Australians are well known for their wanderlust; it’s an integral part of our national identity. And while overseas travel is on the roadmap, what is certain is that when boarders do re-open in Australia our thirst to hit the open road will soon be quenched.
Before heading off why don’t you take advantage of Stella’s Free Roadside offer and hit the road with peace of mind.
It’s time to get off the beaten track with these 5 road trips to add to your post–lockdown bucket list.
For the young family
DRIVE THE CAPTAIN COOK HIGHWAY: CAIRNS TO THE-DAINTREE-RAINFOREST (2 hours)
With beaches, wildlife encounters, Indigenous culture, a heritage-listed reef, and an ancient rainforest in the Daintree National Park there really is something for the whole family on this epic Aussie adventure. Make sure you stop in Port Douglas which is a great base for visiting the great Barrier Reef, refresh and restore at Mossman Gorge then head for the ultimate adventure with a Crocodile Cruise along the Daintree River. If crocs are a little too scary for the little ones, then the jungle canopy tour in Cape Tribulation can’t be beaten. You’ll have a birds-eye view of the Daintree as your zip line through it.
For the Adventurers
DRIVE FROM ADELAIDE TO PERTH, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (14 days)
This road trip isn’t for the faint hearted. Driving the 2,774km from Adelaide to Perth requires careful planning and preparation. As with most outback treks, a 4WD is the better option, The Nullarbor can be a challenge to cross, as there is little to see for hundreds of kilometres. You will even have to endure the longest stretch of straight road in the world. Despite its tediousness, there is a well-connected network of roadhouses and service stations where you can stock up on supplies, including food, water, and petrol. The journey between these two vibrant cities follows the spectacular southern coastline and it truly is one of the best road trips you can take in Australia.
For the grey head nomads
DRIVE FROM MELBOURNE TO ADELAIDE (5 DAYS)
Walk along the world-famous Bells Beach, get lost in the glory of the world heritage listed 12 Apostles and sample wine in McClaren Vale on this five-day road trip along Australia’s most dramatic south-eat coastline. You’ll step back in time in the Naracoorte Caves and explore the coastal town of Warrnamool where from May to October, Southern right whales calve off of Logan beach. It’s the ultimate adventure to get up close and personal with Australia’s dramatic coastlines and windswept beaches.
For road-trips with friends
DRIVE FROM CANBERRA TO MELBOURNE VIA BEECHWORTH AND ALBURY (Long Weekend)
Since we’ve been missing our friends, now’s the perfect time to plan a road tripping with your nearest and dearest. The Canberra to Melbourne road-trip has something for everyone, it’s family friendly and there is so much to see and do along the way. The most direct drive is straight along the Hume Highway (that’s main road that connects Canberra to Melbourne.) That takes about ten hours of driving but it’s not particularly scenic, so our pick is to take the drive along the scenic coast line instead. We love the diversity of this road trip – you’ll see big cities and small towns, beaches and bush walks, nature and culture. Drive through NSW’s best keep secret, the sparkling Sapphire coast and stop for Oysters and champagne in Merimbula on your way to the foodie capital, Melbourne.
Gather your best friends for the ultimate girl’s road trip (Just add cheese + wine)
SYDNEY TO ORANGE (4 hours)
A road trip is only as good as the people you share it with – and if you happen to be sharing it at a winery or two, well, that’s even better. There is something truly special about meeting the passionate wine makers, and buying their specially crafted wines while supporting the local economy.
Mudgee is a must-stop destination on your way to Orange, and Lowe Wines will have you immersed in the true magic that Mudgee has to offer. Here you can experience a wine tasting while your designated driver strolls the Tinja property. Sitting on the volcanic slopes of Mt Canobolas Orange is internationally recognised for its award-winning array of cool-climate wines including Sauvignon blanc, shiraz, pinot noir and the new world chardonnays’.
We recommend staying at the White Place in Orange, and shopping up a storm at their incredible homewares store just down the road in Byng Street. It truly is a magical getaway for the favourite women in your life.
Without ruining the wanderlust mood it’s also super important you check with the government in your state and the states you might be travelling to and make sure travel to those regions is permitted. Restrictions are ever changing, so make sure you’re up to date with them before you hit the road. Mask up, wash your hands and enjoy the beauty of this incredible country.
Underwriting criteria, policy terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. Any advice provided is general advice and does not take your personal circumstances into consideration. Please read the Stella product disclosure statement (PDS) for the terms, conditions, and exclusions and consider the Target Market Determination (TMD) available at stellainsurance.com.au before purchasing this insurance. Stella Underwriting Pty Ltd (ABN 72 633 811 319) is an Authorised Representative (AR 001282046) of Allstate Insurance Pty Ltd (ABN 82 073 267 053, AFSL 239010) which is acting (under its own AFSL) on behalf of the product issuer, QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545). To be eligible for the offer a minimum $500 based premium applies. Promotional offer is available from 06/12/21 – 28/02/22. Not in conjunction with any other offer. Visit Stellainsurance.com.au/freeroadside for full details.
*Originally published in Australian Women’s Weekly December issue
