Australia by Car

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 car rental 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 with a 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 rental car 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 car hire!

Deep in central western Queensland lies the legendary township many consider to be the heart of the Sunshine State- Longreach. Experience the rich heritage and delve into the colourful past of this pioneering town which was settled in the 1870’s, and enjoy the outback stories of the friendly locals over a pint of beer in the local pub.

There are a variety of man made and natural attractions to see in Longreach. The Thompson River is a great spot for an evening river cruise, and fishermen will love to try their hand at catching the tasty yellow belly that lurk in its depths. This is one of Queenslands most prosperous wool and beef areas, so visit a farm and get shown the ropes of the industry. Read this article for more information on the region.

The Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach is one of the biggest attractions in Central Queensland. This large, modern establishment pays tribute to the pioneering men and women whose lives contributed to the outback lifestyle as we know it today. Its historical timeline is accurate and interesting, and you’re gonna need a few hours to fully appreciate it.

Longreach also has a long association with Qantas, which actually had its first operational base in the town before it grew into our national airline. This hangar is now part of the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, a great place to brush up on your aviation history and browse the records and artefacts in the museum.

Longreach is pretty far from anywhere… but remember the journey is half the destination. Pick up a car rental and drive the 1181 km from Brisbane or the 687 km from Rockhampton. Alternatively you could fly into Longreach Airport!

Phillip Island is best known for its Grand Prix racing circuit, the 4 kilometre long track where the Australian Moto GP is held each year. But the rest of this island is a far cry from thudding motors and pit girls- in fact its a serene, very scenic haven with sweeping landscapes, friendly locals and plenty of wildlife.

There is 100 kilometres of coastline to explore, coastline that boasts quiet secluded bays, swimming beaches, rocky cliffs and waves that many surfers claim to be better than those even at Bells Beach. The population of 7000 residents is spread between small townships such as San Remo and Cowes, and in these you will find a variety of accommodation to suit every budget.

Phillip Island is often referred to as Nature Island, and its wildlife attractions have helped put it on the tourist map. The most popular of these is the ‘Penguin Parade’, located on Summerland Beach. Every evening the resident colony of Little Penguins make the march from the oceans waves, up the beach and to their sandy burrows. This has become quite the attraction, and there is a marine centre, Nobbies, built next to the beach. Read this article for more info on the attractions of the island.

Other wildlife attractions are the Koala Conservation Centre, and Seal Rocks, where a colony of 16000 fur seals has made their home. You can follow up a morning of nature watching with a trip out to Churchill Island. Accessed by a bridge from the mainland, this small island is home to a complete working farm complete with all its original equipment- a fascinating insight into history.

Just over a two hour drive from the centre of Melbourne, Phillip Island could just be the perfect weekend retreat. For a great deal on a car to get there and back, check out car hire.

Sydney is probably the city that best represents us on the international tourist scene… it is the first port of call for most visitors here, and no visit to our large island would be complete without checking out the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge!

A city of bright lights, rich in culture and heritage and with some of the most beautiful ‘urban’ shoreline in the world, the capital of New South Wales has everything to offer the discerning traveller.

With a population of over 4 million, Sydney has a cosmopolitan and multi cultural vibe to it that is represented in the diversity of cuisine and shopping experiences you can have there. A favourite place to ‘hang out’ is the Rocks, the oldest suburb in the city and now a fashionable outdoor shopping precinct.

The beaches form a large part of the Sydney experience, so be sure to check out famous spots like Bondi and Manly Beach. The locals are very proud of their beaches, so make a few friends and find out the quieter spots to go to. Read this article for more about what to see and do in Sydney.

Darling Harbour, Circular Quay and the Taronga Zoo are all spots you should not miss on your Sydney experience. To really treat yourself head to the Sydney Tower for a meal and a drink in the 360 Bar and Dining Room. With its unique rotating floor it offers the finest panoramic view you are likely to ever see!

And if you fancy a bit of country air, then hop into your car rental and head off to the Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley or any of the other nearlying attractions!

