EV-Friendly Road Trips Across Australia

Australia is one of the world's great road trip destinations. From coastal highways and alpine regions to country towns and the vast outback, every journey offers something unique — and thanks to Australia's rapidly growing EV charging network, there's never been a better time to experience it all behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a cross-country adventure or a family holiday, travelling by EV lets you enjoy the journey while reducing your environmental impact. Many Golden Chain Accommodation properties offer EV charging facilities or sit conveniently close to public charging stations, making them ideal places to stop, recharge and relax.

Why Choose an EV Road Trip?

Charging stops naturally encourage you to slow down — enjoy a meal, visit a local attraction, or spend the night in a welcoming country town — rather than rushing from destination to destination.

Benefits of EV travel include:

●        Lower running costs

●        Reduced environmental impact

●        Quiet, comfortable driving

●        Australia's expanding charging network

●        More opportunities to discover regional communities and attractions

Australia's EV Charging Network at a Glance

Australia's public charging network has grown quickly, and it's now well suited to regional road trips. As of 2026, the country has around 5,800 public charging locations, including more than 900 dedicated DC fast-charger sites. The main networks you'll encounter are:

●        Chargefox — Australia's largest charging platform, aggregating chargers from motoring clubs (NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAC, RAA, RACT) and hundreds of other operators

●        Evie Networks — the largest dedicated fast-charging network, with 300+ sites focused on 150–350kW ultra-fast chargers

●        Tesla Supercharger and Destination Charging — Superchargers for Tesla vehicles, plus a wide network of slower "destination" chargers at hotels, motels and wineries open to guests

●        NRMA — around 125+ DC fast chargers nationally, with member discounts available

●        Ampol AmpCharge and BP Pulse — newer networks expanding rapidly at service stations along major highways

Most EVs in Australia use a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS2 connector for DC fast charging — worth checking against your vehicle before you rely on a specific stop. DC fast charging typically costs $0.40–$0.65 per kWh depending on the network and charger speed, with some slower AC destination chargers offered free by the venue.

Around 80% of EV owners still do most of their charging at home overnight, which is why the public network is really built around road trips and top-ups — exactly the kind of travel this guide is about.

New South Wales: Heritage Towns and Scenic Highways

NSW offers an incredible variety of road trips, from coastal escapes to historic inland towns, including Junee, Hay, Armidale, Coonabarabran, Cobar, Cooma, Ballina, Holbrook, Tenterfield and Ivanhoe.

Sydney to Melbourne (Inland Route) — Take the scenic route through Goulburn, Young, Junee and Holbrook before crossing into Victoria — discovering railway heritage, boutique cafés, museums, wineries and country hospitality along the way.

The Newell Highway Adventure — One of Australia's great touring routes, linking Queensland with Victoria through regional NSW. Popular overnight stops include Hay, Coonabarabran and Cobar.

Snowy Mountains Escape — Travel through Cooma for alpine scenery, national parks and breathtaking mountain drives.

Victoria: Food, Wine and Alpine Adventures

Victoria is ideal for EV travellers thanks to its compact distances and excellent charging infrastructure.

Explore:

●        The Great Ocean Road

●        High Country

●        Gippsland

●        Murray River region

●        Yarra Valley

Stop in regional towns to enjoy award-winning wineries, gourmet dining, local produce and spectacular scenery — whether you're chasing waterfalls, exploring historic villages or taking in mountain drives.

Queensland: Sunshine and Endless Adventures

Queensland combines tropical coastlines, rainforest escapes and inland adventures, making it one of Australia's most exciting EV travel destinations.

Popular routes:

●        Brisbane to the Sunshine Coast

●        Gold Coast to the Scenic Rim

●        Brisbane to Toowoomba

●        Capricorn Coast

●        Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands

Discover: tropical rainforests, stunning beaches, waterfalls, country pubs, national parks and fresh local produce. Queensland's relaxed lifestyle encourages travellers to slow down and enjoy every stop.

South Australia: Wine Regions and Outback Landscapes

South Australia is perfectly suited to leisurely road trips, from world-famous wine regions to the Flinders Ranges.

