Australia by Car

Australia’s first irrigation colony, Renmark, is nestled on the banks of the Murray River in South Australia. As part of the sundrenched Riverland region, Renmark boasts an idyllic setting, with the banks of the River Murray making it a perfect base for a boating and fishing holiday. Situated just 142 kilometres from Mildura and 254 kilometres from Adelaide, Renmark is perfect for that weekend getaway you have been longing to take!

Known as the oldest settlement on the Murray River, the historical atmosphere of this town is eminent in every bend and twist of the river. Visiting the Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum will give you a greater understanding of the colony’s origins and allow you to gain an appreciation of the local way of life.

Visit the Frank Harding Gallery and experience Australia’s largest unique memorial depicting our country’s most famous bushrangers. The history and culture of Renmark abounds in the stunning art displays by local artists and enthusiasts.

Cruising the river on Big River Rumbler or reliving the steamboat era on one of the few remaining paddle-steamers, will allow you to experience the peace and tranquillity of this famous river, as well as discovering Renmark’s pioneer past. Alternatively, hire a dinghy and explore the stunning backwater environment of the Murraylands region. This will allow you to travel at your own pace and soak up the unique wonders of South Australia’s most prominent body of water!

The Riverland also boasts the largest grape producing area in Australia. Sample some of Australia’s finest wines at one of the local wineries, or take a guided tour to learn about how the grapes are grown and the wine is produced.

Discovering the historical, cultural and natural wonders of Renmark is made easy in your hire car from Discovery Car Hire. Cruise along at your own pace and soak up the sights and scenes that this traditional town offers!

Whyalla is the largest city in the Upper Spencer Gulf Region, located on the Western foreshores. The small town is easily accessible and is situated just under 400 kilometres from Adelaide, the capital of South Australia.

Some say that Whyalla is where “the outback meets the sea”. This is most likely because of the untouched outback landscape and the vast coastline scenic views which encapsulate the essence of the city. Whyalla is a great holiday destination, rich in culture and heritage, with friendly locals and a welcoming feel.

There is an abundance of local activities available for the whole family to enjoy. The beaches, in particular the new Foreshore area, offer safe swimming and fishing, along with excellent BBQ and playground facilities. Visitors can also venture along the countless walking tracks, located along the coastline. The Flinders & Freycinet Lookout boasts spectacular views of the Upper Spencer Gulf, Southern Flinders Range and Middleback Range in the West. The local history shines through in the featured Memorial to Matthew Flinders, the original European Navigator of South Australia.

Whyalla’s history and heritage is dominant in the Whyalla Conservation Park. A feature of the park is Wild Dog Hill, which is packed full of native flora and fauna. The park is also an important landmark in Aboriginal history and the concept of Dreaming Stories.

Driving along the Northern Coastline near Whyalla, you will come across Fitzgerald Bay, which has impressive views of the Blue Gulf Waters and the Southern Flinders Range. While driving along the coast you will also notice the Shingle Beach Ridges, a geographical phenomenon of stone ridge man-made barriers.

Popular caravan parks in the Whyalla region include the Foreshore Caravan Park and Whyalla Caravan Park. Both offer comfortable accommodation to suit any budget and the Foreshore Caravan Park is complete beach front.

The best way to travel around Whyalla is by car as this allows you to take in the amazing sights and destinations with time and ease. To find a car that suits you, be sure to visit Discovery Car Hire and let them help make your trip to Whyalla, a holiday to remember!

In the Adelaide Hills just 28 kilometres south east of the centre of Adelaide lies the historic settlement of Hahndorf, often referred to as ‘Australias oldest German town’. Settled in 1839 its strong German roots make it an interesting historical place for a weekend or a daytrip away. Expect to indulge your senses in delighful German confectionary, and enjoy the stories of the descendants of the early German settlers in the pubs and cafes on the tree lined main street.

There are a number of places to stay, with accommodation ranging from bed and breakfasts to motels and caravan parks. To really get into the spirit of the town then book into the German Arms Hotel. Distinguished by its typically German flower boxes, it is right on the main street, so you can sit on the balcony and watch the crowds go by.

An attraction you cannot miss is the Cedars, the home and studio of the famous artist Hans Heysen for over half a century. Today it is open to the public, and there is a large collection of his art on display. Take a guided tour which runs daily, or enjoy strolling at your own leisure through the 60 ha of gardens. Have a read of this article to find out more things to do in the Adelaide Hills.

Another interesting place to visit is Beerenberg Farm, which has been home to over five generations of the Paech Family. Now world famous for their delectable jams, you can take tours of the farm and participate in activites like strawberry picking- always great fun for kids.

With so much to see and do in Hahndorf and the Adelaide Hills, you will need a hire car from Discovery to let you take it all in!

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 hirecar to get there then check out Discovery Car Hire.