Australia by Car

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.

In the lush surrounds of Far North Queensland, nestled in amongst the rainforest and just a stones throw from the marine wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, lies the sophisticated and classy town of Port Douglas. The hour long drive from Cairns sticks close to the shore, taking you past the empty white beaches and the gently swaying palms that line the Coral Sea. In the distance the dark mass of Cape Tribulation can be made out extending into the ocean- a tourist destination in itself by virtue of its natural beauty and the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest that covers it.

Port Douglas is a serene tourist haven that caters to everyone from backpackers to the more well off searching for a luxurious break. Once a fishing village, it is the closest port to the Great Barrier Reef, and you will find much of the activities available here are aquatic based. Scuba diving and snorkelling are particular popular, with charters available out to the Barrier Reef as well as to other smaller reefs that lie nearby. For the ultimate experience go on a Skysafari helicopter tour over the reef and to an isolated spot where lunch is provided and you are able to snorkel to your hearts content. Have a read of this article for more ideas of things to see and do in Port Douglas.

Obviously there are lots of accommodation options in Port Douglas, but if you really want to spoil yourself stay at the newest resort in town, POOL. Centred around two 185 metre pools, it is the essence of luxury and the perfect means to forget about your life and just relax.

Car hire will give you the freedom to explore the town and the nearby attractions such as Mossman Gorge in comfort and style.