Great Ocean Road – one of the best places to visit in Australia
There is nothing more I love than a good road trip, especially when traveling with our kids.
Road trips make family travel more practical and cost effective.
As a family holiday, we love the freedom of hitting the open road and having the flexibility to do what we want when we want, and road trips are the perfect way to grow as a family and create life-long memories.
And as Aussies, we know you love a good road trip too especially over the New Year’s period to connect as a family and wind down from the craziness of the Christmas and Boxing Day rush.
Well, it’s not too late to plan and book a trip. Mantra are launching a Boxing Day Sale from 23-28 December and you can stay up to 30 June 2017!
During our 18-month road trip around Australia we stayed in several Mantra properties and we’ve gladly partnered with them on this promotion and have chosen four destinations to highlight that we loved on our Aussie road trip.
Click on the links below in the table of contents to go direct to your destination of choice, and our packing tips, or scroll through them all manually.
4 places to visit in Australia
Table of Contents:
Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Lorne, Great Ocean Raod
Perth, WA
Gold Coast, Qld
Packing Tips for a Road Trip
1. Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
If you’re looking for a top family-friendly beach destination, it’s hard to go past Mooloolaba, situated in the middle of the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland.
The beach is patrolled seven days a week so is a popular spot for swimming – it made the Top 10 Safest Beaches in Queensland list and there’s a beautiful shaded BBQ grassed area to relax, right next to the kids’ playground, and across the road from many chic restaurants and cafes.
Things to do in Mooloolaba
Sea Life Mooloolaba (underwater world)
Sea Life Mooloolaba has undergone a major renovation to provide an interactive and engaging experience with the underwater world.
Sea Life is home to thousands of marine life including sharks, seals, turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, and Australia’s largest collection of jellyfish! Our kids loved the Octonauts themed room that’s playful and educational.
But for Caz, her highlight was spending 20-minutes swimming with seals – you can even dive with sharks!
Wharf Mooloolaba
Wharf Mooloolaba looks out over Parrearra Channel and the wealthy homes on Minyama Island. Jump on the Classic River Ferry and take a canal tour or relax on the deck of the Wharf Tavern. There are a few restaurants and cafes, shops and ice cream parlours in the vicinity.
Mooloolaba Surf Club
Enjoy million dollar views over the beach whilst enjoying a cold drink and hearty bistro meal
Fish on Parkyn
Drive along Parkyn Pde to the legendary Fish on Parkyn for a bucket of famous Mooloolaba prawns.
Alex Headland to Point Cartwright Coastal walk
Start from surfers point at Alex and walk along the headland for panoramic ocean views into Mooloolaba. A short boardwalk takes you through the dune forest to Point Cartwright. Allow 90-minutes return (depending on how many coffee breaks).
Things to do around Mooloolaba
Aussie World
Aussie World is a fun family theme park but without the crowds of the Gold Coast parks and your entry price covers unlimited rides.
Whilst there are no upside down roller coasters for the thrill seekers, it offers vintage family fun including the wild mouse, the plunge (log ride), dodgem cars, a ferris wheel, giant swing and giant slide.
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is probably Australia’s most famous zoo, founded by the late great Steve Irwin. You feel the passion and animal love very strongly – we’ve been scores of time – in fact, I used to work there and helped construct the African animal enclosures!
It’s a fantastic day out for the family where you can feed kangaroos, visit the African savannah and see a broad range of Australian animals. Its famous Wildlife Warrior croc show held in the Crocoseum is a definite highlight.
Eumundi Markets
Said to be Australia’s premier artisan market, Eumundi Markets offers original artworks, homewares, fashion, jewellery, and amazing food. Open every Saturday 7am-2pm and Wednesdays 8am-1.30pm
Day trip to Noosa
Drive 40 minutes north and you’re in Noosa, one of the most popular holiday places in Queensland. Surrounded by river, beach, hinterland, and national park the Noosa region is an incredible place to play.
Get there early for a morning walk along the coastal track within Noosa Heads National Park from the surf club to Tea Tree Bay. Enjoy a swim in one of its many hidden beaches, and if you have the stamina, walk all the way to Sunshine Beach (5.4km one-way)
With its gentle waves and surf lifesavers, Main Beach is a great spot for the kids to learn to surf, or just for a beach play day. It’s also only steps away from upmarket Hastings Beach if Mum (or Dad) want to sneak away for some shopping or coffee.
And five minutes drive away from Noosa you have Noosaville for a more casual feel, but still with boutique shops and multicultural restaurants.
Caloundra
Caloundra sits at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast and has come of age recently.
Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a water activity we love to do as a family, and a top place to do it is during sunrise at Golden Beach. Grab a board from the friendly folks at Golden Beach Hire who also rent out kayaks.
Kings Beach is family-friendly and a nice spot for a quick swim or a relaxing day with the family. And check out the tidal pools. The views looking out over the ocean are extraordinary and it gives you the warm, salty waters to swim in without the crashing waves.
There’s also a lovely boardwalk along the coastline in Caloundra and a grassy area at Happy Valley for ball games and picnics.
The Ginger Factory
The Ginger Factory in Yandina is a popular tourist attraction and even for the locals who visit regularly for a coffee with friends in the cafe.
Start your visit with ginger scones and ginger tea and let your kids decorate their ginger bread men. Then jump aboard the Ginger Steam Train for a ride around the property to learn all about the ginger factory.
The Overboard boat ride is also a hit with the kids as you sail past displays of different nations trying to find the hidden Gingerbread man.
And don’t miss the informative Bee Talk. The bee keeper will almost have you signing up to become bee keepers!
The Hinterland
Whilst the Sunny Coast is most well known for its coastal charm, consider a drive in the Hinterland.
The Glass House Mountains are spectacular. These 16 volcanic crags that rise up dramatically from the landscape are said to be 20 million years old and a part of the navigational landmarks once used by Aborigines to find their way.
Drop into the visitors centre then head to The Lookout, a short drive from town where you’re treated to an incredible 180-degree panoramic view of the mountain peaks.
For a coffee and bite to eat, you can’t go past the Lookout Cafe, aptly named for its views!
To stretch your legs, the Mt Ngungun walk is an easy 2.8 km return walk up to the peak and you’re rewarded with spectacular 360-degree views of all four major peaks of the Glass House Mountains.
For more exquisite views of the Glasshouse Mountains, visit the Maleny Botanic Gardens which have 6-kilometres of walking paths through terraced gardens, past secret waterfalls, over ponds and amongst colourful plants.
For a spot of boutique shopping, check out the charming villages of Maleny and Montville. They’re famous for their thriving arts community and have many artisan shops, boutique clothes, crafts and galleries for you to peruse.
In Montville, relax at Mayfield Patisserie & Chocolates for a mug of coffee and a yummy treat – and magic views over the valley to the coast!
Where to Stay in Mooloolaba
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach sits at the northern end of the beach offering views of the ocean or the hinterland. Step out of your front door and you’re on the Esplanade in the thick of Mooloolaba’s best restaurants, cafes, and shopping.
They have fully furnished One, Two and Three Bedroom Apartments each with a private balcony.
To learn more and make a booking click here.
Mantra Mooloolaba Beach
2. Lorne, Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road (GOR) is famous in Australia as one of the best drives in the world, and Lorne is a picturesque town situated perfectly for a getaway and a base to explore the highlights.
Lorne sits on the shores of Louttit Bay about two hours from Melbourne, and has a unique environment where the beach meets the rainforest.
There’s a certain charm with great cafes, unique boutique shops, galleries and the Otway National Park is on your doorstep.
Things to do in Lorne
The beach is lovely for a walk either early morning or late afternoon. Stop at the Lorne Beach Pavilion for a coffee, or wine, with uninterrupted views of the water.
Lorne Beach
There’s a lovely walk along the beach and cliffs from the Erskine River to Lorne Pier. The fisherman’s co-op sells fresh seafood from the morning’s catch here.
For lunch, consider The Bottle of Milk, famous for their burgers, or grab some takeaway and sit on the grass at the excellent playground by the beach and let the kids run around.
And for great coffee, enjoy a mug from Moons Espresso.
For spectacular views, a short drive up the hill behind Lorne is Teddys Lookout. Drive up to the picnic area at the end of George Street and walk a short distance to enjoy the stunning views of the GOR from the lookout.
View from Teddy’s Lookout
Things to do along the Great Ocean Road
Lorne’s location makes for a great base to explore one of the best regions in Australia.
The Lorne –> Apollo Bay Drive has some of the most picturesque scenery in the region. The GOR hugs the cliff-face as it winds through the Great Otway National Park and rolling farmland – be prepared to stop for photos a lot.
Want to see koalas in the wild? The best spot is Kennet River along the Grey River Road, just look for the crowds of people and follow their gazes up for quick koala spotting. Otway Lighthouse Road is another popular spot.
From Lorne to Apollo Bay
Apollo Bay
Once a sleepy fishing village, Apollo Bay is now a modest seaside town of 2,000 people with plenty of cafes, restaurants, and a community market each Saturday. In April it hosts one of the best three-day music festivals in Victoria, the Apollo Bay Music Festival.
