also have to dine out at Frangos & Frangos.” - Amy, 36, Bentleigh.

QUEENSLAND

Byron Bay. A 2 hour drive from Brisbane along M1/Pacific Hwy/National Route 1 (165km).

“It’s becoming a little bit more commercialised every year, but it still doesn’t mean Byron Bay is any less appealing. In fact, it’s still as amazing as ever with a really relaxed vibe. Byron has several spas to choose from, including the Kiva Spa and Bathhouse, which has a Southeast Asian atmosphere. Spend some time in Kiva’s spas, sauna and plunge pool before pampering yourselves with massages and skin treatment. After that, relax at Byron Bay’s world famous beaches, only 15 minutes away.” - Renee, 51, Brisbane.

NSW

Hunter Valley. A 3 hour drive north of Sydney along Tourist Drive 33 (220km).

“You’ve got to visit Chateau Elan, a $40 million spa retreat, which has an extensive spa menu where you and the girls can choose from a range of different massages, including Balinese Palming. With its French inspired café, a golf course and a hair salon, the girls are in for a treat!” - Sheree, 45, Pagewood.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Barossa Valley Wine Region. A 1 hour drive from Adelaide along Princes Hwy and Sturt Hwy (70km).

“If you feel like some delicious wine and a relaxing weekend away then then Barossa Valley is the place to go! Most definitely without question. Sample some wine at one of the several vineyards on the way to the Endota Spa, an award-winning franchise. Relax with the girls and enjoy all kinds of treatments fit for a princess.” – Lisa, 29, Glenelg.

TASMANIA

Freycinet National Park. A 3 hour drive north of Hobart along A3 (200km).

“Head straight to Tassie’s Freycinet region, home to Wineglass Bay, and you will find the Saffire Freycinet – it’s perfect for a girls weekend away in Australia. With the Freycinet National Park Campground not far away, the Saffire overlooks Great Oyster Bay’s pristine coast. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, venture out to the surrounding white sandy beaches to soak up the sun after your luxurious spa treatment.” Fiona, 41, Hobart.

SCOTT PODMORE

Port Arthur for school holidays, until October 7

Sentence the kids to some fun and learning at the same time at the Education Centre at Port Arthur (in the old Accountant’s House, near the Church). The centre is offering a range of engaging and fun activities to keeps kids busy – and parents relaxed.

Distance: 93km from Hobart, allow an hour and a half drive.

Stay at: Bay Retreat, Port Arthur. Waterfront accommodation, and only three minutes from the historic Port Arthur site.

TasART, Burnie, until October 20

Love your art? This event is hailed as one of – if not “the” ­­– major community art exhibitions held in Tasmania, and among the major regional art exhibitions held annually throughout Australia. Worth the drive and an overnight stay.

Distance: 349km from Hobart, allow four hours’ drive.

Stay at: Beachfront Voyager Motor Inn. Central to the CBD, across the road from West Beach.

Queenstown Heritage and Arts Festival, October 12-14

This year’s festival marks the centenary of the North Lyell Mine Disaster. On October 1212, 1912, a fire, which began in a pumphouse, trapped many workers deep underground. Forty-two lives were lost.

The festival program this year is paying tribute to the disaster by encompassing the anniversary into its activities in a way that respects the past and recognises the present and future of the community.

Distance: 260km from Hobart, allow just under four hours’ drive.
Stay at: Queenstown Cabin and Tourist Park.

Bruny Island Bird Festival, October 25-27

Here’s your chance to visit an island off the coast of an island. Bruny Island (pictured) was one of the first parts of Tasmania to be explored by seafarers.

As a festival visitor, you can listen to well-known wildlife specialists, take part in walks and information tours, or take a flight excursion to the remote South West.

Distance: A half an hour’s drive from Hobart to Kettering and then a 20-minute car ferry ride to the island. Check the Bruny Island Ferry timetable to plan your schedule.

Stay at: The Bruny Island Hotel at Alonnah.

Bicheno Food and Wine Festival, October 17

What better way to get a taste of Tassie than this fabulous one-day festival celebrating the food and wine of the East Coast region.

Distance: 178km from Hobart, allow a two and a half hours’ drive.

Stay at: Bicheno Gaol Cottages. Take your pick of The Gaol House, Old School House or stables.

Well, Nambour, 101kms north of Brisbane is the home of three “big’’ attractions, so that’s a good jot down for later. But to begin with take advantage of a few days on the Gold Coast, enjoy the fabulous holiday parks and check out the Big Golfball in Broadbeach and the Big Hard Rock Café guitar in Surfers Paradise during your stay.

