Australia | Transfercar Blog

How to care for your car windows

We all love that new car smell and that beautiful experience of sitting in a new car and looking at the world through those wonderful windows.

Everything looks pretty and vibrant. Like wearing a pair of new glasses and the world just looks clearer. But as time progresses, the world doesn’t seem so vibrant anymore.

Everything looks obscure as the sun light bounces off the windows. Cars function well when they are cleaned, oiled and maintained well. Car windows need to be cleaned too.

They need more than just cleaning, they require other requirements that help keep the windows in good condition.

To help your car windows last longer and have the same quality and effect it did when you first bought it you must follow some basic requirements.

Wash them regularly

There is more than just dirt sticking to your car windows especially the rear window. Water residue and even bird droppings get stuck on your glass and can obstruct your view of the world outside.

You can still get that view back. All you’ve got to do is clean your windows with a high quality cleaner. You will need to clean them both inside and out and this helps restore your windows clarity, removes all the dirt out of the way and helps it last longer.

New wiper blades

Wipers wear out over time and can cause minimal damage to the windows. The metal edges can cause scratches on the windscreen that will be irreparable.

wiper-blades

You need to replace the wipers as soon as you begin to notice that they are wearing out or they develop a tear in the rubber of the wipers.

You first begin to notice this when there are streaks on your windscreen or a little of the rubber comes loose.

Safe distance

One of the first principles we learn when we start driving is to keep a safe distance between the car ahead of us as well as the one behind us.

The cars in front of us can spin gravel onto your windscreen and rear window that can chip or crack it.

They can even chip the paint of your car. There are instances when there is a crack or chip in the windscreen that can cause a glare that will bounce off the windscreen and can be dangerous to you as well as those on the road. The only way is to replace the windscreen altogether.

Repair them right away

The best thing to do for any damage is to repair it right away. The chips caused by differing stones of different sizes can impact your window in a bad way, causing your car windows to chip or crack.

windscreen-chip-repair

The smallest of craters formed can create air to flow in and spread the crack on to a bigger surface. And so if this is left unrepaired, it can be dangerous as well as pricey to fix later on. Repairing a chip is better than an entire windscreen or window.

Avoid sunlight

Whenever possible, avoid parking in direct sunlight. Temperatures can be a major contributing factor for the shattering of the windscreen and/or rear windows.

The chips and cracks can spread and can cause more damage to the car. Parking in the shade is the best option available that can help prevent damage.

About the author:

Darren Pay and Justin Oakes head A1Windscreens, and are known to offer services for car windscreen replacement and repair. Their years of expertise coupled with the latest technology makes them one of the best professional services for car window replacement and tinting windows in Melbourne.

Summer Campervan Escapades in Australia

If you’ve decided to visit Australia in summer and have a trip of the lifetime, cruising across it in a campervan is probably the best way to explore this marvelous country. Once you set the dates for your visit, you need to take a look at the options for a road-trip that might prove to be an unforgettable experience for you and your companions.

As you know, Australia is a vast country, offering every landscape you can imagine, which means it’s only up to you to decide what kind of treat you’re going to be served. Let’s take a look at some of the most interesting routes before you get your free campervan and hit the road.

Great Alpine Road

All the way from Wangaratta to amazing Gippsland Lakes you have a great opportunity to enjoy the most amazing and breathtaking scenery that Victoria has to offer. If you’re looking for mountain ranges and valleys, stunning dense forest or vineyards covering hillslopes, this road is for you.

Although you can enjoy it all-year-round, summer is particularly attractive, since you can go hiking, fishing, cycling or even camping along the route. What you have to be careful about is driving, since the road is quite narrow in parts. Needless to say, even though you plan to drive in the hottest season, you still need to have plenty of warm clothes, because the temperature can quickly change in the mountains.

gippsland-lakes

Bass Highway

If your plan is to spend time in Tasmania, you should definitely consider heading along Bass Highway. It starts in Launceston and ends on the northwest coast. The most attractive features along the road are definitely the towns, such as Penguin, Burnie, Wynyard, Stanley and Smithton.

