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Tag: road trip

  • Drive Down The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, One of Australia’s Natural Wonders

    If you want to enjoy a driving vacation in Australia, there’s no better stretch of coastline to explore than the Great Ocean Road. The Victorian passage stretches from Geelong to Warnambool.

    This scenic road is actually the world’s largest war memorial. It took diggers 16 years to build the 241-kilometer road in memory of their fallen comrades. There was no modern technology at that time, with the serviceman relying on picks, shovels, dynamite and sheer will to achieve the feat.

    The Twelve Apostles on The Great Ocean Road
    The Twelve Apostles, one of the highlights on The Great Ocean Road

    The winding road passes 25 beaches, 13 waterfalls, several shipwrecks, eight lighthouses, and many charming small towns. These attractions help drivers break up their journey, with opportunities to stretch one’s legs, take a dip, and enjoy coffee and cake at a roadside café.

    Don’t miss the Great Ocean Walk, a 91-kilometer bush walking trail through the Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks. There is stunning coastal scenery, sheltered beaches, and heathland, and an abundance of local wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos, echidnas, koalas, wallabies, and several native species of bird life.

    Port Campbell National Park’s great feature is The Twelve Apostles, a collection of imposing limestone stacks which rise dramatically from the Great Southern Ocean. The waves have seen several of the Apostles collapse, but those remaining are no less impressive.

    The Apostles are best seen at sunrise and sunset, when their colors change from dark in shadow to brilliant yellow against the sun. The road from Moonlight Head to Port Fairy is nicknamed The Shipwreck Coast after the many ships which came to grief negotiating the brutal Bass Strait. Road signs and plaques detail the history of around 50 boats that met tragic ends. The Great Ocean Road is best experienced in short bursts, so it's worth exploring accommodation in the area. For something unusual, it's hard to beat the aptly named Pole House in Fairhaven or the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse cottage. Port Fairy also has several B&Bs, while the beachfront accommodation options of Lorne and Apollo Bay are ideal for couples looking for luxury.

  • Road Trip Around Australia – See Down Under By Car

    A road trip can be one of the best ways to see Australia. While many tourists travel from one location to the next by air, they miss much of the wide-open spaces and natural beauty of The Great Southern Land.


    But before you get behind the wheel, there are a few things you should consider.

    Anyone holding a foreign license written in English can drive on Australian roads for a period of up to three months. Travelers who do not have a license in English can apply for an International Driving Permit before arriving in Australia.

    Remember that Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. This can be difficult for many travelers to become accustomed to at first, especially when navigating busy city areas. To accommodate this change, Australian cars see drivers sitting in the right hand side of their vehicles and controlling the gear shift with the left. The configuration of pedals follows the world standard.

    Speed limits on urban roads are typically 60 km/h, while drivers can travel at 100 km/h on most highways. However, drivers should always look out for road signs to indicate the maximum speed. Police enforce speed limits with the use of roadside cameras and patrol cars.

    Australian law requires drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelt at all times. Infants and small children must be secured in a safety capsule or baby seat. Drivers must be sober, with a blood alcohol level of less than 0.05%. Police conduct random breath tests to enforce this rule.

    The size of Australian can also bewilder visitors at first. It’s possible for drivers to travel for several hours between towns, so drivers should plan their fuel and refreshment stops accordingly.

    See Australia's Outback by road
    See the Australian Outback by Road

    While urban roads and major highways are generally in good condition, it’s often a different story in remote areas of the country such as The Outback. Many roads may be unsealed dirt tracks which require careful navigation.

    While driving on highways can often become monotonous, it’s important to stay alert at all times. This is particularly true around bush and farming regions, where animals may use the roads for crossing. It’s recommended that drivers take a break every two hours to ensure they are attentive enough to respond to hazards.