For panoramic views over the harbour, head up to Mariners Lookout located at the northern end of town off Mariners Lookout Road.
Mariners Lookout
Just down the road at Cape Otway are some of the best walks in the country, and the Cape Otway Lighthouse is Australia’s oldest lighthouse still in operation today, you can take a tour and climb to the top 90-metres high with breathtaking views of Bass Straight.
Port Campbell National park
When you stay in Lorne, the Twelve Apostles and many other famous GOR landmarks in Port Campbell National Park are within reach.
The 12 Apostles are the star of the show, and these massive limestone structures tower 45-metres above the ocean and were formed some 20 million years ago as the sea gradually eroded the soft limestone cliffs.
Twelve Apostles
But Port Campbell National Park is not just about standing at the 12 Apostles. The park has so much to offer with cliff top tracks, gorges, beach walks and stories of shipwrecks to discover.
Just down the road from the visitors Centre are the Gibson Steps. Walk down these steps on to the beach for a close-up view.
Loch Ard Gorge is amazing and only a few minutes drive west of The Twelve Apostles. The gorge is named after the ship Loch Ard, which ran aground on nearby Muttonbird Island at the end of a three-month journey from England.
Loch Ard Gorge
Also worth visiting is the London Bridge, The Grotto, and The Arch.
Bells Beach
One of Australia’s most famous and best surfing beaches is Bells, home to the annual Rip Curl Pro Surfing Competition and is the powerful point break of folklore. Heard of the movie Point Break? That’s our Bells!
There’s an impressive cliff-face and the views from the cliff-top car park are spectacular and a great spot to watch local surfers.
Where to Stay in Lorne
Mantra Lorne sits across from the beach and a short walk to all the cafes and restaurants on the main street. You’ll feel like your tucked away in a tropical resort, but only a 5 minute walk to town.
Accommodation rooms have all been set around one of the oldest guest houses in Victoria making Mantra Lorne a part of Lorne’s rich cultural history, with a range of modern apartments and heritage hotel rooms to suit all tastes.
To make a booking click here.
Mantra Lorne
3. Perth, WA
Perth has an attractive setting on the Swan River and continues to evolve as a destination. Especially the city centre in regards to more cafes, restaurants and thriving small bar scene.
And the Elizabeth Quay waterfront development on the Swan River appears to be similar to Sydney’s Darling Harbour.
Throw in stunning beaches that are a lot less crowded than its east coast counterparts, and Perth makes for a great short break!
Things to do in Perth
Kings Park
A stunning location overlooking the Swan River with sweeping views of the city skyline. The park covers more than 400 hectares and is the largest inner city park in the southern hemisphere, even larger than New York’s Central Park.
Walk amongst the tree tops on the elevated bridge, wander the pathways, the botanical gardens and picnic amongst the gum trees. F0r eats and drinks there’s a kiosk, the Botanical Cafe and Fraser’s Restaurant.
Sunset at Cottesloe Beach
Perth’s sunsets are legendary. If you haven’t seen the sun set over the ocean, WA is where it’s at.
Cottesloe is a 15-minute drive from the city and one of the best places to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The crystal clear water makes it a popular place for swimming and a great spot for families to have picnics under shady Norfolk Pines.
Day trip to Rottnest Island
Rottnest Island is incredible. Located a short 18-kilometre ferry ride off the coast, it’s a premier island getaway with over 60 picturesque beaches and bays.
Rotto, as the locals call it, is best explored by bicycle, there are no cars on the island making it a relaxing experience for people of all ages. Other activities on the island include tennis, golf, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving.
Historic Fremantle
Freo” is located 30 minutes from downtown Perth and is dotted with cafes, bars, seafood restaurants and is known as the ‘world’s best-preserved example of a 19th-century port streetscape’ with heritage buildings and a fascinating convict and maritime history.
Grab a coffee on Cappuccino Strip, wander the markets, visit the old prison, and don’t miss Little Creatures Brewery on the water for delicious wood-fired pizzas and of course, great craft beer!
Hillarys Boat Harbour
Hillarys is an impressive Boat Harbour development with a lot going on. There are numerous attractions to keep the kids happy with the swimming beach, water slides, playgrounds, trampolines, and mini-golf.
For us parents, there’s a range of cafes, shops, restaurants, cycle paths plus all the boating and water activities. Spend an hour or a whole day and watch the sun go down over the ocean.
Bike or walk along the Swan River
You’ll see lots of bikers and walkers in Perth, and why not with the climate and scenery on offer year round.
The communities of Bassendean, Bayswater, and Belmont boasts over 28-kilometres of river foreshore. And you can even take your bike on a train as a number of bike rides connect from train stations along the Midland Rail Line.
