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They appeal to the eternal nomads in us, in search of survival, but also of freedom and adventure.
The work of Kerouac and that of Bolaño also celebrate the poetry of the road, even if sometimes it leads nowhere except to oneself.
Today, despite the acceleration of our modes of transport, it is clear that the charm still operates.
A destination associated with wide open spaces and wilderness, Australia lends itself to a remarkable road trip.
Among the eight states and territories that make up the country-continent, New South Wales notably offers grandiose landscapes, to be admired from the window of your car.
Every journey begins and ends in vibrant Sydney, where skyscrapers, historic pubs in The Rocks district and iconic architectural monuments like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge rub shoulders.
Until the call of the road rings out... Running along the coastline and then deep into the Southern Highlands, the loop formed by the Grand Pacific Drive and the Southern Highlands passes through lush national parks and welcoming seaside hamlets. , renowned vineyards and Aboriginal sites with legends that still live on.
The Grand Pacific Drive: Surf culture and coastal villages
Running over 140 kilometers, the scenic Grand Pacific Drive begins at Royal National Park, an hour south of Sydney.
One of the oldest national parks in the world, after Yellowstone in the United States, is covered in thick tropical forest and shaped by deep river valleys.
Natural pools and leaping waterfalls explain the thousand shades of green.
The road then follows a coastline punctuated by coves and small, relaxed towns.
On the terraces of Wollongong harbour, enjoy fresh fish & chips while intoxicating yourself with the sea air, before sipping a flat white at Diggies Café.
For swimming, we opt for the ocean pools of Coalcliff or Woonona.
Continuing south, a steep landscape passes by, with cliffs on one side, and the ocean as far as the eye can see on the other.
From the Sea Cliff Bridge, we can even see manta rays gliding beneath the surface... Continuing towards Kiama, “the place where the sea makes noise”, a jet emerging from the rocks welcomes visitors.
The Kiama blowhole can rise up to 25 meters: a nice walk allows you to get closer.
In Kiama, surfing is king.
In a country where skiing has been elevated to the rank of religion, we indulge in this activity from a very young age!
Beaches like Minnamurra Beach, Werri Beach and Killalea Beach offer some of the most beautiful breaks in the destination – and therefore in the world.
Beginners will head to Seven Mile Beach for a gentle introduction.
If these hamlets demonstrate a dynamism and an entirely Australian energy, the bush is never far away.
A little over an hour's drive towards Jervis Bay, it is easy, during a detour in Budderoo National Park, to get lost in the primary forest populated by wallabies, platypus or flamboyant parakeets royal.
Dream beaches and turquoise waters along the Shoalhaven Coast
At the end of the Grand Pacific Drive is Shoalhaven: the jagged coastline transforms into long stretches of white sand lapped by turquoise water that invites you to take your foot off the gas.
Offshore, bottlenose dolphins frolic, sometimes accompanied by humpback whales between May and November.
At nightfall, the waves sometimes sparkle: Jervis Bay is one of the rare places where you can observe the incredible phenomenon of plankton bioluminescence.
The region can also be discovered with the palate: the Coolangatta Estate, rich in hundreds of trophies and various awards, is a must for wine lovers.
Gourmets savor Sydney Rock oysters at a farm like Jim Wild's Oysters in Greenwell Point.
The accommodation solutions are as attractive as they are varied: the rooms at Paperbark Camp, a pioneer of glamping in Australia, redefine the concept of the treehouse.
Located on a beach that stretches as far as the eye can see, the Bangalay Luxury Villas combine design with authenticity.
The most adventurous choose to sleep in a tent, as close as possible to nature.
The Southern Highlands, a foodie stop in the hinterland
Now it's time to enter the Southern Highlands to soak up the region's rural and picturesque charm.
Bowral, a former summer retreat for the English bourgeoisie, is full of antique shops and intimate cafes, all surrounded by lush gardens.
A visit to the Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame pays particular attention to the career of Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman in the history of cricket, and provides a better understanding of the fascination the sport has for Australians.
Further afield, Berrima proves to be an epicurean destination, with choice restaurants such as The Loch, specializing in truffle-based dishes, or Eschalot, a locavore restaurant which has received numerous distinctions over the last twenty years.
Some organizations also offer excursions around cooking, from harvest to plate.
The Southern Highlands are also home, which doesn't spoil anything, to more than 60 vineyards, to savor great wines while enjoying the panorama of the surrounding hills and valleys.
A delicious way to end your road trip in New South Wales - in moderation.
To land in New South Wales aboard the iconic A380, Emirates now offers three daily flights between Dubai and Sydney, including two with an all-new Premium Economy cabin.
The journey takes place in complete comfort, thanks to spacious seats, complimentary toiletries, on-board Wi-Fi, as well as 6,500 entertainment channels including movies, TV shows, music, podcasts and games. varied.
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