Magnetic Island and Townsville are nearly always mentioned in the same breath by tourists. Lying a 25 minute ferry ride off the coast, this lush tropical island has become the towns holiday extension- its own world class weekend getaway! And with over 300 days of sunshine a year, the island attracts visitors from all over the world.
There is a resident population of 2000 people, and the island has a plethora of lodges and hotels that cater to the tastes and budget of all holiday makers, giving it a wide range of appeal.
Adding to its appeal are the 23 bays and beaches that surround the border of the island. There are the popular beaches that are favoured by the tourists for their ease of accessibility and their safety, the largest of these being Horseshoe Bay. At the south of the island lies Picnic Bay, another popular spot which is also home to a nine hole golf course and plenty of shops and bars.
But if you want to see the real Magnetic Island then you need to seek out the beaches that offer you seclusion and privacy, many of which can only be accessed by boat. You can hire small tinnies, or go on day long adventure tours onsailing boats such as the ‘Jazza’, an old style yacht that does tours of the island.

With much of the island being dedicated to National Park the rainforest grows thick and lush. The island rises to a peak in the form of Mt Cook, and between the forest and the hills there are plenty of well maintained trails to keep bushwalkers happy.

There are four small villages along the east coast of the island where most the tourist resorts are all concentrated. No matter your budget, your inclinations or the size of your group, you are sure to find somewhere on Magnetic Island! If you need a car to get to Townsville or to explore the coastline, check out car hire.

The second largest sand island in the world, North Stradbroke is a serene, beautiful holiday destination with a laid back vibe and the scenery to match. Its the perfect spot for a family holiday, and although it is inhabited much of the island is secluded, and the small community of locals go a long way to making you feel welcome here.

The ‘Straddie’ scenery is something special. Blue Lake National Park lies on the East Coast and is a great place to do some exploring. You are able to swim in Blue and Brown Lakes, and there are a number of bushwalking trails all over the island. The most beautiful part of the island however has to be the beaches. Long stretches of white sand at Main, Cylinder and Home beaches provide the perfect spot to chill out, and the consistent swell will keep the surfers happy.

Fishing is also a favourite pursuit, and if its seafood you’re after then head to Amity Point where a number of fishermen sell fresh fish straight from their boats. You could follow this up with a game of bowls at the Point Lookout Bowls Club. For more information on things to do and see on the island read this article on 4×4′ing on Straddie.

Getting to North Stradbroke couldn’t be easier. A barge goes across regularly from Cleveland, a Brisbane suburb that is about 45 minutes drive from the city centre. Rates for the ferry range from 17 dollars to 116 dollars. If you need a good deal on a hire car to get there then visit car rental.

A lion roars and the chattering birds fall silent. Through the dry shrubs a herd of tall giraffes ambles along, eating leaves off the top of the trees. The prehistoric looking rhinoceros can be made out in the distance, heads down, munching grass. Isnt Africa beautiful? Well, this isnt Africa… this is the Monarto Zoo in South Australia, close to the state capital Adelaide.

Monarto is an incredible, 1000 hectare, open range animal sanctuary- the largest zoo in Australia! Its range of habitats provide a home to a large assortment of African and Asian animals. As well as those mentioned above there are ostriches, cheetahs, hyenas, deer, oryxs, camels and many more. A tour through the sanctuary is an incredible experience you will not be able to have anywhere else in the country. Tours are included in the entrance price, and there are also special ‘Behind the Scenes’ tours available that get you up close and personal with the animals.

The town of Monarto is the gateway to the Murraylands region, so you could combine your visit to the zoo with a holiday cruising down the Murray River on a houseboat. For more information on things to do in this region have a read of this article.

The zoo is open every day of the year from 9.30 in the morning to 5 in the evening (although there is no entrance after 3.15). It is reasonably priced for what you get to see and do- adults pay 24 bucks, children under 14 pay 14 bucks, and its 65 bucks for a family. The zoo is 70 kilometres outside of Adelaide, and if you need a reasonably priced car to get there then check out car hire.