Yes, you’re right, there’s a town called Penguin and you can guess what kind of street installation dominates the place. So, if you have a thing for places with peculiar names or simply have children in tow, you’re bound to have a great time there.

Other renowned features include the juiciest and sweetest cherries in the world, according to the locals. Be prepared to pay a bit more than you’re probably used to, but everyone says you won’t regret it.

penguin

Grand Pacific Drive

If you think that your road trip along the Californian coast will never be matched by anything like it, think again. Fabulous views of the ocean, amazing stretches of sandy beaches and rainforests are just some to the treats you can enjoy if your destination is New South Wales.

If you make the right turns, you can visit the Royal National Park or one of the word-famous beaches along the way. One of the highlights on this route is a walk along the Sea Cliff Bridge, suspended in mid-air between Clifton and Coalcliff. From there you can see Sydney in the north and Wollongong in the south. This route also gives you an opportunity to take a break on one of secluded sandy beaches and treat yourself to fish and chips.

thredbo-river

Alpine Way

Another option in New South Wales is this road leading from Snowy Mountains to Corryong in Victoria. This long and winding road passes through some parts which offer excellent opportunities for mountain biking and hiking. You’ll also see many people camping along the banks of the Thredbo River.

If you have a modern wireless trail camera with you, you might be able to capture some local wildlife, such as wallabies and wombats, since they are known to roam around the area. What you need to be careful about is the fact that a day pass for driving through Kosciuszko National Park costs $16 per vehicle. Also, it’s wise to get your fuel and food in Cooma, since the prices in Jindabyne are much higher, since it’s a popular tourist destination.

Landsborough Highway

If you’re looking to experience the outback, this might be just the thing for you, particularly the section between Longreach and Cloncurry. You can visit the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History, if you’re interested in fossils, or the Qantas hangar monument in Cloncurry.

As you can expect, one of the crucial things to remember is to bring enough water and fuel, since the temperatures can be extremely high and petrol stations are scarce in the outback.

Whichever option you choose, you are bound to have a whale of time. If you plan carefully enough, you might make the most of the offer along the road you take, which will probably be enough for everyone involved to remember this escapade for the rest of their lives.

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Family-Friendly Springtime Activities in Adelaide

Adelaide is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the South Australian tourism, with an array of attractions and activities suited for all family members. With everything from glorious beaches and food festivals to cultural and historical routes, you can hardly find a reason not to visit this amazing place as the spring is approaching. Take a look at our selection of family-proof springtime activities in this great city.

The “Postcard” Park

Let’s open up with one of the most affordable outing ideas – Elder Park. The “postcard” park nickname comes from the fact that the scenes from this park are found on almost every mailing-card picturing Adelaide. After all, who can complain about the sight of magnificent rotunda, and pastimes like Popeye ride and paddleboats. This site can be easily accessed via train with a nice water-view perk on the side. The park is ideal for strolls, runs, paddling or chilling in the shade with a beverage of choice.

Storybook Trail

If your kids are avid book readers, or even more so if they’re not, the Children’s Storybook Trail is ideal for a whole-family trip (dogs are welcome as well!). The journey includes a splendid walk through a set-up filled with plot elements of 12 different classic tales. This will allow the youngsters to experience the benefits of tactile learning as they interact with the environment by climbing, jumping, feeling and touching everything around them. Spark up their imagination with sights like Frog in a Log statue from The Water Hole book, Hobbit’s and fairy house, and scenes from Charlotte’s Web and The Jungle Book.

Haigh’s Chocolates Experience

There’s nothing that unites people quite as easy as their common love for chocolate. This confectionery outlet placed in the heart of Adelaide is the closest you can get to being a character in Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

A little patch of heaven on earth for chocolate lovers, Haigh’s Chocolates produces one of Australia’s finest cocoa-based delights. The location is a factory-store amalgam with a hint of historical flair that offers a variety of truffles and out-of-the-ordinary treats fresh off the line.

Excursion to Barossa Valley

As one of the three most famous wine regions in Australia (other being Hunter Valley in SW and Yarra Valley in Victoria), this location is definitely worth the trip for both the connoisseurs and enthusiasts. This unofficial wine capital can take pride in its production volume, as well as in variety and quality of their wine, Shiraz in particular.However, this place is not all about the grapevine tours. An entire family can taste the locally produced cheeses, fresh meats and pastries in one of their best restaurants.

