1. All the way to the National Park, all the way to play brilliantly
Northern Territory
(1) Wonderful journey, starting from Darwin
Start your journey from Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory. From May to October, the northern tip of the Northern Territory is in the dry season, many areas are open for sightseeing, and the climate is quite warm and comfortable.
© eefexplores via instagram
At the end of April 2019, the Mindil Beach Sunset Market has returned. You can choose to live in a hotel by the beach, and when it is close to sunset, you can take your children out with your flippers.
Go to the Sunset Market for a stroll first, choose gourmet snacks from all over the world, or buy exquisite handicrafts, then sit on Mindy Beach with the food, lay out a picnic mat to watch the sunset, and let the children play on the beach Run around and feel Darwin’s passion.
(2) Can’t get enough of the beautiful scenery? Straight to Kakadu National Park
Stretch your legs in World Heritage-listed Kakadu along the Arnhem Highway. It is home to about a thousand different plant species, a quarter of Australia’s freshwater fish and more than a third of its birds.
Mamukala Wetlands
As night falls, Kakadu has prepared various styles of “camps” for you, including crocodile-looking hotels, spacious and modern suites, independent log cabins, and a number of picturesque camping spots. Sleep under the stars and get ready for the next day’s adventure.
(3) The good mood exploded, in the Catherine area
Say goodbye to the wetlands of Kakadu and head south, you will come to the Katherine (Katherine) area, famous for its interesting landscapes and lush canyons.
Whether it’s a few days in the nearby Nitmiluk National Park or a stop in the town of Katherine, there’s something for the whole family.
Kids love to play in the water, and the driver needs a spa treat? Starting from Katherine, in (Elsey National Park), which is more than an hour’s drive southeast, there is also an oasis-Mataranka Thermal Pool (Mataranka Thermal Pool). Soaking in the hot springs, the dense canopy will screen you from the glare and heat of the sun. The green trees are floating in the water, the reflections are graceful, and there may be little red flying foxes around, and the forest is full of temperament.
© savvy_social via instagram
If you have enough time, you can also visit (Litchfield National Park) on the way back to Darwin and go to the water pool in the park to cool off.
© backpackerhumpback via instagram
2. Are you ready? Turning the corner and encountering natural wonders
south australia
Limestone Coastline Self Drive
(1) Naracoorte Caves, invite you to be a time traveler
The spectacular coastline south of Adelaide is dotted with tranquil sand dunes, rugged cliffs and lagoons where waterfowl roam. Driving all the way to the southeast, you can unlock the full set of sea views. Please allow enough time for this route, so that the whole family can enjoy the fun and nature together.
limestone coastline
The Naracoorte Caves (Naracoorte Caves), listed on the World Natural Heritage List, also have mysterious fossils and unique topography. Entering the sightseeing cave, the rugged stalactites and stalagmites will inspire children’s infinite imagination; here at the Wonambi Fossil Centre, children can learn about the process of fossil formation and feel the greatness of nature.
(2) Behind is the secret garden, there is no “cave” sky
End the “retro” tour and continue to set off. When the 17-meter-high giant lobster sculpture comes into view, everyone will understand why the small town of Kingston SE (Kingston SE) is used as an energy supply station for the limestone coastline self-driving road. As a famous lobster paradise in Australia, Kingston has lobster restaurants all over the place, and you can enjoy delicious and huge lobsters with the invincible sea view at any of them.
There is still the aftertaste of seafood in the mouth, and there is another fairy tale wonderland waiting for your visit ahead of the journey. At the Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier, green is ‘colorful’. Lawns, shrubs, trees, and vines will fill your sight with different levels of greenery, as well as colorful flowers.
If you are also a gourmet, don’t miss Mayura Station near Mount Gambier. The pure-blood Wagyu cattle (Wagyu) have grown here since they were young, basking in the sun, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and eating natural feed. The Tasting Room in the farm will present the delicacy of wagyu beef prepared in various ways to the guests, satisfying even the pickiest taste buds.
