From beach to bush, breakfast to nightcap, this edition of Love Your Work invites you to slow down and soak up the pleasures of the drive. Journeying from the relaxed shores of Cabarita Beach to the lush canopy of Crystal Creek, we’ve mapped out a road trip that pairs scenic routes with standout local experiences – all elevated by the Mercedes-Benz V-Class. Think: café-hopping, long lunches, golden hour cocktails, and rainforest retreats.

So, start your engine, queue your playlist, and let the road take it from here.

Known for its laid-back charm and world-class surf, Cabarita Beach is the ideal jumping-off point. Before heading inland, grab your morning fix at Caba Social, a breezy café just a short stroll from the water. Specialty coffee, a modern coastal menu, and genuinely warm service set the tone for the day.

Take the edge off the early morning with heated, memory-function front seats gently warming you as you settle into the cabin. As you ease into the journey, the immersive sound system sets the mood, one track at a time.

A quick 10-minute cruise south lands you at Cubby Bake House, a French farmhouse-style bakery perched on the banks of the Tweed River. It’s the kind of place where flaky croissants meet slow mornings – perfect for a riverside brunch or grabbing a baguette for the road. With panoramic windows and generous space to stretch out, even the shortest drive becomes part of the experience. 

Just 15 minutes on, Pipit Restaurant in Pottsville invites you to settle in for a leisurely tasting menu that celebrates the Northern Rivers. With seasonal ingredients, beautifully considered plating, and an open kitchen, it’s a true expression of place – grounded in both coastline and community. Along the way, real-time navigation keeps you on track, while adaptive handling makes light work of coastal curves.

Wind your way inland to Husk Distillery, where wide open fields set the scene for an afternoon of paddock-to-bottle spirits. Whether you opt for a guided tasting or a cocktail on the terrace, the experience is as flavourful as it is photogenic. As golden hour approaches, ambient interior lighting adjusts the mood, while expansive windows flood the cabin with that unmistakable afternoon glow. 

Just 30 minutes further, Tweed River House offers one of the region’s most elegant dining experiences. Housed in a restored Queenslander with sweeping views over the river and cane fields, it’s refined without being fussy – and a fitting finale to a day of indulgence. 

End the journey at Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, where luxury villas are tucked deep within 250 acres of ancient rainforest. Whether you’re soaking in a freestanding tub or waking to the sounds of the forest, this hidden haven is pure escapism. With its smooth, quiet ride and refined interior comforts, the vehicle makes the final stretch feel like a continuation of the retreat itself.

Great drives deserve great destinations—and a vehicle that makes the journey just as memorable. With every curve in the road and every carefully chosen stop, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class transforms a simple road trip into something more considered, more comfortable, and undeniably more stylish.

Words by Lari Smith
Shot on location by Lachlan Dempsey
Content commissioned by Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific Pty Ltd.