Embarking on a journey across Australia is a dream for many, and for good reason. The sheer diversity of landscapes, from sun-drenched beaches to rugged outback terrains and lush rainforests, makes Australia a treasure trove of travel destinations. Planning an Australian adventure, especially a solo road trip, can be both exciting and daunting. Like many first-time adventurers, I vividly remember the pre-trip jitters before my initial Australian road trip. Despite meticulous planning, extensive research, and conversations with seasoned travelers, a wave of self-doubt kept creeping in: “Is venturing out solo really wise?” While the concept of solo travel in Australia proved incredible, some of my early decisions could have been significantly better. Through numerous expeditions across this vast continent, I’ve accumulated invaluable insights, often learned through trial and error. This guide offers a comprehensive look at my Australian journeys, highlighting both the triumphs and the blunders, to help you navigate your own exploration of the best Australia Travel Places.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 1.0 | DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021
My Australian road trip saga began with nearly six weeks exploring Western Australia, a state renowned for its breathtaking Australia travel places. Living out of a campervan became my norm as I immersed myself in some of the country’s most stunning locations. The adventure commenced with a lengthy drive from Perth to Karijini National Park via the Great Northern Highway, setting the stage for visits to Exmouth, the dramatic Kennedy Range National Park, and the unique Shark Bay. Continuing southward, I discovered the charms of Margaret River and ventured into the biodiverse Fitzgerald River National Park. The journey culminated with a stop at the iconic Wave Rock before circling back to Perth. For an in-depth exploration of the best places to visit in Western Australia, you can refer to a dedicated article here.
Reflecting on this initial road trip, my primary misstep was underestimating the importance of vehicle reliability. Covering almost 8500 km in a 2005 campervan was indeed an achievement, but arguably imprudent, especially given the solo nature of the trip and the remote, reception-less areas I traversed. Compounding this was my lack of auto mechanic skills, leaving me vulnerable in case of breakdowns. In the Australian outback, such situations could mean waiting days for assistance. Today, prioritizing a more dependable vehicle and carrying a radio for communication would be non-negotiable.
Safety was always a consideration, but my perception of travel risks was skewed by European travel norms. My emergency plan was basic: a week’s supply of food and water and a detailed itinerary shared with a friend who could raise alarm if I didn’t return as scheduled. While adequate for minor car issues, this plan was insufficient for serious emergencies like injuries or wildlife encounters. For future outback trips, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) would be essential for enhanced safety.
Time & Duration: December 2020 – January 2021 (6 weeks)
Travel Cost: 6630.42 AUD (excluding flights to Australia)
Accommodation: Tent, Campervan
Vehicle: Kia Pregio (2005)
Distance: 8467 km
Alt Text: Detailed travel plan map of Western Australia highlighting key Australia travel places visited during a 6-week road trip.
Alt Text: Personal photograph capturing the essence of a solo road trip adventure across Western Australia, showcasing one of the unique Australia travel places.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA 1.0 | APRIL 2021
The lessons from my first road trip were instrumental in planning subsequent adventures. For my second expedition in April 2021, the vehicle choice was significantly upgraded, recognizing that skimping on reliability for outback Australia travel places is unwise. This time, I opted for a Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 Dual Cab, a robust and dependable vehicle, albeit at a higher rental cost. The two-week rental amounted to 1377 AUD, comparable to the six-week cost of my previous campervan. Enterprise Rent A Car in Beverley, Adelaide, proved to be an excellent choice, both for service and vehicle quality.
South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, the state’s largest mountain range, was the primary draw, a long-held ambition on my list of Australia travel places. Flying from Perth to Adelaide specifically to explore this region, with a side trip to Mount Remarkable National Park, showcased my focused itinerary. The key learning from this trip was regarding preparedness for outback conditions. A budget 15-dollar KMART sleeping bag proved woefully inadequate for cold desert nights. Discomfort led to abandoning the tent in favor of the car’s back seat for warmth – a less than ideal but necessary adjustment.
For a similar trip today, a -5°C rated sleeping bag, a radio, and a PLB would be essential items. While the Flinders Ranges are relatively accessible for outback first-timers, mobile coverage remains limited, mostly confined to Wilpena Pound. Venturing into more remote park areas without reliable communication and emergency equipment is risky. Mechanical issues can arise unexpectedly, emphasizing the need for preparedness when exploring remote Australia travel places. Detailed information on Flinders Ranges National Park and its walking trails can be found in separate articles here and here.
