From the spectacular sea views and breathtaking outback to World Heritage-listed rainforests and beautiful, rugged coastlines, the best way to explore this amazing country is to go on long drives. So, rev up your engine, create your road trip playlist and hit the road for an epic and unforgettable drive.
Here, we share the most beautiful Australian road trips.
1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria
This beloved tourist destination is definitely worth the long drive. Scenic, beautiful and breathtaking, the 243-kilometre stretch takes you along cliff tops, surf beaches, past quaint seaside towns and lush patch of rainforest. Witness the stunning views of the famous Twelve Apostles (limestone stacks), Bell Beach and the coastal cliffs in Port Campbell National Park. Great Ocean Road is the world’s largest war memorial, built and dedicated to soldiers killed in World War I.
2. Sydney-Melbourne Coastal Drive
This beautiful and dramatic coastal drive is every road trippers dreamland. Take the scenic coastal route through rolling hills and bushland, for fine food and wine, fabulous beaches and charming beachside towns. Marvel at the sights of the Blue Mountains National Park, the Australian Alps, Promontory National Park and Philip Island.
3. Great Alpine Road, Victoria
The spectacular Great Alpine Road is considered the mountain equivalent to Victoria’s famous oceanside route, Great Ocean Road. It covers 339 kilometres from Wangaratta in the state's north-east to Bairnsdale in the Gippsland region. The picturesque alpine scenery, lofty mountain ranges, lush forests, snow-covered hills and rolling vineyards will take your breath away.
4. Great Eastern Drive, Tasmania
Located in Tasmania's East Coast, Great Eastern Drive is one of the most dramatic and beautiful coastal drives in the world. Explore the amazing beaches of the Bay of Fires, the spectacular Freycinet National Park, the east coast wine country and charming beach towns. Soak up the fabulous views of the white beach with its pristine waters or travel inland to discover jaw-dropping views of valleys, waterfalls and mountains.
5. The Savannah Way, Queensland and Western Australia
The Savannah Way is Australia's longest route stretching from Cairns in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia. An epic drive to this beautiful 3,700 km road will take you through National Parks, World Heritage areas, ancient gorges, wetlands and impressive wildlife.
6. Red Centre Way, Northern Territory
From the iconic landmarks of Uluru and Kings Canyon to vast spinifex plains, the Red Centre Way is truly an unforgettable outback roadtrip. Be mesmerized by the breathtaking Uluru and Kata Tjuta, the awe-inspiring sandstone walls of Kings Canyon, the "biggest little town" Alice Springs and the spectacular West MacDonnell Ranges. Discover beautiful landscapes, gorges, camping and hiking trails as you wind your way through the heart of Australia.
7. The Nullarbor Plain
In the middle of the Eyre Highway lies a vast stretch of land called the Nullarbor Plain. Nullarbor in Latin means “no trees” because quite literally, you are lucky to see any surviving trees along this vast plain. The roadtrip will take you through the stark, rugged, low-lying bushes, in a flat and almost treeless expanse. It is also home to wild camels, kangaroos, wombats and emus.
8. The Great Green Way
The Great Green Way is a beautiful 400-kilometre road that lies between Townsville and Cairns in Far North Queensland. This breathtaking journey of charming seaside villages, bustling towns, rugged mountain ranges, tropical fruit farms and sprawling deserted beaches will mesmerize you. It also drives you through the World Heritage listings of the Wet Tropics rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
9. Gibb River Road, Western Australia
Gibb River Road is a 660-kilometre of legendary road of spectacular landscape located in the rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia. Go on an epic adventure on 4WD as you pass magnificent rivers, cattle stations, dramatic gorges, sprawling savannahs and beautiful cascading waterfalls. Marvel at the rich aboriginal history of the Great North West as you travel through country that was once inhabited by tribes.
