Family holiday + Restrictions easing + STARIA = stars aligning

It’s been a crazy couple of years. But there’s a brightening light at the end of the lockdown tunnel that looks set to see Australians increasingly be able to travel further than they’ve been able to for some time.

All of which is pointing to escape and adventure, which here at carsales translates to one thing: Road Trip.

It got us thinking about the type of vehicle we’d want to aim at the horizon. We could have picked a dual-cab ute or SUV (there’s no shortage of options) but we’re thinking more pragmatically and with the whole family in mind.

And it’s the brand-new 2.2L Hyundai Staria Highlander that gravitated to the top of the freedom wheels wish list. Think of it as the stars aligning with a space-age eight-seater that’s a lot more than a vehicle to just move people.

Modern looks, lashings of tech, loads of space and seating for eight (perfect for a trip with family and friends!).

While we’re yet to hit the road, that hasn’t stopped us dreaming.

Here’s our lap of a big chunk of Australia, Hyundai Staria style.

Hey, we said we were thinking big so we’re heading straight for the Red Centre, with most of the Staria’s 831 litres of cargo space (behind the third row of seats, ensuring eight people can come along for the ride too) dutifully full of camping treasures.

The Stuart Highway that connects north and south is a vast road with military history that explores some of Australia’s most remote country.

A quick diversion to Uluru has to be on the hit list, but then we’re heading north of Alice Springs to take in the diverse sights outback Australia does so well, including Wycliffe Well (home of little green people and UFO sightings … apparently), Katherine (Nitmiluk Gorge is a must) and Mataranka (nature’s take on the perfect outdoor spa).

But it’s Daly Waters that is our destination, bringing a little bit of that Crocodile Dundee thinking to reality.

You don’t have to venture far from the fun of the Daly Waters Pub to soak up some of the most expansive and detailed views the Milky Way. And with a dual power sunroof and expansive panoramic windows the Hyundai Staria Highlander allows you to do it in style.

There’s no shortage of places to get your feet wet in Queensland.

But for this trip we’re heading into the far north for more of a splash at Millaa Millaa Falls. This is postcard stuff on the fringe of one of the world’s natural wonders.

But it’s only the start of our natural wet-and-wild exploration in a car with a high-quality modern interior inspired by a cruise ship.

From there we’re taking the coast road to the tropical playground of Port Douglas.

Then it’s into the Daintree and Cape Tribulation to explore some of the most unique and breathtaking rainforest in the world.

Having all-wheel drive means we can poke the 2.2L turb-diesel Hyundai Staria Highlander into those lesser explored areas for the full FNQ experience.

Only Australia could create a golf course almost as long as New Zealand. Spread over 1365km, the Nullarbor Links provides a handy excuse for a stop – and to swing a club - along that great outback adventure that is the Nullarbor.

But there’s so much more to this vast treeless plain, at least if you’re prepared to take the occasional side trip. You may have to unplug the kids from one of the 2.2L Hyundai Staria Highlander’s six onboard USB ports so they forget the gadgets for a few hundred kilometres to soak up the natural beauty.

The Bunda Cliffs is the most extensive line of sea cliffs in the world and dishes up one of the most dramatic coastal views you’ll ever experience.

Fowlers Bay is the perfect place to dangle a fishing line or catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins.

And for the more adventurous there’s almost as much happening beneath the vast, flat ground with some of the most stunning cave networks in the country.

Sorry Queensland, but our chance to sample some of Australia’s best wave is happening way out west.

It starts in Perth before taking the scenic road down some of the most spectacular coastline on the planet.

Bunbury, Busselton and Dunsborough are all on the long list of diversions on the way to Margaret River, where a local feast awaits at one of the myriad world class cafes and restaurants the region is known for.

We’re also aiming for the stunning scenery of Caves Road, which is also the perfect place to experience the car-like handling of the Staria.

But it’s not just local produce that is high on our hit list, it’s the azure Indian Ocean water that produces some of the most consistent waves in the country.

The Staria will be loaded with surf gear to ensure many breaks over many days.

All of which can be thirsty work, but the 16 cupholders in the Staria ensure it’s up for the adventure.

The Great Ocean Road, the goldfields and the Grampians. Victoria is a state brimming with diversity, history and culture.

But for this journey we’re heading up, the long way. It’s the perfect chance to lean on the smart cruise control and intelligent speed limit assist.

From Melbourne we’re taking a well-rewarded diversion through Gippsland, where Inverloch and Wilsons Promontory perfectly encapsulate the natural beauty around Melbourne.

Then it’s east towards Bairnsdale and up towards Omeo. This is where you’ll find some of the best driving roads in the country. Sweeping bends, spectacular scenery and a refreshing dearth of caravans allows you to enjoy the dynamic prowess of a people mover that’s made for the driver as much as it is seven passengers.

And with all-wheel drive as part of the Staria Highlander’s 2.2-litre turbo-diesel drivetrain it means coming into Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham doesn’t limit us to paved roads.

Our NSW adventure begins in Parkes, where the world famous CSIRO radio telescope tells the story of space exploration Down Under. This is one for the whole family, giving an insight into Australia’s key role in the 1969 Apollo 11 moon landing.

From there we’re heading to Dubbo for a zoo with a difference. Short of bumping into a dinosaur strolling across a paddock, the prospect of seeing animals in an environment that’s as close to what they have in nature makes the experience all the more real. This is where the Staria’s vast panoramic windows and comfort seating for all eight occupants comes into its own; everyone gets a great view of the action and does it in style.

The Staria Highlander and Elite models’ climate control features separate zones for front and rear and ensures no arguments over temperatures and air flow, either.

Oh, and because the Staria has car-based underpinnings with the sort of handling many SUVs can only dream of, a cheeky lap of Mount Panorama has to be thrown into our western NSW adventure.

It’s 6.2km of the most famous and challenging bitumen in the country.

So, our dream drives have been set. The biggest challenge is working out what order to tackle them in - and how soon we can hit the road.

We also need to decide whether to choose a Staria with the powerful 3.5-litre V6 or as featured here the grunty 2.2-litre turbo-diesel Staria Highlander with all-wheel drive.

Given the technology and great driving experience on offer across the range that could be one of the easier choices.

Hopefully we’ll see you out there!

Need to find out more? Discover more on the Staria at the Hyundai website.