Stay, Drive, Explore: A Traveler’s Guide To The Best Of Australia

Australia isn’t just one of the most beautiful places on the planet—it’s one of the most diverse. You’ve got bustling cities, laid-back coastal towns, world-class wine regions, and stretches of wild, rugged outback that feel like another world. But here’s the truth: you’ll miss the best of it if you only stick to the cities.

That’s why smart travellers pair great accommodation with a rental car. It’s the ultimate combo that lets you stretch beyond the tourist zones and see what makes Australia unforgettable. And when you sort your car through https://www.eastcoastcarrentals.com.au/, you’re setting yourself up to explore everything from iconic highways to hidden gems—all at your own pace.

Why Your Accommodation Choice Shapes Your Trip

We often focus on flights and activities, but data shows that accommodation can make or break a trip. According to a 2024 Booking.com survey, 61% of travellers say the quality of their accommodation has the biggest impact on their overall satisfaction.

Your hotel or apartment isn’t just where you sleep—it’s where you recharge after a long day, plan tomorrow’s adventure, and sometimes even handle a few work emails. For leisure travellers, it’s all about location and comfort. For business travellers, it’s about having a base that balances productivity with downtime.

Why Renting a Car is a Game-Changer

Australia covers almost 7.7 million square kilometres—that’s roughly the size of the U.S. mainland, but with just 26 million people. In short, it’s made for road trips.

Public transport works well in cities, but the moment you want to explore beaches, national parks, or wine regions, a rental car becomes essential. A 2023 report from Tourism Australia found that 53% of international visitors rely on a rental car when travelling beyond metro areas. Why? Because it lets you pull over at that roadside café, take a detour to a hidden beach, or spend a little extra time at that vineyard you fell in love with.

Best Aussie Pairings: Where to Stay and Where to Drive

Here’s a look at some of Australia’s most popular regions where having a great place to stay and a car to explore will seriously upgrade your trip.

Sydney + Blue Mountains

Sydney draws nearly 11 million visitors per year, and it’s easy to see why. Think iconic views of the Opera House, Bondi Beach, and a harbour that glows at sunset. But when you’re ready for something quieter, hop in the car and head two hours west to the Blue Mountains.

There, you’ll find 140 kilometres of trails, jaw-dropping rock formations like the Three Sisters, and charming towns like Leura. A day trip works, but staying overnight means you can catch sunrise from a clifftop lookout or cozy up by a fireplace at a mountain lodge.

Melbourne + Great Ocean Road

Melbourne consistently ranks among the top 10 most livable cities in the world, and its laneways, coffee culture, and arts scene are a big reason why. But don’t skip the Great Ocean Road—it’s one of the world’s best coastal drives.

Stretching 243 kilometres, this route takes you past the Twelve Apostles, ancient rainforests, and surf towns like Torquay and Lorne. With a car, you can stop whenever you want—whether it’s for fish and chips by the sea or a spontaneous beach walk.

Cairns + Great Barrier Reef

Cairns is your launchpad to the Great Barrier Reef, visited by over 2 million people every year. Most travellers book reef tours, but with a rental car, you unlock so much more.

Drive north to Port Douglas, explore the Daintree Rainforest—one of the world’s oldest at 180 million years—or visit the Atherton Tablelands for waterfalls, crater lakes, and wildlife spotting. It’s reef, rainforest, and road trip magic rolled into one.

Adelaide + Barossa Valley

Adelaide is a quiet achiever, surrounded by some of Australia’s best wine regions. The Barossa Valley alone produces nearly 21% of Australia’s premium wine. Stay in the city, rent a car, and in less than an hour you’ll be tasting Shiraz straight from the source, exploring cellar doors, or indulging in long lunches at vineyard restaurants.

Perth + Margaret River

Perth boasts more sunny days per year than any other Australian capital—perfect for road-tripping south to Margaret River. Known for its 200+ wineries, surf beaches, and limestone caves, this region is pure adventure. With a car, you’re free to hop between vineyards, wander coastal trails, or grab fresh seafood at the local farmers’ markets.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Stay-and-Drive Trip

A little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to make sure your trip is as smooth as possible:

• Book early. Australia’s domestic travel market is booming. In 2023, over 117 million overnight trips were taken by Aussies alone. Secure your accommodation and rental car early, especially during school holidays.
   
• Double-check parking. Not all city stays include parking, and paying extra can add up fast.
   
• Choose the right car. For city breaks, go compact. For road trips, consider an SUV or larger vehicle—especially if you’re heading off the beaten track.
   
• Look into one-way rentals. If you’re planning a longer route (like Melbourne to Adelaide), one-way rentals save time and mileage.
   

Why Business Travelers Should Care, Too

It’s not just tourists who benefit. According to Austrade, business travelers make up around 18% of all international visitors to Australia. For these travelers, a rental car means no waiting on cabs or rideshares and no stressing over tight meeting schedules.

A well-located apartment or hotel also makes it easier to balance work and downtime, giving you room to spread out, prep for meetings, or just unwind at the end of the day.

Make Space for Serendipity

Some of the best travel memories happen when you’re not following a plan. Maybe it’s spotting kangaroos in the wild, pulling over at a beach with no one else around, or stumbling across a local market you didn’t know existed. With your own car and a cozy base—like a fully furnished apartments that feels like home—you’re free to chase those unexpected moments that make a trip truly yours.

Final Takeaway

Australia rewards the curious. From coastlines to country roads, reef to rainforest, there’s so much to explore—and the best way to do it is by combining a great place to stay with the freedom of your own car.

So, whether you’re coming for business or pleasure, don’t limit yourself to one city. Book your accommodation, grab those car keys, and set off on an Aussie adventure you’ll remember long after the plane ride home.