There’s a certain romance about the open road that attracts people from all walks of life. It just feels good to zip through a city with the top or windows down without a care in the world or a particular place to go. Similarly, there is something exotic and romantic about Australia – the landscape, the animals, the culture… the fact that it was founded as a penal colony – many things add to this mystique and what better way to check it out than by hitting the road? If you’re an easy rider type and are looking for scenic new routes, here are some cool spots to plan for in the land down under.
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The Kimberley
If you’re in the market for scenery, The Kimberley is the perfect place for you. This Western Australia plateau features African trees, a hot, arid climate and beautiful river gorgeous decked in palms, cattle stations and tracks, water lilies and a rock pool. Manning Creek on Mount Barnett Station is a great camping location for those who want to rough it in the wilderness for a few nights, or just as a day trip for anyone wanting to cool off in the water after hiking in the Aussie sun. With just around 30,000 people in an area bigger than the entire country of Germany, The Kimberley is also a great choice if you’re looking for a bit of seclusion.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Drive, Queensland
Beach bums and beach bunnies from across the globe fall in love with this location every year. Sunshine Coast is a quintessential tropical paradise complete with waterfalls at Blackall Range, subtropical rainforest and the famous sharp volcanic peaks that form Glass House Mountains. The latter landscape can be explored at their national park. Amid Blackall Range is an eclectic little village called Montville which calls itself the “Creative Heart of the Sunshine Coast.” Montville hosts a unique mix of architecture including Tudor houses, stone cottages and Bavarian chalets. Travel a bit south and check out the Mary Cairncross Reserve with its 52-hectare rainforest boasting with exotic marsupials, native birds and beautiful flora and fauna.
The Great Ocean Road, Victoria
This wonder is one of Australia’s claims to fame. There are 250 kms of road to zip across and the locale is a prime spot for surfers. Check out the many surf gear shops, visit the world’s largest surf museum or check out Bells Beach which is the home of the Rip Curl Pro Surf Classic, Australia’s seminal surfing event. If you don’t know how to catch a wave to save your life, you can still have fun at Great Ocean Road. Great Otway National Park boasts lush trees and Twelve Apostles is known for its photogenic rock stacks and spectacular panoramic views of cliffs, islands, forests and seas. Make sure to pack a camera on this one!
If reading that made you itch to get in gear and hit the road there are great deals on budget rental cars that can help make it happen without breaking the bank. If you know of any other great road trips in Australia, don’t forget to share below!