After exploring the taste buds, why not go to the Mount Gambier Prison Hotel (The Old Mount Gambier Gaol) for another night. When it was completed in 1866, it was a real prison. It was only developed into a hotel in 1995. The hotel basically retains the original state of the prison, providing guests with a variety of “prison-themed” accommodation experiences. A cell-style room, or the old warden’s office? The child has the final say!
© theoldmountgambiergaol.com.au
Visiting the Limestone Coast from May to June, you will have the opportunity to see another natural wonder: Ghost Mushroom. They are hidden in the pine forest near Glencoe, only about 16 kilometers away from Mount Gambier. When Australia enters late autumn, these mushrooms begin to grow after the autumn rain, and they glow fluorescent at night, illuminating the entire trail, like a magical forest.
And if you come from November to February of the following year, there is also a blue lake (Blue Lake) waiting for you to visit near the Mount Gambier area.
Say goodbye to Mount Gambier, head towards Warrnambool, and then drive on the stunning Great Ocean Road to Melbourne.
3. All the way to the north, happy at the “end of the world”
Tasmania
East Coast Self-Driving
(1) Go to Maria Island and land on “Noah’s Ark”
Starting from Hobart to the northeast, the sky is blue and the white clouds are low, which is so beautiful. After arriving at (Triabunna), change to a ship and go to (Maria Island), an outlying island in the east of Tasmania, where many endangered animals regard it as a natural sanctuary.
There is no roar of car motors here, only the breeze, sea water lapping on the shore, and birds and beasts singing one after another. Stop and go, looking for wombats, Tasmanian devils, wax-billed geese, and Forrest kangaroos.
(2) Next stop, Freycinet National Park
All the way north, driving through the forest farm between (Orford) and Swansea (Swansea), which is also the “Crescent” on the east coast of Tasmania – Freycinet National Park (Freycinet National Park).
© jasoncharleshill via instagram
In Freycinet National Park, (Wineglass Bay) is crowned by gleaming white sandy beaches that are as blue as turquoise. Go fishing by the sea, take a sailing boat, start a jungle hike, sit with your children, watch dolphins jumping on the water, seabirds dance with the wind, or take a scenic flight to see the scenery of Wineglass Bay. Each way will show you a different Freycinet.
You can stay with the whole family at Freycinet Lodge in the national park and have an entire log cabin to yourself. Not only may there be wild animals visiting, but you can also see the beautiful starry sky at night. The stars shine down, and the sea is rippling. This moment is timeless.
There is also the friendly beach (Friendly Beach) in the park, which has been selected as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Australia by US Magazine.
(3) Xanadu Bicheno, where you can play non-stop with natural activities
The small town of Bicheno (Bicheno) is located in the north of Freycinet National Park, occupying the “C position” on the east coast of Tasmania. The population here is counted in “thousands”, and the natural environment is pure and beautiful. It is a paradise for nature lovers.
The Bicheno Blowhole, known as the “Four Wonders of Tasmania”, makes the mood as excited as the water column, and it can also fulfill the children’s wish to see wild sea lions and whales.
Wild little penguins can be described as an unexpected surprise in this self-driving trip. Join Bicheno Penguin Tours, where friendly local guides will take you up close to observe wild penguins.
From June to August, during the domestic summer vacation, it happens to be the nesting season for penguins, and their number will gradually increase. You can see about 70 penguins in about an hour’s journey. In the darkness, the little ones came swaying, who can resist this “cute” power?
© Official website of Bicheno Penguin Guides
4. The wheels are rolling, passing through the beautiful scenery
New South Wales, Queensland
Legendary Pacific Coast Route
(1) Climbing treetops and feeding pelicans on the Central Coast
About 1.5 hours from Sydney, the Central Coast (Central Coast) will greet you with blue sea and blue sky.
Here, the TreeTop Adventure Park (TreeTop Adventure Park) is definitely a place for children to check in. Suspension bridges and cableways allow children to shuttle between the treetops as if they were doing light work. They can also swing or jump into colorful bubbles to experience the joy of sports.
