Dec 09, 2021
Are you getting itchy feet? Ready for your next adventure? While international travel certainly is making its way back onto the map, new overseas travel restrictions mean that for some, this could be the perfect time to take a road trip in your own beautiful back yard. Outback explorations, dramatic coastlines and dazzling beaches, world-class cities and attractions, snow-capped mountains and burnt orange deserts make Australia one of the best places in the world to map your own adventure on a self-drive holiday.
WHY SELF-DRIVE?
There are so many reasons a road trip could be right for you, however it’s the freedom of a self-drive that attracts most people to this type of holiday. Once you’ve chosen the right vehicle to suit your journey, just throw your suitcases in the back, put on your favourite tunes, set your GPS and then hit the road at your own pace. If you’re enjoying all the fun of the city, stay another night. If you’d rather venture off the beaten track, just jump in the car and go. It’s all up to you … and you can change your mind as many times as you like about where you’re going next!
During peak holiday seasons, it’s still a good idea to do some advance planning to avoid disappointment, particularly when it comes to booking popular accommodation and local tour options. There are some great companies offering self-drive itineraries with first-hand knowledge and advice to make sure you travel the right roads and distances and don’t miss any of a region’s must-dos. Just ask us about them.
NEW SOUTH WALES ROAD TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
New South Wales boasts some of the country’s most beautiful towns, beaches, mountains and national parks, making it one of the many reasons a self-drive could be your next ideal vacation choice. Although cosmopolitan Sydney is of course a highlight to any trip, renowned for its many iconic attractions, including the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, it’s weaving through the countryside that allows you to make the most of a self-drive holiday here.
National Parks
One of the best reasons to explore NSW, is the sheer number of lush national parks dotted all over the state and brimming with natural wonders.
Jump in the car and head just west of Sydney to one of Australia’s greatest natural assets - more than one million hectares of World Heritage wilderness in the Blue Mountains, where tourism in Australia began. Stunning nature trails and waterfalls, antique shopping in quaint towns, one third of the country’s bird species – these are just some of the reasons not to skip a visit here.
Enjoy some popular cross-country hikes and trail walks across NSW. Visit the “rooftop of Australia” – the summit of Kosciusko National Park. Be amazed by UNESCO Gondwana rainforests in the New England National Park near Armidale. Enjoy some of the state’s magnificent coastal national parks – where you can relax on golden sand beaches, go fishing, surfing, kayaking and whale watching. Some highlight coastal walks include the White Sands Walk in Jervis Bay National Park, the Sea Acres Walk in Port Macquarie and the Yuragir Coastal Walk near Yamba – just to name a few. Inland from Byron Bay, World Heritage-listed Wollumbin National Park is also well worth a visit – a mountainous volcanic plug sitting within an ancient rainforest-covered caldera. Some of the best volcanic features in the world can be found at Warrumbungle National Park near Coonabarabran. Known as Australia’s only ‘Dark Sky Park’, this park is perfect for stargazing, amateur astronomy and camping under a dazzling blanket of stars.
Wineries
New South Wales is also home to some of our nation’s proudest achievements – its award-winning wines. Swirl, sip and stock up at some of Australia’s best boutique wineries in the beautiful Hunter Valley. And remember here that you don’t always have to do the driving on a self-drive getaway – in fact, the best way to visit a winery is NOT to drive! Let us connect you with some of the best local experts, who will ensure you see and taste the very best of the region on a fun-filled winery tour.
SELF-DRIVE TIPS
· Choose the right vehicle for your needs – from budget/economy cars for short trips or couples, through to luxury cars and 4WD adventure vehicles. Also check the weather report before travelling – there’s not much point in renting a convertible if it’s going to rain the whole time you’re away.
· A self-drive holiday perfectly showcases how the journey can sometimes be even more interesting than the destination. Taking off early every day is a good idea so that you can make any surprise stops for photos, enjoy the scenery or stop to chat with the locals.
· Let your Discover Holidays travel expert advise you on any potentially tricky road rules in the place you’re visiting, so you can avoid any costly mistakes.
· If you’re driving off the beaten path or in a hot climate, take plenty of water and snacks with you, and don’t forget the sunscreen – windows may protect you from the onslaught of insects, but you’re not protected fully from UV rays.
· If you’re planning on getting adventurous and going off road, it’s not a terrible idea to know how to change a tyre before you go!