Author: noel

If you ask any seasoned Aussie surfer about what makes autumn great in the land down under, these are the things they’re bound to mention.

Warm Ocean

If the east coast of Australia is your destination, then you’re in luck because the water is the warmest in autumn. After the sun has baked the entire coast all summer, all the benefits are fully felt when autumn comes. Just south of Sydney, these days water is 25°C, which is actually warmer than the average temperature of air!

Consistent waves

It’s in autumn that surfing is pumping more than any other time of year. Summer surely offers lots of hots days, and the water is always pleasantly warm, but it will be a boring playground for a surfer if there are no waves. 

Autumn brings consistent waves almost daily, with constant water lines rolling into the beach from sunrise to sunset when the day nears its end in majestic colourful descent of the sun.

Offshore winds

As soon as you hit the waves, you’ll soon discover that the offshore wind is what it is all about!  And this is what you get plenty of in autumn. Summer onshore winds start blowing at around 10 am and typically ruin any surfers’ delight and endeavour. However, Australian autumn is known for its onset of the offshore season – light winds start blowing out to the sea throughout the day maintaining the surf and making sure every surfer has their day on the water full of fun and excitement. 

Fewer people around

In autumn, the crowds begin to thin out and there are fewer people around. For most of them, the summer is over and it’s time to hang up the board until next December. This makes it ideal for you to enjoy a more quiet and peaceful day on the beach, which is even more convenient given the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to practice social distancing for everyone’s safety. 

So now, when you got to the Gold Coast or Bondi beach, you will relish in the perfection of autumn waves and uncrowded iconic locations!

Cooler mornings and longer nights

The mornings in autumn are cool but this can be a great help when you need to wake up early feeling refreshed and ready to hit the waves. And as all seasoned surfers say – there’s no better way to start your day than on a surfboard!

You will notice that the days also get shorter but it’s still quite light and visible till about 7 pm which gives you plenty of time throughout the day to catch some great ways. And with nights being longer, you’ll be able to get a good night’s rest before you go back out there again. 

Autumns in Australia are magical, you can surf all day long in warm waters with great waves, and enjoy your time at the beach with fewer people around. Whether you’re just a beginner or an experienced surfer, this is the best time to have on the waves. Autumn makes sure they’re never scarce so you’ll get plenty of practice to improve your surfing skills. And if surfing isn’t your thing, spending time at the beach playing volleyball, making sandcastles or just enjoying a picnic with your loved ones will make a fantastic escape from city life!

South Australia abounds in gorgeous places ideal for enjoying the breath-taking views of nature, wildlife and warm air but still staying close to home. Here are several suggestions for short trips to some amazing places that you can include in your itinerary, so all you need is to pack your bags and your enthusiasm in the back of your free rented transfer car and hit the road!

Kangaroo Island

After Tasmania and Melville Island, Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third-largest island located in the south of the country, just 120 km southwest of Adelaide, but once you step out onto its grounds, you will feel like you’ve been transported to another world. The island is surrounded by pristine beaches and coastline filled with rugged bushland, native wildlife and a great variety of amazing local products. Exploring Kangaroo Island will take you to the iconic destinations along the Great Ocean Road that include Remarkable Rocks, The Grampians, the Twelve Apostles and many more.

If the heat has been getting to you all day – no worries! At Kangaroo Island it’s much cooler than in the City of Adelaide and its vicinity. The average summer temperatures are around a very pleasant and lovely 25°C (77°F). With 540km of gorgeous coastline, it’s easy to find a tranquil spot to simply relax and unwind. 

For keen photographs, don’t miss the most photogenic places such as Remarkable Rocks, closely followed by Admirals Arch and Seal Bay. All three of these jaw-dropping natural gems are situated on the rugged south coast and run by the National Parks of South Australia.

Standing at Kirkpatrick Point, a few kilometres east of Cape du Couedic, the much-visited and photographed Remarkable Rocks look like a cluster of massive, weather-gouged granite boulders on top of a rocky dome that spins 75m down to the sea.

Eyre Peninsula

The Eyre Peninsula is one of the most beautiful and popular coastal areas in Australia, and it’s only a 7-hour drive from Adelaide. Port Lincoln, Port Neill, Coodlie Park and Mikkira Station are just some of the places worth visiting. It’s highly recommended you take time to go swimming with dolphins or sea lions in Baird Bay, and if you’re a daredevil type, shark cage diving is certainly an experience you remember for the rest of your life! No trip is complete without sampling the local produce so make sure you indulge in some local delicacies in Port Lincoln, a place topping the lists for all seafood lovers due to their famous oysters!