Art Gallery of South Australia

To get a hefty dose of Adelaide-related culture, taking your family members to the Art Gallery of South Australia will doubtlessly fill the bill. This place is conveniently rid of the standard modern, clinical look and offers a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere with the meandering hallways and themed displays.

Its signature colonial-style walls house an eclectic combination of the old and the new, presenting some compelling pieces for people of all ages. Brush up on your knowledge of art history and allow your kids to learn about it on-the-go.

Hahndorf Exploration

By visiting this unique site you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the old-times ambience that’s characteristic for the area. This German settlement features a series of craft shops, pubs, bakeries and other distinguishable European specialties throughout the main street. Apart from its shopping and sightseeing potential, Hahndorf’s valley location also offers beautiful and soothing green surroundings your family will appreciate.

Dolphins at the Glenelg

Kids are invariably drawn to animals and wildlife of all kinds, and Glenelg seaside is sure to offer all of this in one place. Come here to swim with the playful dolphins (non-swimmers will get a flotation device!), chat with the sea lions or simply enjoy the coastal sights and fresh salty air.

If you’re eager to start your family vacation with one of these activities, it is good to know that you can now rent a free car and set off on a comprehensive and magical Adelaide spring-time family adventure. No matter if you’re leaning more towards the educational or the fun content, this selection of sites is certain to meet your preferences.

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Springtime Beach Escapades in Australia

Springtime is usually associated with beginnings, awakenings and other dynamic notions. So, no wonder Australia, vibrant and joyful, attracts so many people between September and November. Apart from the always popular city breaks, hiking tours and visits to outposts, the most in-demand destinations are the magnificent and renowned beaches.

Despite the existence of coastline paradox, which makes it impossible to say exactly how long Australia’s coastline is, it’s safe to say that it’s among the longest ones in the world. It happens every now and then that great potentials simply don’t deliver. However, this can’t be further from truth when it comes to the beauty of Australia’s beaches and what they have to offer.

Surfing

The obvious first choice. There are few keen surfers who haven’t heard or dreamed of hitting the waves at Bells Beach in Victoria, Byron Bay in New South Wales and, well, the name says it all, Surfers Paradise in Queensland. Naturally, there are hundreds of less famous and less frequented beaches which offer amazing surfing experience, as well. Whatever your preference, there is a wave waiting for you at one of Australia’s pristine and breathtaking beaches.

Beach festivals

These are becoming increasingly popular, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists, some ready to travel more than 15 hours just to feel the world famous atmosphere. Bands and DJs heat up the stages all over the continent in spring, while after-parties may either cool everyone down or keep the temperature up, depending on the crowd.

Since these festivals last for several days, it’s vital to book accommodation early enough. Luckily, you can choose from a wide offer of private accommodation units, campsites and hotels in the vicinity of the beaches. Depending on the part of Australia you’re visiting and the dates of your visit, you might be lucky enough to attend one of the many festivals organized there

One of the premier surf beaches in Australia. Unfortunately, we could not get any closer as they were setting up for some big surf competition. On to our next scenic stop.

Diving and snorkeling

There aren’t many more awe-inspiring places for divers and snorkelers than the Great Barrier Reef and the area around it. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a complete novice who’s never donned the equipment before, you’re bound to find your own piece of heaven underwater.

You may organize your own trip or decide to join a guided tour. If you’re interested and can afford the time and money, you could take a diving course and become at least a certified recreational scuba diver.

Canoeing and kayaking

Usually associated with tranquil backwaters and inlets or inland white-waters, canoeing and kayaking off the shore provide you with an opportunity to see the marvelous coastline from another perspective. Plus, you’ll be getting an excellent workout while doing something fun.

Chances are, whichever part of Australia you choose, dolphins are quite likely to keep you company while you paddle your way off the coast. They might be accompanied by seals or other curious sea creatures, which would only bring the experience to a whole new level.

