Australia by Car

With Christmas, New Years Eve and Australia Day behind us, the holiday buzz has died down and we have reached that time of the year where we must settle back into work and prepare for the year ahead. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t make the most of the weekends in the great outdoors. The Brisbane weather has been particularly pleasant of late, with only a few days reaching scorching temperatures! In my opinion, this is the best time to be outside, soaking up the sun and relaxing by the water. So, I decided to take a trip out to the Bay Islands of Brisbane’s Bayside, to see what all the fuss was about, and boy am I glad I did!

I decided to hire a car for the weekend, as I didn’t want to risk taking public transport out there. The drive was very pleasant and the car was a breeze to drive. Upon arrival in Moreton Bay, I instantly discovered why people speak so highly of this area. The atmosphere alone will take your breath away!

To start my exploration of the Bayside, I took my rental car on an adventure along the Moreton Bay Tourist Drive. This took me right along the foreshore and gave me an idea of what the region had to offer and what I should explore next.

After careful consideration, I opted to pay a visit to Moreton Island. Now, when it comes to outdoor adventure in Brisbane, there really is not better place than HERE. So many activities were on the cards, so I decided to just do a few; swimming, snorkelling, sand tobogganing and feeding the dolphins. OK, so maybe I did more than a few but I honestly couldn’t NOT! This was a truly unique experience and one that I will definitely come back to.

Heading back to the mainland, all the excitement began to take its toll and I found myself yearning for a nice, comfortable bed to get a bit of shut eye. I checked in to Pelicans Nestle Inn on the Esplanade and enjoyed a pleasant stay, with friendly service and great views.

Reality hit me the next day as I prepared to head back to the city to begin another week of work. However, now that I know that such an amazing place is just on my doorstep, I won’t leave it so long to pay a visit here again. This place is definitely a must for any Brisbane locals or visitors to our amazing city!

Discover the fascinating diversity of North Queensland and embark on an exploration of Townsville. This is Australia’s largest tropical city and is a charming blend of old and new. The drive here alone is stunning, from whichever direction you come from, and your car rental will allow you to take in the stunning surrounds at your own pace and leisure.

The city of Townsville offers everything a major city should, along with so much more! From lush rainforest to the Great Barrier Reef and from a luxurious resort on a tropical island to a cattle ranch in the golden outback, Townsville has it all.

When it comes to culture and adventure, you will never be left without something to do here. You will find the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium, a wildlife sanctuary, an excellent casino, beautiful beaches, historic museums and culinary delights at the multiple restaurants that are speckled throughout the city. The city has a rich history and its cultural depths will surprise and enchant you.

While exploring the surrounding areas in your car hire vehicle you will come across some of the most spectacular places that North Queensland has to offer. Just north of the city you will find some breathtaking National Parks and World Heritage Listed areas that will provide you with hours of recreational enjoyment. The seaside towns of Ingham, Cardwell and Mission Beach, are home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, rainforests and waterfalls. These natural highlights are simply stunning and the very sight of them will be imprinted in your heart and mind forever.

The beautiful climate and relaxed lifestyle of Townsville, combined with the lure of the tropics and all of the attractions of a big city, will make you never want to leave this amazing place. It is the ideal stepping stone to the outback, rainforests, magnificent waterfalls, tropical islands and the Great Barrier Reef, making this the ultimate family holiday destination.

There is no better way to discover the best of Australian wildlife than to pay a visit to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of native animals displayed in natural bushland and rainforest settings.

Currumbin is a unique area of the Gold Coast. It is where the bush and lush rainforests meet the coastline, and some of Queensland’s most beautiful beaches. When you hire a car rental here, you can begin your holiday at the beach and than head inland to discover the wonders of the natural rainforest. Travelling along the Gold Coast Highway, you won’t be able to miss the huge sign, indicating the turn off for the Wildlife Sanctuary. Take the turn and you will be transported into a world of wonder, beauty, nature and all that is wonderful.

