Australia by Car

Looking to visit a thriving, culturally and historically rich city in New South Wales, but want to avoid the crowds of Sydney? If you answered yes, then Newcastle is just the place for you to visit on your next driving holiday. Located just a two-hour drive north of Sydney, it is easy for you to pick up your rental car from Discovery Car Hire in Sydney and then take the 162 kilometre drive in style.

Newcastle is the second largest and most populated city in the state and is known as the capital and economic centre of the Hunter Region. It is Australia’s only city that is bounded by pristine beaches and an active working harbour. Situated on the mouth of the Hunter River and reaching out to the sea, this is the largest coal export harbour in the world.

However, the coal industry is not the only thriving aspect of this amazing city. Newcastle is also home to the oldest theatre districts in Australia and the main streets of the city are still lined with many prominent historical buildings. This gives the city an authentic charm, which is further emphasised by the strong sense of art and culture in the community. The local art galleries play a significant part in the region’s tourism industry and attract people from far and wide who are in search of stunning Australian art.

The metropolitan atmosphere of the city shares a nice contrast with the natural bushland and stunning beaches that abound on the outskirts of the region. Home to 10 magnificent beaches, Newcastle offers ample opportunities for visitors to take part in recreational activities of all kinds. This makes it the ideal holiday destination for the whole family!

The lush, green hills that surround Byron Bay are home to the quaint, rustic town of Bangalow. Positioned on the spectacular north coast of New South Wales, this hideaway is the perfect place to stop for a while and even spend the night.

Having driven this route many times, I can honestly tell you that driving in this area will simply take your breath away. This section of the Pacific Highway is marked by windy, mountainous roads, densely, rich forest and spectacular views of the stunning coastline. The best way to take in the natural ambience here is in the comfort of your car, and hiring a car has never been so easy thanks to the team at Discovery Car Hire.

Once you arrive in the actual township of Bangalow, you will find a relaxed, yet stylish village. The main street is lined with Federation-era facades, creating a quaint and historical charm to this humble abode. It is here that the Bangalow Music Festival comes to life, each year at the end of August. Experience some true Australian music and gain an appreciation of the local culture and traditions.

If you are lucky enough to be passing by on the fourth Sunday of the month, be sure to check out the Bangalow Markets, where you will find an abundance of local arts, crafts and food. Browse the interesting displays and who knows, you may even find your own little piece of Bangalow to keep.

Before you head into the seaside haven of Byron Bay, you simply must take some time to explore the charm of Bangalow. The country feel to this quaint township will welcome you with open arms and leave you feeling fresh and invigorated!

Jervis Bay is the hidden jewel of the South Coast. Located in between Sydney and Melbourne, the Bay offers a quiet getaway destination for couples and families all year round.

This small, tourist town has certain magnetism to it, which is what draws in the thousands of tourists each year. Perhaps it is the pristine, blue waters or the incredibly spotless sand of the rugged beaches, which has become known as the cleanest and whitest sand within National Park and Marine Habitats in Australia. The hidden creeks and inlets offer quiet, secluded picnicking spots and the bushwalking tracks offer scenic routes of this virtually untouched area.

The unspoiled bays and beaches, rugged scenery, topographical mountains and crystal clear waterfalls offer an abundance of outdoor activities to the new visitor. Choose to kayak, fish or scuba dive in the pure and tranquil waters or take in the wonders of the ocean on a Dolphin Watch Cruise or a fishing charter. Jervis Bay is the friendly home to the most fascinating of marine life, including dolphins and whales, which regularly come to the surface for our viewing pleasure.

Immerse yourself in the rugged landscape on horseback, on foot or in the comfort of your car. Explore the scenic countryside and the tropical national parks, making sure to take notice of the natural flora and fauna that thrive in this unscathed environment.

Discover the charming small towns and chose from a variety of comfortable accommodation, ranging from caravan parks and camping to romantic Bed & Breakfast’s.

All the beauty and nature of Jervis Bay can be discovered from the comfort and style of your hire car from Discovery Car Hire . Travelling by car makes the experience in Jervis Bay an enjoyable and rememberable experience at any time of the year.

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 hire car from Discovery Car Hire and head off to the Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley or any of the other nearlying attractions!