10. The 75 Mile Highway, Fraser Island, Queensland
Located in Fraser Island, the 75-mile highway, is a magnificent stretch of golden sand famous for offroad beach driving. It is considered as a National Highway & landing strip for light aircraft. Although not a swimming beach because of its dangerous currents and large shark population, the 75-mile highway is a fisherman's paradise and a perfect spot for ocean views.
With lovely bays, waterfront restaurants, wall-to-wall wineries, lively local markets and amazing art galleries, the beautiful Mornington Peninsula has always been Melburnians favourite getaway spot. And with the new freeway, the trip going from Melbourne is just over an hour. Below, we’ve listed our top things to do when heading on down south to the peninsula.
Board the Arthur Seat Eagle or a gondola and fly over the state forest to the highest point on the peninsula, where the views will take your breath away. You will be torn between looking at the spectacular vista across the bay to the city or down the bay, and spotting the wildlife, as you soar high above the trees.
Discover a little slice of the French Riviera down under at the Pillars, Mt Martha. It is considered as one of the best places to go cliff jumping.
Get the opportunity to climb the stone stairs to the lamp room of the beautiful and historic Cape Schanck Lighthouse which provides panoramic views of the ocean. One can even spot whales through the waters during the migration season.
Unwind in thermal pools scattered amongst an Australian bush setting. The Peninsula Hot Springs offers a truly tranquil experience with its 20 bathing experiences including a cave pool, Turkish steam bath, reflexology walk, mineral showers, hilltop pool and more.
Go and learn about Australia’s diverse history at the old Fort Nepean. You’ll be amazed at the tunnels, bunkers, cannon and infrastructure left in place from the turn of the last century are beautifully maintained and curated with lots of audio visual prompts to recreate Australia at war.
Take the old steam Mornington Railway that chugs between Moorooduc and Mornington. It’s a lovely way to remember a bygone era.
The Peninsula’s love affair with wine, fresh produce, seafood and bountiful food on the table becomes evident as you drive through the region. It’s all here- casual cafés, chic restaurants, award-winning restaurants with decks and terraces overlooking vineyards or kitchen gardens, winery restaurants and fine dining both in our coastal villages and our hinterland hamlets.
Mornington Peninsula boasts two unique bays, Port Phillip and Western Port, which offer hundreds of exciting sites to explore and fascinating marine life to see. In the summer months, swim with fur seals and dolphins in the Peninsula’s perfect waters. You can also meet cheeky Australian fur seals, or snorkel with delicate weedy sea dragons.
Play a round on a magnificent cliff top golf course. The peninsula is Australia’s number one golf destination with 15 clubs and 20 outstanding courses. It boasts spectacular coastal views, excellent on-course accommodation and great packages.
You’ll find weekend markets, mid-week markets, markets with a focus on food or crafts, markets with entertainment, breakfast and brunch. You can buy organic vegetables and fruit, sourdough breads, mussels, grass-fed meats, cheese, wine, free-range eggs, pasta, jams, olive oils and more.
From the spectacular and jaw-dropping natural attractions to the glitzy culture and art scene of cities, Queensland is a haven for travellers and adventurers. As Australia’s “Sunshine State”, it has become a popular holiday destination.
Here, we give you 12 reasons to fall in love with Queensland.
1. GREAT BARRIER REEF
As the largest living structure on earth, the Great Barrier Reef which is off the coast of Queensland is about 350,000 sq km in size and 2,300 km long- that’s about the size of Japan or 70 million football fields! It can even be seen from space! It is the world’s largest coral reef system and home to one-third of the world’s coral species. October is turtle’s nesting season, making it a perfect time for a trip. Be amazed as you view this spectacular work of nature, recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats or if you prefer scuba dive tours, you’ll have the perfect view of this underwater wonderland that you’ll surely fall in love with.
