"Voyage Around Australia - BOXIO's Journey in Down Under"
Exploring Australia: A Journey of a Lifetime
Embarking on a road trip around Australia is an unforgettable adventure, offering a unique blend of untouched wilderness, stunning landscapes, and diverse cultures. Here are some highlights and tips from a seasoned traveler.
Starting Your Journey
The first step in planning your Australian road trip is choosing a starting point and driving to your first desired destination. For instance, Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth are all suitable starting points.
The East Coast
The East Coast is a popular choice, with highlights such as the Great Ocean Road, a scenic route between Melbourne and Adelaide, known for its beautiful views, coastal towns, waterfalls, and good surfing spots. Further north, you'll find the vibrant city of Cairns, where the rainy season (December to February) brings hot and humid weather.
The West Coast
The West Coast, with its less populated areas and vast untouched land, offers more adventure. Here, you'll find the world's largest sand island, K'Gari (Fraser Island), and the starting point for a trip to the Pinnacles Desert, Kalbarri National Park, Monkey Mia, and Shark Bay. The Nullarbor Plain, home to the "90 Mile Straight," is another must-see.
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks
One absolute highlight is snorkeling with whale sharks in Exmouth, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. However, exploring K'Gari might require a 4WD, for which a 2-day tour is perfect for beginners.
The Sunshine Coast and Byron Bay
The Sunshine Coast, including Noosa, Coolum Beach, and Mooloolaba, offers a national park worth visiting. Byron Bay, despite its growing popularity, retains a unique charm, and a walk to the Byron Bay Lighthouse is always a must.
Safety Tips
It's essential to avoid driving at night and not to drink and drive in Australia. The author also recommends using the apps "WikiCamps" for finding camping, free camping spots, hostels, water stations, and attractions across Australia, and "Petrol Spy" for comparing fuel prices.
Planning Your Route
When planning a road trip in Australia, consider the climate and weather conditions. For instance, summers in Melbourne are warm to hot, but winters are relatively cold and wet for Australian standards. On the other hand, Esperance offers perfect waves for learning, beautiful nature, and national parks, making it an ideal summer destination.
The Big Lap
Driving around Australia in a personal car typically takes at least six months, excluding extended stays or work breaks. The classic "Big Lap" route around the approximately 14,500-kilometre loop of Australia's national highway network is an epic journey commonly pursued over half a year by most road trippers.
Covid-19 Impact
During the COVID-19 pandemic, border closures and mandatory quarantines required the author and their travel companions to cross the entire country in just 5 days. However, under normal circumstances, a round trip around Australia can take approximately 4 months.
Sydney's New Year's Eve
One unmissable experience is Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks display, with the backdrop of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, considered by the author to be the biggest and most elaborate they have ever seen.
The East Coast vs. West Coast
The author does not express a preference between the East and West Coasts of Australia, comparing them to different countries, each offering unique experiences and highlights.
Whether you choose the East Coast or the West Coast, one thing is certain: a road trip around Australia is an adventure of a lifetime, filled with unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Embracing the East Coast's scenic routes like the Great Ocean Road, or venturing into the less populated West Coast for adventure travel at sites such as K'Gari and the Pinnacles Desert, this road trip could also include a thrilling adventure of snorkeling with whale sharks in Exmouth.
When discovering the stunning landscapes of Australia, ensure you have essential travel apps like "WikiCamps" for finding accommodations and attractions, and "Petrol Spy" for fuel price comparison, to make your adventure-travel journey more enjoyable and stress-free, aligning with your desired lifestyle.
