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 car rental 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.

Car hire will give you the freedom to explore the town and the nearby attractions such as Mossman Gorge in comfort and style.