2. DAINTREE NATIONAL PARK
Another World Heritage Site, the Daintree National Park in Far North Queensland has the world’s most ancient rainforest thought to be about 165 million years old! This vast, dense but beautiful rainforest has extraordinary diversity, with high concentration for flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. Take a scenic drive and explore this amazing rainforest that meets the pristine beach. Enjoy the forest canopy in a flash through an exhilarating zip line or experience it through an aerial walkway. Take a laid-back and leisurely cruise along the Daintree River and spot crocs! Join a spotlighting tour to see other native animals like cassowaries. Here, you’ll see how two World Heritage Sites connect as the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.
3. FRASER ISLAND
Fraser Island, a World Heritage Listed Site is an 800,000-year-old beauty and another reason to fall in love with Queensland. It is the largest sand island in the world, stretching over 123 km in length and an area of 184 hectares. It’s also the only place on earth where rainforests grow on sand dunes of over 200 metres! With beautiful and spectacular white beaches fringed by coloured sand cliffs and over 100 freshwater lakes to swim in, not to mention having an amazing, ancient Eucalyptus rainforests teeming with plant and animal life, Fraser Island is simply a stunning spectrum of greens and blues that one can easily fall in love with.
4. GOLD COAST
With its sunny subtropical climate, the Gold Coast has been an ideal vacation area with its surfing beaches, skyscrapers, massive theme parks, booming food scene, exciting nightlife and beautiful rainforest hinterland. This coastal city is the 6th largest city in Australia. It is home to Australia's most diverse cultures, ethnicity, and vegetation making it an undisputed tourist capital of Australia. Explore this exciting city and visit Gold Coast’s other attractions - Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Main Beach, The Hinterland, The Spit and Stradbroke Island and have the best holiday ever.
5. PORT DOUGLAS
Port Douglas sits adjacent to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, making it the gateway to these two World Heritage wonders! Take an hour drive to this town from Cairns and drive along Australia’s most scenic coastal roads with the rainforest on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. With its relaxed and intimate tropical vibe, you can also appreciate and enjoy food, wine, arts and culture. As luxury is the town’s highlight, it has been favoured by A-list celebrities with its magnificent resorts, superb apartments and elegant homes.
6. WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
The Whitsunday Islands, composed of 74 stunning islands off the coast of Queensland is one of the most popular Australian tourist destinations with 3.5 million yearly visitors. Take a trip and fall in love with its pristine beaches, powdery sands, turquoise water and world-class hotels and accommodations. Beautiful, serene and romantic, it’s no wonder an estimated 1,500 people get married in the Whitsundays each year and has become a popular wedding and honeymoon destination.
7. BRISBANE
Brisbane is Queensland’s capital and is known to the Aboriginal people as Meanjin, meaning "a place shaped like a spike". The city is vibrant, laid-back and has a friendly atmosphere with its youthful crowd. It is Australia’s third largest city and the center of Queensland culture. Take a trip to the historic Windmill and Old Commissariat Store, built by convicts in 1828, or to the new Gallery of Modern Art. Discover restaurants, charming riverside gardens and beautiful man-made beaches.
8. KURANDA SCENIC RAILWAY
Kuranda Village is a picturesque town 25 km northwest of Cairns and is surrounded by a World Heritage Rainforest. The perfect way to enjoy the spectacular journey to this charming town is by riding the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Enjoy incomparable views of dense rainforest, steep ravines and beautiful waterfalls such as Barron Waterfalls and Stoney Creek Falls. The trip lasts for an hour and 45 minutes, starting from Cairns to Kuranda.
9. SUNSHINE COAST
Sunshine Coast which is 55 km north of Brisbane is home to vast beaches, booming food scene and many other natural wonders of the bordering rural hinterland. It has become a centre for tourism with its attractions, such as Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo, Aussie World with the Ettamogah Pub, UnderWater World marine park, The Buderim Ginger Factory, The Big Pineapple, the Eumundi Markets and the Majestic Theatre at Pomona. You can also visit Noosa with its fashion shops and hip cafes, surf at holiday town of Coolum or get in touch with Maroochydore’s interesting culture.
