Category: Australia

The otherworldly scenery of a brightly pink lake surface adjacent to the deep blue of the Southern Ocean is one of the most underappreciated natural wonders Australia has to offer. There are a number of pink lakes scattered around Australian soil, but nowhere is the effect as dramatic as it is in Western Australia’s Golden Outback region, where the vibrant pink waters of Lake Hillier nearly adjoining the neighbouring ocean.

As some of the most salt-rich surfaces in the world, Australian pink lakes aren’t exactly designed for swimming, but thankfully, in the case of Lake Hillier and Coral Coast’s Hutt Lagoon, the surrounding parts of Western Australia offer plenty of other opportunities for water sports and other activities, particularly in the summertime.

If you’re already mentally packing for a summer trip, consider this delightful corner of Australia for your destination. It is a long trip, but there is plenty to explore and experience, so perhaps best rent a free campervan or a transfer car and make it a road trip to remember. Here’s what lies ahead.

Lake Hillier, Esperance and beyond

Lake Hillier is located on the Middle Island in the Recherche archipelago, just off the southern coast of Western Australia. The island can only be accessed by water or air, and you can catch a ride in the charming coastal town of Esperance overlooking the Recherche archipelago.

Esperance is about a 7-hour drive away from Perth. Alternatively, you can fly from Perth as well, but we strongly suggest a road trip. The route from Perth to Esperance has become a popular road-trip track, with stunning scenery and numerous attractions like Wave Rock or Lake King scattered along the way.

The town of Esperance serves as one of hubs for the emerging Golden Outback tourism. Its pristine beaches and a laid back spirit are attracting more and more travelers by the year, and once you get there it’s easy to see why.

Once in Esperance, the Middle Island and Lake Hillier are just a short flight or boat ride away. There are numerous local options for either means of travel. The small island is uninhabited, and the untouched nature is excellent for a relaxed hike. If the budget allows it, experiencing Lake Hillier from a fly-over perspective is strongly recommended, as it allows you to soak up the dramatic contrast between the pink lake, the blue ocean and their vibrant surroundings.

It is still debated whether Lake Hillier owes its peculiar color to the high salt content, microalgae, species of bacteria or all of the above, but whatever the cause may be, the visual effect is simply mesmerising. The lake itself is safe for swimming, but with such a high concentration of salt you would probably rather call it floating.

Once a visit to Lake Hillier is out of the way, the Golden Outback coast beckons further exploration. Stunning beaches are Esperance’s calling card, and there’s no better place to start than at the Cape Le Grand National Park. Sitting some 50 km southeast of Esperance, the park features some of the most coveted beach scenery in all of Australia. Beaches like Lucky Bay and Hellfire Bay are that postcard-ready combination of white sand and marine blue, and Lucky Bay comes with the added bonus of sunbathing kangaroos! If in possession of a 4-wheel drive, the beach road towards the Cape Le Grand is an absolute must.

Hutt Lagoon

In the Midwest region of Western Australia we find another gorgeous pink lake. Hutt Lagoon is set in Port Gregory, a small fishing town on the Coral Coast, a highly rewarding six-hour coastal drive away from Perth.

Hutt Lagoon is a moody one, changing its colors from bright pink to soft purple depending on the weather and the time of day, with the locals recommending a visit during early morning hours or at sundown. Unlike Lake Hillier, Hutt Lagoon can be accessed by car, though it is a bit off the beaten path and you will have to follow directions carefully. Also unlike Lake Hillier, Hutton Bay’s immediate neighborhood doesn’t offer much in the attractions department, apart from the pleasant drive, but venturing further out and about the Coral Coast offers plenty of options. Take the regional center of Geraldton as your starting point for further exploration.

Australia’s pink lakes are a rare oddity that needs to be seen to be believed, and Western Australia offers plenty of other perks for a fulfilling road trip. There’s no better time for it then now, so turn your wanderlust all the way up to 11 and start planning.

 

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Summer is already winking at its imminent arrival, bringing along the scents of new places and the sounds of new adventures on the wind. The wonderfully diverse and ever-surprising geography of Australia ensures that we are never short of options, as there is always another place worth visiting or exploring.

If, by any chance, this summer you’d like a bit of extra spice in your traveling diet, we’d like to recommend a few places so peculiar that thy almost seem made up. Geography has a dramatic sense of aesthetics, and when it gets creative it results in places like the ones we will mention.

In the tried and tested Aussie tradition, to truly experience these places to the fullest, we suggest a lengthy road trip. The most fascinating surprises often lie just outside of the beaten path, and there’s few joys of traveling greater than the discoveries you make on your own. A little tip to get the most mileage out of your trip – try and find a free transfer car or a camper van for your chosen destination and save a significant penny to further fund your explorations. You’ll thank us later.

