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
Released under a Creative Commons license by Malcolm Jacobson – www.24track.net
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.
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Planning a holiday with kids can be a bit of a head scratcher, as finding activities for all parties to enjoy is a difficult balancing act, as there’s a limited supply of destinations offering fun for the whole family. Thankfully, winter provides us with an easy solution, and when it comes to skiing in New Zealand we’ve got you covered. And while you’re planning your winter holidays, keep in mind that you can always find a free campervan that will allow your family to travel in style even if you are on a tight budget.
Cardrona Alpine Resort
Even though its outside face is primarily aimed at experienced skiers, Cardrona offers plenty for the entire family. The resort provides a ski school for the younglings and the less experienced, and there’s a number of beginner runs to hone your skiing skills. Of course, if the parents or the children are already well-versed in the arts of snow, Cardrona has some of the finest skiing facilities in this part of the world. As an added bonus, families can actually sleep on the mountain, unlike many other skiing resorts in NZ, which makes it far easier for the family to reach skiing tracks.
The Remarkables
With the majority of its facilities consisting of relatively easy tracks intended for beginners and intermediate skiers, The Remarkables are an ideal winter destination for the whole family, regardless of its collective skiing level. And if, by chance, you have a daredevil or two among your ranks, they’ll be happy to explore the three terrain parks dedicated to ski and board acrobatics. It is a bit further from Queenstown than some other options, but certainly worthy of extra mileage.
Snow Farm New Zealand
If you are looking to introduce your young’uns to the magic of snow, circle Snow Farm on your map! The resort caters to winter casuals, as it is completely free of any nasty slopes and tracks that require a high skill level. Snow Farm New Zealand is there for the simple winter pleasures, like building a snowman or enjoying a good old snow fight. And if you’d still like a bit of physical activity on your holiday, the resort also offers a number of groomed trails for cross country skiing.
Treble Cone
Blessed with the longest vertical runs in all of the South Island, Treble Cone is a dream come true for experienced skiers and winter adventurists. Fortunately for families, it offers a diverse set of trails suitable for all skill levels. The less versed can also use a free chair lift, while the maestros can enjoy some of the numerous steep slopes on offer, and even go off map and explore the less beaten paths without the hassle of a crowded track.
Coronet Peak
Finally, we’re topping the list off with a skiing resort capable of meeting the needs of the whole family with Coronet Peak . About a quarter of its facilities is reserved for beginner trails, making it a perfect starting point for an education in skiing or snowboarding, particularly if you factor in the early learning centre for children of six and under. This comes handy if you’d like some alone time while being sure that your kids are safe and cared for.
At the same time, the resort provides a number of testing runs for skilled skiers, while on weekends you can also enjoy a bit of night skiing. And even if your children (or any other family members) care not a thing for skiing, they can still enjoy some winter magic in the form of a tubing park for sliding downhill on large inflatables.
New Zealand provides a number of phenomenal winter facilities to suit all types of enthusiasts and travellers. Make sure you take everyone’s interests and abilities into account before you make your decision, and don’t forget – that free transfer campervan is still waiting!
Summers in the Arizona desert might be difficult to handle. On the days when the sun is at its most merciless, even the most desert-hardened locals must be dreaming of a cool refuge. Thankfully, Arizona’s geography is a lot more diverse and offers stark contrasts to the desert valley that can provide a refreshing shelter from the heat.
This is our selection of Arizona’s summer getaways that will wipe the sweat off of your brow in no time. They can also serve as pointers for an awesome summer road trip across the state, so grab a map and hop into your car. Better yet, rent a free transfer car or camper van for a trip to remember on a budget.
Greer
A general rule of thumb for Arizona’s summer weather is this: “if it’s higher, it’s colder.” Located on the altitude of almost 8,500 feet, Greer is a slice of small-town Americana from the days of yore. The little town high up in the White Mountains provides a much needed respite from the modern world (even the cell phone reception is clunky, and Wi-Fi is nearly impossible to find).
Greer’s greatest attraction is the lush scenery that encircles it. The town’s surroundings, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, is a heaven for the outdoors-oriented, as well as a popular vacation spot during the summer, as the temperatures are generally 20-30 degrees cooler than in the deserts. The surrounding forests and lakes provide a full plethora of outdoor activities, from camping, hiking, fishing and swimming, all the way to horseback riding.
Lynx Lake
Arizona lakes are the go-to getaway from the summer heat. They are numerous, diverse, and usually high up in the mountains, providing a breath of fresh air for the heat-stricken. The state of Arizona doesn’t lack for choices in the lake department, and none of them are wrong. Still, if we were forced to recommend just one, then it has to be Lynx Lake.
