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Five More of the Best Road Trip Songs to add to Your Playlist

A good road trip playlist is essential
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Are you dreaming of the first road trip you can take post lockdown (Thanks, COVID)? If that’s the case, you’re probably already thinking of the perfect playlist to put together as well.

Here are five more songs that I believe deserve an entry onto any road trip playlist!

9 to 5 – Dolly Parton


When this song starts playing, its hard to resist the urge to start a sing-a-long. A classic that everyone should know the words to, its perfect for any road trip.

Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar

As soon as you hear the first few chords of this song, you know you’re in for a good time.

A feel good tune that you’ll find yourself bopping along to. The girls in the car will love this one.

Africa – Toto

If you spend a lot of time listening to the radio, I can guarantee that you’ve heard this song playing on multiple occasions. When the chorus hits, it’s another guaranteed sing-a-long.

Don’t leave this one out of your playlist.

Dreams – Fleetwood Mac

Picture this – you’re driving through an insanely beautiful and scenic part of the country and this song comes on the radio. Try to stop the smile from creeping onto your face while you enjoy the moment.

A song from the late 70s, you’d be missing out if this song was left off of your playlist.

Need You Tonight – INXS

An INXS tune is a staple in every road trip playlist. Look no further than ‘Need You Tonight’.

A song that is instantly recognisable, you’ll probably be wanting to play this one on repeat. An old classic that never gets old – you won’t regret the 3 minutes you spend listening to this one.

 

 

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The winter school holidays are here!

Time to take a load off and relax.

If you’re lucky enough to get the opportunity these school holidays (Thanks COVID), why not visit some of the most memorable day trips that you can find within driving distance of your city?

Puffing Billy – VIC

A fond childhood memory, Puffing Billy is one of the most iconic tourist attractions out there.

Less than an hour away from Melbourne, this railway is the best way to explore the Dandenong Ranges. As adults, you can revisit your own childhood memory and introduce your kids to a local icon. With the addition of Thomas the Tank Engine, this day out is perfect for the smaller kids.

Dangar Island – NSW

A Sydney suburb found on the Hawkesbury River, Dangar Island can only be accessed by water. A relaxing ferry trip from Brooklyn Wharf is an ideal way to start a day of exploring.

The island has a strong sense of community, with locals who are more than happy to show you the native charms of the area. With bicycles parked at the wharf instead of a line of cars, you will get a sense of a relaxed lifestyle. On a warmer day, make sure you enjoy a swim at Bradley’s Beach.

Hahndorf  – SA

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills, this small town is well known for its nod to German culture. Beerenberg Farm and the Misty Hollow Fantasy Cave are perfect for all ages to enjoy.

Less than 30 minutes from the heart of Adelaide, this modern-day village has cuckoo clocks, wooden folk art and German-style pubs for the family to enjoy. Take a stroll down the main street to enjoy an atmosphere of endless food, drinks, art and culture.

Hillary’s Boat Harbour – WA

Looking to try an experience that is a bit different from the norm? Give Hillary’s Boat Harbour a go!

Found 25 minutes from Perth’s CBD, the harbour allows the family to enjoy fishing and sailing as a change of pace. Hillary’s Boat Harbour is perfect for kids with stunning parklands and a sheltered beach. Make sure you check out the Aquarium of WA as well, where you can experience the largest underwater glass tunnel in Australia.

Kakadu National Park – NT

A national icon, Kakadu National Park should be on the top of your bucket list. Just a 3-hour drive from Darwin, Kakadu National Park is going to offer your family a sense of adventure.

Keep an eye out for the local wildlife or relax in the soothing swimming pools. An outback adventure for the ages, you’ll find lush rainforest and rock art galleries up to 20,000 years old. If you are looking for an experience that will be a topic of conversation for years to come, Kakadu is the place for you.

Caloundra – QLD

Caloundra is a perfect coastal town just 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Caloundra has the perfect climate and ideal conditions for a family getaway.

If windsurfing and jet skiing is something that excites you, you will love a day on the beach. Kings Beach is ideal for younger families with its water park area and foreshore swimming pool. If you visit the area on a Sunday, pay the Bulcock Street Markets a visit.

