Australia’s highways and byways are full of surprises beyond the obvious scenery. Travelling across the country has evolved into a journey where culture, music, and local performances are just as important as the destinations themselves, offering the perfect opportunity for slower, more immersive trips. Live music and street performers are increasingly shaping how Australians explore the open road, adding unexpected highlights at every stop.

Road trips give travellers the freedom to explore local culture at their own pace, from impromptu gigs in small towns to vibrant street performances. Three-quarters of Aussies say they would stop and explore a community if they noticed live music or street performers, while 53% would plan a road trip around towns known for local acts, underscoring that the arts are driving the way we explore our own backyard.

Ben Whitmore, Chief Marketing Officer at East Coast Car Rentals, remarks, “Everyone says it’s about the journey, not the destination, and in this case it’s true. With road trip season approaching, journeys are defined by the experiences along the way. Gen Z Aussies place real value on discovering local arts and music, with many planning trips around towns known for buskers or live performances. It’s clear that music and culture are shaping the way people explore the country in 2025.”

Here are Ben’s recommended road trips for music lovers.

Byron Bay to Newcastle‍

Music threads through Byron Bay’s streets, drawing visitors into unexpected performances around every corner. Travellers moving inland to Nimbin often encounter impromptu gigs in cafés and community spaces, while further south, Coffs Harbour’s markets echo with the sounds of local acts, adding unexpected highlights to the journey. Along this stretch of coast, music is part of the experience at every stop.

Hobart to Launceston‍

Creativity shapes the journey through Tasmania. Salamanca Place markets in Hobart set the weekend tone with folk musicians and street performers, while towns along the Midlands Highway open the doors of pubs and halls to showcase local talent. It’s a drive that feels personal, with music echoing through some of the island’s most striking landscapes.

Melbourne to Daylesford‍

Hidden laneways in Melbourne hum with intimate gigs and street performances, giving travellers a taste of the city’s creative heartbeat before heading out. Beyond the city, the Macedon Ranges reveal towns where music fills galleries, cafés, and public squares. In Daylesford, art, markets, and live acts intertwine to create a cultural stop that rewards those who take their time.

Brisbane to Noosa‍

Starting in Brisbane, travellers are welcomed by the city’s live music culture spilling out of Fortitude Valley and nearby streets. The drive north along the Sunshine Coast continues the rhythm, with buskers and performers weaving music through markets, streets, and waterfronts in Noosa and Mooloolaba. Local festivals and weekend events keep the journey dynamic, giving travellers more opportunities to stop and take it all in.

Darwin to Katherine‍

Along the Stuart Highway, music drifts from pubs, parks, and community halls as travellers make their way from Darwin to Katherine. Indigenous music and regional festivals deepen the journey, offering travellers a closer connection to the land and its people. Every stop brings an opportunity to experience the Territory’s culture firsthand.

Music Shapes the Journey‍

Australia is lucky to have road trips soundtracked by music at every turn. Live performances and street performers bring life to the journey, creating moments of discovery and connection. Pausing to enjoy performances, exploring local arts, and engaging with musicians transforms a drive into an adventure full of cultural encounters. Every community has its own rhythm, and around every corner, there’s the chance to experience something new.