Cruising around the rugged Gawler Ranges was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. The team at Mazda flew us into the middle of nowhere to test out the updated BT-50 in April this year - it was epic!
We drove from Wudinna airstrip through the Gawler Ranges National Park, and stopped off at the most incredible salt flats along the way. Woke up in the city, and by the afternoon we were driving through terrain without another soul or car in sight. Doesn’t get much better than that.
One of the best road trips I’ve ever been on was heading from Melbourne and cruising down the Great Ocean Road to Torquay. Bells Beach, Jan Juc and all of that coastline in between is paradise. If you’re a keen surfer, you won’t be disappointed – definitely some of the best surfing I’ve ever done in my life. I better mention that after a long day on the waves there was nothing better than stopping at the local surf club for a beer.
The south coast of New South Wales totally speaks for itself, it’s phenomenal! An epic road trip not too far from Sydney is down the coast to Ulladulla. The scenery along the way is pretty special - city to sea in a matter of hours is the dream. There are some epic places to stay on that coastline - glamping at Paperbark Camp after a full day of surfing was a pretty awesome way to do it.
Though the Australian Capital Territory is small in size it’s got heaps to offer! Canberra is well worth a weekend getaway, I was blown away by the amazing food and drink choices wineries, breweries and distilleries. A night in the nation's capital before road tripping to the NSW Snowy Mountains for a snowboard on the slopes is the perfect winter weekend getaway.
I have a guilty admission - I’ve never made it down there! It’s the next place on my list, because I’ve heard the most amazing things. My mate, Matty Wilson, went on a trip with Mazda to the white beaches of Tasmania’s eastern coastline. The photos he shared of Coles Bay seriously blew my mind, so I’m hunting for an excuse to get there later this year.
When it comes to WA, you’re in road trip heaven. No matter where you go along the coast line you’re going to see crystal clear beaches and really breathtaking scenery.
I’ve been really lucky to spend a fair bit of time travelling with Tourism Australia and Tourism Western Australia, and one of the most memorable trips would have been to El Questro in the Kimberley. Get a convoy of mates, an all-terrain car like the BT-50, and take your time - I really believe you could spend months exploring. Set yourself up at the property and get out and adventure – don’t miss Zebedee Springs!
Being a Queensland boy myself, I spend most of my time at the amazing beaches we have on offer, but if I want to head for a drive then the Hinterlands is my next choice. The Springbrook National Park is a nature lover’s dream. Heaps of waterfalls, countless walking tracks, and if you’re there after dark, head to Natural Bridge to check out the glow worms!
One word, unreal. Get yourself an all-terrain car and start exploring - there are scenic flights, fishing charters, waterfalls - the list goes on. Head to the tourist lagoon if you’re keen for a swim. It’s total paradise, but look out for crocs! We were told by locals that the fresh crocs will leave you alone as long as you keep your distance. Don’t bother them, and they won’t bother you!