Without further ado, here’s a brief selection of the most out-of-this-world places Australia has to offer.

Remarkable Rocks

While we would prefer a name that’s a little less “on the nose”, there is no denying that Remarkable Rocks live up to their billing. Found on South Australia’s Kangaroo Island, these granite boulders were shaped by millions upon millions of years of sea and wind working together to create some of the strangest and most mesmerising rock formations you will ever encounter. To top it off, the whole of Kangaroo Island is a sort of a “best of” compilation of what Australia has to offer, complete with stunning beaches, opulent wildlife, native bushland and countless opportunities for outdoor activities.

Getting there:  Take a 90-minute drive from Adelaide to Cape Jervis, and then catch a ferry to Kangaroo Island.

Heart Reef

A site so idyllically romantic that seems almost too perfect for a natural formation, the heart-shaped coral reef at the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef is the stuff of sugar coated dreams come true. Generally considered an upscale destination, the islands also provide a few opportunities for camping and hiking for travelers on a budget, with the coastal tourist hub of Airlie Beach offering the greatest variety of accommodations for any budget. It is a great base for further explorations, including excellent local scenic drives.

Getting there: Brisbane is a 12-hour drive away from Airlie Beach and ideal for a multi-day trip, while driving from Cairns takes a more relaxed 7-8 hours, with various access points to different islands in the region.

The Twelve Apostles

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road in itself is an absolute must for any self-respecting aficionado of premium driving experiences, but the delightful little twist of incredulity and brilliance that puts it over the top is the glorious sight of the Twelve Apostles – imposing golden yellow limestone pillars that go as high up as 45 metres and seem to defy physics as they continue to stand strong against the sea.

Getting there: The Twelve Apostles are a 4-hour south-east drive away from Melbourne, but make sure you take the time and savor all of the Great Ocean Road.

Lake Eyre

Set in the middle of the South Australian outback, Lake Eyre has two faces, both equally captivating and imposing. Whether as a sprawling, seemingly endless salt-bitten desert when it’s dry or the largest lake in all of Australia when filled, it is always a sight to behold. Feel free to treat yourself to the magnificent aerial view of the lake, since the popular outback routes provide more than enough budget options, or you can even camp out at the lake.

Getting there: Lake Eyre is some 700 km north of Adelaide, and we suggest the excellent Oodnadatta Track, not just for Lake Eyre but beyond into the outback.

Kata Tjuta

Resting in the immense shade of the popular Uluru in the heart of Northern Territory’s Red Centre, only, 35 km west of it lies another ancient rock formation many consider even more imposing. The cluster of ancient red rock boulders broader and taller than Uluru, Kata Tjuta is far more sheltered than its famous neighbor, as it is a protected Aboriginal sacred ground. While you cannot stay or camp at the Kata Tjuta, there are several day hikes, as well as options ranging from campsites to upscale hotels in the park’s immediate surroundings.

Getting there: Kata Tjuta is about a 4-hour drive away from Alice Springs, with the regional junction approximately a 16-hour drive away from both Darwin and Adelaide.

Regardless of your preference for coastal leisure or outback wilderness, make the most of the coming summer by venturing into some of these precious gems of Australia’s stunning nature.

 

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Former adventure addicts and hiking aficionados might have a rough time when organising a family trip with small kids. Camping off the grid and sleeping under the stars might not seem so practical when you know there is no chance of packing up all the kids’ stuff in a backpack. But, there are still ways to feed your urge for adventure and take a road trip with your kids that will leave you with a few fun stories to tell later while not eating your whole budget.

Queensland’s Rockhampton region is surely the right pick for this kind of trip. And if you find a free transfercar or campervan suitable for the whole family, no attractions will be out of reach and you might enjoy the best trip of your life.

Recreate a scene from The Goonies in the depth of the famous Capricorn Caves

The longest operating tourist attraction in the region will surely take your breath away, especially if you try running around those tunnels with a bunch of kids. Luckily, there is great staff to help you make your path through the underground labyrinth, and once you get there you won’t be disappointed. Set just 14 miles north of Rockhampton, these limestone caves were discovered at the very end of the 19th century and now play host to a geo-discovery centre which is used for several school education programs. There you can pick a tour most suitable for you and your kids, depending on what type of adventure you want to take up.

