Road Tripping throughout Australia is not something new, but privately guided and personally curated road trips are though. The upside of Australia’s International Borders being closed for the past 2 years has been Australians recent penchant for discovering or re-discovering their own backyards. And what most people have realised is that Australia is a big country with endless amounts of hidden gems and world-class experiences. Right now is a great time to be planning that Ultimate Road so here are some ideas to get you inspired.
1. The Waterfall Way, NSW
One of Australia’s hidden gems, this route connects the highest town in Australia, Armidale, with the New England Tablelands and the New South Wales North Coast.
Travel from Coffs Harbour and head inland through the lush Sub Tropical Rainforest. The destination is awash with charming country towns and one of my favourites is Bellingen. You can spend a couple of hours here wandering the streets and checking out the boutiques and small country shops. There is a good reason it is called the Waterfall Way as you can spend some time exploring the local National Parks to include Crystal Shower Falls, Tristana Falls, Dangar Falls as well as Ebor Falls.
Visit the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre and the amazing Skywalk Lookout. This itinerary can be designed over 3 to 5 nights and offers the perfect mix of Adventure and Luxury. Armidale is a beautiful town and home to The Tattersalls Hotel. In my opinion one of the best 5 Star properties in New South Wales. Its recent renovation back to its 19^th Century glory must be seen to be appreciated. The Governor’s Suite is amazing.
2. Scenic Rim, QLD
A more well-known road trip is through Queensland’s Scenic Rim. Known as the Green Cauldron, because of its million-year-old volcanic history, the destination is full of small villages, paddock to plate restaurants, six National Parks and a range of accommodation offerings. The regions rich soils support an enviable food and wine scene as well as local wineries and distilleries. A standout is the Scenic Rim Brewery at Mt Alford or the Bunjurgen Estate Winery at Boonah.
Travel to Lost World Valley and The Lamington National Park. Visit the Tamborine Coffee Plantation and enjoy a tour of the plantation before settling in to taste their finest coffees. The Scenic Rim really does offer something for everyone.
The standout accommodation is Spicers Peak Lodge. At 1100 meters above sea level, it offers amazing views of the surrounding Gondwana Rainforest and provides the luxury that is renowned with the Spicers product.
3. Tropical Way, FNQ
For an all-around experience of Coast, Culture, and Outback, The Tropical Way is hard to beat. Start your journey in Cairns and travel along the Bloomfield Track, in the heart of The Daintree Rainforest. Drop-in at the iconic Lions Den Hotel, one of Australia’s most legendary pubs. At Cooktown, climb Grassy Hill Lookout for endless views of the Coral Sea before dropping in at the James Cook Museum. Inland from here is the Quinkan Aboriginal Rock Art site, which is home to the largest prehistoric rock art.
Drop into the Lakeland Roadhouse which is the starting point for travelers continuing north into the rugged Cape York. Continue into the Atherton Tablelands well known for their coffee plantations. Take a Tropical North Queensland Shower at Emerald Creek falls. Not far from here is the Undara Lava Tubes where you can continue onto the town of Charters Towers. Hit the coast again at Townsville before heading north back to Cairns.
4. East Coast Drive, TAS
Tasmania is well known for its Capital Hobart and of course the world-renown MONA, however, fewer people are aware of Tasmania’s beauty and diversity along its Eastern Coastline. Starting in Launceston enjoy some wine tasting and lunch at Josef Chromy Wines, before heading towards the coastal town of Binalong Bay.
Continue south along the Bay of Fires coast for unbelievable white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. At Bicheno enjoy some morning tea at Blue Edge Bakery before walking along the promenade to the Bicheno Blow Hole. Keep a keen eye out for the local Penguin colony. Make a stop at Devils Corner Winery and taste their premium wines while viewing the stunning windswept Hazards.
Your journey continues South to Hobart along the coast. Check out Hobart’s latest 5 Star property, The Tasman, opening December 2021.
These are just a small taste of what we can offer. Australian Luxury Escapes is the expert in designing and operating hand-crafted Ultimate Australian Road Trips. With our fleet of luxury SUV’s and small vans, along with our expert guides and 20 years of experience, we can create the next ‘Once in a Lifetime’ experience just for you or your clients.