10. CAIRNS
Cairns, located on the east coast of Far North Queensland is also North Queensland’s main centre, being the 5th populous city in the state. Today, Cairns is the most popular base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and the Atherton Tablelands. With its laidback feel, Cairns boasts of its beachfront esplanade and has also its shares of hip bars, nightclubs, eateries and cafes.
11. LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK
About 110 km or 2-hour drive south of Brisbane lies Lamington National Park. Be enchanted with its lush rainforests, beautiful waterfalls, ancient trees, birdlife, majestic views, expansive walking tracks, remarkable ecological value and natural beauty making the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, a World Heritage Site. It lies on the Lamington Plateau of the McPherson Range on the Queensland/New South Wales border.
12. TOWNSVILLE AND MAGNETIC ISLAND
Townsville, which is Australia’s largest tropical town, famous for its parks and private gardens is a popular base for tours on Magnetic Island. A 20-minute ferry ride from the beautiful town of Townsville, the Magnetic Island is an established holiday destination with its charming hotels and resorts. Visit the Fort Walk and marvel at World War II ruins and the majestic views of the island’s 23 bays and beaches. Go on a self-guided snorkeling tour of Geoffrey Bay. Take a drive on a classic topless car. Go on other man-made adventures - jet-ski, kayak or even ride a horse!
The sun-soaked city of Perth, Western Australia's capital city boasts of a relaxed outdoor lifestyle that attracts tourists from all over. And with never-ending list of things to do, Perth attractions are sure to provide something for everyone during their stay. In Perth you'll find the best of both worlds: a bustling city rich in arts and culture with beautiful blue skies and sea.
Here we share a guide on the best highlights and things to do in the sunniest city down under.
1. Kings Park
Pack a picnic or barbecue and head over to Kings Park, one of the largest city parks in the world. Perched high on the crest of Mount Eliza, it’s a perfect spot to take in the sweeping views of Perth’s city skyline and Swan River.
2. Perth Mint
Visit the Perth Mint and see the largest collection in Australia of natural gold nuggets including precious coins being pressed and molten gold being poured to make a gold bar in the original melt house. Discover and experience all the magic, allure and wonder of gold.
3. The Swan Bell Tower
Visit the towering glass spire of the Swan Bell Tower built in 1999. It is one the biggest musical instruments in the world with 18 bells making its ringing. The bells came from the Parish of St. Martin in the Field of London and were given to the City of Perth as a gift in celebration of the Australian Bicentennial.
4. Rottnest Island
With its laid-back atmosphere and lovely beaches, Rottnest Island has been a popular day trip from Perth. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic or snorkel, swim, fish or simply bask in the sun.
5. Fremantle
Visit the charming town of Fremantle renowned for being both artsy and eclectic, with streets lined with performing artists and the side walks filled with a wild collection of music and art. Take the heritage trail and delight in seeing the local attractions such as the Western Australian Maritime Museum, World Heritage listed Fremantle Prison and Western Australia's oldest public building, the Roundhouse.
6. Cottesloe Beach
With its pristine sands, shady Norfolk Pines, smooth terraced lawns and rows of cafés and restaurants, Cottesloe Beach makes a perfect setting for a lazy afternoon and a family day out. It is considered Perth’s favourite seaside destination.
7. London Court
With its Elizabethan or Tudor facade and architectural features looking something out of a British period film, London Court, a small street in the heart of Perth is worth visiting. Built in 1937 by a wealthy gold financier as a combination of residential and commercial premises, it is now an open-roofed shopping arcade, lined with shops, restaurants and cafes.
8. Swan Valley
Go on a relaxing and gastronomic wine tour at Swan Valley. Learn how organic wine is made from vineyard to bottle with a guided walking tour through vineyards and underground cellar. Finish it off with a taste of some of the best wines in the country. Swan Valley is Western Australia's oldest wine region.
9. Perth Observatory
Take a stargazing night hike at Western Australia’s oldest observatory, Perth Observatory. Be amazed by the incredible cosmos and universe. Take a night sky tour of the magical southern hemisphere sky through a range of historical and modern telescopes.
