Australia by Car

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.