Aussie pilgrimage: secret holiday spots best explored by car this summer

There's little more exciting than packing up the car and heading off to explore somewhere new with your loved ones in the summertime.

Tried and true road snacks like sausage rolls are a must, but when it comes to what route you should take, the sky's the limit.

Reflections Holidays CEO Nick Baker said you could find stunning locations off-the-beaten-track that "aren't commercialised or teeming with tourists" - and are cheaper than hitting the cities.

Mr Baker said domestic travel options are a great way to "sneak in a holiday without eating into your savings".

Apollo Motorhomes travel expert, Rebecca Mackenzie, said battling crowds, long wait times, surging prices and booked-out restaurants do not equate to a relaxing holiday for many people. Instead, you should find something new.

"We also know that those exploring Australia's undiscovered, less popular destinations equate to a more care-free holiday, with people often returning feeling more enriched," she said.

From Eden in NSW to Daylesford in Victoria, here are some of Australia's best-kept-secret holiday spots to explore with your besties this summer.

With pristine beaches and stunning natural landscapes to explore with the Sapphire Coast and Beowa National Park nearby, Eden offers the best of both worlds.

With snorkelling, rockpools, coves, fresh seafood, bush walks and the Killer Whale Museum, it's the perfect spot for a relaxed family holiday.

Also known as the "Spa Capital" of Australia due to its famous mineral waters, Daylesford - on the foothills of the Great Dividing Range - is great for a laid-back pampering escape.

Cose to the Macedon Ranges, you can get your fill of wellbeing, regional dining and cool climate wines - and it's only an hour and a half's drive from Melbourne.

This picturesque waterfall, surrounding rock pools and rainforest, just minutes from the beach and quaint town of Buderim, make up one of the Sunshine Coast's hidden natural gems.

Located just a ten-minute drive from Mooloolaba, 90 minutes from Brisbane or 45 minutes from Noosa, it's a road trip waiting to happen.

Located just south of Byron Bay, Evans Head has some excellent surf spots and a relaxed coastal living vibe.

It is perfect for those looking to unwind, fish, or explore the scenic Evans River.

Base yourself at Healesville for a winery getaway in the Yarra Ranges - and don't forget to try the pies at the Beechworth Bakery Healesville.

Take the quaint Puffing Billy train, visit the Healesville Sanctuary, and taste local produce at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery and Four Pillars Distillery.

Kings Canyon, in Watarrka National Park, is known for its majestic 100-metre-high sandstone cliff walls and stunning views through the desert.

Lace up your walking boots and take the 3-4 hour Rim Walk, drive the four-wheel drive tracks or take a camel tour. It's only a three-hour drive from Uluru.

Tumut is a picturesque town that serves as a gateway to the Snowy Mountains.

Known for its beautiful gardens, riverside parks, and rich heritage it is the perfect spot for fishing, hiking, and exploring nearby national parks. The Yarrangobilly Caves and thermal pool are well worth the visit.

This stretch of coastline in the Shark Bay World Heritage Area, a 2.5-hour drive from Perth, is one of the most reliable places for dolphin interaction in the world.

Beyond the beach you'll discover a variety of animal and bird life nearby.

There are campgrounds galore or you can base yourself at nearby Denham, a prime spot for swimming, fishing, boating and water skiing.

Nestled between two national parks with some incredible wildlife on offer, this relaxed seaside town is known for its scenic walks, diving and whale watching.

Take a walk at dusk and see if you can spot little penguins on the beach during a scenic walk to Rocking Rock, check out the blowhole and nip across the sandbar to Diamond Island Nature Reserve.

The secluded beach at Stokes Bay on Kangaroo Island's serene north coast was crowned the second-best beach in the world by Big 7.

Getting there is half the fun; the beach is accessible via a hidden rock tunnel.

It also makes for an interesting road trip because you'll need to take your car across to Kangaroo Island by ferry.