Suggested journeys:

●        Adelaide to the Barossa Valley

●        Clare Valley

●        Victor Harbor

●        Mount Gambier

●        Port Augusta and the Flinders Ranges

Enjoy: award-winning wineries, coastal scenery, historic country towns, wildlife encounters and exceptional local food.

Western Australia: Epic Journeys

Western Australia rewards travellers willing to venture further.

Popular road trips:

●        Perth to Margaret River

●        Perth to Albany

●        Coral Coast

●        South West Forests

These routes combine spectacular coastlines, towering forests and relaxed country communities. Planning charging stops is important given the greater distances, but the rewards are unforgettable.

Tasmania: A Natural EV Paradise

Tasmania has become one of Australia's favourite destinations for EV travellers, with shorter driving distances making it easy to explore spectacular scenery.

Highlights:

●        Cradle Mountain

●        Bay of Fires

●        Freycinet National Park

●        Tamar Valley

●        Historic Richmond

●        Strahan

Planning Your EV Adventure

A little preparation ensures every journey runs smoothly.

Before setting off:

●        Plan your daily driving distance and identify 2–3 charging options for each leg, in case one is out of service

●        Download the apps for the networks along your route — Chargefox, Evie Networks, Tesla, and MyNRMA are the most useful for east-coast regional travel

●        Confirm your vehicle uses a CCS2 (DC fast charging) and Type 2 (AC) connector, which covers the vast majority of Australian public chargers

●        Book accommodation ahead during busy periods

●        Allow extra time to explore the towns you visit — charging stops of 20–40 minutes are a natural excuse to stretch your legs

Recharge While You Rest

Choosing accommodation with EV charging makes travelling even easier. Arrive after a day on the road, plug in your vehicle, enjoy dinner, explore the local town, and wake up ready for another day's adventure.

A number of Golden Chain properties — particularly those in wine regions, alpine areas and along popular touring routes — already offer on-site destination charging (typically slower AC charging, ideal for an overnight top-up), while many others sit close to a public Chargefox, Evie Networks or Tesla Destination charger in the same town. Availability varies property by property, so check the individual listing's EV charging information or contact the team directly before you book if it's essential to your trip.

Why Regional Australia Is Perfect for EV Travellers

Regional Australia offers the experiences many travellers are searching for: friendly local communities, authentic country hospitality, beautiful landscapes, historic attractions, local markets, wineries, national parks, scenic drives and unique cafés and restaurants. Charging your vehicle becomes an opportunity to discover somewhere new.

Why Stay with Golden Chain Accommodation?

Golden Chain has been welcoming Australian travellers for generations. Our independently owned properties combine comfort, convenience and genuine local hospitality.

Guests enjoy:

●        Comfortable rooms

●        Friendly local hosts

●        Convenient regional locations

●        Free parking at many properties

●        Local travel advice

●        EV charging at selected properties, or easy access to nearby charging stations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Australia suitable for EV road trips? Yes. Australia now has around 5,800 public charging locations, including 900+ dedicated DC fast-charger sites, run mainly by Chargefox, Evie Networks, Tesla, NRMA, Ampol AmpCharge and BP Pulse. Planning your stops in advance with one or two of these apps makes for a smooth trip.

Can I drive an EV across multiple states? Yes. Major highways between capital cities — including the routes covered in this guide — are well served by DC fast chargers, and coverage continues to improve on regional routes each year.

Does Golden Chain offer EV charging? Some Golden Chain properties, particularly in wine regions and alpine areas, offer on-site destination charging, while many others are close to a public charger in the same town. Check the individual property listing or contact the team directly to confirm before you book.

Why book direct with Golden Chain? Booking directly gives you access to the best available rates, personalised service and direct communication with your accommodation provider regarding EV charging and local travel advice.

Start Your Next Electric Adventure

From the vineyards of South Australia and the tropical beauty of Queensland to the historic towns of New South Wales, the mountain roads of Victoria, the rugged coastline of Western Australia and the natural wonders of Tasmania — there's an EV-friendly road trip for every traveller.

Book direct with Golden Chain Accommodation and let your next adventure begin, one charge at a time.