Time & Duration: April 2021 (2 weeks)
Travel Cost: No data available
Accommodation: Tent, Car
Vehicle: Mitsubishi Triton 4×4 Dual Cab (2019)
Distance: 1432 km
Alt Text: Route map of South Australia highlighting the Flinders Ranges National Park, a key destination among Australia travel places in the state.
Alt Text: Image from a road trip in South Australia, capturing the rugged beauty of the landscape, characteristic of many Australia travel places in the outback.
TASMANIA 1.0 | SEPTEMBER 2021 – OCTOBER 2021
My third major trip led me to Tasmania, a first-time visit and a deep dive into some of the most unique Australia travel places. Preparation was key for this adventure. Equipped with a 3-season tent, a -5°C sleeping bag, and plans to rent a PLB for demanding hikes, I felt ready for Tasmania’s wilderness. A five-week itinerary was planned: one week in Hobart followed by four weeks exploring Tasmania’s natural beauty. My Tasmanian journey included Wellington Park, the historic Port Arthur, Tasman National Park, the picturesque Freycient National Park, Launceston, Maria Island, Queenstown, Meander Falls, Montezuma Falls, and the fascinating Mole Creek Cave.
A significant takeaway from Tasmanian travel is the adequacy of a 2WD vehicle for most explorations, negating the need for expensive 4×4 rentals. Opting for a Mitsubishi ASX Compact SUV from Budget in Hobart Downtown, the 31-day rental cost was a reasonable 1631 AUD. This vehicle served not only for transport but also as occasional accommodation. Combined with tent stays and occasional hostels or hotels (essential for gear drying in Tasmania’s unpredictable weather), it was a versatile setup.
While the exact kilometers driven in Tasmania remain unrecorded, the hiking distances were substantial. Daily hikes culminated in completing several remarkable multi-day treks, including the Cape Pillar Circuit, Freycinet Peninsula Circuit, Walls of Jerusalem, Frenchman’s Cap, and the iconic Overland Track. This trip was executed without major errors, although traveling in October in Tasmania carries weather risks. While chosen deliberately, travelers might consider slightly later months for more stable conditions when visiting Australia travel places in Tasmania.
Time & Duration: September 2021 – October 2021 (5 weeks)
Travel Cost: 6582.09 AUD (excluding flights to Australia)
Accommodation: Tent, Car, Hostel, Hotel
Vehicle: Mitsubishi ASX Compact SUV (2019)
Distance: No data available
Alt Text: Tasmania travel itinerary map showcasing diverse Australia travel places across the island state, planned for a 5-week exploration.
Alt Text: Scenic image from Tasmania, illustrating the natural beauty and hiking opportunities available in one of the premier Australia travel places for outdoor enthusiasts.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 2.0 | DECEMBER 2021 – JANUARY 2022
Shortly after my Tasmanian adventure, visa circumstances necessitated a return to Poland, marking a temporary end to my Australian chapter. With limited time remaining, another trip was in order, focusing on Western Australia again. This time, the goal was to explore the southern regions missed during my first WA road trip, including Esperance, Cape Le Grand National Park, and Cape Arid National Park. Revisiting favorite spots in WA’s South West was also prioritized to maximize this final WA experience. For more insights into the best places to visit in Western Australia, detailed information is available here.
This trip proved to be my most budget-friendly Australian adventure, largely due to no longer traveling solo. My travel companion’s well-equipped Holden Colorado 4×4 eliminated rental car costs, significantly reducing expenses. Shared costs further contributed to the trip’s affordability. The 4×4’s features, including a radio, compressor, and recovery tracks, enabled off-the-beaten-path explorations alongside popular tourist destinations.
Reflecting on this journey, no changes are needed – it was flawlessly executed and thoroughly enjoyable. However, it’s worth noting that December in Australia, particularly for camping in popular Australia travel places, demands advance planning to avoid crowds and secure campsites. Christmas crowds fill campsites quickly, often requiring reservations months in advance. Failing to secure a spot at Lucky Bay meant relocating, a minor inconvenience in an otherwise perfect trip.
