Australia by Car

Driving up into the mountains of the Sunshine Coast hinterland there is a noticeable change in the air around you. It takes on a crisp edge- brisk and vibrant. Just by breathing it in you feel more alive- a feeling that can only be complemented by a visit to Montville, a cosy village with spectacular ocean and National Park views.

Montville has the air of an English Village, especially in the winter time when the high altitude makes things rather chilly. Settled in 1887 by citrus growers, the heritage of the region is evident in its architecture. Most of the houses are log and stone cottages built in a definite English style, with a few Swiss and Bavarian cottages thrown in too. Many of the houses offer a view across the coastal plain to the beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches in the distance.

Often referred to as the ‘creative heart of the Sunshine Coast’, Montville contains a delightful collection of galleries, studios and specialty shops, showcasing the arts and crafts of the many artists that glean inspiration from the beautiful surroundings here.

One such creative stronghold worth a visit is the Black Forest Hill Clock Centre, where thousands of cuckoo clocks and German Grandfather Clocks are on display. Built according to the clock making traditions of the Black Forest region in Germany, each clock has meticulous attention to detail and its manufacture is overseen by a genuine German clock maker.

Just north of the village is the Kondalilla National Park, where there are a number of trails that take you through the thick lush rainforest and past stunning waterfalls. Its a great days outing.

Montville and the rest of the Sunshine Coast hinterland are yours to explore in a rental car from Discovery Car Hire. Enjoy!

The town of Chillagoe in Queensland came into being because of the richness of minerals lying beneath its surface. Although now that the heady days of the mineral boom at the turn of the last century are long over, it is what lies underground at Chillagoe that still supports the town.

When the shallow sea covering it receded thousands of years ago the limestone reefs that were exposed have since been shaped by the elements and large underground caves have formed. These caves are one of the chief reasons people come to Chillagoe.

They lie in the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, and their dazzling caverns and archways covered in stalagmites and stalactites can be explored via several walking tracks or on a guided tour. Expect to see lots of species of bats, and if you are lucky other unique wildlife such as rock pythons!

Its not just the caves that people come for though- its a combination of them, the beautiful outback scenery, the laid back country atmosphere and the mining heritage. This heritage can best be experienced in the Chillagoe Museum, where a collection of old mining equipment and interesting Aboriginal artefacts are on display.

The Chillagoe Mine itself is protected under the State Heritage Register, and in the old township the smelters (where once 1000 people worked) still dominate the skyline. Stories of the mining days of old abound, and you will learn much about the staunch pioneers that established towns like these.

200 kilometres inland from Cairns, a drive in your hire car from there will take about 3 hours. Most people coming here will choose to stay in the Chillagoe Cabins, beautiful self contained cottages that really complement the outback experience. There are also a couple of hotels in town too. For all your hire car needs visit Discovery Car Hire.

Darwin has an unexpected vibe to it. For such a far flung and isolated city it has a very contemporary and cosmopolitan feel - everyone is happy and relaxed, and when the sun goes down the parties really begin. With a strong mix of cultures evident, the Asian influence is especially clear here, and there is a lot of culinary diversity for you to enjoy.

Darwin is mostly used as a base from which explorations of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks are made. The varied landscapes of Kakadu are only a couple of hours drive away, although you will need at least a couple of days if you want to appreciate the Aboriginal heritage, hordes of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Litchfield, to the south, is even closer, and some say even nicer to visit than Kakadu. It is famous for having numerous waterfalls and high gorges, in which there are plenty of rock pools that have no crocodile inhabitants and are safe to swim in. This article tells you more about Litchfield.

In Darwin itself you can get up close and personal with crocodiles and other animals in a safe environment at Crocodylus Park. You should also not miss Aquascene, a spot right in the heart of the city where thousands of fish come to shore to be hand fed by people on the bank and in the water. If youre in town on a Thursday or Sunday dont miss the Mindil Markets, which are a lively, fun and creative arena for displaying talents and selling goods!

Although the heat can sometimes be stifling, there is relief in the form of frequent thunderstorms which also provide a bit of excitement and drama. There really is never a dull moment in Darwin, and to appreciate it to the maximum potential make use of Discovery Car Hire’s booking service and secure yourself a reliable hire car!

Pictures of the attractions on the Great Ocean Road grace the covers of tourist brochures across the world. But, beautiful as the images are, they still do not do justice to the majestic sights and scenery that this coastal drive takes you past. The only way to experience the true wonder of the Great Ocean Road is to make the drive yourself. And as it is only just under 100 kms from Melbourne to the start of the drive at Torquay, it is an easy and accessible road trip with extremely satisfying rewards.