With just the perfect amount of land and ocean, stop to marvel at the stunning Flinders ranges and then make your way down South for some water activities with the local wildlife. Don’t miss the exploration of the Great Australian Bight, the caves of Talia and the chance to go sandboarding. Spend the night camping at an outback station at a private campsite and recharge for the adventure the following day brings.

Flinders Ranges National Park and Coober Pedy

The wonderful Flinders Ranges National Park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the sadly endangered but so very adorable yellow-footed rock wallaby. Next, grab your stuff and embark on an epic road trip from Adelaide to the Red Centre, stopping over at the campsite at the iconic Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges, and staying in a unique underground bunkhouse in Coober Pedy. Exploring these two places will offer you a first-hand experience of Australian wildlife, a close-up view of the fascinating landscapes and teach you a whole lot about Indigenous spiritual beliefs in Uluru. 

The Great Australian Bight and the Nullarbor Plain

These two classic Australian sites do not technically belong exclusively to South Australia, but the locals love to claim them and call them their own! Both locations are easily accessible from Adelaide and a convenient option for a short trip during which you get a fantastic opportunity to experience a variety of landscapes and Australian wildlife. 

The Nullarbor Plain is the longest, straightest and flattest road in Australia and the journey across it through the semi-arid lands will mesmerize you with a combination of the breath-taking coast of the Great Australian Bight and surprisingly abundant wildlife that includes wild camels, kangaroos and emus and much more. 

Whatever you prefer, a road trip on your own and a long weekend getaway or a group tour, you’ll surely find this part of South Australia unforgettable so it’ll keep calling you back every time the noise of city life becomes too overbearing!

There’s rarely an experience comparable to a summer in Australia. For all water-lovers, December is the perfect time to make the most of Australia’s weather and beautiful sights and beaches. That’s the first month of summer in most of the country with the rainy season in the tropical north part. 

It’s also a very busy time of the year with school holidays, the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, and an increase in the number of international visitors coming to enjoy in Australia’s warm weather. The following places are a short pick of the best spots to visit around Australia on your December tour of this amazing country. 

New South Wales

Sydney, a metropolis and a famous harbour city in New South Wales, is fabulous at any time of the year but particularly so at the start of summer with its festive season and numerous events. During this period, the city is bursting with energy and joy offering Christmas cheer, from the large Swarovski tree in the Queen Victoria Building to the famous Carols in the Domain concert and the bright lights in Martin Place.

Some 600 kilometres off the coast of Port Macquarie is the picturesque little Lord Howe Island. Allowing only 400 visitors to its grounds at any one time, it’s a place that’s hard to resist but with a lot to offer –the breath-taking nature of southernmost coral reef. December is the best time to go exploring under water but bear in mind that the only way to go about exploring the island itself is by foot or on bikes.

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra, Australia’s capital, is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory, some 280 km from Sydney, a three-hour drive that is easily done by renting a free transfer car that allows you to freely explore the route and the city on your own terms. Canberra is the 8th largest city in Australia and one of the major tourist attractions where there’s lots of interesting things such as visiting the political hubs, museums, galleries, going shopping, exploring secret bars and breweries, going on food tours and cultural tours, and even air ballooning. 

Canberra in December is a great place to explore and experience fun and interesting things. The city offers many spectacular landmarks leaving all travelers with a lifetime of memories.

Victoria State

Torquay is Victoria State’s favourite surf town and despite being pretty rainy all year round, in December, visitors will arrive into the dryish season so they’ll be able to enjoy all its perks. Days are then warm and sunny, the ocean is beginning to warm up, which means you can catch some of those world-famous waves at Bells Beach without bothering to put on a wetsuit. And even if rain does fall, you’ll still be able to spend time in the interesting National Surfing Museum.

Another thing not to miss in Victoria is Phillip Island, famous for its population of the smallest penguins in the world of only 33-centimetres of height. In December, a nightly Penguin Parade lets you see up to a 1,000 of these adorable little birds make their way up to the beach.

