Hit the road and find a experience

Hit the road and find a unique Australian experience

More than one million people travelled across some part of Australia’s Highway One each day in 2006 – the 24,000km road which circumnavigates the Australian continent.

“In New Zealand, State Highway One, which runs from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, is 2,047km long. Australia’s Highway One is more than ten times this length, making driving diverse for the Kiwi traveller,” said Vito Anzelmi, regional manager of Tourism Australia, New Zealand.

With the winter now here, this is an ideal time for Kiwis to escape the cold and enjoy the warmer weather along one of the many road journeys in Australia.

Travelling in Australia is an experience in itself, where you can discover the diversity and intricacies of Australian towns, people and culture. Self-drive is a great option that allows visitors to traverse through the diverse Australian landscapes at their own pace.

Below, Tourism Australia outlines some unique Australian self-drive journeys for New Zealanders to make their own – the options are endless.

Shipwreck Coast, Victoria
The Shipwreck Coast is aptly named after the rugged region of the Pacific Coast where unfortunate ships have met their doom. Drive along the Great Ocean Road, and experience the wild wind and ocean-swept coast, including the stunning Port Campbell national and coastal park and the charming maritime city of Warrnambool. The iconic towering Twelve Apostles rock stacks soar up from the waters of the Southern Ocean and promise to be a highlight of your drive. If you are interested in spotting the Southern Right Whales, make sure you book your trip now, as these magnificent creatures only inhabit these waters in the winter.
www.greatoceanroad.org/shipwreckcoast/

Great Sunshine Way, Queensland
Launched in May this year, the Great Sunshine Way offers a variety of experiences, all within a three hour radius of Brisbane. The route links key southern Queensland regions, including the Gold Coast, Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, the Fraser Coast and the southern country areas of Queensland. The region boasts two World Heritage listed sites, great food and wine and many surprises off the beaten track. There are many opportunities along the way for you to park your vehicle, take a dip in the inviting waters or bask in the sun.
www.queenslandholidays.com.au

Tasmania’s Heritage Highway, Tasmania
An estimated five-day tour between Lauceston and Hobart, this scenic drive features dramatic natural wonders, including Australia’s highest sea cliffs on the Tasman Peninsula, the summit of Cradle Mountain and one of Tasmania’s highest waterfalls, St Columba Falls. The road itself is immersed in history as it follows the route originally carved out by convicts in the early 1800s. This lends itself well to hearty Kiwis who can take a nightly ghost tour through the convict station at Port Arthur. All types of accommodation can be found along the way, with a cosy bed and breakfast, warm caravan or hotel recommended for the cooler winter months.
http://www.tasmaniacentral.tas.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=182

Nature’s Way, Northern Territory
If you are looking for a trip where you will be surrounded by the wonder of the Top End, this is the drive for you. Covering regions around Darwin, this five day tour covers stunning destinations and exciting activities such as Litchfield National Park, a river cruise on the Mary River and the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. At this time of the year, the magnificent waterfalls are full and the temperatures are not too high. Unique Australian wildlife is a highlight of this trip, with opportunities to spot many animals, including saltwater crocodiles in the Yellow Water Wetlands, dingoes, goanas and barramundi.
http://www.travelnt.com/en/experience/driving/natures-way.htm

Golden Quest Discovery Trail, Western Australia
The Golden Quest Discovery Trail offers a slice of Australian Outback history –
a 965 kilometre drive trail that traces the gold-rushes of the 1890s and explores their impact through the Western Australian Outback. Encompassing Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie-Boulder, extending north to Menzies, Kookynie, Gwalia, Leonora and Laverton, the trail represents a journey through Western Australia’s past. It's a journey rich with colonial architecture, natural wonders, Aboriginal history and a host of remarkable characters. To enjoy this Outback journey, we suggest you hire a four wheel drive.
http://www.goldenquesttrail.com/

Water Wonderland, Pacific Coast Touring Route, New South Wales and Queensland
Water Wonderland is one of many itineraries on the Pacific Coast Touring Route. This drive follows the Pacific Coast coastline between Sydney and Brisbane. The array of waterways between Port Stephens on the central coast and the Great Lakes at Port Macquarie provide a great opportunity for visitors to explore a range of water activities. Meander through seaside villages with spectacular coastal views, taste the seafood straight from the Pacific Ocean and spot dolphins who visit the coast at this time of year. Allow a good five days for the Water Wonderland itinerary.
http://www.pacificcoast.com.au/

Iga Warta Aboriginal Experience, South Australia
The Iga Warta Aboriginal Tour is through the domain of the Adnyamathanha –
the stone people – based in the Northern half of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. Led by an Aboriginal guide, the tour takes you on a journey of local interpretation of Aboriginal creation myths and contemporary Adnyamathanha society. The tour also involves bush tucker tasting, lessons on the healing powers of medical plants found in the region and showcases Aboriginal engravings and paintings. Accommodation on this four to seven day outdoor experience ranges from safari tents to cabins or camping accommodation, suiting all tastes and budgets.
http://www.aboriginalaustralia.com.au/tour_info.cfm?id=65

Capital and Country Touring Route, Victoria, ACT and NSW
This self-drive journey between Melbourne and Sydney is rich in both cultural and natural highlights, passing through major cities and regional centres. En route we suggest you stop and experience the Murray River – Australia’s largest river network. Include a stopover at Australia’s capital city, Canberra, in your itinerary. Rich in architecture, Canberra offers museums and galleries galore. You can even take a hot air balloon ride to get a bird’s eye view of this scenic city.
http://www.capitalandcountry.com.au /MAIN.html

ENDS

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