Australia by Car

A 260 kilometre long kaleidoscope of colour alive with weird and wonderful underwater creatures, Ningaloo Reef is a must-see for any visitors to Western Australia. Often compared to its eastern big brother the Great Barrier Reef in terms of the diversity of life on display, Ningaloo has one distinct advantage: its ease of accessibility. Most of it lies just a short swim from the shore! Check this article for more reef details.

Most visitors to the reef stay in Exmouth, which is a 1270 kilometre flight from Perth. An old navy town, Exmouth is now base to many diving and fishing charters that will help you explore this beautiful stretch of the coast. Being so close to the shore, the reef is perfect for snorkelling which really opens it up to kids and the less mobile. With over 500 species of tropical fish and 220 species of coral, the minute your mask goes under the surface a whole new world is opened up!

The underwater life gets a whole lot bigger than tropical fish too… in fact it gets up to 14 metres in length! Im talking about the whale sharks, the gentle giants that inhabit these waters between March and June. Their presence is celebrated in the Whaleshark Festival held every year in May, and if you get the opportunity to dive with these beautiful beasts you’ll never forget it. Other larger animals you may bump into are groups of loveable dugongs, and the occasional Loggerhead or Hawkesville Turtle.

Another attraction of Exmouth is the Cape Range National Park, which is just a 30 minute drive inland. Expect to be blown away by stunning gorges, and when the season is right, carpets of wildflowers. Bird and wildlife fanatics are in for a treat here, as are bushwalkers and hikers.

You’ll need a reliable vehicle if you are going to be exploring the Exmouth coastline, and you don’t get more reliable than Discovery Car Hire!

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!

An hour and a half drive from Melbourne, just east of Geelong and on the tip of the Bellarine Peninsula lies the historic township of Queenscliff. Its colourful past is well represented in sailors cottages, grandiose Victorian-era architecture and a very large military fort overlooking the ocean, and its easy to see why this has been a popular escape for Melbourne-ites for over a century now.

Today Queenscliff elegantly combines sophistication with popularity, a rare combination that does not work in most seaside tourist resorts. Its beautiful ocean views and its beaches which have a distinctly untouched feel are complemented by heritage architecture, stately hotels, art galleries, museums, restaurants, trendy cafes and a lush golf course.

Adding to the old world character of the town are horse and cart rides and the Bellarine Peninsula Railway, a 16 kilometre long historic steam railway running from Queenscliff to Drysdale. A journey on this is a great way to see the coast from a beautifully preserved steam carriage.

In the last weekend of November the ever popular Queenscliff Music Festival takes place, attracting crowds from all over the country. It showcases emerging Australian talent and has special guests from overseas as well, so the variety and depth of artist on display is remarkable. Family friendly and in a beautiful location, this is one festival you don’t want to miss.

If you are looking for some home grown produce, some local arts and crafts or your perfect Queenscliff souvenir then head to the markets held every Sunday, where you are sure to pick up a bargain. To brush up on the history of the area, you can visit one of several museums, including the Queescliff Historical Centre, the Queenscliff Maritime Museum and the Marine Discovery Centre. Your best means of exploring Queenscliff and the surrounding region is in a hire car from Discovery Car Hire.

The Yarra Valley is where wine production in Victoria first found itself. That was in 1838, when the first vines were planted, and today more than 55 wineries have established themselves in the beautiful lush expanses of the Valley. Just 60 kilometres north east of Melbourne, it has turned into a prime destination for wine connoisseurs, culinary fanatics or anyone after a relaxing break in a stunning environment.

The valley is only 25 kilometres long, and measures 15 kilometres wide at its widest point, so everything is within easy reach of itself. The largest town is Healesville, with a population of about 5000 people, and this is where most people choose to stay. If there the Healesville Sanctuary is worth a look if you want to experience some Aussie wildlife!

A smaller place that will appeal to history buffs as its the site of Victorias first vintage is Yering, a small parish in the heart of the valley. If you want to treat yourself then the Chateau Yering is an opulent five star hotel where you can indulge all your senses!

A great time to visit the Yarra Valley is in February, when the Grape Grazing Festival is on- a festival that not only celebrates vintage but also the cultures and traditions of the Yarra. This article will give you more ideas of things to do in the Yarra.

A hire car from Discovery is a comfortable and safe way to see the Yarra Valley. The rolling hills criss crossed with perfect clear rivers make for great driving country, and there are lots of interesting spots you can stop off and visit, such as Victorias highest waterfall, Stevenson Falls. The region has its cool climate to thank for its wine productivity, so remember to pack some warm clothes!

Phillip Island is best known for its Grand Prix racing circuit, the 4 kilometre long track where the Australian Moto GP is held each year. But the rest of this island is a far cry from thudding motors and pit girls- in fact its a serene, very scenic haven with sweeping landscapes, friendly locals and plenty of wildlife.

There is 100 kilometres of coastline to explore, coastline that boasts quiet secluded bays, swimming beaches, rocky cliffs and waves that many surfers claim to be better than those even at Bells Beach. The population of 7000 residents is spread between small townships such as San Remo and Cowes, and in these you will find a variety of accommodation to suit every budget.

Phillip Island is often referred to as Nature Island, and its wildlife attractions have helped put it on the tourist map. The most popular of these is the ‘Penguin Parade’, located on Summerland Beach. Every evening the resident colony of Little Penguins make the march from the oceans waves, up the beach and to their sandy burrows. This has become quite the attraction, and there is a marine centre, Nobbies, built next to the beach. Read this article for more info on the attractions of the island.

Other wildlife attractions are the Koala Conservation Centre, and Seal Rocks, where a colony of 16000 fur seals has made their home. You can follow up a morning of nature watching with a trip out to Churchill Island. Accessed by a bridge from the mainland, this small island is home to a complete working farm complete with all its original equipment- a fascinating insight into history.

Just over a two hour drive from the centre of Melbourne, Phillip Island could just be the perfect weekend retreat. For a great deal on a hire car to get there and back, check out Discovery Car Hire.

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 hire car to get to Townsville or to explore the coastline, check out Discovery Car Hire.