It may be the world’s smallest continent, but when it comes to travel destinations, Australia packs a big punch.

With COVID-19 grounding our international travels for at least the short term, there has never been a better time to get out and explore Australia. With some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, Australia is an adventurer’s dream. Here are some of our favourite hidden gems.

New South Wales

Springs at Moree
It may be a pretty unassuming looking place, but Moree in NSW is home to a host of natural and mineral hot springs. Australia’s Artesian Basin springs have been known for their healing and rejuvenating benefits. Many hotels feature springs or can arrange a tour.

Cranky Falls/Rocks
Set within a tranquil natural bushland setting, Cranky Rock Recreation Reserve is an extensive jumble of granite boulders balanced at the edge of Reedy Creek. Located eight kilometres east of Warialda, the natural bushland attracts many species of native wildlife.

Mungo National Park
Ancient dry lake basins and sand formations create the spectacular Mungo National Park, rich with Aboriginal history and home to Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. To the east, dunes are formed from quartz and clay (including the magnificent Walls of China). There is a 70km Mungo Self-Guided Drive Tour which takes in all the main attractions of the park.

Queensland

Orpheus Island
When you dream of a deserted island, it probably looks something like Orpheus Island in Queensland. Accessible only by helicopter, Orpheus Island is located between Cairns and Townsville, surrounded by 1300 hectares of national park and bordered by coral reefs – making it a dream location for snorkelling, swimming and diving.

Carnarvon Gorge
In the heart of Central Queensland, towering white sandstone cliffs form the spectacular vibrantly coloured Carnarvon Gorge, home to a range of significant plant and animal species, many of them relics of cooler, wetter times. Historic rock art on the sandstone includes ochre stencils, rock engravings and freehand paintings.

South Australia

Umpherston Sinkhole
Umpherston Sinkhole was once a limestone cave. When the top of the chamber collapsed, the sinkhole was formed. The topsoil, which ended up on the floor of the sinkhole, created the perfect environment for what is known as the sunken garden. You can get a good sense of the sheer size of the sinkhole from the viewing platforms at the top, then walk down the terraces behind the hanging vines.

Lake Bumbunga
It is little wonder this spectacular sight in South Australia is a favourite with photographers around the world. Less than two hours’ drive from Adelaide, Lake Bumbunga changes colour from pink, to white, to blue, depending on the salinity of the water throughout the year.

Tasmania

Tarkine Wilderness
The second largest expanse of temperate rainforest in the world, the Tarkine Wilderness is still largely hidden. Made up of 477,000 uninterrupted hectares of wilderness, Tarkine features ancient plants and animals which date back millennia. There are forest walks, self-guided drives and river cruises.

Victoria

The Big Drift, Wilsons Promontory National Park
It’s a two-hour trek to get there, but boy it is worth it. One of Australia’s most spectacular sights, at the Big Drift massive sand dunes tower over coastal woodland with views over the Vereker Range. Sit and watch as the sun goes down and the dunes take on a golden hue.

Western Australia

Lancelin Sand Dunes
The Lancelin sand dunes north of Perth are an adrenaline junkie’s dream. The biggest dunes in Western Australia, you can go sand boarding down the 45 degree angle dunes, dirt biking or four wheel driving. Lancelin is located approximately 1.5 hours’ drive north of Perth.

Wave Rock
Rising 15 metres from the ground and stretching over 100 metres in length, Wave Rock in Western Australia is so called because it looks like a giant surf wave of multi-coloured granite which is said to be 2,700 million years old. Wave Rock is located 340 kilometres south-east of Perth.

Getting around

The current environment has made hitting the road in the comfort of one’s own car or van the most attractive option for most travellers right now. But you need to know your car or van is safe, efficient and reliable. If you are thinking of getting out on the open road, make sure your vehicle is up to the job.

Nothing will ruin a holiday faster than a break down – and it can put a serious dent in your travel itinerary or budget.

If you are thinking of buying or upgrading your vehicle for travel purposes, then call us for the best deal on finance.