Located deep in the Prescott National Forest, Lynx Lake sits on the altitude of cool 5,500 feet. It is a gorgeous lake surrounded by lush greenery. Due to its accessibility, it is very popular among the locals, offering wonderful opportunities for camping, hiking, fishing and boating, as well as the sighting of as large number of wild animals such as bald eagles, mule deer and osprey.
Flagstaff
If you’re looking for a bit more from your vacation than spectacular natural scenery, a college town seated in the world’s largest continuous Ponderosa pine forest has plenty to see and do.
Flagstaff sits at the altitude of about 7,000 feet among the pines, ensuring a fresh summer even in the hottest days. The town is host to the Northern Arizona University, making it a lively hub with a vibrant cultural scene and vivid social life. There are Hopi and Navajo Indian reservations in the near proximity, and, to top it off, the Grand Canyon is less than an hour’s drive away.
Mogollon Rim
If breathtaking scenery and stunning vistas stretching as far as the eye can see are your thing, then mark the Mogollon Rim on your map, because you’re in for an absolute treat.
The enormous forested plateau is a marvel of geology, with sedimentary, metamorphic and volcanic rock from the Precambrian days joining together to form some of the most amazing views on Arizona’s forests and desert flats. The area is rich with wildlife and offers great hiking and horseback riding trails, as well as nice fishing spots, while the nearby town of Payson has all the charms of a small mountain settlement.
Jerome
Seated in the Black Hills of Arizona’s Yavapai County, Jerome is one of those peculiar little towns that spontaneously grow into quirky local cultural hubs thanks to their colorful inhabitants. The town’s sprawling main street is dotted with galleries, bars and restaurants with a decidedly local atmosphere, as well as unusual shopping spots, such as (supposedly) the world’s largest kaleidoscope store, or a shop entirely dedicated to homemade fudge.
Aside from its art town charms, Jerome also offers gorgeous surroundings and nice tracks for hiking and horseback riding, while the famous ruins of the Native American Montezuma Castle are only a short drive away.
While many see the summer in Arizona as a curse, we see it as an opportunity to venture out and get to know the side of the state we don’t see very often. An extended road trip is in order, made even better with the chance to find a free transfer car to fuel your voyage.
Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts assemble! Spring is here and that means that the weather is perfect for an exploration road trip of Florida, home to countless natural wonders, some pretty exotic urban hotspots, and of course, a unique laid-back culture that is bound to steal your heart. Whether you’re hopping from city to city, exploring a national park, or dining on fresh sea food on the coast, Florida has got something for everyone, so find a free transfer car and pack your bags because an adventure of a lifetime awaits.
The Space Coast: Orlando to Melbourne
The 72-mile stretch from Titusville to Melbourne is not only route imbued with historic significance, but it’s a wonderful place to discover the hiking, scuba diving, surfing, and swimming opportunities as well. While in Titusville, you will have the opportunity to explore its historic downtown portrayed by 19th century architecture along the Indian River.
Be sure to spend some time enjoying the sounds, aromas, and sights on Playa Linda Beach, lying across the famous Kennedy Space Center, which you shouldn’t skip either, as the center is a jam-packed exhibition of spacecraft, equipment, space suits, educational programs, and much, much more. While at the beach, try spotting the loggerhead turtles frolicking in the near waters.
On your way to Melbourne, be sure to visit the famous Cocoa Beach for a nice surf session and a light outdoor snack at one of the family-friendly joints serving seafood and distinctly Cuban delicacies. The A1A highway will then take you through numerous beautiful public beaches you should definitely visit.
Gulf Coast: Tarpon Springs to Pine Island
Tarpon Springs is a historic fishing village known as the sponge-diving capital of the world, home to distinctly Greek culture, cuisine, and most importantly, excellent coffee directly from Hellas. After spending a quiet morning enjoying the finest local eats, head south towards the village of Dunedin, where the iconic Olde Bay Café first opened in 1930s awaits.
Enjoy a beautiful seaside view before heading south to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to rich and diverse marine life the entire family can enjoy. Following the Gulf Blvd. from the Florida Botanical Gardens, you’ll end up in South Pasadena, where seafood is world-renowned and adorned.
Let the road take you further south to Placida, a quaint fishing village where you will find boutiques and galleries, along with some excellent fishing spots. Be sure to visit Matlacha, an old fishing village and cast a bait or two yourself before making your way to Fort Myers and its numerous restaurants and cafés. Be sure to stay the night in one of the town’s elegant bed & breakfast spots.
