The Drive-To Design Guide: Australia’s Most Innovative Spaces Worth the Journey

Australia’s capital cities have much to offer on the sightseeing front, but some of the most spectacular art and design destinations are hidden off the beaten track.

The sheer size of the country means many artists, makers and designers have established creative hubs in unexpected regions, far from the capital cities. And tracking down these innovative destinations is half the fun, especially with a car as design-focused as the spaces you’re seeking out – like the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA, available as an all-electric or hybrid vehicle. Its advanced virtual assistant also makes navigating between stops seamless.

If you’re in desperate need of a cultural reset on your next road trip, look further afield to hard-to-find spots: an architectural gallery among the vineyards just an hour out of Melbourne, perhaps, or artist-led makers workshops in the lush Adelaide Hills. Whether these artistic landmarks are part of a longer road trip, or the destination on your getaway, they’re not to be missed.

Here’s our guide to the art and design destinations worth journeying to by car.

Bundanon Art Museum, NSW

You might not believe one of Australia’s leading art galleries is hidden just over two hours’ drive out of Sydney. Only accessible by car and set among 1000 hectares of a wildlife sanctuary, Bundanon is home to the former studio of celebrated Australian artist Arthur Boyd, which he and his wife Yvette gifted to the public. Now an art museum, concert space and homestead, the estate – an award-winning architectural marvel in its own right – is known for exhibiting modern and contemporary art.

Tarrawarra Museum of Art, VIC

The Yarra Valley may be known for its wineries, but this museum in the rolling hills of Healesville doubles as an art retreat and cellar door. Less than 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, Tarrawarra Museum of Art is the perfect cultural pit stop on a day trip through the wine region. The light-filled, minimalist building is almost as breathtaking as the nationally significant collection of art it houses. Don’t forget to wander through the recently opened Eva and Marc Besen Centre, a rare visible storage space for the founders’ collection. Expect to see pieces from the likes of Brett Whiteley, Sidney Nolan and John Olsen.

Tweed Regional Gallery, NSW and QLD

While Tweed Regional Gallery is on the NSW side of the border with Queensland, it’s much closer to Brisbane than it is to Sydney. Take a scenic drive along the Tweed River and through the artsy enclaves of the Northern Rivers before you get to the creative town of Murwillumbah, where this powerhouse gallery showcases a range of local artists alongside the work of renowned still-life painter Margaret Olley. An art centre dedicated to her legacy is also located on-site and not to be missed.

Fabrik Arts & Heritage, SA

Any road trip through the lush and leafy Adelaide Hills should include an adventure to Lobethal’s thriving creative hub, Fabrik Arts & Heritage. Located in the historic Onkaparinga Woollen Mill, this arts mecca is all about building community. Fabrik is home to artist studios, galleries, makerspaces and a pavilion brimming with South Australian art, furnishings and homewares. Want to create your own textiles, prints or homewares? Book into Fabrik’s artist and maker-led workshops, which are perfect for beginners and seasoned creatives alike.

Giants of Mandurah, WA

Head off the beaten track to seek out acclaimed Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s iconic trail of large-scale sculptures known as the Giants of Mandurah. These whimsical creatures, which tower up to five metres high, are a feat of Dambo’s creativity when it comes to handcrafting sculptures out of sustainable, recycled timber. Tracking down all six sculptures is worth the drive out of Perth and into the coastal haven of Mandurah; one is located in Subiaco and four in Mandurah – the location of the sixth is a mystery you’ll have to solve yourself. Once you’re in Mandurah, don’t miss out on dolphin-watching or the pristine beaches.

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA and CLA electric feature the MBUX Virtual Assistant, combining Google and Microsoft AI for seamless, conversational voice control throughout your journey.