Cindy Fan

Rest stations, info centers and caravan parks are plentiful and the sheer diversity of landscape means there’s something for everyone. Here are three self-drive itineraries for discovering Australia.

DRAMATIC COAST: MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE VIA THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD
5-8 days
BEST FOR: dramatic landscapes & scenic coast between two world-class cities

The most famous drive in Australia, the Great Ocean Road hugs a raw, rugged coastline full of breathtaking natural rock formations and stunning views of the wild Southern Ocean. The challenge will be keeping your eyes on the road.

Pause-a-while at coastal rock formations like Bay of Islands, London Bridge and The Grotto. The famous 12 Apostles limestone stacks at sunset is a must.

Visit Cape Otway Lighthouse, not only for the view but for the drive through woodlands full of wild koalas. See hundreds dozing in the gum trees.

Learn to surf in Torquay, arguably the surfing capital of Australia and home to iconic surf brands Quicksilver and Ripcurl.

Hike some of Great Otway National Park’s trails. If you’re short on time, Mait’s Rest is an easy 30 min loop taking you through fern-filled gullies and rainforest.

Hold a koala at Cleland Wildlife Park, 20 minutes from Adelaide. Try to keep the squealing to a minimum – it hurts their ridiculously cute, fuzzy ears.

End your trip with a meal to remember at Hilton Adelaide’s The Brasserie, where the menu highlights the local bounty.

WINE AND DINE: THE BAROSSA, EX ADELAIDE
4 days
BEST FOR: Food and wine lovers

The Barossa is one of the world’s finest wine-growing regions. Its diverse geography and climate means that a wide range of grapes can be grown – from cool whites to the gutsy Shiraz the region is famous for. Over 80 cellar doors a two hours drive from Adelaide.

Kick things off in Adelaide with a gluttonous tour of the largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere with Central Market Tours.

It’s no fun if you’re designated driver in wine country. Tour in a rare ’62 Daimler once used by the Queen with Barossa Daimler Tours. While the names Wolf Blass and Penfold’s will ring a bell, try boutique wineries like Burge Family Winemakers, Charles Melton Wines, Hentley Farm and Torbreck Vintners.

Make a foodie pilgrimage to Maggie Beer’s Farm Shop. Taste the pheasant pâté, quince paste and the other gourmet delights that made her famous.

Stay at a Kingsford Homestead, a 1856 farm converted into an intimate boutique property surrounded by 225 acres of stunning countryside.

Stop in Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. Do a dark chocolate and wine pairing at Hahndorf Hill Wineries. Dine on boeuf bourguignon potpie at charming bistro The White House.

Drive the Barossa in style with Barossa Daimler Tours

SUNSHINE AND TROPICS: BRISBANE TO CAIRNS
2-3 weeks
BEST FOR: Beach and reef lovers; sun and thrill seekers

Sun, surf, sand – need we say more? Travellers flock to Queensland, “the Sunshine State” and the gateway to the 2000 km-long Great Barrier Reef.

See the “Big Things” attractions along the way: Big pineapple, cow, pelican, cane toad, dugong, mango, cassowary, crab, gumboot, barramundi.

Go off-roading on Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and World Heritage Site, with Fraser Explorer Tours. On their 2-day/1-night tour you’ll see wild dingoes, swim in crystal clear lakes and hike through rainforest.

Sail The Whitsundays, a postcard perfect group of islands in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Laze on powdery white sand beaches, snorkel turquoise waters teeming with life.

Get your thrill on in Cairns, the adventure capital of Australia and host to the only bungy site in the country. Raft the Tully River, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef or jump out of plane with Skydive the Reef Cairns.

In Cairns, dine on kangaroo, wallaby and other delicious national emblems at Ochre, a resto specializing in native Australian game and bush foods.

OTHER NOTABLE DRIVES

Sydney to Blue Mountains National Park (scenic mountain views, 4 days); Sydney to Brisbane (seaside towns, surf & hippies, 1-2 weeks); Kangaroo Island (wildlife, 4 days)

Cindy Fan is a Canadian living in Laos who drove across Australia in a campervan without a GPS, racking up 5,472 km and a speeding ticket: SoManyMiles.com  Her trip was subsidized by South Australian Tourism Commission, Apollo Motorhome Holidays and Spaceships

JUST THE FACTS

RENTING   Choosing your vehicle is half the fun.

Apollo Motorhomes offer adventure and freedom with comfort.

Apollo Motorhomes Holidays has a fleet of deluxe campervan and motorhomes with all the creature comforts including a queen bed, full kitchen, TV, toilet and shower. apollocamper.com

Spaceships are “The Swiss Army Knife of Campers,” Spaceship is a minivan with useful features like a foldout bed, fridge and portable kitchen. Ideal for those looking for a compact, fuel-efficient and easy to drive vehicle. spaceshipsrentals.com.au

WEBSURFING visit australianroadtrips.com to download free pdf maps & itineraries.
For the Barossa: southaustralia.com.
For the Great Ocean Road: visitgreatoceanroad.org.au.
For Queensland: destinationqueensland.com

TIPS FOR DRIVING IN AUSTRALIA

They drive on the left in Australia. Endeavor to follow this rule.

All but the smallest towns have a tourist information center with free maps, brochures and friendly advice about local attractions. Look for the blue and yellow “i” signs.

Gas prices vary wildly between locales. It’s worth keeping your eye out for cheaper gas.

Canadians need a valid provincial driver’s license (an International Driving Permit is not necessary).

Rental companies often need vehicles moved to other cities. Check for relocation deals.

Don’t speed.

This article was published in The Toronto Star. View it on their website here.