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers a rare opportunity to get close to amazing native wildlife as it is home to more than 1400 animals and birds. The Sanctuary was established nearly 60 years ago and has thrived since then to become one of the state’s most popular tourist attractions, dedicated to preserving the state’s natural and cultural heritage.

The park features fascinating wildlife displays and shows that the entire family can enjoy. ‘Wild Island’ is an outdoor adventure playground and interactive science activity zone, that combines fun filled entertainment and adventure with nature. The ‘Wild night Adventure’ is another popular attraction, allowing visitors to discover an Aboriginal Dance Show and nocturnal animal display discovery tour. This is a display of traditional culture and Australian animals at their very best; definitely not one to miss!

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to practically every Australian mammal, reptile, bird and amphibian that you could think of. This makes it the wildlife experience of a lifetime, and one that is best discovered on your car hire holiday of the Gold Coast. Apart from the beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, this will be the highlight of your trip, full of memories that will last you a lifetime!

When it comes to thriving regional cities, Queensland sure doesn’t disappoint. Central Queensland in particular offers some of the state’s most beautiful towns, the most notable of these being the regional city of Rockhampton. As the largest urban centre in this part of the state, Rockhampton is home to endless attractions, landmarks, wildlife and beautiful scenery, making it the ideal destination for a driving holiday in a car rental.

Rockhampton’s position close by to Great Keppel Island means that it attracts thousands of tourists who are keen to explore the mainland attractions. Popular attractions in the Rockhampton region include the Riverbank Parklands, a riverfront parkland attraction located on the banks of the Fitzroy River, and the Rockhampton Botanical Gardens, which is home to excellent specimens of palms, cycads and ferns.

For those history and culture lovers out there, Rockhampton is also the residence of the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, which is Australia’s largest cultural centre. The centre is home to native plants, trees and waterfalls, and is the perfect way to discover Australia’s Indigenous history.

The city itself is surrounded by coastal and rural landscapes, which will be fantastic to explore in your car hire vehicle. The Berserker Range lies just on the eastern side of the city and is definitely worth the drive. The views up here are simply stunning and will give you an idea of just how vast and beautiful the city is.

Rockhampton truly is where the outback meets the reef. It is the perfect place to visit for a taste of the best of both worlds. Best explored by car, there is just so much to see and do here that you may never want to leave.

When you think of beaches, water holes, mountains, waterfalls and the Big Banana, only one place should spring to mind: Coffs Harbour. This coastal city is located on the north coast of New South Wales and is a popular tourist destination for those wishing to escape the hassle of city life.

Coffs Harbour is nestled between a high mountain backdrop and dozens of unspoiled beaches, and is the main metropolitan region of the north coast. It is surrounded by stunning seaside towns, all within an hour’s drive, which means that you really will need to book a car hire vehicle while here.

Some of the best places to discover in your car rental are the beautiful beaches that dot the coastline. Personal favourites of these would have to be the Sapphire Beach, Moonee, Emerald Beach and Woolgoolga. These beaches are free from the crowds, while also remaining safe for swimming, surfing or any other beach activity that comes to mind.

Heading inland just outside of Coffs Harbour will take you into the rainforests and winding roads of the Orara Valley. Here you will find flowing mountain creeks and hidden pockets of lush, green forest that nestle on the banks of some of the most stunning fresh water holes that you will ever see. This is the perfect destination for a family picnic, a dip in the refreshing water or a simple, scenic drive.

Back in the city of Coffs Harbour itself, you will find everything that a good city should encompass. Several shopping centres, fantastic restaurants, and the family favourite, the Big Banana, will top of your visit to this amazing city, embedding the memories you have made here in your mind forever.

New South Wales truly does have some of the most beautiful townships in Australia! One of these would have to be the large town of Port Macquarie which is situated on the mid-North Coast of the state. This picturesque settlement is nestled 390 kilometres north of Sydney, and 570 kilometres south of Brisbane, which means that you can pick up your car rental from one of these major cities and embark on a scenic road trip.