Devils @ Cradle Sanctuary – TAS

Either a 2-hour drive from Launceston or a 4-hour drive from Hobart, Devils @ Cradle is an opportunity to see three native Australian animals up close and personal.

Between the Tasmanian Devil, Spotted-tail and Eastern quolls, there is plenty to see and do. The kids will love being able to feed the animals after dark. You can also surprise the kids by adopting one of the animals, just keep an eye out in case they try to bring one home.

Make sure you’re protected for your journey. Click here to find out more about eric Comprehensive Car Insurance.

This article may contain general financial product advice that does not take into account your personal financial circumstance. Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decisions about your insurance.

(Image Sources: VisitMelbourne.com, aussietowns.com.au, northernterritory.com.au)

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The school bells have rung, classes are over, holidays have arrived.

These winter school holidays will provide families with an opportunity to take a load off and relax. Its well known that some parts of Australia have warmer climates than others, but there is still plenty for all to enjoy.

Let us take a look at some of the best day trips around Australia that your family can take.

Phillip Island – VIC

An old favourite, Phillip Island is perfect for a family who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Melbourne CBD. Plus, it’s only a 90-minute drive south of the city.

Get up and close with the natives at Penguin Island, watch the seals play at sea or go in search of whales. If that does not suit you, explore the famous Grand Prix Circuit. A walk to the top of Cape Woolamai will also provide you with coastal views like no other. There is something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Port Stephens  – NSW

An easy 2.5-hour drive from Sydney, Port Stephens offers plenty of sea and land adventures for the entire family to enjoy.

Fresh seafood for the adults while the kids swim in the clear waters or sandboard down the Sand Dunes. Don’t forget the wildlife either, whether it be hearing the calls of the wild dolphins and humpback whales or even taking a horse for a ride, you’ll have a busy day. With so much to do, it may be best to visit on a day where you won’t be in a rush.

Lake Bumbunga – SA

It may be a 2-hour drive from Adelaide, but the beauty of Lake Bumbunga is hard to ignore. Adding in an element of surprise, you could be seeing a pink, white or blue lake depending on the day.

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the wonderful Jitter Bean Oasis café before taking the kids for an afternoon of exploring. Make sure you pack some suitable footwear too, nobody enjoys having wet socks!

Cottesloe Beach – WA

Its hard to go past the beautiful Cottesloe Beach as a place to visit with the family. Situated halfway between Fremantle and Perth, Cottesloe Beach has more than a kilometre of pure white sand.

Cottesloe Esplanade provides the perfect area for the entire family to enjoy a picnic. If you are a family who loves the water, this is an ideal spot for your swimming, snorkelling and surfing activities. Before heading home, why not enjoy a dinner overlooking the water?

Wave Lagoon – NT

Are you a family of Darwin locals who wish the waters weren’t full of crocs? In that case, the Wave Lagoon is perfect for you.

A total of 10 different wave patterns, the lagoon is suitable for the entire family. If you’re an older member of the family, make sure you try one of the boogie boards on the waves. The shallow play area is ideal for the smaller members of the family too.

Moreton Island – QLD

Only 40 kilometres north-east of Brisbane, Moreton Island is the perfect escape from the long lines at the theme parks.

Spend your day feeing the wild dolphins by hand or tobogganing down the sand dunes. Looking to do some exploring? Take a swim around the shipwrecks not too far off the beach. If you don’t feel like swimming, take part in a 4WD sand safari or hike around the island.

Mole Creek Caves – TAS

No matter what time of year it is, the Mole Creek Caves are always open. If you are a family who loves trying new things, there’s a choice of three different tours for the family to enjoy. Each tour is only 45 minutes long!

Dress for cooler weather as the caves don’t reach temperatures over 9 degrees. Enjoy some food at one of the local cafes to refuel after a day of exploring before enjoying your trip home.

Make sure you’re protected for your journey. Click here to find out more about eric Comprehensive Car Insurance.

This article may contain general financial product advice that does not take into account your personal financial circumstance. Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decisions about your insurance.

(Image Sources: VisitMelbourne.com, Wakefield Regional Council, DarwinWaterfront Corporation, DiscoverTasmania.com.au)

 

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Beanies on, thermals packed, let’s hit the slopes!