Wander around Yeppoon

The coastal town of Yeppoon is a popular tourist destination, famous for its beaches, islands and wonderful weather. If you decide to visit this place in the early spring there is a good chance you will miss the mid-seasonal crowd, so be sure to take this opportunity to explore the place with your family. One of the favorite spots there is the lovely Yeppoon Beachfront where your kids are bound to have fun running around the park. We also recommend a night-stay at the Big 4 Capricorn Palms caravan park because it is beautifully designed with kids in mind. Besides numerous pools and slides, it also has an outdoor cinema with family-friendly nightly repertoire and its restaurant provides good service.

Make friends with some amazing creatures

Rockhampton Zoo is set in the famous Botanical Garden which provides a variety of educational events for kids. This is a lovely place and people there take good care of animals, which is why you should definitely consider bringing your kids to this spot. Not only is it fun and pleasant, but a trip to this Zoo can also be a heart-warming educational experience for the whole family. Besides, if you make a visit during the feeding time (most animals are being fed around 3pm), the young ones will have an absolute blast. Nothing cuter than a koala eating right from your hand.

Take a tour of the wild side

If you can’t make it to the Zoo during feeding time, don’t worry. There is one more place at Rockhampton where you can hang out with koalas, and that is Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary. Located only 15 minutes from Yeppoon, this place is a must-see for all animal lovers. Where else could you safely pet a snake or a crocodile, and hand feed a kangaroo?! Yet, if your kids, for some weird reason, prefer reptiles over koalas, be sure to take them to the Kookana Crocodile Farm. With over 3,500 animals of all ages and sizes, Kookana is a great place to learn a lot about crocodile life and the advantages people take of their… well, afterlife. The all-day tour includes lunch, and kids under 3 have a free pass.

Have a blast while searching for thundereggs

Yes, you heard us right… One of the most exciting experiences you could get in Rockhampton includes treasure hunting within the remnants of an ancient volcano at Mount Hay. The wonderful hippie couple that organizes the tour is passionate about their job and the whole volcano-esque experience. To be fair, this is not an easy trip, so get ready to get your hands and feet dirty, but the look of pride and triumph on your kids’ faces when they discover the rocky treasures at the end of the hard day will be worth it. You can get there via Capricorn Highway (A4) if you drive west from Rockhampton.  When you get close, start looking for tiny signs saying “Mount Hay thundereggs”, but be careful – they are easy to miss.

These are just a few suggestions that will make your visit to Rockhampton more fun for the whole family, but let your spirit guide you to the next discovery. And don’t be afraid to explore some family-friendly tourist hacks like getting a free campervan and organising your visits around free hours. This will not only save your family money while traveling, but also nurture your adventurous spirit. Because nothing says “adventure” like being a responsible parent on a wild family road trip!

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Australian spring brings about one of the greatest hidden joys Down Under – the food festival season! From September to November, gourmet festivals abound all across the country, bringing a broad spectrum of tastes and smells to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.

If you’re planning an Ozzie road trip this spring, why not make it a foodie trip? Sticking to a single festival will limit your taste palate to just one dimension, and you’ll miss out on a feast of sensations. We suggest you break out your maps, do some research and come up with an itinerary fit for a king. Better yet, try and rent a transfer car or a campervan for free to save your money on the delicacies waiting ahead. Here’s a few of our suggestions…

Sample Food Festival, Byron Bay, NSW

Started in 2011, Sample Food Festival has grown to become one of North South Wales finest foodie festivities. The festival takes place in the lovely town of Byron Bay, gathering local chefs, farmers, and producers showing off the finest Northern NSW has to offer. Taking place on the first Saturday of September (this year it is September 1st), Sample Food festival routinely gathers tens of thousands of visitors eager to indulge in the east coast culinary delights.

Oysterfest, Ceduna, SA

Now entering its 27th iteration, the annual Ceduna Oysterfest is a bona fide institution of South Australia’s  Eyre Peninsula. As its name suggests, the festival celebrates the region’s oyster industry and represents every type of oyster dish you can possibly imagine.  The three-day event is accompanied by live music performances, cooking demonstrations, competitions, activities for children, a carnival and more, guaranteeing fund and pleasure for the whole family.

Australian Camp Oven Festival, Millmerran, QLD

Taking place once every two years, the Australian Camp Oven festival is a celebration of outback traditions and rural heritage. Located in the regional township of Millmerran, one of Queensland’s prominent rural production areas, the festival not only offers a fine selection of traditional camp oven dishes, but provides an insight into the outback way of life, with displays of crafts, shearing and damper throwing competitions, and bush poetry. Round it off with music performances and cooking competitions open for visitors, and it is clear that you’re in for a weekend of wild old-timey fun.

