The immense size and diversity of Australia is mind-boggling. The country is larger than the United States (less Alaska) and almost as large as the entire European continent, with a landscape that varies from scorching deserts to tropical forests to snow-peaked mountains.
The only way one is able to fathom Australia’s great size and diverse scenery is through partaking in a road trip. There are several routes which offer an great Australian experience. Just remember that you are never going to be able to see it all in one trip. There are people who have spent their life travelling around the continent and still haven’t seen everything.
Before you go, make sure you join an auto club like NRMA. With such long distances between towns in Australia, you will be stuck if your car breaks down. NRMA offer mobile mechanics which will come to you, where ever you are.
The benefit of having a car is that you can get away from the usual tourist-trail of the east coast. As most people start an Australian trip in Sydney, a good roadtrip option is the Sydney – Adelaide Road Trip. This 8-day road trip begins in Australia’s biggest city, Sydney and ends in Adelaide, stretching more than 2000 kilometres.
The first highlight on this journey are the Blue Mountains, located just outside of Sydney.
The Blue Mountains is a hiker’s paradise, with its rugged terrain featuring steep cliffs, forests, mountains and hills. The crown of this gem is Mount Werong, a mountain rising 1,215 meters above sea level which represents the highest point of the Blue Mountains. Also present in the Blue Mountains is Mount Victoria which rises 1,052 metres above sea level.
Orange and Bathurst should be the next stop-over. The two country towns will give you the authentic feel of Australia’s countryside. Make sure to indulge yourself in the delicious meals and wines offered that the region is known for. Also present is the Mount Condobolas Nature Reserve which has dozens of hiking trails and offers amazing views of the countryside.
The next stop on this road trip is Hill End which one most picturesque stops on the trip. Admire the rural cottages complete with lichen-covered fences. And also make sure to visit the nearby Bald Hill to have a panoramic view of the rural landscape.
For many travellers, Broken Hill is the quintessential Australian outback town. The region is laden with numerous points of interest which include the Kinchega National Park, Mutawintji National Park and the Albert Kerten Mining and Minerals Museum. While in Broken Hill, take time to visit the neighboring Menindee Lake, famous for its variety of water birds.
Wine lovers will certainly enjoy the end of the trip which includes the wine producing region of the Barossa Valley. The huge vineyards creates a beautiful green scenery that seems spread for miles.
At the tail-end of the journey is South Australia’s largest city, Adelaide which is home to many places of interests which include the Adelaide Zoo, the Art Gallery of South Australia and the South Australian Museum.
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