Australian Map Tip #26

The beauty of a good old map!

When travelling to Australia’s capital cities, even just for a couple of days, often the first thing that visitors do is pick up a map. An initial glance at the neatly folded network of arteries connecting new destinations and new landmarks, provides the visitor with a plethora of potential experiences just waiting to be explored.
 
I know when we are on the road, picking up a map is always the first thing we do. You can work out how many activities to fit in one day  - whether you want a natural experience up in the hills or to visit a buzzing shopping precinct; you can even work out the cumulative distance between the cities best pubs, (always great for a Saturday afternoon.)
 
However probably the best thing we like about maps is the opportunity to discover something different, something new. And more often than not, the outskirts of Australia’s capital cities provide an unlimited and untapped resource… where only the adventure seekers, keen-been travellers, and of course good map-readers will find.
 
Read on to find out of some of the best spots we’ve discovered. And believe us, there’s a whole lot more in store.
 
Perth: Scarborough beach to the north, where the coastline continues for kilometres and kilometres. Small suburbs adorn picturesque beaches.
 
Sydney: The Royal National Park. 1.5 hours drive south of Sydney, RNP is the lungs of the city with over 40 kilometres of unspoilt bushland, deserted beaches and great walking trails.
 
Melbourne. The Yarra Valley to the North- East. Wine-lovers, get ready… this is your paradise. Wine and dine your way through one of Australia’s premier wine districts in style!
 
Brisbane: Stradbroke & Morten Islands to the East. Only a short ferry ride and find yourself in pristine wilderness, with wildlife encounters to rival even the best of the outback.
 
Of course, start your journey at the Travelodge Hotel of your choice in Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane (Darwin & Rockhampton also), They’ll have you getting out that map, (and the compass) in no time!