Australia by Car

Take a two and a half hour drive inland from Sydney and you will come across the oldest inland settlement in Australia, Bathurst. This regional centre of New South Wales is one of Australia’s fastest growing modern cities and is best known for the Mount Panorama Racing Circuit which is the venue for the Bathurst 1000 Race, held each year in October.

Bathurst was originally occupied by the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people and it wasn’t until 1815 that it was founded by white settlement. The town boomed after the discovery of gold in the area’s river and since then, has continued to thrive into a bright and vibrant regional city of the central tablelands.

In 1938 the Mount Panorama Scenic Drive was opened to the public and it was at this point that Bathurst became the home of motor racing in Australia. The unique rural setting has made it one of the world’s top 3 racing circuits and home to the V8 Supercar Race Series. The year’s biggest event occurs from the 9th to the 12th of October, when the V8’s take to the track for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000. This draws in thousands of motor racing enthusiasts and is an internationally recognised event.

V8 Supercars are not the only thing that Bathurst has to offer! Other notable attractions in the area include the Bathurst Observatory, Miniature Railway, Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum, the Bathurst Courthouse and Gaol and Kings Parade. The city is home to excellent accommodation, restaurants and shopping, offering something for all!

Bathurst is easily accessible by car, which is made even easier by car hire. Take your time on the drive and soak up the inland beauty of the central tablelands of New South Wales. This is a trip that you won’t soon forget!

Mandurah is one of the most thriving regional cities in Western Australia. It is located just an hour’s drive south of Perth, which makes it the perfect place to escape to for the weekend. Staying in the peaceful city of Mandurah allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life and ease into a more laid back, mellow cosmopolitan setting.

Home to a unique blend of coastal, bushland, industry and inner-city living, there is always something happening in Mandurah. The area is known as the capital of the Peel region and is home to some of Australia’s finest waterways. This status has made it one of the country’s most popular places for fishing, crabbing and prawning, attracting enthusiasts all year round. The area is also famous for its abundance of surrounding wineries, which thrive in the ideal climate of the Peel region. The award winning wines will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

This premier leisure region offers something for everyone when it comes to recreational and thrilling adventures. Catch a glimpse of the bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the many waterways of Mandurah or take a white-water rafting cruise on one of the surrounding rivers. However, if all you want to do is sit back, relax and take it easy, Mandurah offers a relaxed, holiday atmosphere that will allow you to do this with ease.

Exploring Mandurah and the Peel region is made easy if you have your own set of wheels. Car Rental will make your trip to Mandurah all that more enjoyable. All you have to do is have a good time, take in the stunning and beautiful surrounds and take lots of photos to remember this special place.

The city of Perth is the fourth largest city in Australia and is our Western state’s capital. The city itself is located 20 kilometres inland from the south west coast, nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Darling Range. The city centre is positioned right on the banks of the Swan River, which provides the basis for many of the city’s recreational activities.

Perth was founded by Captain James Stirline in 1829 and since then has grown into one of Australia’s most thriving metropolises. Surrounded by rolling hills and valleys of native bushland, vineyards and orchards, the city enjoys a stunning backdrop of spectacular scenery. The main buzz of the city is focused on Swan River, which flows through the very heart of the city centre. Take one of the famous river cruises and soak up the panoramic views of the city, King’s Park and the Botanic Gardens. The sights will leave you amazed and in awe as their beauty is simple breathtaking.

There is a great wealth of shopping opportunities within and around Perth and most attractions are easily accessible through the frequently running ferries on the Swan River. This is the perfect way to get around because it will allow you to take your car rental with you wherever you want to go.

The modern and vibrant city is nicely contrasted with its historic counterpart - the port city of Fremantle. This picturesque city is only a 20 minute car drive north of Perth, which makes it an essential place to visit while staying here.

The city of Perth offers pleasant contrasts between cosmopolitan and natural attractions. This is the fundamental reason for the city’s undeniable growth and prosperity over the past few decades. Next time you are in Western Australia or trying to decide on your next holiday destination, be sure to add Perth to your itinerary.

The historic city of Shepparton is the fifth largest city in Victoria. Located just 180 kilometres north of Melbourne, Shepparton is the perfect place to escape to for the weekend, all year round. The dynamic and diverse community enjoys a strong and prominent dairy industry and is the producer of some of Australia’s highest quality fresh and processed fruits.

