Australia Circum navigation - a single lap encircling the entirety of Australia.
Exploring Down Under: An Epic Road Trip
Are you dreaming of the perfect adventure, filled with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife encounters, and endless memories? Get ready to embark on an epic journey, right in the comfort of your own set of wheels. Driving around Australia is more than just a dream - it's a reality waiting to be explored!
Uncover the beauty of Australia's diverse terrains, from vast deserts and turquoise seas to towering mountains and white sand beaches. This incredible country offers an adventure that extends beyond the ordinary, attracting both locals and tourists alike every year. But where to begin, you ask? Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of planning the ultimate Australian road trip.
So, you're all set to hit the road, but you don't have a car yet? Fear not! Start your journey in a bustling city such as Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth, where you're bound to find the ideal vehicle for your adventure. Keep in mind what you should look for when purchasing a ride, which you can find here (insert link to car buying episode).
Before we dive into the specifics, a few general facts about the Aussie climate and travel time:
- In Australia's hotter months (December to February), the north, like Cairns, experiences soaring temperatures and heavy rainfall. If you prefer milder weather, travel during the winter months (June to August).
- The southern city of Melbourne has warm summers and, for Australian standards, chilly and rainy winters.
- The rest of Australia's seasons are a mix of these extremes, with the main difference being overall temperature and rainfall levels.
Now, let's share a little glimpse into our own Australian road trip, which we undertook nearly five years ago:
- We commenced our adventure in Brisbane and settled into an Airbnb for a comfortable first month, sorting out necessary errands (find out what they are here: insert link to post on to-dos). Once that was all sorted, we headed car shopping, and, thanks to sheer luck, found the perfect VW T4, already converted into a camper.
- With our belongings securely stowed away, we embarked on our northward journey to Rainbow Beach before hopping on a ferry to K'Gari (Fraser Island). As we lacked a 4WD, we booked a 2-day tour to explore the island's offerings.
- Following our K'Gari adventure, we made our way southward, spending a few days at the Sunshine Coast, including stops in Noosa, Coolum Beach, and Mooloolaba. The national park in Noosa is worth every step, so don't miss it.
- Next on our agenda was Byron Bay, with its unique charm despite the increasing popularity. Make sure to check out the Byron Bay Lighthouse, the easternmost point in Australia, for a must-see experience.
Our Australian journey continued with Sydney, where we rang in the New Year with an elaborate, stunning fireworks display. After Sydney, we ventured to Jervis Bay and the town of Huskisson, trading work in a restaurant for breathtaking coastal scenery and waves.
Once we'd had our fill of Huskisson, we were back on the road, venturing to Canberra and Narooma before reaching Melbourne. Unfortunately, due to the devastating bushfires in 2019/2020, we had to take a detour through the inland, as vast areas of the country were closed. But remember, those summer fires aren't common every year. From Melbourne, we took the scenic Great Ocean Road to Adelaide, where we joined forces with fellow travelers Vicky and Raphael, whom we'd met at the Gold Coast. Together, we headed into the outback, where we observed stunning sunrises and sunsets in front of the awe-inspiring Uluru.
After our outback expedition, we traded red deserts for sandy shores as we retraced our steps back to the west coast. Surprised by the vast amounts of red desert along the southern coast, we later realized we had much to learn about Australian road trips! From there, we reached the Nullarbor Plain, also known as the "90 Mile Straight," where the highway stretches endlessly. Despite the challenges, we eventually made it to the beautiful town of Esperance and the perfect waves that awaited us there.
Our round trip ended in Perth, where we spent several weeks exploring local attractions, such as the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia, and Shark Bay. One of our highlights was snorkeling with whale sharks in Exmouth, an unforgettable experience that left us speechless.
So how long did our adventure last? All in all, we covered approximately 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles) in about 4 months, a mix of travel and leisure time. But your journey can go faster or slower, depending on your pace and interests.
Perhaps you're wondering why I earlier mentioned a fondness for the East Coast... Let me reassure you, the West Coast is every bit as stunning, with its unique landscapes, adventure-filled outback, and untouched land. If I had to choose, I couldn't pick a favorite - each coast offers a different, incredible experience.
Before you embark on your Australian road trip, I'd like to share two app recommendations:
- WikiCamps: This app costs a few euros, but it shows you countless camping and free camping spots, as well as hostels, water stations, and all the attractions throughout Australia.
- Petrol Spy: A useful fuel app that allows you to compare fuel prices, ensuring you never overpay along the way.
Now that you're more eager than ever to embark on your own Aussie adventure, the only thing left to do is choose your starting point, consider the weather conditions, and simply hit the road! And remember, the Aussies always say, "safe travels, don't drive at night and don't drink and drive."
Cheers, yours, Jesko.
Imagine cruising along Australia's roads in an electric vehicle, embracing the eco-friendly lifestyle while reducing your carbon footprint.The lure of sports-betting might lead you to detour to exciting races, adding an adrenaline-pumping twist to your adventure-travel.As you traverse the outback, don't forget that regular car-maintenance is vital to ensure a smooth and safe journey.Regardless of your preferred mode of transport, remember that booking tours is a smart decision for exploration-rich destinations like Fraser Island that require specialized vehicles.
