Australia has been a hot spot for tourists since many decades. This time around though, the World Cup is an additional highlight. The cricket frenzy has taken the world by storm and there are no signs of the fever dwindling. While the game brings excitement, patriotism, and thrill to its absolute peak, a little time must be spared to explore this land of diverse landscapes.
Whether as a getaway from maddening crowds or as an adventure trip, what could get better than a road trip with your dear ones! There are several car rentals like Hertz in Melbourne that give you the perfect tool for a perfect trip. Hire a car of your taste and drive your way through the excitement. Australia is a land blessed with scenic beauty and landscapes that are only otherwise seen in a painting. Read on to learn of the best in road trips in Australia.
Starting at Melbourne, this 3-day road trip will acquaint you with gorgeous beaches, landscapes, villages, and native species of animals. Torquay that is an hour’s drive from Melbourne is a surf haven and a must visit for adventure lovers. Drive past spectacular coastal views and enjoy a relaxed lunch at the beach town of Lorne. Your first day could include a drive to Apollo Bay that offers panoramic views of exotic beaches, walks with koalas, cascading and overwhelming waterfalls and bird-watching – an activity that is sure to leave you overwhelmed!
The Otway National Park and Cape Otway Light Station too fall en route and are strongly recommended must-visits. After a comfortable stay at Apollo Bay, your second day could commence with an exciting treetop canopy walkway! Be sure to visit the 12 Apostles – where you could also take a helicopter ride to imprint the scenery in your mind. Watch whales school their offsprings at Warnambool and make a visit (by walk) to the Tower Hill State Game Reserve. Relax and unwind at Port Fairy, a fishing town. Spend the first half of the third day exploring Port Fairy, after which you could drive back to Melbourne via the culinary route of Colac.
The Great Southern Touring Route
If you had a great time driving along The Great Ocean Road and wish the trip lasted longer, you could extend the trip to make your way along the Great Southern Touring Route for an additional 2 days. After spending good time at Port Fairy, head to Dunkeld that opens into southern Grampians. Grampians is a National Park enveloped within magnificent sandstone mountain ranges. If adventure is a synonym with you, trek your way up to Mt Sturgeon or Mt Abrupt and spend the rest of your day amidst nature, wildlife, and adventure activities.
The fourth day will familiarise you with the culture, art, and lifestyle of aboriginals at Brambuk National Park and Culture Centre. As you drive along, you can revel in the beauty of Boroka, Reed, and the Balconies and MacKenzie Falls. Be surprised by the Chinese history associated with Gum San and take a tour at Aradale, a long abandoned asylum. Your destination for the day could be Ballarat. This city is known for gold mining and you could take a turn at panning gold, make a trip into a gold mine, and learn of the city’s history before you head back. On the way falls Hepburn Springs – known for its mineral waters.