When you are ready to head north again, the obvious attraction to see first in Nambour is the Big Pineapple. The heritage-listed prickly-topped attraction can still be seen and photographed, but don’t be surprised if it looks the worse for wear.  The 16 metre-high construction was originally opened in 1971 as part of a working farm, but fell into receivership a couple of years ago. The Big Cow, north of Nambour has also been on shaky ground, but is still worth milking for a photo. The Big Macadamia Nut, not far from the pineapple, stands 10 metres tall and five metres wide and is another sight you’d be nuts to miss.

If you have the time and the dedication to see all things big, other attractions in Queensland include: The Big Barrell, Bundaberg; the Big Barramundi, Daintree; The Big Brolga, Townsville; The Big Captain Cook, Cairns; the Big Dugong, Rockhampton; The Big Golden Gumboot, Tully; the Big Mango, Bowen, and The Big Mower in Beerwah.

If your travels take you as far as the Northern Territory, big things on the agenda include the Big Boxing Crocodile in Humpty Doo, the Big Stockwhip in Acacia and The Big Stubbie in Larrimah.

Even Tasmania, as the smallest state in Australia, has a few big deals. But the biggest advantage in visiting such a smaller area is that once you decide to hire either a car or campervan, you can see a lot in one day. Here are some beauties: The Big Apple in Spreyton, The Big Coffee Pot in Deloraine, the Big Penguin, suitably situated in Penguin, The Big Platypus in Latrobe, the Big Slide Rule at the University in Hobart, the Big Spud in Sassafras, the Big Tasmanian Devil in Mole Creek, and one to hit you for six – the Big Wickets in Westbury.

Have fun enjoying all those big adventures.

SCOTT PODMORE

If you’re on a winter break, perhaps check out the state’s eclectic west coast. On the way, be sure to explore Cradle Mountain. If your timing’s right, you might get in a good afternoon of skiing or, at the very least, a scenic walk around Dove Lake. Spend a night tucked up in the Cradle Mountain Lodge or one of the varieties of self-contained cabins available. After a hearty brekky, keep travelling west and visit the mining town of Rosebery, its neighbour Zeehan (the whole town is a virtual museum of courthouse, theatre and old locomotives) and consider scenic waterside village Strahan as your final overnight destination.

Also, try to squeeze in either the Gordon River Cruise or West Coast Wilderness Railway journey before you hit the long and winding road back to Hobart the next day.

In summer, if you are coming from Hobart, head straight up the east coast to the Freycinet Peninsula. If you have money to burn, spend it on the award-winning boutique hotel Sapphire Resort. Otherwise, there are plenty of lower cost accommodation options in and around Coles Bay, especially if you’re doing a campervan road trip Down Under. Be sure to trek over the saddle – or take the longer route up Mt Amos if you’re feeling energetic – and spend some time at one of the most dazzling beaches you’ll ever see, Wine Glass Bay.

Continue up the east coast on Day 2 of your summer adventure through the beachside communities of Bicheno, Scamander and St Helens – and take your pick for another overnight stay. Or, if you’re not done driving, head north-west towards Bridport and treat yourself to a round on the world-famous Barnbougle Lost Farm golf course. They also have a health spa if you want to end your trip on an indulgent note.

ALISON RIBBON

My wife and I snapped up return flights from Melbourne to Hobart for around the $150 mark – extraordinary value. Even better, we also discovered a ridiculously good rate with DriveNow for a 4 berth camper. From there it was a breeze. A quick one-hour flight to Hobart, we then grabbed our camper and hit the Tasman Highway, onto Richmond Rd and within half an hour we arrived at our favourite destination in Australia, the quaint village of Richmond and all its cobblestone, cottage and old world charm. This gorgeous township has some delightful treats: serene atmosphere around historic Richmond Bridge (pictured); go back in time at Grannie Rhodes’ Cottage; and explore Richmond Maze and Richmond Gaol.

After staying two lovely days and nights in Richmond we ventured south east along the Tasman and Arthur highways, glorious little drive mind you, to Port Arthur for an eerie-yet-fascinating day at the historic penal settlement exploring ruins, and later in the evening a spooky guided ghost tour. Chilling, thrilling stuff.

From there we headed back to Hobart for a bit of shopping and set up camp at Discovery Holiday Park, which we couldn’t recommend highly enough. Wonderful service, great location and plenty to see and do nearby.

AUSTIN BONHAM