Queensland

Noosa, an Australian resort area on southern Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, is a chic coastal town that doesn’t really fall into the same traps as many other family-oriented beach towns. It’s more of a grown-up place where they can enjoy their summer break. There are fantastic restaurants, trendy bars and cafes, upmarket boutiques, national parksand lots of surf and water sports opportunities on several amazing beaches you’ll never want to leave.

While still in Queensland, there’s one forgotten gem of the coast you shouldn’t miss – the only town in the world with a number for a name, 1770. Surrounded by the ocean on three sides, this little town is located just north of Bundaberg and is a great starting point for the Great Barrier Reef. The weather in December is ideal and you’re not likely to encounter too much crowds while you enjoy its spectacular nature.

South Australia

Summer in the Barossa Valley in South Australia brings very hot days and cool nights making it the ideal weather for drinking your favourite wine. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy cycling tours through picturesque vineyards and glorious long lunches at boutique, remember to bring your sunscreen.

Western Australia

Located some half-an-hour drive for the Perth airport, the city of Perth, at pleasant average December temperature of around 20-29°C, is definitely one of the best places to soak up the summer sun in Australia. Enjoy the mornings at the beautiful Cottesloe Beach and evenings marvelling at the sunset from Kings Park, one of the world’s biggest city parks. Make sure you don’t miss Perth’s stunning surroundings as well – explore the port-side town of Fremantle, stop at Little Creatures Brewery for a delicious, or take a day trip to Rottnest Island for stunning beaches and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to take a quokka selfie.

Tasmania

An eco-tour of Bruny Island will reveal the other side of Australia—a 362-square-kilometer of a rugged island hidden in the south-eastern coast of Tasmania. The island offers a unique exploration experience of the flora and fauna of the region— wild dolphins, fur seals and pristine parks with indigenous plants. Booking a tour in December will let you enjoy the island’s more than 15 hours of sunshine every day!

No need to delay any longer – grab your bags, passport, and camera this December and head to the Land Down Under for a one-of-a-kind experience of its metropolitan cities, quaint-looking towns, spectacular beaches and breath-taking scenery! 

As the entire world is battling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all aspects of life have become difficult, travelling included. Most people, Australians included, are looking to their own backyards for ideas for their next holiday and a break from the struggles or real life.

One area of travel that’s witnessing a surge in interest is road trips. Rarely anything can match the feeling of freedom of exploring the world on your own terms with your own vehicle, visiting places you like and whenever you like. If you’d rather leave your car at home, the same level of freedom and convenience is obtained by renting a free transfer car to take you from one part of the country to another.  

Due to the COVID-19 reality, even these road trips have to be carefully planned and all the precautions made. It’s advisable to check the Department of Health website as a travel advisory as you prepare to go on the road and visit your intended destinations.

The following tips are the main considerations to bear in mind during your road trip during COVID-19: cancel the trip if you’ve developed symptoms but if everyone is well, pack the extra supplies, check bordure closures, avoid crowds and hotspots, stick to all COVID-19 safety regulations and be mindful of your behaviour during the trip.

Stay at home if you develop COVID-19 symptoms

As much as you’re excited about finally going somewhere and being on the road, it’s imperative you minimize the risk of the virus spread. If you suspect you might have any symptoms of coronavirus, you should cancel or delay your travel plans, get tested and self-isolate as necessary.

According to these guidelines, the main symptoms of COVID-19 are a fever and a cough, but other symptoms can include fatigue, headache, pains, stuffy/runny nose, sore throat and shortness of breath. 

Abide by all COVID-19 safety regulations

By now, everyone is well-acquainted with ways in which the virus transmission can be limited so make sure you take all the relevant precautions on road trips during COVID times and prepare well. This includes regularly and thoroughly washing hands for 20 seconds (or using hand sanitiser when water is not available), avoiding big crowds, wearing a mask in public places and staying informed on the latest news and best practices. The WHO website has regular updates on how best protect yourself and limit the spread of COVID.

Pack extra supplies

This time around, your packing list might differ a bit than usual. As restaurants, cafes and shops work limited hours and capacities, you’ll need to pack a few extra snacks and drinks to manage any hunger pangs on the road. You’ll also need a few hand sanitisers, gloves, sanitising wipes and masks to stay safe whenever you stop to get petrol refill or buy food.