Swiss & Italian Festa, Hepburn Springs, VIC

OK, the Swiss & Italian Festa is not strictly a food festival, but a general celebration of the tradition of the Swiss and Italian settlers in the region. It encompasses everything from parades, history walks, arts and crafts displays down to traditional music, language courses and, of course, food and wine. This spring, immerse yourself in the gastronomic traditions of Italy and Switzerland through food and wine tastings, thematic dinners accompanied by music and other performances, and even cooking classes.

Margaret River Gourmet Escape, Margaret River, WA

It’s time to bring out the big guns. Margaret River Gourmet Escape is a four-day festival set in the heart of the world-renowned wine region and gathering some of the most famous cooking and wine experts from Australia and abroad. Basically, this is some of the finest dining Australia has to offer, all compressed into four days of pure hedonism set in some of the most idyllic dining locations anywhere. All types of cuisine at all times of day, all made at the highest level of creativity, care, and passion for culinary pleasures. Skip it at your own responsibility.

Bicheno Food and Wine Festival, Bicheno, TAS

Set on the waterfront of the gorgeous little resort town of Bicheno, the festival gathers the finest that Tasmania’s east coast has to offer in food, wine, beer, and other produce. Each year, local producers compete to satisfy the tastes of the visiting public, making for a three-day long seaside fiesta accompanied by music performances, kids activities, fashion shows, and – of all things – surfboard exhibitions.

Most people don’t think of Australia as one of prime gourmet destinations, but just take a drive around it in springtime and you will find numerous pleasant surprises. What’s more, making the effort to find a free transfer car will allow you to experience the finest of Aussie cuisine on any budget. Bon appetit!

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While the rest of the world is getting ready for the autumn rains and getting their ankle boots out of the closet, Aussies are the envy of the globe as they’re having a great time enjoying beautiful spring breezes and planning out their next picnic in the countryside.

This spring is shaping up to be a proper gem on the Southern shores, which means that nothing short of a weekend trip or a full holiday will suffice. What’s more, you can see it all for almost free of charge by planning wisely and finding a free car or campervan destined for the region of your choice.

So, here are some of the best tips and picks to make your road trip through South Australia a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Wander around Kangaroo Island

Although an obvious tourist attraction, this island is well worth the visit, especially if you’re looking for gorgeous hiking paths, pristine beaches, and fascinating scenery. The island’s picturesque landscape will help you feel at ease, no matter how many tourists hike through this land on daily basis. The surrounding wildlife is also a popular draw, and it is not hard to see why. Besides the expectedly large number of kangaroos, the island is the natural habitat of a wide variety of birds, koalas, seals, penguins, and sea lions. Finally, be sure not to miss the Flinders Chase National Park and its Remarkable Rocks, a name that suits them perfectly.

Live a true romantic fantasy in Adelaide

Not only is it well-known for its exciting nightlife, Adelaide is also a place to go if you’re planning a romantic getaway. Each spring, jacarandas come into bloom and Adelaide becomes the epicenter of this natural wonder. Besides the town’s Botanic Garden and its gorgeous Wisteria walk, other places you should see include Terrace LeFevre, Fullarton Road, and Wakefield Street.

Have a sip of wine in the Clare Valley

While Adelaide has its own purple rains, the Clare Valley is literally swimming in gold. In other words, if you like canolas, you must take the road to Clare, settle down, take a deep breath and an even deeper glass of wine, since the region is well-known for high quality wines. The valley is also home to a number of old wine cellars, vineyards, and old bars, but if we had to pick one place to visit it would definitely be the Mintaro Maze, a beautifully hand-crafted living hedge maze, and a truly surprising gem.

Extend your vacation at Fleurieu Peninsula

The best place for an early taste of summer on Australia’s southern shore is the Fleurieu Peninsula. Filled with marvelous beaches and top-notch resorts, as well as doubling as one of the top destinations for youngsters, Fleurieu will not disappoint. The newly formed resort of Goolwa, also known as New Orleans of Australia, attracts many paddle steamers and young tourists looking for fun.

Swim with tuna fish in Victor Harbor

If you’re looking for a one-day adventure to remember for the rest of your life, here’s a suggestion for you: Oceanic Victor provides a truly unique experience of swimming with the world’s fastest fish – tuna! The aquarium is located in the Encounter Bay near Granite Island and it also has an underwater observatory. We urge you to give it a try. Because, you know, swimming with sharks is so passé.

