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

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Find out more: https://www.aatkings.com/tours/outback-adventure/

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. 

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 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. 

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.

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.

Find out more: https://www.aatkings.com/tours/perfect-tasmania/

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Find out more: https://www.aatkings.com/tours/western-wonderland/ 

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.