Port Macquarie sits at the mouth of the Hastings River and enjoys Australia’s best climate. It is one of the country’s best loved holiday destinations and this comes as no surprise because it offers everything your ultimate holiday destination should. Home to glorious bays and beaches, precious island walkways, stunning rainforest pockets and evergreen hinterland, Port Macquarie enjoys the best of coastal and natural living.

Port Macquarie offers such a diversity and wealth of scenery and activities that it is the ideal place for any holiday you may wish to take. Whether it is a fun filled family holiday, a weekend getaway, an active adventure vacation or simply an opportunity to explore the many surrounding National Parks, State Forests and reserves, Port Macquarie is sure not to disappoint.

While visiting, take some time to enjoy the stunning coastal walks, surf some of the amazing waves, swim in the crystal clear waters, spot some whales in the distance or even brave a camel ride. There are over 15 local beaches and most of these are patrolled so you can be sure the whole family will be safe.

The historical highlight of Port Macquarie would have to be Timbertown, an entire, re-created village that is nestled in 87 acres of natural forest. Timbertown demonstrates the struggles and achievements of our pioneers and is definitely not one to miss for any keen history buff!

The best way to get to and around Port Macquarie is with a car hire vehicle. This will allow you to explore all the wonder and beauty that this amazing town has to offer.

When it comes to coral, brightly coloured fish, hundreds of tropical islands and miles of pristine beaches, there really is none better than the Great Barrier Reef. As the largest coral reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef is often labelled as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, and this is no mistake as it truly is spectacular.

The reef stretches for a total of 2,600 kilometres and is situated in the Coral Sea, just off the coast of Queensland. If you ask me, the best way to see it all is to take a driving trip up the coast, starting anywhere from as south as Bundaberg. The best way to do this is to pick up a car rental from your starting destination and than head north, sticking to the coast.

Some of the best places to base yourself for exploration of the reef would have to be Cairns, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. Cairns has all of the ingredients for an idyllic tropical holiday and also enjoys the perks of city living. Port Douglas is just 70 kilometres north of Cairns along a spectacular scenic drive, which will be made easy in your car hire vehicle. Port Douglas has a distinctive tropical charm and is the perfect place to relax, take it easy and explore some of the country’s most breathtaking beaches.

The Great Barrier Reef itself supports a diversity of life, including many vulnerable and endangered species. The reef is scattered with beautiful tropical islands and thousands of coral cays. It is essentially the best place in the world to go snorkelling and scuba diving and is even more popular for reef cruises. Stretching for as far as the eye can see, the reef is alight with colour and life and is undoubtedly the state icon of Queensland.

The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for any Australian or visiting tourist. It is the quintessential highlight of the state and one of the best natural features of our great country!

The Port of Augusta is located on the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula in the state of South Australia. Positioned right at the head of the Spencer Gulf and within a close proximity to the Flinders Ranges, Port Augusta is a popular holiday destination for those seeking to explore some of Australia’s most beautiful natural landmarks.

Port Augusta sits 322 kilometres north of Adelaide, making it the ideal destination for a driving holiday. You will easily be able to find the car hire depot from which you can pick up your vehicle and then it is completely up to you where you start your exploration from.

This natural harbour town was first settled in 1852 and has thrived into a popular tourist hotspot for visitors from all over the world. It offers everything a modern city should, along with so much more! Popular points of interest include the Australian Arid Lands Botanical Gardens, which offer superb views of the Flinders Ranges. These gardens showcase an array of arid zone environments, along with many special conservation areas where you will be able to view the natural fauna the gardens pride themselves on. There is also an extensive network of meandering tracks, which will allow you to stretch your legs and embark on the nature experience of a lifetime.

