Transfercar Blog

Australia is a country full of magnificent sunsets, whether they’re beaming down upon the enormous Red Centre or drenching the beaches in colourful rays. Witnessing them in all their glory is made much easier if you get yourselves a free transfer car for the trip, as it will help you navigate to exciting, off-the-radar destinations, as well as to more popular, iconic locations.

From skyscrapers, coastlines and forests, to beaches, deserts and mountaintops, here are the best spots for enjoying the healing power of sunset all over the Australia.

 

Western Australia

Broome

Found in the northeast of the region and overlooking the Indian Ocean, Broome gives you the opportunity to drive your 4-wheel-drive right to the seafront to enjoy aperitifs and drinks whilst taking in the warm breeze and even warmer hues of the setting sun. Remember to always drink responsibly when driving, especially if riding camel-back on Cable Beach, the best way to experience the amazing sunsets.

Bunbury

Recommended for surfing, swimming, and dolphin lovers, the city is just a 2-hour drive south of Perth and is a great option for budget holidays. The ‘city of three waters’ allows for a golden sunset silhouetting the Bunbury tower (also known as ‘the milk carton’).

 

Northern Territory

Darwin

When you arrive, head over to the markets at Mindil Beach to put together an amazing meal, most of which is sourced from exotic flavours from not too distant neighbours: Indonesia and The Philippines. Then you can pick your spot on the west facing beach and gaze out to sea on any night of the week for the most incredible sunset.

Alice Springs

Less than 2 hours west from the epicenter of The Outback lies Glen Helen Gorge, an area with spectacular views which is also great for hiking, camping, and swimming. You won’t necessarily see the full sunset from this exact point, but the sunlight will illuminate and reflect off the magnificent rocks at sunrise and sunset, making for a truly unique picture.

 

South Australia

Kanku-Breakaways

For something inland, try this mountainous conservation park. Rock formations resembling the wild-west, and the deep red sands reminiscent of mars, during sunset, will transport you to another world.

Adelaide

Right on the coastal periphery lies West Beach which has great access from your city accommodation and has equipment for the kids to keep them entertained, and offers other great facilities nearby.

Barmera

2.5-hours east of the big city you’ll discover Lake Bonney Riverland. This has to be one of the most serene and calming places around. Take a camera, or even an easel to paint this wondrous area.

 

Queensland

Port Douglas

You can take sunset tours from Port Douglas venturing out to the open sea to explore the Great Barrier Reef, or you could even take a trip into a rainforest.

Townsville

The third largest port in the area offers a variety of activities, as a stroll along The Strand and a trip to Magnetic Island, where Koalas and sublime sunsets are guaranteed.

 

New South Wales

Byron Bay

2-hours south of Brisbane you’ll find any fun, free, family-friendly activities including balloon workshops, whale watching, and sunset drumming, adding a spiritual vibe to the already magical mood.

Brunswick Heads

This nearby, quiet location is also worth a visit as lots of serene beauty lies all around. The town also has a few interesting, little stores to check out.

Sydney

One of the greatest icons in Australia is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It’s definitely one of the best sunset locations on the continent and is a great vantage point to view The Sydney Opera House. If you want to capture both emblems in-frame, then head over to Farm Cove for your opportunity.

 

Victoria

Melbourne

Take a leisurely walk from Port Melbourne Beach to St Kilda where you will find its iconic pier silhouetted against a gilded sky. You will enjoy fantastic views of the Melbourne cityscape and may even spot some fairy penguins.

Wilsons Promontory

This lush, dense national park is a true paradise that can only be enhanced at sunset and gives an atmosphere of a secluded island while being just a 3-hour drive south of Melbourne.

 

Tasmania

Hobart Harbour

An array of yachts, historical and modern buildings, rolling hills, towering mountains, and puffy clouds, create a spectacular layered scene for an immense sunset. Hobart can be found on the south coast of the island.

Mount Wellington

Taking a vantage point here, up above the clouds, will give you a feeling of awe and exhilaration, and will provide a sunset to take your breath away.

Whether you have all the time in the world or are just stopping by, it’s well worthwhile to pause and appreciate the beautiful nature that surrounds us. Take advantage of a free one-way car rental to keep costs low and your spirit of adventure high.III

You don’t have to travel all the way across the globe to Europe or the US to see the deep reds and shining golden yellows of the changing season. Autumn is just as beautiful right here, so step outside of the city, long enough to refresh your spirit, and take in the vibrant surroundings with the ones that will appreciate it the most. Here are a few of the best places you can cleverly reach on a budget with a free car or campervan. Let’s explore these amazing landscapes!

High Country – Victoria

Yackandandah, Bright, and Beechworth, sit atop a plateau just below the Australian Alps. These towns have been preserved from the times of the European settlers during the gold-rush. Historical buildings, as well as exotic trees, line the promenades in a spectacular display of red, gold, yellow, and orange. The town of Bright also hosts its own Autumn Festival which lasts 10 days. Private gardens will be open, food and drink will be available, and why not pick some chestnuts before enjoying the parade?