Chilling and eating

Perhaps an adrenalin rush is not what you’re after this spring, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have some extraordinary time by the water. For example, you can throw your own beach party for your family or friends. What better way to celebrate one of Australia’s greatest contributions to the culinary world – a barbecue breakfast, than having it at one of nature’s greatest gifts to us – a beach in Australia.

Millions of people flock to the beaches in Australia each year in search for fun, excitement or relaxation and an overwhelming majority of them find what they want. A lot of them find even more than they bargained for, while some find exactly what they need, though they didn’t have that particular experience in mind before embarking on their journey.

You’re probably not a jolly swagman who’s going to camp by a billabong, but someone looking for a spring holiday with a twist. Well, look no further, because you’ve chosen your destination wisely. Now all you need to do is make up your mind about what you’d like to experience, but keep it open. What might happen could be just the thing you need.

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Byron Bay

Exploring the Wonders of the Outback Wildflower Trails

The arrival of spring and balmy weather in Western Australia gives a definite green light to all adventurers and nature lovers to pack their bags and set out to explore the wildflower trails. Australia’s renowned Golden Outback region is a fantastic and fool-proof pick.

The area is packed with no less than 12,000 wildflower species in all colours of the rainbow that provide a breathtaking view for the visitors. Awaken your inner wild child and embark on this exciting journey, but not before you hear our suggestions and tips.

Comprehensive travel guide

We have gathered a selection of essential tips that will ensure you have a pleasant and safe holiday in this beautiful region:

Make sure to have a paper and digital version of emergency info and contacts at all times
Act in accordance with the local health and safety guidelines
Although stops with food can be found at every 100-300km, fill up the tank and bring enough food that doesn’t spoil easily
Acquire permits for travel on Aboriginal lands through the Department of Aboriginal Affairs
National park passes are required as well
Obey the strict quarantine laws regarding the transport of food and plants
Get acquainted with the holiday dates and join the merrymaking
Don’t forget to exchange your currency on time if you’re a foreign citizen

Following the coastline

Coastal wildflower trip is quite a lengthy adventure since it takes up 5 whole days on average. This trip gives you a unique chance to admire the spectacular wildlife scenery during the blossoming season from August to November.

Stage 1

While conquering the distance between Perth and Hyden (4h of drive, or 340km), you’ll run into a tapestry of kaleidoscopic flower species. The patch from Brookton to Boyagin Nature Reserve features deryandras, kunzeas, hibbertias, grevilleas and isopogons, among others. Travelling farther to the Dryandra Woodlands will give you the opportunity to feast your eyes on magnificent pink and lemon orchids.

Stage 2

For starters, don’t forget to make a break for the amazing Wave Rock, a giant granite cliff shaped by the weather and erosion into a wave-like structure. This day includes the trip from Hyden to Esperance (7 hours of drive or 500km) through captivating woodland and wildflower zone. Make a stop in Norseman to dine and recuperate.

Stage 3

Once you arrive in stunning coastal place of Esperance, you’ll get the chance to roam the Cape Le Grand National Park, enjoy the sky-blue waters of Lucky Bay and take part in the local festivals. Apart from variety of spring blossoms, you’ll also be surrounded by lovely marsupials such as grey kangaroos, bandicoots and pigmy honey possums.

Stage 4

When the patch between Esperance and Hopetoun is concerned, the sites worth the visit include Ravensthorpe’s nickel mine, Monjingup Lake reserve and Stokes Inlet National Park. Wattles, mallees, peas and royal hakea are some of the famous wildflower species in the region.

Stage 5

Instead of repeating the trip on the way back to Perth, head via astonishing Wheatbelt wildflower area near salt lakes Grace, Wagin, Dumbleyung and Williams and marvel the local scenery.

Granite path

This one is a fairly manageable trip for business people and families with kids as they can conquer it in the span of a weekend (two days). Springtime is ideal for this type of road trip (late August till October) since the weather is agreeable and the countryside is teeming with vegetation.

Make the best of your drive between Perth and Merredin (260km) and check out the historic town of York. The first ever inland European settlement in Western Australia offers a wide range of attractions, such as vintage car displays, arts and crafts workshops and picturesque farmlands. The shire of Narembeen and Bruce Rock are also some of the cool stops on the way to Merredin.