Time & Duration: December 2021 – January 2022 (2 weeks)
Travel Cost: No data available
Accommodation: Tent, Hotel
Vehicle: Holden Colorado 4×4 (2012)
Distance: No data available
Alt Text: Western Australia road trip map outlining a 2-week itinerary, highlighting key Australia travel places in the southern part of the state.
Alt Text: Image capturing the experience of travelling through Western Australia, emphasizing the vast open spaces and unique landscapes typical of Australia travel places.
TASMANIA 2.0 | JANUARY 2022 – MARCH 2022
The allure of Tasmania’s wilderness was so strong that a second trip was planned even before departing in October 2021. The extensive network of walking tracks, diverse landscapes, and raw wilderness necessitated a return, this time for two months. This extended stay was dedicated to tackling remote multi-day hikes, requiring ample time for trekking and recovery. This second Tasmanian exploration included Mount Field National Park, Bruny Island, Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park, Ben Lomond National Park, and the less-traveled north-west & north-east regions.
Vehicle reliability in Tasmania had been proven during my first trip, leading to a repeat rental of a Mitsubishi ASX Compact SUV from Budget in Hobart Downtown. The 61-day rental cost was 2116 AUD, remaining the most economical option. Expense tracking ceased after leaving my job in December 2021, a coping mechanism for financial anxiety, preferring not to monitor dwindling funds. Consequently, precise trip costs are unavailable, but budget-consciousness was paramount.
Accommodation shifted towards cost-saving options, primarily car sleeping and tent camping, interspersed with occasional hostel and hotel stays, mainly after demanding hikes or for necessary privacy. This trip focused on conquering some of Tasmania’s most challenging multi-day hikes: the Mount Anne Circuit, Western Arthurs Traverse, and Federation Peak. For those new to Tasmanian trails, a comprehensive guide to hiking in Tasmania is recommended reading here, offering essential preparation advice for exploring Australia travel places on foot in Tasmania.
Time & Duration: January 2022 – March 2022 (2 months)
Travel Cost: No data available
Accommodation: Tent, Car, Hostel, Hotel
Vehicle: Mitsubishi ASX Compact SUV (2019)
Distance: No data available
Alt Text: Detailed map of Tasmania, marking an extensive 2-month travel plan across various Australia travel places, including national parks and remote regions.
Alt Text: A traveler amidst the stunning Tasmanian landscape, exemplifying the adventurous spirit of exploring Australia travel places in Tasmania.
VICTORIA 1.0 | APRIL 2022 – MAY 2022
The final weeks in Australia presented a crossroads: Queensland’s warmth or staying south. Victoria was chosen due to existing familiarity from a previous nine-month stay in Melbourne in 2020 (largely under lockdown), friendships in the city offering accommodation, and a desire to finally explore Victoria properly.
Car rental costs in Victoria were surprisingly high, making Tasmanian deals seem exceptionally fortunate in retrospect. Commercial rental options became unaffordable. Seeking local alternatives, friends provided a solution: borrowing a private Nissan Patrol 4×4 for 6 weeks at 500 AUD plus fuel.
Autumn in Victoria brought cooler temperatures, making car sleeping less viable. More frequent bookings of standard accommodation became necessary. While daytime temperatures were pleasant, persistent rainfall often disrupted plans. Despite weather challenges, Victoria revealed its highlights: Mount Buffalo National Park, Wilsons Promontory, the Grampians, hikes in the Australian Alps, and the iconic Great Ocean Road, solidifying its place among noteworthy Australia travel places.
Time & Duration: April 2022 – May 2022 (6 weeks)
Travel Cost: No data available
Accommodation: Car, Hostel, Hotel
Vehicle: Nissan Patrol 4×4
Distance: 3912 km
Alt Text: Victoria travel plan map highlighting diverse Australia travel places, including national parks, coastal routes, and mountain regions, explored over 6 weeks.
That concludes my Australian travel chronicles. If you have any questions about these Australia travel places or my experiences, please leave a comment below!
Hey, it’s Karolina, the author of this blog. If you find my content valuable and helpful, I would be more than grateful, if you could support my work, and buy me a coffee. I do love writing my blog, and creating content for you guys. Thank you!
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