Getting there: Just head 3 hours North East from Melbourne. The roads are good and different route options are available.

Blackwood River Valley – Western Australia

It might not be expected that the West would have so much colour on display, but in a region not far from Perth, trust that you will find luscious landscapes showcasing many historic towns. As you journey from Nannup which is surrounded by a plethora of national parks, follow the natural winding shape of the valley, heading East to see an unusual blend of grey and gold native karri trees, various tree species from Europe and the Americas.

Packing the family and a picnic basket is a must.

Getting there: 3 hours from Perth to Nannup or Balingup, and an optional 2 hours heading North East, following the river as far as you would like to go.

Bowral – New South Wales

The European history of this large town goes back 200 years when the landscape was dramatically altered. The elite of Sydney used the area as a rural retreat and used overseas deciduous trees to make the region seem more English, all of which offers some interesting contrast to the surrounding landscape. Here you can bear witness to dramatically changing colours, from tulip trees, golden elms, to red oaks.

Getting there: The destination is an easy 1 ½ hours away from Sydney.

Dandenong Ranges – Victoria

Gardens encompass the villages on top of the ranges which all see their moment to shine and peak visitation at different times of the year. This Autumn, you will find breathtaking waterfalls in amongst an array of colour in the Dandenong region. It’s the perfect place to take a moment to listen to the soothing sounds of nature. You can even visit the Botanical Gardens where you will find some of the rarest flora and fauna.

Getting there: The journey is a super simple 1-hour drive East from Melbourne.

Mount Field National Park – Tasmania

Ever heard of the Tanglefoot or Fagus? These are the only trees native to Australia which shed their leaves annually, and they only grow in Mount Field National Park and Cradle Mountain-lake St Clair National Park. Viewing the Tanglefoot (Nothofagus Gunii) is for the real die-hard horticulturists. The shrub grows close to the ground and is found on the Tarn Shelf Track in the high mountains. Part of this adventure can only be undertaken on foot but allows for spectacular panoramic views, fresh cool air, and the rare chance to witness the tiny ribbed leaves of the Tanglefoot turning yellow around the month of April.

Getting there: Tasmania is accessible from Melbourne via a relaxing boat trip. Take the advantage of the 9-hour journey to put your feet up and unwind. After disembarking from Devonport, it’s a quick 1-hour drive to Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair. For those heading to Mount Field, it’s just 2 ½ hours longer heading South.

It’s important to get away from it all, even for a little while. We can easily make excuses not go out and take that trip, but with so many beautiful places to see and experience so close to home, you really just have to pick a destination and go for it. You can even rent a free car to make everything much easier on yourself, taking away the need to prepare your own vehicle, and ensuring that you have enough space for all your luggage and needs.

Australia has been the backdrop for a number of internationally popular films, owing to its modern cities, as well as unique, varied and often dramatic landscapes. Below, you’ll discover why the Australian landscapes are perfect for filming action, comedy, drama and even children’s movies. Before you search out these iconic locations, make sure you find a free car to arrive in style.

Crocodile Dundee

This 80’s comedy classic is about as Australian as a film could possibly be, although it was filmed both in Australia and New York. Some of the funniest moments were captured in McKinlay, Queensland at the Walkabout Creek Hotel, the local pub lent to the crew for filming. Many hilarious scenes, as the one where Mick takes on a snake, for instance, were filmed in Kakadu National Park, and you will recognise a lot of striking scenery from Ubirr and Gunlom. The former offers amazing views and a plethora of indigenous paintings, the latter is host to extraordinary natural water features.

Mad Max 2

Another 80’s classic and another action-packed hit, filmed in the vicinity of Broken Hill in New South Wales which showcases the spectacular desert scenery in the post-apocalyptic thriller. Here you find The Pinnacles where the movie set was constructed, and nearby Menindee Road where Max’s vehicle rolls down the hill and explodes; it’s advised not to recreate any of your favourite scenes! Close by in Silverton, home to only a handful of residents, you can grab a drink at the local pub and check out the photos and memorabilia from the filming. You’ll also discover the marvelous Mad Max Museum, housing original cars and props from the cult classic.

Mission: Impossible 2

This action block-buster smashed the box office in the year 2000. Shot by famed Hong Kong action director John Woo, and starring Tom Cruise, the film features very recognisable locations like Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Another site: Bare Island, is perhaps the most significant location in the movie. It’s a small island housing an ex-military base which served in the film as a rogue spy’s fortified secret lair. You can relive the exhilarating scene where our hero and rival, race around the island on motorbikes and tackle each other as their bikes explode in mid-air.

