Most people looking for a romantic holiday in Australia probably consider major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, which have a lot to offer in the way of fine dining and live entertainment. Or they may consider a boat trip out to the warm waters of the Great Barrier Reef to snorkel amongst exotic marine life. But most people who are visiting Australia may be a little wary of hopping in a car and heading to the expanses of the outback, where miles of desert may separate you and your destination. However, there are a few road trip destinations that come with very little implied danger and a lot of romantic rewards along the way. Here are some to check out.
1. The Great Tropical Drive. Often listed as the best road trip the country has to offer, this spectacularly scenic drive will take you from Cairns to Mission Beach over eight days. Along the way you’ll see the Great Barrier Reef off the coastal roads, the Daintree Rainforest (watch out for token crocs), sprawling grasslands, well-known wildlife (kookaburras and kangaroos) at the Mareeba Tropical Savannah and Wetland Reserve, and of course, gorgeous beaches as you reach the end of the road. With plenty of beautiful scenery and a lot of alone time, you’re sure to find the romance you seek.
2. Red Centre Way. If you want to take in the best of the outback (way out back), you’ll find it with this week-long trip. Start at Alice Springs, where you can check out the Anzac Hill and the Old Telegraph Station, then head towards Ayers Rock (Uluru). This can’t-miss natural phenomenon may not seem very sexy. In fact, the world’s largest monolith is just a giant plateau rising out of the grassland. But along the way you’ll see natural wonders like mountains, the Valley of the Winds, and the amazing night sky in the desert (stars seem close enough to touch). And the rock itself is a sight to behold, especially with the one you love.
3. Yarra Valley. Australia is known for producing some of the best Shiraz and Riesling varietals on the market. So if you’re into food and wine, you can’t get more romantic than taking a tour of the Valley that may rival Napa or some of the famous regions of France. You can hit up several tasting rooms on your tour, head to the Healesville Sanctuary for some one-on-one interaction with a Koala, and then stay the night in a quaint cottage inn (there are several in the valley), waking up early to take a hot-air balloon ride (from De Bortoli vineyard) that ends with a champagne brunch. It’s like a wine-drenched slice of heaven.
4. Lorne to Warrnambool. If you’re looking for a shorter day-trip (or a couple of days if you want to make stops along the way), start in Lorne with a nice meal and then head down to Apollo Bay along what some claim is the most beautiful stretch of coastline in Australia. From there you can hit up some secluded beaches and check out the Twelve Apostles (rock formations out in the waves). Keep going until you reach Warrnambool, the only city along “Shipwreck Coast”. If you come at the right time of year, you can take a boat trip to watch whales.
5. Monkey Mia to Kalbarri. Start in Monkey Mia, where you can frolic in the waves with dolphins (yup, they’ll come right up to humans). You could spend a whole day here, taking a camel ride along the beach, going on an evening cruise, or following an astronomy tour. Then head to Kalbarri, stopping along the way to check out the gorges along the Murchison River. After a little rock climbing or whale watching you can spend the night at a romantic beach villa.
Jamie Lewis writes for car insurance comparison where you can find cheap car insurance rates that will suit your needs.