Take a Walking Tour
Perth is a city made for walking and one of the best ways to start a visit to any new destination is with a walking tour to get your bearings and tips from a knowledgeable local.
Two feet and a heartbeat offer tours in Perth and Fremantle as you stroll the city streets and laneways learning about the history, culture, heritage, and colourful past of the cities.
Things to do around Perth
Swan Valley
This is Western Australia’s oldest wine region and you can design your own tour based on your personal wine preferences.
Grab a copy of the Swan Valley Wine Trail map at the Swan Valley Visitor Centre and spend your afternoon sampling the region’s premium and award-winning wines, a leisurely lunch overlooking the vineyards, and browse the art galleries.
Bunbury
Two hours south of Perth, Bunbury offers a relaxing getaway with a surprising number of things to do.
No need to drive all the way to Monkey Mia to see dolphins in the wild, the Dolphin Discovery Centre offers a wild dolphin experience and inside the centre is a wide variety of interactive exhibitions and talks.
Nearby there’s a quiet and lovely beach, water sports to enjoy, and a decent cafe scene.
Ferguson Valley
A growing wine and food region with rolling hills offering views stretching out to the coast of Bunbury. Lesser known than Margaret River of course, but worth exploring for its humbleness and home-grown flavour. Check out St Aidan Winery, Ferguson Falls Winery.
And don’t miss Gnomesville. Thousands of gnomes from all around the world have been brought together and created a community. Located by the roundabout at the junction of Wellington Mill and Ferguson Roads, Wellington Mill, approximately 30-minutes drive from Bunbury.
Where to Stay in Perth
Mantra on Hay Street is conveniently located to the CBD, and the WACA if you’re in town for a cricket match. Just a 10-minute walk and you’re at the Hay Street Mall and everything the Perth city centre has to offer.
Or hop on the free shuttle bus outside your door and discover some of the city’s top tourist spots including Kings Park, Northbridge and Harbour Town.
Mantra on Hay has one, two, and three-bed apartments plus hotel rooms.
To learn more and make a booking click here.
Mantra on Hay Street, Perth
4. Gold Coast, Queensland
The Gold Coast region needs no introduction. It’s Australia’s premier holiday destination with enough activities and attractions to fill your itinerary for weeks!
Things to do on the Gold Coast
Hit the beaches
Burleigh Heads
Spend the day on one of the Gold Coast’s famous beaches. Go for a swim or surf, play on the sand, relax on the beachfront grass beneath rows of pine trees, and have a guilt free ice-cream – you’re on holidays!
Family favourite beaches include:
Rainbow Bay – Gentle waves, safe swimming conditions, year round surf patrols, stunning sunsets from the surf club.
Coolangatta / Greenmount Beach – north facing beach protected by the headland. Generally safe with low waves and two surf lifesaving clubs and a playground.
Currumbin Creek – popular with families for watersports like surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding.
Burleigh Heads – voted #1 by travelers on Trip Advisor and is one of the best swimming, body boarding and surfing spots on the coast (with a cafe scene to rival anywhere).
Tallebudgera Creek – top swimming spot for kids and stand up paddle boarding
Broadbeach – towards the northern end of the coast. Long, clean stretch of beach and bordered by large grasslands and a big playground.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Feed the Rainbow Lorikeets at Currumbin
Cuddle a koala, feed kangaroos, watch a croc feeding or take on the extreme high ropes challenge.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary sanctuary is well known for feeding hundreds of wild lorikeets who descend upon you from the surrounding trees to get a lick at the sweet honey nectar that you hold out in a bowl in your hands.
If you don’t want to pay the admission price to see all the animals, FREE lorikeet feeding takes place every day at 8am and 4pm.
Hit the Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia, with attractions designed to suit all ages. You can ride roller-coasters, meet your fave favourite movie characters, or get wet at one of the water parks.
Movie World is for the movie lovers in the house.
Dreamworld is the biggest theme park with attractions for all ages.
Sea World is for the marine animal lovers.
And as the name suggests, Wet’n’Wild is all about getting wet and going wild on the slides.
Take a walk
Get up at 6am on the Goldy an everyone out and about walking or running. You can’t help but get caught up in the energy of the place.
But you don’t have to drag the kids out of bed at 6am, and it’s not just the coastal area that offers great walking opportunities:
Burleigh Heads National Park – grab a coffee then catch the magnificent sunrise before doing the 2.5-kilometre coastal walk around the headland to Tallebudgera Creek.