Babe

Possibly the world’s most adored pig, Babe captured our hearts in the ‘90s with his ambitions to become a sheep herding pig.  The film was set in the lush green pastures and arching hills of the Great British countryside, but surprisingly was actually shot in Robertson in New South Wales. This made audiences and cinematographers alike realise that Australia is not just about The Outback. As Hoggett Farm is a fictional farm from the original book and was constructed just for filming, you can visit The Robertson Hotel, which is located on the same street where the filming took place.

Where the Wild Things Are

Adapted from a children’s picture book in the ‘60s in to a beautiful heartwarming film in 2009, Where the Wild Things Are, displays amazing and diverse scenery from the South Coast of Victoria. One scene that sees another protagonist named Max, rolling down giant sand dunes with his monster friend was filmed in Discovery Bay Coastal Park. Here, the sea comes right up and pushes the tall dunes 15 miles inland. Contrasting forest scenes were shot at Gembrook, a eucalyptus forest which at this time had seen a recent and brief controlled burn, painting the surface of the trunks charcoal black and leaving the littering leaves glistening silver.

As you can see, Australia abounds in exciting spots for dedicated moviegoers. Grab a picnic basket, binoculars, some good walking boots, and a free car or campervan rental – and you will discover where the wild things are.II

Are the hot summer roads beginning to call for your company? If you’re an Aussie asphalt aficionado and you still haven’t crossed The Kimberley off your bucket list, you are missing out on the ultimate road trip experience Down Under can provide.

The vast, sparsely inhabited territory (for reference, imagine if all of California had about 40,000 people living there) is the northernmost region in Western Australia, and represents one of the last remaining wild frontiers. With sprawling ancient mountains cut through with steep-walled, monsoon-shaped gorges, dry grasslands and a dramatic coastline, the Kimberley terrain is a joy of exploration and discovery, with rewarding vistas hiding all across the immense terrain. As some food for thought, we have chosen a few of the most popular driving routes to tickle your imagination.

Before you go

The “wilderness” part is not just a promotional tool – driving around the Kimberley includes long distances on often challenging roads across sparsely inhabited areas. A reliable 4×4 vehicle is highly advised and often necessary, along with sufficient fuel supplies, terrain-adequate (and spare!) tires, and other safety and common sense measures. Many roads across the Kimberley are also weather-dependant, due to the intense monsoon climate, with the rain season at its peak between December and February.

Generally speaking, the “tourism season” in the Kimberley runs from May to September, when it’s cooler and drier, but the region has its different charms all-year-round. With a territory so vast, various areas are accessible even during the wet season, which also brings glorious storms and sunsets and a blooming nature. Regardless of the time of the year, always check the weather forecast and carefully plan your routes.

Getting there

No matter your starting point, you’re in for a long drive just to reach the Kimberley region. The mileage is significant and a reliable vehicle is a must, so you may want to try and find a free transfer car suited for the journey. Chances are you will be traveling to Broome, the coastal town serving as the most popular starting point for further exploration of the region. Broome is connected with Perth via the  Great Northern Highway – a pacey two-day drive (or a longer, more relaxed one) to get you ready for the true roads ahead. The town can also be reached by air from Perth and other major cities, but we’re skipping that option here.

Alternatively, you can access the Kimberley from Kununurra, a town neighboring the Northern Territory border. It can be reached across the Northern Territory, from Darwin to Catherine across the Stuart Highway, and then to Kununurra via the Victoria Highway.

Getting around

There are numerous potential routes and areas to explore around the Kimberley, so we will focus only on several well-established trails, but make sure to do your research and create an itinerary that best suits your preferences.

Gibb River Road
The holy grail for Australian road warriors, the Gibb River Road is arguably the greatest road adventure Down Under. A former cattle route, the Gibb River Road stretches across more than 600 km, connecting the towns of Derby and Wyndham and meandering through breathtaking mountainous terrain with countless natural wonders and rich wildlife. The road is highly weather-dependent and often closed off during the wet season, so check your weather beforehand! Make sure you stop by and enjoy the Tunnel Creek National Park and the magnificent King Leopold Ranges, to name a few of the many attractions.

Coral Coast
Less demanding, but certainly as scenic as some of the other Kimberley drives, Coral Coast provides stunning coastal scenery as far as the eye can see. Stretching from north to south along the coast, the road provides a plethora of attractions such as the Shark Bay World Heritage Area and the Ningaloo Reef, not to mention countless beaches, as well as opportunities to immerse yourself into Indigenous culture and traditions of the area.

Savannah Way
Considered one of the more demanding and rewarding driving routes in all of Australia, the road connecting Cairns to Broome, stretching across Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia is a proper adventure. The 3,700 km long journey encompasses a huge slice of Australia’s diverse nature and geography, with World Heritage sites and national parks galore. The drive requires a vehicle suited for harsh terrain, as it often takes you across unsealed roads, but the numerous sights are certainly worth the extra effort.

There are many reasons why the Kimberley is considered Australia’s premium driving destination, but no words can match the thrill of discovery you will find on the road. Knowing that now you can even get a free one-way car rental will make this adventure holiday more enjoyable.