Australian Car Rental

 

This vast continent of koalas, kangaroos and Crocodile Dundees is ideal for getting around by car, as many out of the way attractions have only limited public transport access. The cosmopolitan hubs of Sydney and Melbourne stand in stark contrast to the never-ending and rough outback. There's also plenty of sun, sea and sand for beach bums, and Australians are generally very enthusiastic when it comes to all sorts of sports.

The south-eastern coast is where most visitors arrive, with Sydney being the main draw card. After exploring the historical attractions of this multicultural metropolis, head out to the Blue Mountains for plenty of rugged nature and outdoor activities. The nearby Hunter Valley is a gourmet's paradise with many vineyards and fine inns.

Melbourne is around a 1,000kms drive south and more relaxed than Sydney, with a thriving arts and café culture in the bohemian seaside neighbourhood of St Kilda. The city is traversed by the Yarra River, where rowing is popular year-round. The Great Ocean Road to the south is one of the world's greatest coastal drives, the highlight being the stunning rock formations of the Twelve Apostles.

Queensland in the north is a tropical paradise with lush rainforests and golden beaches along the aptly named Gold Coast. Here you can drive from one beach to another for weeks and still not run out of places to throw your towel. Cairns and Port Douglas in the far north are popular hideaways, and the cool hillside resort of Kuranda is a scenic drive from Cairns.

To experience the real 'Oz', you have to ride along the endless desert wilderness of the outback in the Northern Territory, where curves in the road are as unknown as snow. However, do not venture away from the main roads without careful preparation and make sure you leave notice of your whereabouts with someone you trust.

Alice Springs, right in the heart of Australia, is the gateway to the famous Ayers Rock, the giant red monolith worshipped by the local aborigines. The last stop in this state is Darwin, where the road ends and the stunning Katherine Gorge offers rafting and plenty of crocodiles.

Western Australia takes up nearly a third of the country and is less visited but offers plenty of attractions such as the Kimberley region, one of the last great wilderness areas in the world. The capital Perth is also known as the 'City of Lights' and enjoys a Mediterranean climate with lush gardens and beautiful beaches. Fremantle to the south is popular with those seeking night-time attractions, with night life, pubs and coffee shops centred on the charming harbour complex.

Most regions of Australia are very hot year-round, making the air-conditioned comfort of a hire car a wise choice. Public transport in Australia is generally good and extensive, but the pure size of the country means that many regions and attraction are only accessible by car. Car hire prices and petrol costs are low, providing an ideal way of seeing this fascinating destination.