Coolangatta to Point Dangar – great little coastal walk via Greenmount and Rainbow Bay. I suggest saving it for late afternoon as the sunset views from Rainbow Bay over to Surfers Paradise are magical.
Federation Walk – 3.5 kilometre pedestrian walkway located at the northern end of the Gold Coast Oceanway on the Southport Spit.
Tamborine Mountain – in the third oldest National Park in the world with 12 walking tracks, each one is no longer than 3-kilometres.
The Oceanway – 36 kilometre network of pathways which connects The Spit at the north to Point Danger in the south.
View from Burleigh Heads National Park
Hit the markets
From fashion to farmers markets, to art & craft, to music to everything in between the Gold Coast has got you covered.
Burleigh Farmers Markets – Every Saturday at Burleigh Heads State School this gourmet food market with locally grown fruit and vegetables, bakery, meat, fish, deli, plus live entertainment and a great vibe!
Miami Marketta – A locals favourite that will have you feeling like you’re in Thailand. Every Friday and Saturday night it comes alive with street food, live music, boutique wine and craft beer.
The Village Markets – every 1st & 3rd Sunday at Burleigh Heads State School. The original boutique fashion and lifestyle market plus live local music and food from around the world thanks to the lineup of food trucks.
Marina Mirage Farmers Market – held every Saturday. Located at Seaworld Drive on the Broadwater Spit, Main Beach, opposite the Sheraton Mirage Resort.
Carrara Markets – over 500 stalls and a Gold Coast institution with locals and tourists looking for a bargain.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets – every Wednesday, Friday & Sunday nights along the beach Esplanade at Surfers.
Famous Beachfront Markets – each Sunday in a different beachside location from Broadbeach, to Coolangatta, to Burleigh
Day trips from the Gold Coast
Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland is the green behind the gold.
The 4-kilometre Twin Falls circuit is a lovely walk amongst waterfalls. You can start this walk from either the Tallanbana Picnic Area or Canyon Lookout, and follow the track in an anti-clockwise direction.
Twin Falls
Canyon Lookout is an easy 30m amble out of your car and you can have spectacular views from Canyon lookout over the sheer walls of The Canyon. From here you can also do a short 10-minute section of the Twin Falls walk and see the falls plunging over the side.
Springbrook is also home to the spectacular Natural Bridge and Best of All Lookout.
Byron Bay
Byron is a 1.15hr drive from Surfers Paradise and is that legendary beach town that’s been attracting thousands of surfers from around the world for years.
But it’s not just for surfers. All types of people come for the National Parks, the arts and culture, the markets, the festivals, the food, the shopping, the health retreats, to hang with hippies, to be seen, and the vibe.
And you will see the most spectacular sunsets and sunrises. A must do is the Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk.
Kingscliff
Just over the NSW border, Kingscliff is one of those great beachy towns with a relaxed vibe that’s just enough off the beaten track that it doesn’t lose its appeal.
There’s a nice beach and cafe strip, friendly locals, and the pretty Cudgen Creek is a top spot for the kids to enjoy some water activities. The Kingscliff Beach Hotel is a popular spot for lunch.
Where to Stay on the Gold Coast
Mantra Circle on Cavill is in the heart of Surfers Paradise with amazing views either over the ocean stretching from Stradbroke Island to Burleigh Heads or the Gold Coast hinterland.
You’ll be sleeping above some of the best shopping on the Gold Coast and excellent dining choices plus a Woolworth’s supermarket right downstairs!
To learn more and make a booking click here.
Mantra on Cavill
Packing Tips for a Road Trip
Try not to stress too much in regards to packing. Remember, you can almost certainly buy anything on the road.
Smart Clothing Choices:
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
Slip on / off shoes
Neutral colours that can be worn in multiple combinations
Spare change of clothes handy for the car especially for kiddies
swim wear
Incidentals:
Paper towels
Hand sanitizer
Garbage bags
Vomit bag
Spare toilet paper
Top 5 packing tips:
1. Know the weather of the destination you are visiting, which helps reduce over-packing.
2. Know the activities you will be doing so you can pack appropriately. Don’t make the mistake we did and turn up to climb Australia’s highest peak in street fashion.
3. When staying in apartments you won’t need to take things like towels, hair dryers or linen.
4. Pack your bags and then reduce by a third. You will always pack more than you need. Cull cull cull!
5. Don’t forget the baby wipes. Seriously, how did we ever exist before baby wipes? Keep a box handy for all those spills and messy hands and faces in the car.
Remember, it’s not too late to plan a trip. Visit the Mantra Website to see more places on sale and to take advantage of some great getaway deals.
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4 Places to Visit in Australia during the Mantra Boxing Day Sale!
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