The city itself is scattered with many pleasant parks and gardens, with something unique and interesting around every corner. There is also an abundance of shopping opportunities on offer, making it a place any shopaholic could only dream of.

If you want to venture outside of Port Augusta itself, the Flinders Ranges beckon your presence. This magnificent mountain range stretches for over 400 kilometres and is only a short drive away from the town centre. The drive is stunning and will be made even easier with your car rental.

Port Augusta is the “Gateway to the Outback” as well as the “Gateway to the Flinders Ranges“. It is the perfect place to visit to experience some of the country’s best natural highlights, and also to enjoy a holiday experience that you will remember forever!

Nestled in the renowned Cape to Cape region of the south-west of Western Australia, lies the picturesque town of Busselton. Its close proximity to the capital city of Perth, means that you can pick up your car hire vehicle here, then drive the 220 kilometres south until you reach Busselton.

Founded in 1831, by the Bussel family, Busselton has experienced fruitful economic and demographic growth and is now one the state’s top tourist towns. It is home to the Noongar Aboriginal people, who still hold strong ties with the land and whose presence is felt and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Enjoying a mild, Mediterranean climate, Busselton attracts thousands of visitors each year, who are seeking a break from the city and the chance to get back in touch with nature.

While visiting this unique and historic town, there are several sites of interest that you will be drawn to. The Busselton Jetty is perhaps the highlight of the town, and stretches for almost two kilometres out to sea. It is the longest wooden jetty in the Southern Hemisphere and is a great place for a spot of fishing or a leisurely stroll. The jetty is also the site of an underwater observatory and interpretive centre.

For a slice of the town’s history, pay a visit to Wonnerup House. This original homestead was built in 1859 by the Layman Family, the original settlers of Busselton. It depicts the colonial times and the trials and tribulations that were experienced in these times. Another historic site of interest is St Mary’s Church of England, which claims to be the oldest stone church in Western Australia. This stunning church showcases some of the area’s historical architecture and will take you a few steps back to Busselton’s days gone by.

Busselton is also home to some of the nation’s finest festivals and sporting events, including the Festival of Triathlon and Iron Man Championships. These events are a major drawing card of the region and are a lot of fun to watch.

Busselton is a place of pleasant contrasts, from tranquil waters to the rugged cliffs of the surfing coast, ancient caves to picturesque vineyards, and sprawling pastures to magnificent forests. It is truly the perfect place for your next driving holiday in Western Australia.

The port city of Geelong is one of the largest cities in the state of Victoria, coming a close second behind the capital, Melbourne. Nestled on the shores of Corio Bay and the mouth of the Barwon River, Geelong emphasises a strong focus on waterfront living, combined with a trendy, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Geelong’s location just 75 kilometres south-west of Melbourne, means that you can find suitable car hire there and then adjust to your new driving conditions by taking the short drive out to the heart of Geelong.

Waterfront Geelong is the best place to start your exploration of the city. It is one of Australia’s best waterfront developments and is home to superb restaurants, beautifully landscaped gardens, walking tracks and public art attractions. From here, venture into the city, where you will find some of the country’s most fascinating cultural attractions. One of the most interesting of these would no doubt be the National Wool Museum. Here you will find many displays and exhibitions that demonstrate Geelong’s past and present prominence in the Australian wool industry. This experience will educate you and give you a greater understanding of the processes that go into producing one of the country’s best exports.

The Geelong Art Gallery is another interesting place to visit. The gallery has an outstanding collection of paintings, sculptures and decorative arts that depict Australian times from the colonial days to the present. This experience will be any art fanatic’s dream and will also leave the untrained eye more apt when it comes to Australian art.

Geelong is the perfect place to visit if you are seeking to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with the benefits of the city. Encompassing a cosmopolitan city, semi-rural and diverse, urban communities, along with endless kilometres of white, sandy beaches, you are sure not to be disappointed with what the amazing city of Geelong has to offer!