Australia is a big, big country. Its terrain is dramatic and varies greatly by region; snow-capped mountains give way to tropical coastlines, while the red center contains out-of-this world rock formations.
It’s impossible to see it all, but from watching fairy penguins on the Southern coast to trying bush tucker in Alice Springs, an Australian road trip guarantees memorable moments and unforgettable sights.”
Here are some considerations for planning an Australian road trip, whether you are planning a weekend trip or are ready to go walkabout:
Immerse in a Coastal Paradise
Most of Australia’s major cities are on the coast, and they make great starting points for road trips. Learn about driving in Australia before you go. Melbourne is a popular entrance point for the Great Ocean Road, with its sweeping coastal vistas and the iconic Twelve Apostles rock formation.
Driving from Sydney to Brisbane puts you on the Pacific Coast Touring Route, which includes Hunter Valley’s wine country and the verdant rain forests of Barrinton Tops National Park.
Perth is the gateway for the Coral Coast, where visitors can experience the Pinnacles Desert, snorkel next to reefs in Coral Bay or Shark Bay, and swim with manta rays, dolphins, whale sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish.
Perth is also only a short boat trip from spectacular Rottnest Island where visitors can bike across the island to stunning beaches and encounter native quokkas along the way.
Cairns is a good place to get on the Great Tropical Drive, which parallels the Great Barrier Reef and provides access to the Undara Lava Tubes.
Get Native in the Red Center
The Outback, Australia Outback dusty and sparsely-inhabited center, can be explored easily and safely by sticking to major roads. The massive sandstone formation of Uluru is a must-see, as is Kata Tjuta nearby.
Towns such as Broken Hill or Alice Springs allow a glimpse into outback life, and the MacDonnell Ranges and Kings Canyon are great places to see gorges and water holes, to admire Aboriginal art, and to take in fiery sunsets.
Australian Road Trip Tips
Tourists accustomed to driving on the right side of the road should take time to familiarize themselves with driving on the left before tackling any difficult routes and should pay attention to local driving hazards such as tram lanes in Melbourne or wildlife on rural roads. Helpful tips when planning your trip across the great country.
It’s important to recognize the distance between services while driving through the Outback and to plan accordingly: Extra water is essential, and extra fuel couldn’t hurt.
Avoid driving at night if possible, as many of Australia’s most famous animals are nocturnal, and a kangaroo through the windscreen is one wildlife encounter that should definitely be avoided.”
Most importantly, in the case of car trouble, tourists should stay with their car instead of setting off in search of help. If in doubt about the advisability of a route, ask a local for advice.
Travel Around Kangaroo Island
Kangaroo Island is a truly stunning destination that has something for everyone. Famed for its abundant wildlife and pristine natural environment, outdoor travellers will certainly find plenty to do.
If you prefer something a little more luxurious, indulge in a decadent health and beauty retreat. For the gourmet traveller, there’s plenty of locally produced food and wine to sate your appetite. Whatever your inclination, exploring the island should be your first priority.
Here are the 4 best ways to travel around Kangaroo Island.
Nocturnal Guided Tour
If you’re looking to meet some of the island’s shyer residents, taking a nocturnal wildlife tour is an absolute must. There are a huge range of Kangaroo Island tours, however this is one of the most memorable.
On the island, there are a number of species who only really get active during the night time, and taking a tour allows you to get closer than ever before.
Your expert guide will show you the best places to look, and will teach you about the delicate environmental balance that makes Kangaroo Island such a thriving home for wildlife.
Explore on Foot
Exploring on foot is one of the best ways to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty and famous environmental diversity of the island. There are a range of tracks to suit all ages and fitness levels, from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes.
See the freshwater lagoons, ancient sand dunes, stunning coastline and even watch whales and dolphins from atop the cliffs. Whichever walk you choose, you are guaranteed to fall in love with the spectacular scenery of Kangaroo Island.
Quad Bike Action
For those looking for something with an action packed vibe, you simply can’t go past a quad bike tour of the island. From gentle daytime rides that even the kids can enjoy to all terrain extreme adventures, there’s something for everyone when it comes to exploring the island by quad.
Everyone from beginner to experienced riders are catered for, with specialised quads and varied tracks to suit your skill level.
If you aren’t keen on riding but don’t want to miss out on the experience, you can even choose to join as a passenger on the leading guide’s quad for a truly unmissable view of the action!
Kayak Adventure
There’s simply something magical about kayaking in such a pristine natural environment. Whether you’re exploring the island’s lagoons or cruising along the coastline, you can truly immerse yourself in your surroundings when you choose to discover Kangaroo Island by kayak.
If you’re just starting out or simply want to know more about this incredible destination, book yourself in for a guided kayaking tour.
With so many diverse ways to explore the island, you’re bound to find one that you will love. Kangaroo Island is a fascinating destination, and is home to such a rich array of unique flora and fauna.
Make sure you leave plenty of time to truly discover the natural beauty and delve deeper into what makes this incredible island so special.
Traveling has become more comfortable and dynamic with the presence of some really amazing private transport options such as campervans and yachts.
Now, travelers can explore with utmost comfort and explore at their own pace. Here are 3 trips to try around the world that you can try in your own transport and make some wonderful memories:
Campervan Trip in Australia
These days, campervans have become so very popular among travelers.
Although there are plenty of campervans available for rent in some popular travel destinations in America, Europe and Australia, many people simply love having campervans on their own.
Campervan trip has become very common in Australia. Having a campervan and going on a self-drive road trip across Australia allows one to experience the best of east and west coast of Australia.
You can also go on the whole Australia trip on a campervan with some good planning, preparation and flexibility.
Australia is a big country but its cities are small and you can easily explore multiple cities in a day.
The best part of a campervan trip is that you can quickly move from one place to another and at the same time stop wherever you find or see something cool something unique.
(photo credit: 1– 1, 2, 3)
Andi says
Oh how I miss Oz!