While you might be drawn to the Sydney Opera House and Uluru (and yes, they’re absolutely worth seeing), there’s so much more to Australia than these postcard favorites. Once you venture off the beaten path and hit the open road, you’ll discover that the real magic of Australia lies in its lesser-known corners.
On a cross-country road trip you could visit some of Australia’s most beautiful, or most magnificent destinations, and truly experience everything that the country has to offer. Of course, there is plenty of entertainment to be had, not only is Australia home to many arcades and casinos, but fans of gambling can fire up pokie games online, using their smartphones or tablets. In other words, there is plenty of fun to be had on an Australian cross-country road trip.
The Ultimate Adventure: Highway 1
If you’re up for an epic adventure, you’ll want to experience what locals call “the Big Lap” – Highway 1. This isn’t just any road; it’s the longest national highway in Australia and the second longest in the world. No matter how many times you drive it, each journey offers something new.
The Big Lap connects seven of Australia’s eight capital cities, but you’ll find the real treasures between them. You’ll watch the sunrise over dense gum forests, find yourself pulling over to gawk at the sparkling ocean, and become mesmerized by landscapes that change dramatically with every few hundred kilometers.
Some may be worried about the hit to their wallets. While this is an understandable concern, there really is no cause for alarm. There are ways to take on the Big Lap on a budget, and still get the best experience.
Here’s a word of caution you’ll want to heed – this road demands respect. While it’s well-maintained, you’ll need to watch out for driver fatigue, especially in Queensland where rest stops can be few and far between. Your best bet? Don’t do this solo. Gather some friends who can share the driving. You’ll be grateful for someone else to take the wheel when your eyes start getting heavy.
Bundjalung National Park: A Coastal Paradise
As you travel through New South Wales, you’ll discover one of Australia’s hidden treasures – Bundjalung National Park. While NSW has its fancy Palace Hotel in Broken Hill (the only place in Australia on the National Heritage List) and impressive art galleries in Sydney, you’ll find Bundjalung offers something truly special.
You’ll be amazed by the park’s 210 square kilometres, especially its unique coffee rock formations. These black stones, shaped by ancient river sediments, will make you think someone spilled coffee along the coast. You can spend hours walking the beaches here, spotting wildlife and exploring the old RAAF training grounds from World War II. It’s like getting a nature walk and history lesson rolled into one.
Cooloola Great Walk: A Hiker’s Dream
If you enjoy a good walk, you won’t want to miss the Cooloola Great Walk in Queensland’s Great Sandy National Park. You’ll weave through eucalyptus forests (where you’re almost guaranteed to spot koalas), rainforest patches, and coastal woodland.
Don’t let the “Great Walk” name intimidate you – you’ll find it’s actually pretty manageable. Yes, you’ll encounter some uphill sections, but most of it is flat, and the ocean breeze will keep you going. You’ll have access to four well-maintained campsites with toilets and rainwater supplies. Just remember you’ll need to get a camping permit if you’re planning to stay overnight, and you’ll have to leave any campfire plans at home – they’re strictly forbidden here. You’ll quickly learn to appreciate your portable stove instead!
A Final Word
Whether you’re planning your first Aussie adventure or your tenth, you’ll always find something new to discover here. While the tourist hotspots are famous for good reason, you’ll find that the real Australia reveals itself when you’re willing to take the long way round. Pack your sense of adventure, bring plenty of water, and get ready to experience this incredible country the way it deserves to be seen – one kilometre at a time.
