The Border Mail

The roads less-travelled – three of the best tours in Australia

A local pops down to the beach for a quick swim.
A local pops down to the beach for a quick swim.

This story was sponsored by AAT Kings

When a holiday springs to mind, it’s easy to go for the predictable big city choices like bustling Melbourne or Sydney, or hard-hit coastal spots like Byron Bay. But if your idea of tranquility or adventure is a little off the beaten track, it’s time to consider the road less travelled for your next trip.

Australians are incredibly lucky. We have access to a vast breadth of landscapes, from the dry oranges of a warm, glowing desert to the lush green vibrancy of forestry; from the untouched craggy coastal roads to rolling world-famous wine country. 

Venturing to the Red Centre is an absolute must-do for any Australian.
Venturing to the Red Centre is an absolute must-do for any Australian.

And what better way to see Australia than on wheels? Sure, flying is quick – but nothing compares to cruising the open roads on a fully-organised tour and enjoying all of the sights, sounds and tastes along the way. 

Go outback in the NT 

Hello from Kings Canyon - the landscapes of the NT are deeply humbling.
Hello from Kings Canyon - the landscapes of the NT are deeply humbling.

More and more Australians are heading to the Northern Territory at the moment and it’s abundantly clear why. The NT is an incredibly immersive part of Australia that enjoys a year-long summer vibe, astounding natural wonders and a deeply spiritual history.

This indigenous artwork is over 10,000 years old and shows a sitting kangaroo-headed being holding a spear. It was discovered in a small, hidden shelter within a remote part of Kakadu National Park. Australian Museum, Sydney - www.amonline.net.au
This indigenous artwork is over 10,000 years old and shows a sitting kangaroo-headed being holding a spear. It was discovered in a small, hidden shelter within a remote part of Kakadu National Park. Australian Museum, Sydney - www.amonline.net.au

The best way to see the Northern Territory is right through the beating heart of the Red Centre and onwards north into the tropical lushness of the Top End. 

The Flinders Ranges offer the most incredible palette of colours for the eyes to feast on.
The Flinders Ranges offer the most incredible palette of colours for the eyes to feast on.

Your landscape traverses from the golden arid sands of Uluru to the towering grandeur of the Flinders Ranges and onto the bustling wetlands of Kakadu National Park. The park is absolutely teeming with a flourishing eco-system of flora and fauna, and the friendly locals are always happy to share insider knowledge about the secrets of the ancient wetlands.

Proud local Jacob Nayinggul on a flooded Magili Creek, in a moment of camera-shyness.
Proud local Jacob Nayinggul on a flooded Magili Creek, in a moment of camera-shyness.

Arrive in Darwin and discover a foodie destination with rich sunsets on Mindil beach that can leave you breathless, and the accompanying Mindil markets full of cuisine to surprise and delight those tastebuds.

Mindil markets at dusk is an incredible experience - the electricity in the warm air feels friendly, warm and enigmatic.
Mindil markets at dusk is an incredible experience - the electricity in the warm air feels friendly, warm and enigmatic.

The secret local specialty? A bowl of laksa from Darwin Laksa Co. The friendly crew serve between 400 and 600 laksas every evening to locals and visitors alike. 

Full of authentic flavours and the freshest locally-caught fish, it's a must-try on your trip to Darwin.
Full of authentic flavours and the freshest locally-caught fish, it's a must-try on your trip to Darwin.

Experience culture and wilderness in Tasmania 

Tasmania enjoys the perfect balance of stunning rolling landscapes relatively undisturbed in their natural glamour and a bustling epicentre boasting some of the tastiest foodie experiences in the country. 

Check out one of Australia's most famous outdoor markets in historic Salamanca Place.
Check out one of Australia's most famous outdoor markets in historic Salamanca Place.

Tasmanians know how lucky they are – the degree of separation leaves the island as a relatively below-the-radar destination for those who know the value of a pristine wilderness. 

The glassy lakes surrounding Cradle Mountain mirror back more of the natural splendour.
The glassy lakes surrounding Cradle Mountain mirror back more of the natural splendour.

The glass-like lakes surrounding the austere craggy cliffs of Cradle Mountain, while the granite mountain ranges and secluded coves of Frereycinet National Park quieten the senses. 

Hobart is a historic place, and it's written all over the architecture of the city.
Hobart is a historic place, and it's written all over the architecture of the city.

Dive straight into the culture and history of Hobart, sitting on the stunning River Derwent. Wander through the fashionable Salamanca Markets and sample the juiciest Tasmanian salmon, local artisan cheeses and other handmade sweets.

Hobart is a foodie mecca - the climate is perfect for producing the most delicious cheeses.
Hobart is a foodie mecca - the climate is perfect for producing the most delicious cheeses.

Admire the variety of sandstone warehouses that host inspired galleries and warm, friendly cafes with the most incredible backdrop – the 1,270 metre-high Mount Wellington, standing tall and proud in the distance.

Mt Wellington offers a stunning view of Hobart and the water beyond.
Mt Wellington offers a stunning view of Hobart and the water beyond.

Unchartered tourist terrain in Western Australia 

The white sands of Western Australia are an incredible juxtaposition to the dreamy turqoise of the cool water.
The white sands of Western Australia are an incredible juxtaposition to the dreamy turqoise of the cool water.

The east coast is dotted with busy tourist spots that have hosted hoards of the population over our short history. But Western Australia offers the serenity of endless white sand beaches met by the red sands of our great southern land, and centuries old forestry that hasn’t met the demise of development. 

It's striking to see the way two quintessential yet polar-opposite Australian landscapes meet.
It's striking to see the way two quintessential yet polar-opposite Australian landscapes meet.

Western Australia is also home to Perth, a futuristic capital city best viewed when wandering through the Botanic Gardens on Mt Eliza which offers a stunning panoramic of the city. There is an abundance of art galleries to tickle your creative bone, while the Western Australian Muesum is perfect if you feel like diving back into the rich history of the state. 

Perth is a warm and happening place yet it doesn't seem to suffer the anxiety of other capital cities.
Perth is a warm and happening place yet it doesn't seem to suffer the anxiety of other capital cities.

For the perfect balance of culture and nature, venture into Margaret River, a world-famous wine country that will soak your tastebuds in delight. The small coastal town is also perfect for whale-watching from June until November.

Margaret River is a world-famous wine country and is particularly magnificent at dusk.
Margaret River is a world-famous wine country and is particularly magnificent at dusk.

Be speechless at the unique natural wonder of Wave Rock, an incredible rock formation fifteen metres high and over 100 metres long or discover entirely new colours while exploring the wildflowers of Monkey Mia. 

Wave Rock is an incredible natural phenonmena which needs to be seen to be believed.
Wave Rock is an incredible natural phenonmena which needs to be seen to be believed.

Seeing this great land on wheels offers an incredible insight to the magic of our history, culture and natural wonders. Let someone else organise it all for you on a tour, whether it be a short break or an Australian journey, and enjoy the ride. 

This story is sponsored by AAT Kings