Australia by Car

As winter sets in and things begin to cool down the ski resorts of Victoria and New South Wales begin to heat up! As usual the name on the tip of everyones tongues is Falls Creek, Victoria’s largest alpine village and one of the state’s most prominent tourist destinations. Whilst offering a range of activities throughout the year, its in winter that this snow resort really comes alive. With the snow season starting on the Victorian Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend and running through to October, now is the time to get booking that snowboarding holiday!

Falls creek is a true self contained resort village, so everything you may need or want to make your stay comfortable is easily available. The lodging throughout the resort is ski-in ski-out, and the ski lift takes you to the top of the slopes. There are a wide range of skiing and snow boarding terrains available that cater to beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers or snow boarders. And at Falls creek the fun doesnt stop when the sun goes down- in fact thats when it truly begins, as the bars and nightclubs open their doors to snow-weary holiday makers.

The great thing about this ski resort is that if the snowfall isnt adequate, they just make their own! Ideally situated next to a large lake that provides all the water they need for snow making, Falls Creek can guarantee that there will be snow.

Getting there involves a 4 and a half hour drive from Melbourne, or an easy days drive from Sydney. Alternatively you could fly into Albury, and pick up a hire car there. Coaches and buses also run into Falls from a number of destinations.

In the lush surrounds of Far North Queensland, nestled in amongst the rainforest and just a stones throw from the marine wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, lies the sophisticated and classy town of Port Douglas. The hour long drive from Cairns sticks close to the shore, taking you past the empty white beaches and the gently swaying palms that line the Coral Sea. In the distance the dark mass of Cape Tribulation can be made out extending into the ocean- a tourist destination in itself by virtue of its natural beauty and the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest that covers it.

Port Douglas is a serene tourist haven that caters to everyone from backpackers to the more well off searching for a luxurious break. Once a fishing village, it is the closest port to the Great Barrier Reef, and you will find much of the activities available here are aquatic based. Scuba diving and snorkelling are particular popular, with charters available out to the Barrier Reef as well as to other smaller reefs that lie nearby. For the ultimate experience go on a Skysafari helicopter tour over the reef and to an isolated spot where lunch is provided and you are able to snorkel to your hearts content. Have a read of this article for more ideas of things to see and do in Port Douglas.

Obviously there are lots of accommodation options in Port Douglas, but if you really want to spoil yourself stay at the newest resort in town, POOL. Centred around two 185 metre pools, it is the essence of luxury and the perfect means to forget about your life and just relax.

A rental car will give you the freedom to explore the town and the nearby attractions such as Mossman Gorge in comfort and style.

Established in the 1930’s as a Gold Rush town, Tennant Creek is often referred to as the ‘Golden Heart’ of the Northern Territory, a name that also reflects the open friendliness of the locals there. 1000 kilometers south of Darwin, and 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek may seem far from anywhere but there is plenty to do and see on your driving holiday here.

The Davenport Range National Park is not far away, and neither are the Barkley Tablelands. Both contain prime examples of the typical outback landscapes- stark, vast and beautiful. Have a read of this article for an indepth look at some of the attractions of the region.

The highlight of the year in Tennant Creek are the St Patricks Day Races, held in March every year now for 24 years. These races are all about the family, there are loads of activities for the kids in the form of games, competitions and the like, and of course everyone watches the horses thunder past on the dusty track.

Tennant Creek is roughly the same size as New Zealand, so theres a lot of exploring to be done! This is cattle country, and some of the worlds largest cattle stations can be found here. The area also has a rich Aboriginal history, which you can find out more about at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Cultural Centre. The comfort and style of a hire car will help you cover those long distances!

Launceston in North-East Tasmania offers the ultimate holiday experience. Tasmania’s second oldest city, it is tucked away in the Tamar Valley where the Tamar and South Esk Rivers meet - a region whose natural beauty is matched by its rich history. The seasonal trees that line the river and the main streets provide visitors with an everchanging kaleidoscope of colour, and will probably encourage people to hop into their hire car and explore the Tamar Valley further. With an excellent reputation for its sparkling wines and pinots, a tour of the many vineyards in the Valley is going to be interesting and educational experience.

For more ideas of what to do in and around the city read this article.
But the tour that gets everyone talking in Launceston is the James Boags Brewery Tour. The Tour starts in the Tamar Hotel, at the Boags Centre for Beer Lovers, and concludes in the same place. Through its ninety minute length you will go on a circuit of the entire brewery, from the brew house to the packaging line. Along the way you will learn of the history of Boags from when it was formed in the 1880’s right up to the present day. You will watch the beer making process and experience all the types of beers by touch, sight and smell!

Tours operate every weekday, and cost 25 bucks for adults, and 22 bucks discounted or for children. And if its a cheap deal your looking for on a hire car, then visit Discovery Car Hire.