The Shepparton area features magnificent food and wine and several wineries can be found within a one hour’s drive of the city itself. Visit some of Australia’s finest wineries and vineyards and sample the delicious tastes of this stunning region.

The city of Shepparton enjoys glorious weather all year round, which makes it the perfect place for fishing, boating and water activities. The city is adjacent to the Goulburn River and the Broken and Murray River’s also flow through and around the city fringe. There is also an abundance of natural wetlands, which are the home to some of Australia’s most unique flora and fauna. Take some time to discover these natural highlights which are guaranteed to take your breath away.

The regional status of Shepparton allows it a vibrant diversity of cultural, outdoor and sporting activities. The city transforms with each changing season, which is most evident through the rows of fruit trees that line the surrounding hills and valleys. The colour and vibrancy of this stunning area offer picturesque sights that will be embedded in your memory forever.

Shepparton is the perfect place to escape to on your next driving holiday adventure. Car Hire will make your driving experience simple and easy so all you have to do is enjoy the drive and the stunning scenery on offer!

St Kilda is a unique place situated on the most picturesque points of Port Phillip Bay. It is one of the largest inner city suburbs of Melbourne and is the most densely populated within the Bay region. St Kilda is home to many safe and sandy beaches and is known as one of the trendiest places to be in Melbourne. The busy cafe and shopping lifestyle make it an area of sharp social contrasts. The colour and vibrancy of this continuously emerging suburb gives it a unique arts culture that rivals that of Brisbane’s Southbank and the Melbourne CBD.

The next time you are visiting Melbourne, you simply have to check out some of St Kilda’s highlights. Perhaps the most famous of these is Luna Park. This historic fun fair is most recognisable for its famous clown face entrance and draws in thousands of tourists each year without fail.

Acland Street of one of Melbourne’s most stylish food precincts. The street is lined with busy cafes and restaurants which makes it the number one hotspot for tourists to the area. The busy cafes and nation-famous cake shops are close to St Kilda’s beaches which makes it one of the area’s most popular hotspots!

It is also worth taking a drive along the Upper and Lower Esplanades. Car Hire will make it easy for you to enjoy the stone buildings and architectural highlights that line the streets. The Upper Esplanade is also home to the St Kilda Baths and the Royal Yacht Squadron, which makes it a must-do on your list of St Kilda activities.

Discover the trendy and modern lifestyle of Melbourne’s most thriving suburb and you won’t leave disappointed. St Kilda offers a pleasant blend of art, culture and seaside living that is sure to keep you coming back for more.

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth largest city in Australia. Enjoying a pleasant contrast between coastal and inland life, this thriving commercial centre rests just beside the Southern Ocean, adjacent to Adelaide Plains and west of the Fleurieu Peninsula. The regional area stretches 20 kilometres from the coast to the foothills and the city itself is surrounded by stunning parklands. The planned city of Adelaide is rich in festivals and food, art and culture and shopping and sports. The vibrant inner city districts are a shopping lover’s parade, with Rundle Hall the shopping heart of the city. Immerse yourself in the local culture and take a stroll down North Terrace. This cultural boulevard is home to amazing museums, interesting art galleries, luscious gardens and unique wine centres. The streets of the city are lined with sophisticated architecture and colourfully vibrant gardens. The sights of the city are simply stunning and leave you feeling refreshed and somewhat more culturally aware. Venturing away from the metropolitan heart of the city will allow you to discover the beach districts that span 30 kilometres of Australian coast. Enjoy the village feel and laid back atmosphere of the seaside districts as you enjoy a refreshing dip or dine at one of the many alfresco cafes, overlooking the ocean. The white sandy beaches and clear, blue waters capture the eye’s attention and create a pristine background! For further exploration of the marine highlights of Adelaide drive your car rental out to Port Adelaide. This is the maritime heart of the region and is sure to offer something for everyone! Explore the museums or watch in amazement as the dolphins pay a visit to frolic in the harbour waters. Port Adelaide captures the essence of Adelaide’s seaside atmosphere and the fresh, sea breeze is sure to leave you feeling rejuvenated and alive! The city of Adelaide encompasses everything a successful city needs to thrive; a cosmopolitan feel, seaside living and a relaxed and vibrant lifestyle. This makes it the perfect destination for your next driving holiday adventure!