As it is part of the Limestone Coast the rock structure of the shoreline is malleable, and over the years has been shaped by the ocean into intriguing geological features such as the ‘Twelve Apostles’, which attract tourists from all over the globe. These are situated close to the small town of Port Campbell, where this is plenty of accommodation available, and next to the Apostles is a large visitor centre and viewing platform. This article will give you more idea about things to see and do on the Great Ocean Road.

Before you reach Port Campbell however you will pass Apollo Bay, a serene coastal settlement situated on a picture perfect wineglass shaped bay. Primarily a fishing village, Apollo Bay is also close to the lush yet rugged Otway Ranges, a haven for nature lovers and bushwalkers alike. There are a number of stunning waterfalls in these mountains, with the Erskine Falls being especially popular amongst tourists.

Another popular town on the drive is Lorne, but if its classic beaches and surf you are after then spend a bit of time in Torquay. Here you will find Bells Beach, the infamous home to the annual Rip Curl Pro.

If you need a safe and reliable car booking for your Great Ocean Road adventure, then try out Discovery Car Hire. Enjoy the ride!

Speed, loud engines and lots of dust, all tearing up the heart of the Australian outback. What is it? Its Australia’s most gruelling offroad challenge, the Finke Desert Race, which takes place on the Queens Birthday Weekend every June, this year running from Friday 6th June until Monday 9th. If you’re in the area you’d be crazy to miss this truly unique outback event!

The track runs for 450 kilometres across all sorts of desert terrain, beginning just south of Alice Springs and continuing south to the small community of Finke (Aputula). En route it crosses the Finke River, reputedly the oldest river in the world. As you would expect of the outback, it is a rugged route that only the hardiest vehicles survive. While there are many bike, car and buggy entrants from all over the globe, only relatively few make it to the end.

The Finke is quite a spectator affair, with over 1200 people camping along the length of the track to catch a glimpse of the speeding vehicles, or to assist with refuelling and the like. Its a great time to experience the outback and an unique Australian event simultaneously. You are sure to have a whole heap of adventures of your own to go along with the excitement on the track.

The best means of getting to the Finke is to fly into Alice Springs and head down to the track from there. If you need a hire car, check out Discovery Car Hire. If you want more information on Alice Springs and things to see and do there, read this article.

A 260 kilometre long kaleidoscope of colour alive with weird and wonderful underwater creatures, Ningaloo Reef is a must-see for any visitors to Western Australia. Often compared to its eastern big brother the Great Barrier Reef in terms of the diversity of life on display, Ningaloo has one distinct advantage: its ease of accessibility. Most of it lies just a short swim from the shore! Check this article for more reef details.

Most visitors to the reef stay in Exmouth, which is a 1270 kilometre flight from Perth. An old navy town, Exmouth is now base to many diving and fishing charters that will help you explore this beautiful stretch of the coast. Being so close to the shore, the reef is perfect for snorkelling which really opens it up to kids and the less mobile. With over 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral, the minute your mask goes under the surface a whole new world is opened up!

The underwater life gets a whole lot bigger than tropical fish too… in fact it gets up to 14 metres in length! Im talking about the whale sharks, the gentle giants that inhabit these waters between March and June. Their presence is celebrated in the Whaleshark Festival held every year in May, and if you get the opportunity to dive with these beautiful beasts you’ll never forget it. Other larger animals you may bump into are groups of loveable dugongs, and the occasional Loggerhead or Hawkesville Turtle.

Another attraction of Exmouth is the Cape Range National Park, which is just a 30 minute drive inland. Expect to be blown away by stunning gorges, and when the season is right, carpets of wildflowers. Bird and wildlife fanatics are in for a treat here, as are bushwalkers and hikers.

You’ll need a reliable vehicle if you are going to be exploring the Exmouth coastline, and you don’t get more reliable than Discovery Car Hire!

In the Adelaide Hills just 28 kilometres south east of the centre of Adelaide lies the historic settlement of Hahndorf, often referred to as ‘Australias oldest German town’. Settled in 1839 its strong German roots make it an interesting historical place for a weekend or a daytrip away. Expect to indulge your senses in delighful German confectionary, and enjoy the stories of the descendants of the early German settlers in the pubs and cafes on the tree lined main street.

There are a number of places to stay, with accommodation ranging from bed and breakfasts to motels and caravan parks. To really get into the spirit of the town then book into the German Arms Hotel. Distinguished by its typically German flower boxes, it is right on the main street, so you can sit on the balcony and watch the crowds go by.

An attraction you cannot miss is the Cedars, the home and studio of the famous artist Hans Heysen for over half a century. Today it is open to the public, and there is a large collection of his art on display. Take a guided tour which runs daily, or enjoy strolling at your own leisure through the 60 ha of gardens. Have a read of this article to find out more things to do in the Adelaide Hills.

