Wednesday, December 18, 2013

The 5 Most Scenic Road Trip Routes in Australia

There’s no doubt about it, Australia’s wide open spaces lend themselves perfectly to the road trip. In some places you can travel for miles without even seeing another car. There are some vastly different scenic delights to take in across our great continent. Here are a few to whet your appetite.
My husband in Fremantle Australia back in 2004

Take a Lap of Tasmania

Tasmania boasts some of the country’s best roads and the island State has lots to offer. The coastlines are exquisite; you will drive through unspoiled wilderness areas and also see historical remnants of our convict past; as well as lots of pretty towns and villages. A lap around Tassie is a wonderful road trip to take. Car carrying ferries dock at Devonport and Launceston. You will need at least three days to complete the trip but six days will see you exploring at a relaxed pace.

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

The scenery along this two hundred kilometre stretch from Geelong to Portland is truly spectacular. There are many scenic spots where you can stop and take in the breathtaking views. At Geelong you can learn about the fascinating Aboriginal culture, further along at Torquay you may like to take a swim in the ocean. There are hidden beaches waiting to be discovered in the Great Otway National Park. The Twelve Apostles, an amazing display of rock stacks, will also demand a pit stop.

The Beautiful Barossa

The Barossa Valley is the perfect road trip for wine lovers. Just an hour’s drive north from Adelaide and you will discover the scenic wine regions. There are plenty of charming hotels and bed and breakfasts if you overdo the wine tasting. The roads are good and will take you through a lovely network of towns and vineyards.

Indian Ocean Road

Western Australia has a rugged and wild scenic appeal all of its own. The Indian Ocean Road is in great condition as it was only completed in 2010. Your road trip will begin at the small fishing town of Lancelin. From there you will motor along to Cervantes where you will see an amazing array of wildflowers and unspoilt beaches. Cervantes is also home to The Pinnacles, dazzling limestone structures set amidst the desert. Lake Thetis is close by and is home to the oldest living fossils. Your trip will finish at Geraldton, where you can enjoy fresh lobsters.

King Gorge

This is a serious road trip. Although it is only seven hundred kilometres long it takes in the magnificent Kimberley. This is one of the most remote areas in Australia, so you will need to be prepared. You can camp anywhere along the way.

Just a word of caution: road trips will take you to remote areas with hundreds of kms between towns, so make sure you get your vehicle checked thoroughly before you take off. If your current car isn’t up to the task, it is strongly advisable that you upgrade your vehicle in order to ensure that you make it there and back safely. Check out Dreamloans for a range of great auto-finance options to help you get behind the wheel of a machine that is up to the task.

This post was written by Steven Haines, a travel enthusiast from Melbourne, Australia. 

27 Smart Readers SAID::

Unknown said...

Sounds really great trips especially for people who have extra time to take in the scenery. Hoping to do the Victoria's Great Ocean Road soon.
A Merry Christmas and Happy new Year to you and your family.

Joy said...

Australia has plenty of scenic drives, i enjoy exploring areas through road trips :)

Aisha Kristine Chong said...

I haven't been there but I hope one of these days I can roam around and just enjoy traveling anywhere just like that.

Nova said...

I have never been in that country, but would like to visit the place esp those places you've mention here. It must be very interesting to see them with your own two eyes.

Franc said...

The only routes I've tried in Australia was the one in Sydney leading to the blue mountains, kiama blowhole and other outskirts area.

Denmark said...

Remember when I visited last year Brisbane, Australia. Didnt enjoy that trip, didnt find a time to stroll around due to my busy trainings. Hope Ill get back soon.

FX777222999 said...

You have a lot of knowledge about these places. Really, you made your life more enjoyable.

Philip T. said...

King Gorge- that is a nickname I should use for myself. Too bad it will only click with those who have been there.

Unknown said...

I'm not so sure if I want to go to Australia. I mean everything there's just ready to kill you! Snakes, spiders, kangaroos. At least that's what I've read. XD

mystickitchen said...

Just Beautiful! Australia is where we want to go next! thanks for sharing~

Ria C said...

Those are worthy places to note of sis! I would love to visit Australia but hubby is not yet up to it. :( Post more pics sis for all of us to admire. It'll surely help other travelers who plan to visit Australia and do a road trip as well.

Mai said...

If you look at the satellite image of Australia during the night, according to my Australian trainor before, it would look like it has a golden lining. That's because only the cities by the sea or near the sea are populated. The innermost part are not, they're remote. So, good tip on the vehicle.

Dhemz said...

oh, how I wish to visit Australia someday...Greg was stationed there too!

Liza said...

These sound like great places to visit. Hope I can visit someday.

Nova said...

I bet Australia is great, I have never been into that country but would love to see what you mentioned here in order to see them myself.

Ria C said...

Show more pics sis :) I would love to visit Australia someday.

juliana said...

Oh... Australia is beckoning. One of the many places that's on my bucket list.

Jhari said...

Australia, down under... I remember a friend went there last year for a trip with her family. I didn't know that they have snow there. I thought it's a tropical country like ours.

betchai said...

Haven't been there yet and hoping to hit that side of the world too someday

Unknown said...

I have heard many good things about Australia and find myself dreaming sometimes of visiting it.

jo-anne said...

I love to visit Victoria's Great Ocean Road someday, I've been seeing lots of great pictures from it.

papaleng said...

The Land Down Under offers much in term of fauna and flora to its visitors. Tasmania is one site to visit.

Anne Mary said...

one of my favorite country is Australia and how I wish that my husband would agree with me to live there.

Ria C said...

Sis, tell your hubby to let you post more pics. I haven't been to Australia yet but would love to see and explore its beauty.

Unknown said...

Indian Ocean Road....... I'd like to try that first then the other ones!

Algene said...

One of my friends spent her summer in Australia and she has great stories about the places. Wish I could also have my own personal experiences in Australia :)

lencilicious said...

That really sounds a very good country to visit. I have friends and few family living down there. Would be great if I can roam around there with them.

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