Check border closures

The easiest way to turn any road trip into a disaster, especially during COVID, is by not being able to get to your chosen destination. As cases numbers fluctuate across the country, states and territories are constantly updating the regulations regarding who can come across their borders. You might find out you’re banned from entering a region if you’ve developed any COVID symptoms, or you might be required to apply for a border pass. You can find relevant information regarding COVID-19 advice and border crossing here.

Avoid crowds

Residents of New South Wales or Victoria are most likely restricted to staying in their state for a while but fortunately, both of these states have lots of beautiful areas to visit. Even though you’re staying in your area, you still need to take all the precautions. If you’re coming from a hotspot, chances are you’ll be taking the virus with you, and if you go to an area with many cases, you just might bring the virus home. Therefore, it’s best you avoid crowds and hotspots, even if it means adding more driving time to your trip. 

Be mindful of your behaviour

Whatever you’re doing during the trip – stopping to refuel your car, buying food or resting at a driver reviver station – it’s important to be cautious at all times. Keep your mask on, wear gloves when handling things and sanitise your hands when you get back in the car. Make sure your water and snacks are portioned out for that day and easily reached in the car so no one needs to get out. 

It’s clear that travelling is though right now, but hopefully, road trip tips listed here can inspire your next journey and help you travel protected and safe wherever you may choose to go!

What is the best way to get to know a country with such a vivid relief as Australia? Flying or taking a train to major tourist sites may be the most convenient, but it is something an adventure seeker wouldn’t show any interest in. There are too many spots worth visiting along the way, making a road trip the only rewarding way of traveling. 

With spring arriving fast, the weather conditions are perfect for taking long road trips across the beautiful Australian countryside. Therefore, reserve your free transfer car or campervan, read through the following paragraphs carefully to pick the spots you will visit this time, pack your stuff, and hit the road.

Through the midst of Australian outback – The Stuart Highway

Named after John McDouall Stuart, who undergone this 3000km journey some 150 years ago, this highway will take you straight through the center of the Australian outback. This road trip begins with the Mars resembling Flinders Ranges mountainous area, where you should not miss Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park. Next comes Uluru, a sandstone rock formation deemed Australia’s spiritual heart and a popular natural attraction. It will direct you to Kings Canyon that offers one of the most spectacular sceneries in Central Australia. Your trip will end in Katherine Gorge, an ideal place for exploring wildlife by day and counting the Milky Way stars during the night.

The Southwest edge

This is just the one for all those adventure seekers out there whose idea of a perfect road trip is the one where you meet the least possible number of people and go through as few as possible urban settlements. Expanding from Adelaide to Perth, the road will take you through The Nullarbor Plain, one of the most challenging Australian continent environments.  Due to the scarcity of cities and the road’s openness, this route is also a wonderful setting for stargazers. Make sure you take night rides and enjoy the limitless number of stars and galaxies visible on cloudless nights. Finally, take this opportunity to visit the Cape Le Grand National Park and a rare opportunity to see kangaroos sunbake on the beach.

The tour of Tasmania

Being on a tight schedule does not eliminate the possibility of an adventurous road trip in Australia. A one week tour of Tasmania will allow you to experience the wonders of this beautiful island. If you have even less, three to five days are enough to see most of Tasmania’s features.  Driving through it will enable you to discover first-hand those areas not covered by the public transportation routes. And, Tasmania abounds in such untouched spots. Finally, when you feel you need to stretch your legs a bit, take a walk through the Wineglass Bay.

Brisbane to Sydney trip

The route connecting these two famous Australian cities is called the Pacific Highway. If your adventurous spirit is more on the urban side, this is the perfect road trip route for you. It practically goes parallel to an endless number of connecting beaches, among other the worldwide known Lennox Head and Byron Bay. Regardless of which one you choose to stop by, you will be welcomed by hospitable locals and breath-taking scenery. Besides, the Pacific Highway follows the migration route of humpback whales, and there is a high chance you will see them along the way.

The West Coast

This is another pathway for those among you who prefer to stay away from the tourist trails. The route connecting Perth and Broome takes you through the vivid scenery of Western Australia. Its bush, the untouched wilderness, and gorges have never left anyone passing through them untouched. The abundance of national parks and empty beaches reserved just for you and your fellow companions add to the overall staggering experience while visiting the Shark Bay puts an icing to the cake of Western Australia delight. 