When taking a driving holiday in the Northern Territory you simply can’t go past the cultural centre of Katherine. The town of Katherine is one of the larger towns that you will come across on the route from Darwin to Alice Springs and it is the perfect place to stay a night or two.

The commercial centre of Katherine is home to several shopping complexes, including a few fantastic art and craft stores. Around the main street you will find the Katherine Museum, the Old Train Station, the Springvale Homestead and the School of Air. This modern, thriving regional centre is rich in culture and heritage and offers something for everyone in the main street alone.

As you begin to venture out of the town itself you will find therapeutic thermal pools scattered by the roads, which you can easily stop at for a quick dip and therapy session. The Katherine Low Level Nature Park and the Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park are also must-sees in the area. These natural highlights encompass stunning landscape settings and are perfect for those keen photographers out there.

The main attraction of Katherine is undoubtedly the Katherine Gorge National Park. This natural wonderland is located just 30 kilometres out of town, which you can be made easy through car hire! The National Park is home to 13 gorges, each divided by rapids. Take a boat tour, canoe the Katherine River and take a hiking adventure while you take in the looming sandstone cliffs of this magnificent area.

Whether you are seeking to get back in touch with nature or want to experience the commercial side of the outback, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Katherine!

If you are searching to holiday in an unspoilt environment, while gaining a genuine nature experience, then a visit to Kangaroo Valley is in order! The valley is located just two hours from both Sydney and Canberra, making it the ideal destination for a weekend escape from the crowds.

Kangaroo Valley is home to some of Australia’s most unique wildlife, plants and ancient geology. Enclosed in high sandstone escarpments and nestled on the banks of the Kangaroo River, this region is the perfect place to get back in touch with nature, relax and unwind.

When you visit the Kangaroo Valley Region, you simply can’t go past the State Scenic Tourist Drives. Take the journey from Albion Park to Bomaderry and then from Bomaderry to Berry. Enjoy the waterfalls lookouts, national parks and historic walks and buildings, which can all be taken in from the comfort of your very own car rental.

These scenic routes will take you past the Pioneer Museum Park, which is a historical settlement that depicts the late half of the 19th and the early half of the 20th century. Yarrawa Estate is another of the many attractions that will catch your eye. Pay a visit to this boutique vineyard where you can sample some of the region’s finest, award-winning wine.

Another drawing card of the area is the Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, which is held annually in September. The event is host to Australian and International folk performers, featuring musicians, buskers, dancers, poets and folk dancers. This is a must-do if you are in the area at the time, as it will give you a sense of the culture that is so prominent in this area.

When staying in Kangaroo Valley, you may wish to spoil yourself and spend the weekend at the local Spa Retreat. Let the locals pamper you and take care of your every need as you experience the wildlife corridors, pastoral land and native forests that make this area so unique.

The town of Westbury is one of the many historical highlights of Tasmania. Located on the Bass Highway, just 34 kilometres from Launceston and 64 kilometres from Davenport, Westbury is the perfect place to base yourself for exploration of these two amazing cities, as well as the Tamar Wineries, Cradle Mountain and Mole Creek Caves.

The town enjoys an English feel and some may say that time has stood still since its founding in the 1820’s. Its location in the northern regions of Tasmania allows it to enjoy stunning surrounding scenery and the very streets of Westbury itself are also a sight to behold. The tree-lined streets, old courtyards and stables and elegant old inns capture the very essence of the town’s history and make for interesting strolls through the town centre.

While visiting the town of Westbury there are many attractions that are sure to grab your eye’s attention. A visit to “The White House” will take you back in time as you explore the historical buildings that are set within a magnificent courtyard. The buildings are home to antique English oak furniture, china and paintings which take you back in time to the early days of England. Make a visit to Pearns Steam World where you will find over 100 steam engines, the largest collection in Australia. Or get yourself lost in the Westbury Maze and discover your true sense of direction.

Most people choose to stay at the Westbury Gingerbread Cottages while in town. These individual colonial cottages are replicas of old English cottages and they will make your stay in Westbury a very pleasant one!

The easiest way to get to or explore Westbury is by car. Car hire will take care of all your needs, which will take all the hassle out of planning your next trip to Westbury!