The Florida Keys: Key Largo to Key West
The Florida Keys – the archipelago running from Key Largo all the way to Key West, the southernmost point of the continental US. Travelling south from Homestead and Florida City, take the overseas highway to Key Largo and tis numerous natural reserves. While there, be sure to visit the Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park and the Calusa Camp Resort where you can enjoy fine dining and numerous wildlife attractions.
Take the scenic route further south and enjoy the picturesque views of the ocean on both sides, making sure to take frequent stops to snap a few photos. Don’t miss the Laura Quinn wild bird sanctuary and the Blond Giraffe Key Lime Pie Factory a few minutes down the road. Before heading into Key West, take a few hours to hang out with the dolphins at the Theater of the Sea and if you’re travelling with your furry companion, Anne’s Beach further south is a great place to enjoy shallow water beachside fun with your pooch.
Rolling into Key West, and you will find numerous attractions ranging from shops, restaurants, and cafés to beautiful city landmarks such as the Mallory Square and the bustling Duval Street, the city’s main promenade filled with bars and historic buildings. Enjoy a Margarita at sunset in Mallory Square where the Sunset Celebration is a daily event with live music and food stalls serving seafood and Cuban delicacies.
Florida is the place where you want to plan out the road trip of a lifetime, especially in springtime when the temperatures are still moderately high and the crowds haven’t started pouring in. With plenty of mileage to cover, be sure to make your road trip efficient and comfortable by taking a free campervan through the natural and urban wonders of the Sunshine State.
The East coast of Australia is not the only place where you can take an unforgettable road trip, you know. In fact, the Land Down Under is so vast that you can find adventure and beauty anywhere you go, and the challenging Adelaide to Darwin stretch is laden with both. This one is not for the faint of heart, though, as covering more than 3,027 km (1,881 miles) is not an easy task. With several days’ worth of travel and numerous exciting destinations along the way, now’s the time to grab your free transfer car and head out to an Aussie adventure of a lifetime.
Adelaide to Flinders Ranges
Starting from Adelaide, you’re going to take the A1 north towards Port Augusta, but instead of crossing the bridge and joining the A87 motorway, you’re going to take a little side quest and head northeast along the B83 motorway instead towards Flinders Ranges. Why should you do this, you ask?
Because Flinders Ranges is located in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, an absolute gem in South Australia your nature-loving persona wouldn’t want to miss. Plus, the detour will definitely pay off in a number of ways, as you can ride the historic Pichi Pichi Railway aboard the century-old steam train nicknamed the Coffee Pot, enjoy a fresh feral mixed grill dish, and spend the night under the stars at Arkaba Station overlooking Wilpena Pound.
Flinders Ranges to Coober Pedy
Okay, time to backtrack a bit to Port Augusta, and take the A87 all the way to Coober Pedy, making sure you take a quick detour to visit Lake Gairdner National Park along the way. Here you want to take a moment to revel in the beauty of the salt lakes expanding from east to west, and maybe even visit some of the sacred sites of the Kokatha people.
Once in Coober Pedy, take a few hours to rest and recuperate, enjoy a local meal, refuel, and maybe even visit Lake Cadibarrawirracanna to the east or the Breakaways Conservation Park some 30 kilometres up north.
Coober Pedy to Uluru and Alice Springs
Once you’re ready to hit the road again, you can plot your route to Uluru, some 750 kilometres north along the A87 motorway. Instead of continuing straight to Alice Springs, turn left at the Erldunda Roadhouse and make your way to the iconic Uluru sandstone rock formation that has graced many famous Australian postcards.
Once you’ve taken in the sights (don’t try to climb Uluru, be respectful of the local culture) you can head back on the road towards Alice Springs. Once there, you can leave the car to rest for the night and enjoy hiking along the Larapinta Trail, visit the West MacDonnell National Park and explore the town itself. Don’t forget to visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary.
Alice Springs to Devil’s Marbles and Mataranka
Not a five-hour drive north, the Devil’s Marbles Conservation Reserve awaits – a place of great cultural and spiritual importance to the Aboriginal people that used to own the land. The reserve aims to protect one of the oldest religious sites in the world, along with the iconic rock formations the Aborigines call “Karlu Karlu”. So snap a few photos and move along towards Mataranka.
About half-way to Mataranka, you can make a stop at the Lake Woods Conservation Covenant and take a leisurely stroll to the lake itself. Once in Mataranka, you can take a breather and visit the Elsey National Park and the Roper River. You can also spend the night at one of the local cottages in the town.
