Australia by Car

Deep in central western Queensland lies the legendary township many consider to be the heart of the Sunshine State- Longreach. Experience the rich heritage and delve into the colourful past of this pioneering town which was settled in the 1870’s, and enjoy the outback stories of the friendly locals over a pint of beer in the local pub.

There are a variety of man made and natural attractions to see in Longreach. The Thompson River is a great spot for an evening river cruise, and fishermen will love to try their hand at catching the tasty yellow belly that lurk in its depths. This is one of Queenslands most prosperous wool and beef areas, so visit a farm and get shown the ropes of the industry. Read this article for more information on the region.

The Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach is one of the biggest attractions in Central Queensland. This large, modern establishment pays tribute to the pioneering men and women whose lives contributed to the outback lifestyle as we know it today. Its historical timeline is accurate and interesting, and you’re gonna need a few hours to fully appreciate it.

Longreach also has a long association with Qantas, which actually had its first operational base in the town before it grew into our national airline. This hangar is now part of the Qantas Founders Outback Museum, a great place to brush up on your aviation history and browse the records and artefacts in the museum.

Longreach is pretty far from anywhere… but remember the journey is half the destination. Pick up a car rental and drive the 1181 km from Brisbane or the 687 km from Rockhampton. Alternatively you could fly into Longreach Airport!

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 car to get there and back, check out car hire.

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 car rental and head off to the Blue Mountains, the Hunter Valley or any of the other nearlying attractions!

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.

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 car to get there then check out car hire.

As winter sets in and things begin to cool down the ski resorts of Victoria and New South Wales begin to heat up! As usual the name on the tip of everyones tongues is Falls Creek, Victoria’s largest alpine village and one of the state’s most prominent tourist destinations. Whilst offering a range of activities throughout the year, its in winter that this snow resort really comes alive. With the snow season starting on the Victorian Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend and running through to October, now is the time to get booking that snowboarding holiday!

Falls creek is a true self contained resort village, so everything you may need or want to make your stay comfortable is easily available. The lodging throughout the resort is ski-in ski-out, and the ski lift takes you to the top of the slopes. There are a wide range of skiing and snow boarding terrains available that cater to beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers or snow boarders. And at Falls creek the fun doesnt stop when the sun goes down- in fact thats when it truly begins, as the bars and nightclubs open their doors to snow-weary holiday makers.

The great thing about this ski resort is that if the snowfall isnt adequate, they just make their own! Ideally situated next to a large lake that provides all the water they need for snow making, Falls Creek can guarantee that there will be snow.

Getting there involves a 4 and a half hour drive from Melbourne, or an easy days drive from Sydney. Alternatively you could fly into Albury, and pick up a car rental there. Coaches and buses also run into Falls from a number of destinations.

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.

Established in the 1930’s as a Gold Rush town, Tennant Creek is often referred to as the ‘Golden Heart’ of the Northern Territory, a name that also reflects the open friendliness of the locals there. 1000 kilometers south of Darwin, and 500 kilometres north of Alice Springs, Tennant Creek may seem far from anywhere but there is plenty to do and see on your driving holiday here.

The Davenport Range National Park is not far away, and neither are the Barkley Tablelands. Both contain prime examples of the typical outback landscapes- stark, vast and beautiful. Have a read of this article for an indepth look at some of the attractions of the region.

The highlight of the year in Tennant Creek are the St Patricks Day Races, held in March every year now for 24 years. These races are all about the family, there are loads of activities for the kids in the form of games, competitions and the like, and of course everyone watches the horses thunder past on the dusty track.

Tennant Creek is roughly the same size as New Zealand, so theres a lot of exploring to be done! This is cattle country, and some of the worlds largest cattle stations can be found here. The area also has a rich Aboriginal history, which you can find out more about at the Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Cultural Centre. The comfort and style of car rental will help you cover those long distances!

Launceston in North-East Tasmania offers the ultimate holiday experience. Tasmania’s second oldest city, it is tucked away in the Tamar Valley where the Tamar and South Esk Rivers meet - a region whose natural beauty is matched by its rich history. The seasonal trees that line the river and the main streets provide visitors with an everchanging kaleidoscope of colour, and will probably encourage people to hop into their hire car and explore the Tamar Valley further. With an excellent reputation for its sparkling wines and pinots, a tour of the many vineyards in the Valley is going to be interesting and educational experience.

For more ideas of what to do in and around the city read this article.
But the tour that gets everyone talking in Launceston is the James Boags Brewery Tour. The Tour starts in the Tamar Hotel, at the Boags Centre for Beer Lovers, and concludes in the same place. Through its ninety minute length you will go on a circuit of the entire brewery, from the brew house to the packaging line. Along the way you will learn of the history of Boags from when it was formed in the 1880’s right up to the present day. You will watch the beer making process and experience all the types of beers by touch, sight and smell!

Tours operate every weekday, and cost 25 bucks for adults, and 22 bucks discounted or for children. And if its a cheap deal your looking for on a hire car, then visit car hire.