Australia by Car

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.