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Four great Australian fly-drive holidays
Lucy Davison, the destination marketing manager Australasia for Trailfinders on the best road trips down under
Australian fly-drive holidays offer freedom, flexibility and above all fun. The scenery is magnificent, the roads are largely empty and, as an added bonus, Australians drive on the left too. Here are four great drives to put on your bucket list.
The legendary Pacific Coast
From world-class wine to ancient rainforest walks, Australia’s Pacific Coast drive is one to savour. Start your trip exploring Sydney’s major attractions before heading inland to the stunning rolling vineyards of Hunter Valley, where you can sample fine wines and gourmet food.
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Say farewell to the wine country and head to the sandy beaches of Port Stephens, a stunning bay almost entirely surrounded by native bushland and the country’s dolphin watching capital.
Setting off from Port Stephens, follow the coast north to Port Macquarie and drop into the Koala Hospital, the first of its kind in the world where you can get close to these popular animals.
Spend your last few days of the trip in the holiday haven of Coffs Harbour and the charming beach town of Byron Bay with its quirky cafes and fashionable boutiques.
Queensland Coast and Hinterland
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Experience the bountiful natural beauty of Queensland’s lush hinterland and scenic Sunshine Coast.
Setting off from Brisbane, travel south to Lamington National Park, the most extensive subtropical rainforest in the world, it’s the perfect place to do bush walking, bird watching and glowworm tours.
Continue your journey north via the picturesque Glass House Mountains to the charming village of Montville, home to mobs of kangaroos.
Ideally, also spend a day at the spectacular Fraser island, famous for its crystal-clear creeks and the dazzling waters of Lake McKenzie. Then end your journey in Noosa Heads, known for its award-winning restaurants and a sleepy-town atmosphere.
Southern Australia
Take a scenic drive between two of Australia’s most cultured cities, starting in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, home to some of Australia’s best food, wine and scenery.
Take advantage of Adelaide’s close proximity to the beautiful Barossa Valley as you head north to this region for a glass of Shiraz or two. From here, travel through the historic town of Mildura and into Halls Gap, where there’s time to take in the pristine beauty and enormity of the Grampians Ranges before embarking upon the Great Ocean Road.
Australians are spoilt when it comes to wilderness and even in the spring, you can hike to many picturesque spots without seeing another soul. Before ending your trip in Melbourne, make sure you stop off at Cape Otway, which offers a unique chance to venture into the bush with conservation researchers and learn about the endangered native species. There’s even the chance to spot a rare marsupials, an elusive tiger quoll or a cute sugar glider.
Western shores
Experience an epic journey discovering spectacular landscapes along Australia’s lesser known west coast. Start your drive in the relaxed city of Perth, famous for its beautiful parklands and great restaurants then head off on a short drive to the Coral Coast. This is home to the other-worldly landscape of the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park, a major natural attraction of hundreds of limestone structures which were formed nearly 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.
End your day watching the setting sun reflect off these limestone pillars rising out of the golden sands. From the Coral Coast, head to the white sand beaches of Monkey Mia, before ending your adventure in the laidback town of Exmouth. A paradise for snorkelers and divers, the calm protected waters are home to over 500 species of fish and from April to August, experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience swimming with whale sharks.