Another worthwhile activity on the Central Coast is feeding the pelicans. More than 30 years ago, the owner of the local fish shop was feeding pelicans on the waterfront of The Entrance, and today the activity has become a fascinating local tradition.
The town has specially built the Pelican Plaza (Pelican Plaza), which brings tourists a grand occasion of feeding the pelicans every day. Don’t look at the pelicans who are usually dignified and cute, with a big mouth, the foodie nature is fully exposed!
(2) Port Stephens, to help you unlock new “skills”
Heading north, the elves of the ocean are waiting in Port Stephens (Port Stephens), the only place in New State where you can swim with wild dolphins. From May to November every year, there are also migratory whales in the waters of Port Stephens, and you can see huge humpback whales by taking a cruise ship out to sea, or at the headland of Tomaree National Park (Tomaree National Park).
For children who love small animals, there is also a good place in Port Stephens – the Australian Reptile Park (Australian Reptile Park), the zoo under the natural bushes is inhabited by Australian marsupials and reptiles from all over the world Animals include koalas, kangaroos, green iguanas (Green Iguana) and more. In addition to taking part in behind-the-scenes tours, bird feeding and more, kids can enjoy live entertainment.
© mitchsquires via instagram
(3) Dorego National Park, it calls you to the top of the woods
Before heading to (Coffs Harbour), you might as well go to (Dorrigo National Park) on the Dorrigo Plateau (Dorrigo Plateau). In the subtropical jungle, the birds are chirping, and the mountain spring is thick; on the Sky walk, you can have a panoramic view of the park, Bellinger Valley, and even the Pacific Ocean beyond.
© nationalparks.nsw.gov.au
(4) Welcome to the theme park capital – Gold Coast
There are no worries that cannot be solved by visiting a theme park. If you have any, go to the Gold Coast (Gold Coast) to visit a few more! The theme parks scattered on the Gold Coast have different styles, but they are all fascinating. There are lifelike wax figures, interesting hydrophilic experiences, and adrenaline-inducing amusement equipment. You can also meet Batman and other superheroes from the movie world, and interact with koalas, kangaroos, and various marine animals.
warner bros movie world
There are thousands of roads, and safety comes first. Although self-driving is good, don’t forget the travel tips.
Preparation
1. Driver’s license translation. Short-term tourists who stay for no more than 3 months do not need to apply for an international driver’s license, and can rent a car in Australia with the new Chinese-English driver’s license or the translation of the old driver’s license.
2. Rent a car. It is more convenient to rent a car on a domestic travel website or platform. Select the date, model, pick-up and return location in advance, and the website will automatically generate a quotation. In view of the high cost of car repair and traffic accident handling in Australia, it is recommended to purchase full insurance and book GPS navigation service when placing an order.
3. Familiar with traffic rules. Australia has strict road regulations, and the violations are dealt with vigorously. For the safety of you and your family, it is necessary to know the traffic rules here in advance.
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Drive on the left. In Australia, all vehicles drive on the left side of the dual carriageway. It is recommended that after picking up the car, spend half an hour familiarizing yourself with it on a safe road section.
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fasten your seatbelt. The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear seat belts at all times while driving.
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Prepare the child seat. Children under the age of 7 must use a child safety seat that matches their size and weight.
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Follow road signs. Familiarize yourself with Australian road signs and make sure you obey them.
4. Check road conditions and weather in advance. Australian states and territories have large temperature differences in winter. In case of rain, icy roads, snow, strong winds or road construction sections, you need to slow down. When driving in the countryside and backcountry, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is well-maintained, has reliable handling, and carries a spare tire, tools and extra water.
on the way
1. Pay attention to the speed limit. Australia strictly enforces speed limits. Speed limits vary by state and territory, so be sure to pay attention to roadside speed limit signs on major roads.
2. Never drink and drive. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a crime, and the local police will conduct strict inspections, and offenders will be severely punished.
3. Pay attention to rest and arrive safely. Plan your itinerary well and make sure you have enough rest time along the way. On highways and roads in Australia, there is a rest area every 80-100 kilometers for people to pull over and rest when they are tired.
Source: Tourism Australia.
