Domestic trips for your bucket list

For the majority of us, it’s been something of a challenge to be grounded here in Australia during the COVID pandemic. With any plans for international travel on hold for the foreseeable future, it’s time to think a little more domestically!

Luckily for us, Australia has an unlimited number of picturesque destinations. We truly do have something for everyone, regardless of whether you’re into shopping, meeting wildlife, hiking, sports, sightseeing or sampling food and drink at award-winning restaurants.

Take to the road

Air travel does make the most sense when it comes to travelling a country that is so vast. However, we’d still recommend a more “on-the-ground” approach! Whether you’re planning on camping out in an RV or you’re exploring inner cities in your sedan, the only way to truly appreciate the rugged and beautiful landscape of Australia is by hitting the road!

You may be asking – where to start? Well, the answer to that question lies with how much time you have up your sleeve!

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria (1 Week)

There are so many reasons why it’s worth travelling the whopping 664km drive along one of our most spectacular coastlines. Starting at the surfing town of Torquay, and finishing an historic fishing village called Port Fairy, you will see so many sights along the way, from sandy beaches to pristine rainforest. You can get outdoors and do mountain biking, surfing and bushwalking or immerse yourself in the museums, galleries and heritage attractions the area has to offer.

Also check out: The Red Centre Way

The Coral Coast, Western Australia (2 Weeks)

The desert meets the sea along this stunning stretch of coast in Australia’s west. You commence your journey in Perth, and ends 1250km north in Exmouth. This trip would normally take 13 hours of non-stop driving, so a more leisurely pace is definitely recommended. Along the way you’ll have the opportunity to explore some of our most breathtaking scenery from the stunning coastlines of Cervantes to the Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef. For the bravest amongst us – you can even swim with the whale sharks at Coral Bay.

The East Coast, Victoria and Queensland (1 month)

If you really do have some time on your side, you could easily spend 3-4 weeks traversing the east coast of Australia. The East Coast stretches from Melbourne down to Cape Tribulation in Far-North Queensland.

From Melbourne to Cairns you’d be travelling a whopping 4,000km which is the equivalent of roughly 50 non-stop driving hours. With so much to see and do along the way, there’s no rush! Take your time to explore the beaches along the central and southern coasts of NSW, before you move on to Byron Bay and the Gold Coast. In Queensland you’ll find Fraser Island and Noosa before you move on further to Magnetic Beach, Airlie Beach, Cairns and Cape Tribulation.

Also check out: The Savannah Way (Cairns to Broome)

Things to consider

Australia is a beautiful country with so many incredible corners to discover, but it is important to remember that amongst all our breathtaking scenery there is also a degree of danger. With this in mind, here are a few things you need to consider if you’re planning on taking an epic Aussie road trip:

1. Always carry plenty of water.
2. Pack extra food if your trip involves long drives between destinations.
3. End your drives around mid-afternoon to avoid hitting any of our beloved wildlife, as late afternoons and early mornings are when wallabies and kangaroos tend to come out to play.
4. Be cautious of our wildlife when out in the countryside, particularly when stepping over fallen logs or looking under rocks!

Get the most out of your journey

So now that you have a few ideas for a great Aussie holiday, it might be worth thinking about how you’re getting to your destination! Do you have a car, but you’re worried it might not go the distance? Fear not, as Teachers Mutual Bank can help you drive away in your new car or campervan.