Australia by Car

The heart of the Northern Territory is home to Australia’s most inland town, Alice Springs. The ‘Alice’ is the third largest town in the Territory, and sits 30 kilometres south of the Tropic of Capricorn, 608 metres above sea level. The easiest way to access our country’s heartland is via the Stuart Highway, which is an ideal route for your campervan or car to travel along.

Alice Springs is the ideal base for a holiday in the centre, as it is the communication and services hub of central Australia. This regional settlement boasts year round blue skies, with stunning surrounding landscapes. The vivacious, diverse community give the ‘Alice’ its unique identity and the rich cultural heritage is eminent in the local traditions and historical buildings.

Alice Springs has a strong Aboriginal history with the local, original inhabitants displaying an evident traditional link to the land. Originally going by the name of Stuart, after its white discoverer, John McDouall Stuart, the town was renamed ‘Alice Springs’ in 1933. Achieving a population boom after the discovery of gold, the mining and pastoralism of the town remain the backbone of Australian economy.

Alice Spring acts as the base to the Larapinta Trail, one of Australia’s greatest walks. Stretching along 220 kilometres of central Australian wilderness, the trail is the perfect way to experience the wonder and beauty of our country’s outback. The track also has regular road access points, which make it easy for you to drive to your desired places of exploration.

If you are visiting in late August, be sure to check out the Assa Ably Henley-On-Todd Regatta, which is nestled on the Todd River bed. This is the world’s only waterless regatta, making it an original yet hilarious iconic event. This day out exhibits the true Aussie nature of hilarity and amusement.

Capture the heart and essence of our great country and visit the ‘Alice’. Driving through the heart of our nation is easy with a hire car from Discovery Car Hire. This driving experience is a once in a life time experience that will make you want to come back for more!

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!

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.

Our nation’s capital, Canberra, is located, conveniently, in the Australian Capital Territory. Formerly rich, Indigenous land with a strong farming heritage, the purpose-built capital has a unique contrast between nature and urban living, which is evident in the carefully planned structure of the town.

Commonly called a ‘city in the park‘, the planners designed the layout so that it transformed with each distinct season. Scattered amongst parks, gardens and a vast, green open space, Canberra is home to some of Australia’s most incredible natural marvels. The Australian National Botanic Gardens and the Canberra Nature Park are just a taste of the abundance of Australian flora and fauna on display. The man-made lake is also a centre point of the city, offering a recreational base for many of the adventure activities the city offers.

Australia’s history, culture and way of life shine through in the national museums, galleries and institutions. The transition from an Indigenous continent to a modern nation is evident through the high standard of displays and exhibitions, in these nationally acclaimed establishments.

The political history of our great country is also abundant, as Canberra is home to both Old and New Parliament House. Visitors can take guided tours and gain an understanding of the structure and running of Australia. Our war history is also an eminent part of the atmosphere and is heavily embedded in the Australian War Memorial. Visiting this historic site, gives a true sense of what the Australian soldiers endured and allows guests to gain a new found respect and understanding of our ANZAC history.

Although the cultural and historical elements of the city are what make visiting Canberra a truly rememberable experience, we must not forget about the other stimulating tourist attractions; shopping and entertainment. Canberra is known for its luxury boutiques, local designers and creative street markets. While browsing all of the fantastic shops relax in a stylish cafe or dine with a lake view.

Hiring a car from Discovery Car Hire is the perfect way to explore the national marvels of Canberra. The comfort and safety of a hired car means that you can take things at your own pace and stop at all of the amazing sights.

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!

Airlie Beach is known as the gateway to the Whitsundays as it is the focal point of activity on the mainland. The tropical holiday town is situated on the beachfront of Pioneer Bay and overlooks the wondrous Whitsunday Islands. Airlie Beach is easily accessible by car, by driving through Abel Point Marina, which is the home of the Meridien Marinas Airlie Beach Race Week, an annual, internationally recognised, sailing regatta.

Airlie Beach is perfect for those seeking either adventure and action or comfort and relaxation. The tropical ambience of the surrounds, the picturesque beaches and stunning rainforest tracks and waterfalls, offer endless beauty and enjoyment. Visitors can venture off the mainland and explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef on day cruises, while engaging in diving, snorkelling and fishing activities.

Airlie Beach is also the end destination of the Whitsunday Great Walk. The walk, which begins in at Brandy Creek, stretches through tropical rainforest with spectacular views of the islands throughout the entire walk. The walk is a challenge but allows visitors to travel at their desired pace.

Take a short drive inland and you will come across the “Sweetheart of the Whitsundays”, Proserpine. This rural town is the home of the key infrastructure of the Whitsundays and is often referred to as “Barra Country”. The town of Bowen is also popular for fishing lovers, with the scenic beaches offering great fishing “hot spots”.

Most visitors to Airlie Beach chose to stay at the Airlie Beach Hotel, which is situated in the heart of Airlie Beach. The resort-style accommodation encompasses direct water views and prides itself on offering three quality restaurants. The hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodation which allows you to relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

To explore Airlie Beach and surrounding areas in style and comfort, inquire about hiring a car at Discovery Car Hire. Enjoy!

Driving up into the mountains of the Sunshine Coast hinterland there is a noticeable change in the air around you. It takes on a crisp edge- brisk and vibrant. Just by breathing it in you feel more alive- a feeling that can only be complemented by a visit to Montville, a cosy village with spectacular ocean and National Park views.