The winter months of 2021 will help bring Australians a new lease on life, especially considering that many of us spent Winter in lockdown last year, thanks COVID.

Some may choose to escape to the north to enjoy the seemingly never-ending sunshine, but for those of us chasing the next thrill, and for those of us with kids that just like to roll around in puddles and dip their hands in random stuff, let’s check out the best ski-trips around Australia!

Perisher

At eric, we take pride in enjoying the journey, so it almost goes without saying that we absolutely love a good road trip. Over 5 hours south of Sydney, the trip to Perisher is a journey in itself.

This mountain is often referred to as the ‘Holy Grail’ of ski mountains in Australia, and deservedly so. Not only is Perisher the largest ski area in Australia, but Perisher is the perfect ski field for all abilities, from beginner to Olympic Gold medallists.

Did I mention that they have night skiing? Visit Perisher if you want some fresh powder, breath-taking views and slopes that everyone can enjoy!

Mount Buller

A personal favourite, Mount Buller holds a special place in many people’s hearts, a key reason for this is that Buller is one of the best places to learn how to ski!

Just three hours north-east of Melbourne, Buller offers some of the most picturesque views available anywhere in Australia, with breathtaking views that stretch across the entire Victorian alpine region. Being the closest mountain to any major Australian city, it is by far the busiest ski field, I’d suggest visiting on a weekday if you can.

Mount Hotham

Buller too busy? Just a little bit further down the road is Mount Hotham, if you’re a fan of ski-in/ski-out lodging (just like the movies), Hotham is the mountain for you!

With the village situated at the top of the mountain, Hotham offers arguably the best ski runs that you can find in Australia, as well as the best cross-country skiing that you can find on any Australian ski mountain. If you’re looking for a more casual skiing trip, Hotham is your best bet.

Thredbo

If you’re itching for the European feel on your ski trips, Thredbo is the mountain you’re after. Thredbo has arguably the best après ski and nightlife of any alpine resort in Australia, with multiple restaurants, bars and even day spas to keep you entertained when you’re not on the slopes.

If you’re road-tripping to any ski mountain this winter, it is best to make sure that you have the right protection for your vehicle. You never know when the unexpected may occur. To find out more about Comprehensive Car Insurance with eric call us on 1800 999 977.

 

This article may contain general financial product advice that does not take into account your personal financial circumstance. Make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making any decisions about your insurance.

 

 

 

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There is no better time than the end of 2021 to begin (or continue) exploring our own backyard, and what better way to do so than on the back of a dirt-bike.

Here are some of our favourite dirt-bike spots that you can find throughout Australia.

Labertouche (VIC)

Labertouche, known locally as ‘Larby’, is our top suggestion for dirt-bike riding (in Victoria, at least). Located just half an hour out of Berwick in Melbourne’s outer east, this spot is ideal for day trips, with plenty of tracks to explore and hills to climb.

Anglesea (VIC)

A rural spot with day trip and overnight stay potential, Anglesea resides under half an hour from Geelong and offers up some of the best tracks that Victoria has to offer. Jump on the socials and see if you can link up with a local for some guidance.

Bairnsdale (VIC)

Bairnsdale is the ideal spot if you’re a beginner, an advanced rider or even a seasoned veteran. Alright, fine, it is the PERFECT spot for riders of all skill levels. Many group rides occur here throughout the year, there are some great Facebook groups that you can join to find out more on when/where some Bairnsdale trail rides are occurring.

Lochmaree Motorbike Park (NSW)

Unlike most of the suggestions listed, Lochmaree is definitely a weekender, day-trippers may be waking up super early for this one. With over 2000 acres of enduring tracks, this Motorbike park is welcoming of all ages and skill levels.

Yengo State Forest (NSW)

One of the most popular spots for dirt bike riding in New South Wales, Yengo State Forest is home to several trails to keep you and your mates entertained for hours. Definite day-trip potential.

Lockyer National Park (QLD)

Just an hour west of Brisbane, the Lockyer National Park is home to some of the best riding trails that can be found in Queensland. Look out though, Lockyer can get pretty busy on the weekends. Lockyer is the ideal spot for a day trip or weekend getaway if you’re located near Brisbane.