20ten Drive

1. GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VIC
Follow the Victorian coastline from Torquay to Allansford. The 243km road winds its way across cliff tops to beaches headlands and through forest areas. There are many opportunities for panoramic photos of the Southern Ocean and Bass Strait. It is a winding road so parents travelling with young children might be advised to bring a plastic bucket or ice cream container.

There are many beach-side towns to stop for a bite to eat, stretch the legs and empty the bucket. Make sure to stop at what is left of the Twelve Apostles, east of Port Campbell. They are limestone columns formed through erosion by the wind and waves. Following another column collapsing in September 2009 there are only seven Apostles remaining.

Between June and October southern right whales may also be seen off the coast of Warrnambool. Along the journey visitors might also see dolphins and seals. Visitors feeling more energetic may travel part of the distance on foot following the Great Beach Walk, a 91km stretch of beach between Apollo Bay and Glenample. Camping sites are available.

Web
www.greatoceanroad.org

2. NULLARBOR PLAN, SA-WA
Officially, the 1668km (1042mi) drive along the Eyre Highway goes from Port Augusta SA to Norseman WA (or vice versa). Having got to either of these towns visitors may soon realise they are still a long way from anywhere. There are roadhouses every 200km or so, therefore planning fuel purchases is critical.

Part of this journey includes the world’s longest stretch of straight road. Between Balladonia and Caiguna there is 146.6km of bituman without a turn. To break this journey up travellors stop to enjoy the spectacular views from atop the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight. During winter southern right whale cows can often be seen swimming with their calves.

3. BLUE MOUNTAINS, NSW
There are 18 mapped drives people can follow through the Blue Mountains varying in length and difficulty. It is also possible to do follow a 1200km (750mi) circular route of connecting roads, starting in the outer western Sydney suburb of Penrith.

The complete route roughly follows the boundaries of Nattai, Kanangari and Wollemi National Parks and takes visitors as far north and Muswellbrook and south to Goulburn. The main attraction is the environment itself, which will continually change throughout the drive. If rocks, trees waterways and wildlife are just not enough, the Blue Mountains also offer up numerous art galleries, cafes, markets and mines. Bushwalking and cycling is also popular in this area throughout the year, adding to the obstacles to avoid along the way.

Web
www.greatbluemountains.com.au

4. DAINTREE, QLD
Explore Australia’s favourite rainforest. The drive north of Mossman will take tourists to the coast across rivers, through sugarcane farmland and deep into the heat of the tropical forest. June to November is cane harvesting season so farm machinery and transport will also be on the roads.

Pack the rod and tackle as the drive includes great opportunity for recreational fishing. The beaches are also particularly inviting for a lazy swim. Fresh tropical fruit is also in abundance all year round. For nature lovers the Daintree offers many opportunities to watch some of the most unique fauna in the world doing whatever it is they do. It is going to be warm to hot all year round with relatively high humidity.

Make the most of the region by spending a few days exploring the towns and joining a local tour or one of the numerous cruises along the waterways and estuaries.

Web
www.daintreevillage.asn.au

5. FLINDERS RANGES, SA
The complete round trip is approximately 1000km (625mi) from Adelaide to as far north as Blinman. This drive is accessible by all cars though a 4WD will be easier and a lot more fun with a number of off-road tracks dotted throughout the region.

This drive will take visitors to some of South Australia’s most historic towns and important Indigenous sites. In spring, after winter rains, visitors will also see some of Australia’s rarest wild flowers. When you get to Wilpena Pound it is worth taking a scenic flight to get the best view of the valleys, gorges and the natural amphitheatre. To make the most of this drive visitors are encouraged to get out of the car and walk even just for a few minutes into the scrub, forests or desert – depending on where you are.

Highlights will include mining at Leigh Creek and Burra, Pichie Richie Railway (Quorn), Mount Remarkable and Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary. Visitors should make sure they have adequate water, sun protection and personal insect repellent.

Web
www.southaustralia.com.au/FlindersRangesDrive

6. WILSONS PROMONTORY, VIC
This 213km (133mi) drive south east of Melbourne will take visitors to the southern most point of the Australian mainland. The wind off Bass Strait make this area perfect for kite flying, it also means it is worth packing a jacket.

Take time exploring the many walking tracks through Wilsons Promontory National Park exploring the beaches, swamps, fern gullies and eucalyptus forests. Take the camera to Mount Vereker Lookout for the picture postcard photos. Walk along Squeaky Beach as much for the sound as the view. The white quartz crystal sand makes a unique squeaking sound underfoot.

Web
http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=217

7. TASMANIA
The road network of Tasmania enables drivers to drive around the entire island. The drive around the complete triangle is approximately 1250km (781mi). It is possible to get around the island on sealed roads that will take visitors to a range of diverse environments. Tasmania is however better explored with a 4WD.

Tasmania is not the place for a driver’s first road trip as the roads can be steep and winding, during the winter moths they can also be icy. It is also common to encounter wildlife that do not understand the concept of giving way and logging trucks that – even following the road rules – create quite a challenge on some of the narrow mountain roads.

The ruggedness of the wild west coast is definitely one of the highlights. The island abounds with unique wildlife ancient forests and some of Australia’s most historic architecture with many structures having been hand built by convicts.

Web
www.discovertasmania.com/travel_information/car_hire/self-drive

8. BINNS WAY, NT
No need to clean the 4WD before this tour, it is guaranteed to be covered in red dust from the Australian outback by the end of the trip. So is everything else you take with you for that matter! Starting at Mount Dare near the South Australian border this drive will take travellers 2191km north to Timber Creek.

Despite the first appearances of a somewhat desolate landscape it is recommended that travellers take at least 10 days to see and do everything central Australia has to offer. Passing through Alice Springs, the track includes the western edge of the Simpson Desert - Australia’s biggest, N’Dhala Gorge which has over 6000 indigenous rock paintings, unused mines, waterholes, rivers (with and without water) and caves

One geological highlight of this track is the Devil’s marbles about halfway through the journey. This rock formation will inspire everyone’s inner photographer.

Binns track is for the experienced 4W driver and can be dangerous. Thorough planning is required before embarking of this drive for mechanical and medical emergencies and adequate provisions.

Web
http://en.travelnt.com/experience/driving/binns-track.aspx

9. MONKEY MIA, WA
Located 861km (538mi) north of Perth it could be argued that as good as the drive is, this journey is all about the destination. Monkey Mia’s is most famous for its dolphin population that enjoy swimming with the locals and tourists. Jump on a catamaran to venture out to deeper water to look for dugong, sea snakes and other marine life.

Along the way stop at Geraldton to explore the Pinnacles, unique limestone rock formations up to 5m high sticking out of the sand of the Pinnacles Desert. This is another opportunity to observe some of Australia’s wildlife; bush wallaby, honey possum and various reptiles and birds.

Web
www.wavisitorcentre.com

10. ROUNDOZ- MOTORBIKE
Have you got a motorcycle licence and a couple of months spare? Then why not ride around Australia. Planned itineraries are available to ensure riders get to see all of the natural and built highlights Australia has to offer.
It is a long ride and needs to be thoroughly planned, Australia is big and there can be long distances between facilities. There will be many nights of camping on the side of the road (a safe distance from the bitumen of course) Riders must be experienced on their bike and being self sufficient. A basic knowledge of mechanics would also be an advantage as it can be a long walk to the nearest service station.

Web
www.bikeroundoz.com