Another interesting place to visit is Beerenberg Farm, which has been home to over five generations of the Paech Family. Now world famous for their delectable jams, you can take tours of the farm and participate in activites like strawberry picking- always great fun for kids.

With so much to see and do in Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills, you will need a hire car from Discovery to let you take it all in!

An hour and a half drive from Melbourne, just east of Geelong and on the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula lies the historic township of Queenscliff. Its colourful past is well represented in sailors cottages, grandiose Victorian-era architecture and a very large military fort overlooking the ocean, and its easy to see why this has been a popular escape for Melbourne-ites for over a century now.

Today Queenscliff elegantly combines sophistication with popularity, a rare combination that does not work in most seaside tourist resorts. Its beautiful ocean views and its beaches which have a distinctly untouched feel are complemented by heritage architecture, stately hotels, art galleries, museums, restaurants, trendy cafes and a lush golf course.

Adding to the old world character of the town are horse and cart rides and the Bellarine Peninsula Railway, a 16 kilometre long historic steam railway running from Queenscliff to Drysdale. A journey on this is a great way to see the coast from a beautifully preserved steam carriage.

In the last weekend of November the ever popular Queenscliff Music Festival takes place, attracting crowds from all over the country. It showcases emerging Australian talent and has special guests from overseas as well, so the variety and depth of artist on display is remarkable. Family friendly and in a beautiful location, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.

If you are looking for some home grown produce, some local arts and crafts or your perfect Queenscliff souvenir then head to the markets held every Sunday, where you are sure to pick up a bargain. To brush up on the history of the area, you can visit one of several museums, including the Queescliff Historical Centre, the Queenscliff Maritime Museum and the Marine Discovery Centre. Your best means of exploring Queenscliff and the surrounding region is in a hire car from Discovery Car Hire.

The Yarra Valley is where wine production in Victoria first found itself. That was in 1838, when the first vines were planted, and today more than 55 wineries have established themselves in the beautiful lush expanses of the Valley. Just 60 kilometres north east of Melbourne, it has turned into a prime destination for wine connoisseurs, culinary fanatics or anyone after a relaxing break in a stunning environment.

The valley is only 25 kilometres long, and measures 15 kilometres wide at its widest point, so everything is within easy reach of itself. The largest town is Healesville, with a population of about 5000 people, and this is where most people choose to stay. If there the Healesville Sanctuary is worth a look if you want to experience some Aussie wildlife!

A smaller place that will appeal to history buffs as its the site of Victorias first vintage is Yering, a small parish in the heart of the valley. If you want to treat yourself then the Chateau Yering is an opulent five star hotel where you can indulge all your senses!

A great time to visit the Yarra Valley is in February, when the Grape Grazing Festival is on- a festival that not only celebrates vintage but also the cultures and traditions of the Yarra. This article will give you more ideas of things to do in the Yarra.

A hire car from Discovery is a comfortable and safe way to see the Yarra Valley. The rolling hills criss crossed with perfect clear rivers make for great driving country, and there are lots of interesting spots you can stop off and visit, such as Victorias highest waterfall, Stevenson Falls. The region has its cool climate to thank for its wine productivity, so remember to pack some warm clothes!

Twenty minutes south of the Western Australian capital Perth the port city of Fremantle sits at the mouth of the Swan River. Its a city that operates on two levels- on the first it is the busiest and most important port in the state, on the second it is a cosmopolitan, funky urban centre that seamlessly blends the old and the new to create a timeless and attractive place to visit.

Its long and rich history has been preserved in many vestiges of heritage all over the city. Just on a casual walk through the suburbs you will spot stunning examples of mid Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and there are numerous museums where you can further delve into the history. Highly recommended is the WA maritime museum, whose remarkable collection of artefacts includes a reconstruction of the Dutch ship Batavia, which sank here in 1629.

There is a definite bohemian air to Fremantle, all the shops and cafes have a very creative edge and its no surprise that some of the countries biggest bands have come from here. Very skilled buskers straddle the street corners, and live music is a stalwart form of entertainment in the pubs and clubs. For a more indepth look at Fremantle have a read of this article.

If you’re looking for a souvenir, some filler for your picnic basket or just want an interesting and fun experience then head to the Fremantle Markets on South Terrace. These indoor markets are located on the ‘cappuccino strip’, so theres lots of cafes to rest your shop-weary legs in! They contain over 150 stalls with goods and food from all over the world- an intriguing cultural experience.

To top off your trip to Fremantle have a meal and a drink in the Little Creatures Brewery. This micro brewery lets you choose the beer you want to drink out of the actual vat it was brewed in! Built in an old boat shed, theres lots of table room and it always attracts a crowd. Travelling around Fremantle is as easy as making a free online booking with Discovery Car Hire!