Montville has the air of an English Village, especially in the winter time when the high altitude makes things rather chilly. Settled in 1887 by citrus growers, the heritage of the region is evident in its architecture. Most of the houses are log and stone cottages built in a definite English style, with a few Swiss and Bavarian cottages thrown in too. Many of the houses offer a view across the coastal plain to the beautiful Sunshine Coast beaches in the distance.

Often referred to as the ‘creative heart of the Sunshine Coast’, Montville contains a delightful collection of galleries, studios and specialty shops, showcasing the arts and crafts of the many artists that glean inspiration from the beautiful surroundings here.

One such creative stronghold worth a visit is the Black Forest Hill Clock Centre, where thousands of cuckoo clocks and German Grandfather Clocks are on display. Built according to the clock making traditions of the Black Forest region in Germany, each clock has meticulous attention to detail and its manufacture is overseen by a genuine German clock maker.

Just north of the village is the Kondalilla National Park, where there are a number of trails that take you through the thick lush rainforest and past stunning waterfalls. Its a great days outing.

Montville and the rest of the Sunshine Coast hinterland are yours to explore in a rental car from Discovery Car Hire. Enjoy!

The town of Chillagoe in Queensland came into being because of the richness of minerals lying beneath its surface. Although now that the heady days of the mineral boom at the turn of the last century are long over, it is what lies underground at Chillagoe that still supports the town.

When the shallow sea covering it receded thousands of years ago the limestone reefs that were exposed have since been shaped by the elements and large underground caves have formed. These caves are one of the chief reasons people come to Chillagoe.

They lie in the Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, and their dazzling caverns and archways covered in stalagmites and stalactites can be explored via several walking tracks or on a guided tour. Expect to see lots of species of bats, and if you are lucky other unique wildlife such as rock pythons!

Its not just the caves that people come for though- its a combination of them, the beautiful outback scenery, the laid back country atmosphere and the mining heritage. This heritage can best be experienced in the Chillagoe Museum, where a collection of old mining equipment and interesting Aboriginal artefacts are on display.

The Chillagoe Mine itself is protected under the State Heritage Register, and in the old township the smelters (where once 1000 people worked) still dominate the skyline. Stories of the mining days of old abound, and you will learn much about the staunch pioneers that established towns like these.

200 kilometres inland from Cairns, a drive in your hire car from there will take about 3 hours. Most people coming here will choose to stay in the Chillagoe Cabins, beautiful self contained cottages that really complement the outback experience. There are also a couple of hotels in town too. For all your hire car needs visit Discovery Car Hire.

Darwin has an unexpected vibe to it. For such a far flung and isolated city it has a very contemporary and cosmopolitan feel - everyone is happy and relaxed, and when the sun goes down the parties really begin. With a strong mix of cultures evident, the Asian influence is especially clear here, and there is a lot of culinary diversity for you to enjoy.

Darwin is mostly used as a base from which explorations of Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks are made. The varied landscapes of Kakadu are only a couple of hours drive away, although you will need at least a couple of days if you want to appreciate the Aboriginal heritage, hordes of wildlife and stunning scenery.

Litchfield, to the south, is even closer, and some say even nicer to visit than Kakadu. It is famous for having numerous waterfalls and high gorges, in which there are plenty of rock pools that have no crocodile inhabitants and are safe to swim in. This article tells you more about Litchfield.

In Darwin itself you can get up close and personal with crocodiles and other animals in a safe environment at Crocodylus Park. You should also not miss Aquascene, a spot right in the heart of the city where thousands of fish come to shore to be hand fed by people on the bank and in the water. If youre in town on a Thursday or Sunday dont miss the Mindil Markets, which are a lively, fun and creative arena for displaying talents and selling goods!

Although the heat can sometimes be stifling, there is relief in the form of frequent thunderstorms which also provide a bit of excitement and drama. There really is never a dull moment in Darwin, and to appreciate it to the maximum potential make use of Discovery Car Hire’s booking service and secure yourself a reliable hire car!

Pictures of the attractions on the Great Ocean Road grace the covers of tourist brochures across the world. But, beautiful as the images are, they still do not do justice to the majestic sights and scenery that this coastal drive takes you past. The only way to experience the true wonder of the Great Ocean Road is to make the drive yourself. And as it is only just under 100 kms from Melbourne to the start of the drive at Torquay, it is an easy and accessible road trip with extremely satisfying rewards.

As it is part of the Limestone Coast the rock structure of the shoreline is malleable, and over the years has been shaped by the ocean into intriguing geological features such as the ‘Twelve Apostles’, which attract tourists from all over the globe. These are situated close to the small town of Port Campbell, where this is plenty of accommodation available, and next to the Apostles is a large visitor centre and viewing platform. This article will give you more idea about things to see and do on the Great Ocean Road.

Before you reach Port Campbell however you will pass Apollo Bay, a serene coastal settlement situated on a picture perfect wineglass shaped bay. Primarily a fishing village, Apollo Bay is also close to the lush yet rugged Otway Ranges, a haven for nature lovers and bushwalkers alike. There are a number of stunning waterfalls in these mountains, with the Erskine Falls being especially popular amongst tourists.

Another popular town on the drive is Lorne, but if its classic beaches and surf you are after then spend a bit of time in Torquay. Here you will find Bells Beach, the infamous home to the annual Rip Curl Pro.

If you need a safe and reliable car booking for your Great Ocean Road adventure, then try out Discovery Car Hire. Enjoy the ride!