This would be the short list of some of the best travel destinations in the southern part of Australia. But don’t stop there. This place has a lot more to offer and it is up to you to find the other magic wonders around. Driving along the scenic coast is a wonderful experience on its own. And you can make the trip budget-friendly by renting a free transfer car (or even a campervan, if you don’t want to think about accommodations). The coast awaits!

 

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There’s something about winter that makes us wish to be anywhere else but our current dwellings. Luckily, Australia provides us with a broad spectrum of stunning getaways for the colder months. And if your winter fatigue calls for the sacred Aussie tradition, a road trip, then we have just the right tips for you. Gloss over our list of our favorite winter road trip destinations, and keep in mind that you can find a campervan for free and enjoy your excursion to the fullest.

Dove Lake, Tasmania

You will have a hard time finding a more idyllic winter setting in all of Australia than that of a snow capped boatshed on the edge of Dove Lake. And although the aforementioned boatshed lives in the collective Aussie consciousness as a summer spectacle, its winter edition is truly an awe-inspiring sight. The lake and its surroundings shine with a special sparkle in winter, making the 6km hike around the lake’s shore an absolute must for all true nature enthusiasts. Warm winter clothes and footwear go without saying, and even though the hike will take up a large portion of your day (particularly in the case of heavier snowfall), but your effort will be rewarded with an array of winter sights hardly found in this corner of the world. How to get there: get your vehicle onto the overnight ferry from Melbourne to Devonport (trust us, overnight is much better than day crossing), and from there it is a 1.5 hour drive to the  Cradle Mountain–Lake St Clair National Park.

Albany, Western Australia

There are countless scenic roads to travel in Australia, but not all of them keep their magical sheen in winter time. The one that does so admirably is the south-bound trip from Perth to Albany. The whole drive spans about 400 km, and it provides a variety of sights, smells and impressions that make for a complete road trip. From the palate-soothing wineries along the Margaret River to whale spotting on Little Beach (voted as the 5th best Australian top secret spot) in the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve, with a whole bunch of history, local culture and cuisine in between in places such as Bridgetown, Pemberton or Denmark, this road trip can fill a whole campervan with memories and impressions. How to get there: travel from Perth to Margaret River across Busselton, and make sure you take a few stops along the way. The second leg from Margaret to Albany is much shorter, but also provides an array of gorgeous local places to visit.

Peninsula Hot Springs, Victoria

When life gives you winter, some will make a proverbial “winternade”, while others will seek out some warmth for the frozen bones. If it’s warmth you seek, warmth you shall find in a magical place known as the Peninsula Hot Springs. As their name suggests, the Peninsula Hot Springs are mineral hot water springs scattered about in a busy order across winding paths. Each individual spring is marked for water temperature and designed in a unique spa fashion, so you won’t have a hard time finding a pool that’s just right. Once you do, just enjoy the pleasing sensation of warmth on your naked body as you think of all the poor cold souls you left behind. How to get there: From Melbourne, the Hot Springs are a relaxed hour and a half drive away as you traverse the Mornington Peninsula.

The Prairie Hotel, South Australia

It wouldn’t be a proper road trip selection without venturing into South Australia’s outback, now would it? Not only is the drive there a sensational experience in any season, but the glorious sights awaiting at the final destination are alone worth the trip. Established in 1876, The Prairie Hotel is a slice of cowboy heaven located in the grassland flats looking over the remote Flinders Ranges. It offers dining fit for a king, as well as numerous trails for hiking and cycling. In wintertime the days are usually clear and warm, but rarely annoyingly hot, while the nights are quite fresh and the temperatures can sometimes even drop below zero, calling for some obligatory extra blanket time, which we consider an essential part of the experience. How to get there: With Adelaide as your starting point, you’re in for a serious drive. Take a three and a half hour ride from Adelaide to Port Augusta, and then another two hour drive to Parachilna, although some of the sights you come across may nudge you towards a detour or two.

Port Douglas, Queensland

Finally, for those of you who like your summer all year round, we’ve saved a slice of summer heaven for last. Winter rarely comes to Australia’s north in any semblance of its true form, and the water temperatures are pleasant throughout the year. Better yet, in winter months you will miss the brunt of the usual tourist onslaught, savoring this slice of tropicana without worrying about any stray elbows. How to get there: Port Douglas is only a one-hour drive away from Cairns, but we strongly urge you to consider the (admittedly far longer) road from Brisbane. It will take you well over a day to reach your destination, but if you can carve out the time you will have a fame scenic route to keep you company all the way. As you can see, Australia has plenty to offer to road trip aficionados this time of year. Make sure you grab yourself a free transfer car to make your splendid winter adventure even more convenient and affordable. Image1 Image2 Image3 Image4 Image5