Road Tripping Down Under
Australia is enormous. It is a vast canvas of uninhabited space interrupted by specks of civilisation here and there. It is miles and miles of post-apocalyptic looking desert scenery, full of threats like deadly venomous spiders and even deadlier venomous snakes. It is a perfect adventure destination, made to be explored and overcome.
While most tourists choose to visit Sydney, Melbourne, or some other major city, the true Australia cannot be discovered until you visit the Outback. Therefore, a road trip is in order. Read on to find 5 suggestions for an awesome road trip Down Under.
Melbourne to Sydney (and vice versa)
The Australian coastline is as long as it is illustrious, so if you’re looking for some idyllic scenery you should opt for a drive down the coastal road connecting two of Australia’s major cities. This is a great way to experience a large part of what makes Australia such a magical place, from gorgeous little coastal towns, aboriginal communities, great camping sites, stunning beaches, an abundance of wildlife, and, of course, kangaroos lounging on Pebbly Beach as if their only purpose is to entertain the tourists
Northern Territory
We will present you the “reader’s digest” version, and the “unabridged” version of the Northern Territory red dirt road track. If you’re looking for a day trip, take off at the mystical Uluru rock and follow the Lasseter Highway all the way to the mesmerizing Kings Canyon. However, if you’re looking for a bit more wholesome adventure in the desert outback, use alice springs as your take off point and head on down the legendary Red Centre Way. /there is plenty to see along the way, from small historic towns to wild camels, with plenty of Aboriginal tradition to experience.
Great Ocean Road
The most popular coastal drive in all of australia, Victoria’s Great Ocean Road packs a near-complete Aussie experience. Abundance of wildlife, thick rain forests to get lost in, pristine beaches and dramatic rock formations like the ominous 12 Apostles that look as if they haven’t risen from the Earth, but actually pierced it.
Kangaroo Island
Located in the South Australia, some 70 miles southwest of Adelaide, Australia’s third biggest island is a gem of rare beauty, with the opulence of wildlife associated with the continent at full display. With about 1,000 miles of roads you know you’re in for some magnificent scenery. Kangaroo Island is in large part a preserved natural habitat, and besides its namesake animal you can also spot lovely koalas, rare fur seals and miniscule penguins, among other rare species. Another attraction you shouldn’t miss is a collection of stunning rock formations shaped by centuries and centuries of unforgiving wind.
Grand Pacific Drive
Starting off just outside of Sydney and circumventing the Royal National Park, the Grand Pacific Drive follows the coast to Shoalhaven and contains some of the most dramatic scenery you will ever experience. The main draw is the aptly named Sea Cliff Bridge which connects the cliffs hanging above the ocean and can make even the most stable of us feel dizzy. To test your eardrums visit the Kiama blowholes, and if white sand is what strikes your fancy, it doesn’t get much whiter than at Jervis Bay.
Few things to keep in mind:
- Load up on supplies (especially if you’re visiting the Outback). That means plenty of clothes to protect you both from the heat of the day and the chill of the night, water, food, and petrol. In case anything goes wrong and you’re on your own, the wild australia can be a dangerous place.
- Be careful where you swim. There are plenty of crocodiles in the Australian waters, and while a lot of beaches have warning signs in place, some don’t. Ask a local or a tour guide whether it’s safe to go swimming.
- Australians drive on the left. While that won’t be a problem for the travellers from countries like England or India, the majority of the world still drives on the right and might find driving across Australia slightly confusing. If you want to get ready for your road trip, you can take a few quick driving lessons to get the knack for left-side driving.
- Let others know when you plan on travelling, and contact them from time to time to let them know you’re OK. In case of emergency, dial “000”.
Author bio:
Jenny Hahn is a globetrotting Aussie who enjoys sharing her travel experiences almost as much as she loves traveling. You can find her on Google+, Facebook and Twitter.
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eweekendbreaks is a travel plateform where you can read about travel destination, travel tips, travel reviews and many more.
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eweekendbreaks
eweekendbreaks is a travel plateform where you can read about travel destination, travel tips, travel reviews and many more.