Kakadu National Park and then finally Darwin
Moving along on that final stretch to Darwin, you want to make a few stops here and there to explore the natural wonders of the surrounding National Parks, and maybe even enjoy the local cuisine in one of the quaint towns along the road. Be sure to visit the Kakadu and Nitmiluk National Parks to the east, and the Litchfield National Park to the west before rolling into Darwin. When you reach Darwin, you can park the car and spend a couple of days exploring the historic outpost and its thriving city culture. Enjoy museums and galleries, artisan pubs and restaurants, and much more.
The perfect Australian road trip doesn’t have to begin or end with the popular east coast, as there are hundreds of natural and urban beauties waiting for you along the roads permeating the central outback. What’s more, by taking a free transfer car or campervan you will be able to cover this grand stretch efficiently and pave the road to an Aussie adventure of a lifetime.
Calmly staring at what seems to be the edge of the world, nestled in the southeast region of New Zeeland’s South Island, lies the city of Dunedin. Praised for its diverse cultural heritage and magnificent architectural and natural scenery, the city and its surrounding landscape present an idyllic couple’s getaway, or even a perfect adventure destination for young travellers. With so much to see and plenty to do in this thriving town, the only thing left is to grab a free transfer car and kick-start your budget-friendly exploration of Dunedin.
Experience the wildlife
Going to a zoo can be expensive, but witnessing the vibrant wildlife in all its glory along the walking paths around town is one activity that’s completely free of charge. Walking the beautiful beaches, and especially visiting the Otago Peninsula will grant you access to some of the most breathtaking sceneries, conveniently accommodating rich and diverse wildlife. Here you will get the chance to see exotic bird species, sea lions frolicking on the beach, penguins, and seals. Do remember to keep your distance though, and admire from afar.
Ride the waves at St Clair Beach
St Clair Beach is a true surfer’s paradise located just a few minutes from the city centre. The honey-hued beach provides the perfect backdrop for the expansive sea ahead and its roaring waves that readily welcome a diverse community of surf aficionados. Naturally, surfing here is completely free if you bring your own gear. If not, don’t worry, you can rent out a wetsuit and a surfboard for a reasonable price of $40.
Hunt for street art
Time to delve into the heart of the city and walk the Dunedin Street Art Trail that gives this beautiful city its unique charm and splendor. So pick up a map and head out on a street art treasure hunt around town, discovering the international works of art that grace over 28 facades and tackle numerous artistic, social, and political questions of the modern world. This wonderful little excursion should take more than 90 minutes out of your day.
Cycle the Numerous Bike Trails
Among numerous outdoor adventures the town has to offer, mountain biking has got to be one of the most adrenaline-fueled activities you can enjoy for free. Provided that you don’t forget to bring your own bike. There are plenty of exhilarating tracks to challenge your coordination and cycling skills, like the Signal Hill reserve, the Swampy summit circuit, and the Chain Hills road track. If you’re in need of a trusty set of wheels, though, you can hire a bike for the day for about $30.
Visit the Botanic Gardens
An absolute must-see attraction for all nature lovers among you is the Dunedin Botanic Garden, home to more than 6,000 plant species, all beautifully and meticulously arranged for your viewing pleasure along various walking paths each more breathtaking than the last. Enjoy a rejuvenating cup of coffee at the local café and revel in the beauty of exotic birds chirping from the neighbouring aviaries.
And the Otago Museum
Dunedin is known for its Scottish and Maori cultural heritage, with the town proudly and devotedly preserving the legacy of these native peoples in the Otago Museum. The best part? Not only is the exhibition rich and diverse enough to be enjoyed for hours on end, but the museum is also free. However, you have the option of supporting the workings of the museum with a small contribution of $10.
Revel in the Beauty of the Southern Lights
Few natural wonders can compare with the awe-inspiring beauty of Aurora Australis, more popularly known as the Southern Lights, sometimes visible from the shores of the southern hemisphere. Among the few places where this natural phenomenon is visible in New Zealand, the Dunedin region offers a spectacularly colourful view of the never—ending cosmos above. Visit the Otago Peninsula and Tunnel Beach when solar activity is expected to be highest.
Dunedin is a thriving city rich with numerous sightseeing spots and breathtaking natural wonders looking to steal your heart away and give you an adventure of a lifetime. If you want to experience the region in its entirety, be sure to find a free car or campervan to make the most out of your Dunedin escapade.
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.
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.
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.
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