On you second day, head home via Mukinbudin (464km) and make sure to visit the Billyacatting and Talgomine Rock to soak in the colourful landscape of everlastings and wildflowers. Yellow-spotted donkey orchids and one-sided bottlebrush are the pride of this region. Round up your trip by picking some popular wreath flowers at the Koorda and Wongan Hills.

At-home wildflower oasis

If you get thoroughly impressed with this trip, you might want to make your own wildflower garden in the backyard when you return home. First and foremost, go for the resistant native plants. Place them in a sunny spot away from the shrubbery. Prepare the soil carefully and utilise some handy garden tools, such as quality garden sprayer and rakes. Add organic fertilisers, plant the seed and wait patiently.

Australia’s wildflower trail paths are a great opportunity to explore the country’s natural and cultural landmarks. Simply get a free transfer car and make use of our suggestions to plan a fabulous springtime trip.

Article by Lillian Connors.

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Wildflower

Boyagin Nature Reserve

Wave Rock

Cape Le Grand National Park

Narembeen

How to Truly Enjoy Cairns

The largest part of the Australian land still remains unknown for both Australian tourists and foreign visitors. While the majority of people go to Victoria and South New Wales or the Great Barrier Reef, Australia generously displays a variety of other natural and historical spots. The beautiful town of Cairns is one of such places. Its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and a strategic location on the coast of the Coral Sea make it a perfect place for visitors striving for peace and natural beauties.

A culinary tower of Babel

Like many other Australian towns and cities, Cairns is a blend of people from different parts of the world. This is why restaurants and bars here offer a wide range of different cuisines, fusing them together into a unique melting pot of various cultures. Therefore, if you want to try something tasty from that pot, you can choose from a wide range of traditional Australian restaurants, as well as places that offer Greek, Italian, Thai food and other specialties.

As for unusual local meals to try in Cairns, you should go for smoked crocodile, a kangaroo burger and various delicacies made from emu meat.

Beach relaxation

As for the beaches, the most logical choice in the town centre is Lagoon, placed inside the Esplanade, which is a strip of hotels, restaurants, bars and recreational facilities. You can observe the Great Barrier Reef from this promenade, especially if you choose one of the accommodation units in this part of the town. Also, swimming in the sea by Trinity Beach is a great in-Cairns experience.

Alternatively, tourists can visit dozens of breath-taking beaches outside Cairns. The most famous one is Palm Cove, which is actually a fancy resort, about 25 miles north of Cairns. On the other hand, if you’re less into luxury spa beach resorts and more into long, soothing beaches, continue driving another 20 miles to the north and indulge yourself with the gold sands of Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.

Learning about the Aborigines

Visiting this part of Australia has to be accompanied by several educational courses on the Aboriginal culture. Hence, when in Cairns, do as the Aborigines did. Learning more about one of the oldest cultures in the world will take you back to the times when people were a rare species on this planet – about 40,000 years ago.

So, the tourists that want to see how the Aborigines lived should apply for The Bama Way. This journey from Cairns to Cooktown is enriched with various features of the Aboriginal way of living. In addition to learning about their customs and beliefs, you’ll have a chance to hunt animals with a spear and collect bush food.

Moreover, don’t miss the Mossman Gorge Center – the home of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people – as well as the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, which will expand your knowledge of Aboriginal stories, dance and music.

Hail the giant – The Great Barrier Reef

The peak of your Cairns adventure should be a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Visible from space, this enormous coral reef consists of about 3000 smaller, independent reefs, spreading to about 130,000 square miles.

The most economical way to see this giant of nature is a daily boat trip from Cairns or Port Douglas. Most operators offer snorkeling and diving in this coral realm, which should be more than enough for a drained wallet.

On the other hand, a higher budget will allow you to book a helicopter tour and observe the reef from above or stay a night in one of the hotels placed on the islands inside the Reef.

Adding North Queensland to your Aussie itinerary will give you a chance to meet Australia as it once was, due to numerous Aboriginal sites. Also, the natural attractions and the urban coziness of Cairns should let you have a relaxing and affordable holiday.

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