Australia is a heaven on earth for all adventure seekers, period. It doesn’t matter which of the proposed routes you choose. You are in for a road-tripping experience of a lifetime. Still, to get the most of it, make sure you plan your voyage carefully, particularly if you’ll spend more time in the wilderness. And, above all, do not rush things and enjoy all the moments to their full potential.  

Western Australia, among other things, is a real treat for the outdoor enthusiast, offering some of the most stunning camping sites on the continent. Great sunny weather, sandy beaches, nature, the clear blue sky make it every camper’s dream. As Western Australia is perfectly made to be explored by road, why not rent a free transfer car or campervan and enjoy to the fullest everything this state has to offer. 

Conto Campground

This campground is one of the largest camping areas in Western Australia. It contains around 116 different campsites spread around the coastal peppermint woodland. Also, Conto Campground is located near Conto Springs Beach, which is the ideal place for swimming, fishing, or surfing, and just outside Margaret River, popular wine region. 

In 2015, this campground was renovated and upgraded. As a result, there are clearly defined areas of the campground for campers with tents, and those with campervans and camping trailers, and amenities such as toilets and barbecues. However, to conserve this camping area, campers must at all times follow rules and restrictions regarding lighting campfires. 

Mitchell Falls Campground

Mitchell River National Park is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. As it takes time and patience to reach this location, once you get to Mitchell Falls, you will be rewarded with the most astonishing scenery of the whole region. This camping spot can be described as a real adventure. There are no showers, only bush toilets, and the campground is divided into two large areas, a quiet one and the other the generator area. There are a couple of plunge pools nearby where you can take a dip and cool off during the summer days such as Little Mertens Falls and Mertens Gorge.

During your stay here, you can hike, and visit the Mitchell Plateau which carries certain cultural significance because of the Wunambal people. This park also has rich flora and fauna with several unique habitats and native species. 

Lucky Bay Campground

In case you are near Esperance, take a 45-minute drive to the Cape Le Grand National Park, a place with some of the best beaches in Australia. Here you can not only relax but also take a selfie with kangaroos who roam freely around the beach. This park also provides hiking opportunities taking you through the beaches and rugged coastline. Furthermore, Mount Le Grand and Frenchman’s Peak are the ideal places for rock-climbing. 

Cape Le Grand Campground is near the beach. Unlike the previous campground where mostly all you have is what you have brought with you, this camping area offers barbecues, tables, kitchens, as well as showers and flushing toilets. 

Dales Campground

Those in search of more remote corners of Western Australia, and the well tucked in camping sites, will find Dales Campground within the Karijini National Park the most ideal place for relaxation. This national park has an authentic rugged scenery, various diverse ecosystems, beautiful gorges, and ancient rocks, and offers numerous recreational activities. 

There are two campsites within this park and Dales Campground is one of the popular ones. Apart from the amazing landscapes, the outback, and activities, this camping ground offers only the most basic amenities such as barbecues, bush toilets, and a small shop at the visitor’s centre. Other than that, the location is very convenient since you can explore the park, swim in the Fern Pool or Weano Gorge, and visit the Fortescue Falls.

Hamelin Station

Hamelin Station is completely different than all of the above-mentioned campgrounds. Aside from the most majestic landscapes, and nature, campers can familiarize themselves with the rich historical heritage of Australia. Located on the World Heritage Drive, you can see some of the finest examples of the ancient stromatolites at Hamelin Bay. 

The Station itself is located on the Shark Bay coastline, where the campers are given two choices, to stay in a rustic shearers quarters, or to put up a tent, park their campervans and caravans somewhere in the area. This camping site is also a modern one as it provides kitchen and laundry facilities with dining areas and a fireplace, barbecues, and showers. 

Osprey Bay Campground

Osprey Bay, above a rock-shelf shoreline, is home to a campground with the most breath-taking view of the turquoise waters and white sand. This ideal location allows you to swim, canoe, snorkel, or just soak up the sun and enjoy the scenery. 

Apart from the view, the campsite doesn’t provide any showers or water, only bush toilets and barbecues. 

With so many idyllic camping spots, choosing only one to visit becomes a daunting task. Luckily, there is no need to go for a single camping ground, because you can always get a free transfer car and start exploring different spots around the majestic Western Australia.