10. Hillary’s Boat Harbour
Take a stroll at the Hillary's Boat Harbour and enjoy views of world-class yatchs and finely polished sailboats. Enjoy the salty breeze while cycling along the coast or relax with your friends over coffee at an outdoor cafe that overlooks the water. Everyone can enjoy activities along the boardwalk that teems with hundreds of visitors. Hillarys Boat Marina also offers whale-watching cruise.
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Port Lincoln located on the shores of Boston Bay- one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world and is three times the size of Sydney Harbour, is more than Australia's seafood capital. With its stunning coastal scenery, amazing national parks and myriads of unique experiences, this jewel in the Eyre Peninsula is surely one of Australia's best-kept secrets.
Here we share 12 reasons why visiting Port Lincoln is definitely worth your while.
1. Whaler’s Way
Running 14 kms in length and located at the southernmost tip of the Eyre Peninsula, Whalers Way which is privately owned offers some of the best coastal views in South Australia. There are blowholes, capes, cliffs, dramatic crevasses and golden beaches. Drive along the rocky coast and explore all of the hidden beaches, rock pools and some Australian wildlife.
2. Swim with Sea Lions
Go swim with the cute sea lions and join them as they frolic and play in the pristine waters off the Port Lincoln coast.
3. Cage Diving with Great White Sharks
Come face-to-face with the Great White Sharks on a shark diving experience from the safety of a viewing cage! Port Lincoln is the only place you can cage dive with great white sharks in Australia.
4. Axel Stenross Maritime Museum
Located on the shores of Boston Bay is Alex Stenross Maritime Museum which showcases maritime artifacts, old tools used in manual boat building, carved wooden dinghies as well as photographs relating to local maritime history. It also celebrates the life of Alex Stenross and features boats he made.
5. Lincoln National Park
Head over to Lincoln National Park for some boating, fishing, swimming and nature walking activities. The park overlooks Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in Australia. Find the spectacular wind-sculpted sand dunes of the Sealford-Wanna dune system or the secluded bay of Memory Cove with the purest white sandy beach.
6. Tunarama Festival
Join the festivities of the Tunarama Festival held annually in celebration of the tuna industry that is the lifeblood of the Port Lincoln community. Join the street parade and entertainment or watch the bizarre tuna-throwing competition where the person who throws it the farthest, wins.
7. Mikkira Station
See koalas up close at Mikkira Station, a wonderful picnic and camping area with an abundance of birdlife and koalas in the wild. Mikkira Station was the first sheep station of the Eyre Peninsula.
8. Oysters and Seafood
Feast over Port Lincoln’s freshest seafood which includes the biggest scallops, meaty oysters, Bluefin Tuna and world-renowned oysters. It will surely be unforgettable. Their delectable seafood and oysters are shipped all around the world.
9. Coles Point
Camp for the night and stay in this spectacular and awe-inspiring place, with its bluest crystal-clear waters and pure golden sands. It will leave you breathless.
10. Coffin Bay National Park
Just a 30-minute drive from Port Lincoln is the unspoiled and stunning Coffin Bay National Park. The bay's coastline is ideal for fishing, scuba diving, boating, sailing and windsurfing. This park boasts of spectacular coastal scenery and landscapes of windswept cliffs and towering dunes, stunning surf beaches and sheltered sandy beaches.
11. Recreational Fishing and Sailing
Port Lincoln is the seafood and fishing capital of Australia because of its rich and bountiful waters. And whether its jetty fishing, boat or rock fishing, you're bound to catch a beauty if you sink a line off the Eyre Peninsula's west coast.
12. Winters Hill Lookout
Get a 360-degree panoramic view over the harbour, town, and surrounding farmlands of the gorgeous Port Lincoln at Winters Hill Lookout. Go up on a short drive and be in total awe of the fantastic view on top.
