Drive By Trivia Quiz

Answer: Freycinet Peninsula

The Great Eastern Drive extends from Orford on Tasmania's east coast, some 176 kilometres (109 miles) to the town of St. Helens. Sure, you could drive that in a couple of hours, but take your time, take a weekend or take a week as there's so much to see around this exquisite piece of Australia.

Orford to Triabunna will take you past the Tasmanian Seafarers monument and then on to their visitor's centre, which plays host to a tapestry that depicts the history of the region. Down the road apiece, you'll find Maria Island and, after a short walk, you can see the elegance of the Painted Cliff and the Fossil Cliff. The four day Marie Island walk is listed as one of the "Eight Great Walks of Australia".

At Swanson, photograph yourself crossing the convict-built Spiky Bridge and then trek onto the aforementioned Freycinet Peninsula, named after Louis Freycinet who'd surveyed the Australian coastline between 1802 and 1804, onboard the ships Casuarina and the Naturaliste. The peninsula is famous for its amazing produce of fresh oysters and mussels. This area is also one of Tasmania's best wine regions and it boasts the Freycinet Walk, yet another that is on the list of great Australian walks.

Chasing adventure of a slightly different nature, try the nightly "Bicheno Penguin" tours or the (Tasmanian) "Devils in the Dark" experience. Follow the coast to Scamander, which is also known as Tasmania's Surf Coast before making it to St. Helens. While some may say that its best to start here, many would advise that it is better to conclude your journey here because you are saving the best till last. Not only does St. Helens provide you with access to the St. Columba Falls, the tallest in Tasmania, it is also the gateway to the world famous Bay of Fires. Whilst the seas here are extraordinarily clear and the beaches brilliantly white, it is the striking orange lichen-coated rocks that stir the imagination and bring forward a thesaurus full of superlatives.

Photographs: Top left is an example of the pristine beach at the Bay of Fires. Bottom right displays those lichen covered rocks at the same venue.

Answer: Banana

This spectacular 1,000 kilometre (621 mile) drive is filled with beaches, wineries and the chance for adventure. You will, initially, pass through Wurrabalong National Park and have the option of taking the popular Coast Walking Track, before making your way to Newcastle, home of the Merewether Ocean Baths. Built in 1935, this is the largest ocean pool complex in the Southern Hemisphere.

A short drive away is the Hunter Valley wine region (pictured). Boasting in excess of 120 wineries, including the star labels Tyrrells and McGuigan, this area is renowned for its semillon and shiraz. But juice it up a bit (no pun intended) and put a bit of adventure into this by viewing the vineyards from a hot air balloon. Up the road from here is Port Stephen, one of Australia's best centres for mixing with dolphins. Stocktons Beach is nearby and boasts a significant shipwreck history from the 19th century. From there it's off to Coffs Harbour and that (obligatory) photograph with the Big Banana.

Enjoy some snorkeling at the Solitary Islands Marine Park, the third largest marine protected area in New South Wales, before hitting that bohemian beach paradise that is Byron Bay. Hit the road for a 90 minute drive north, which will take you across the Queensland border, into the Gold Coast hinterland. This is an extraordinary green expanse that provides an exhilarating bushwalking experience. Next up is Surfer's Paradise where you can enjoy the area's quartet of theme parks - Wet-n-Wild, Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld. After that, it's a gentle 100 kilometre (62 mile) drive to reach and explore the sophistication of Queensland's capital city, Brisbane.

Photographs: On the left is the Byron Bay skyline and, in the circle on the right, a glimpse of the Hunter Valley vineyards.

Answer: Latin term for no trees

In Latin, "null" means nil and "arbor" means tree.

OK, so, with a name that means "no trees", the Nullarbor is not likely to go winning awards as Australia's most scenic drive, but there is something mesmerizing in this 1,200 kilometre (745 mile) journey that has served as a right of passage for many Australians.

The area is vast and it is wild. Along the way you will find abandoned buildings that speak of the area's human history, observe shifting sand dunes, discover towering sea cliffs that stretch for miles and you will walk upon the sands beneath which lies an ancient underground cave system.

Despite its vastness (270,000 square kilometres or 104,000 square miles), you won't be alone. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, such as wombats, kangaroos and feral camels, all of whom call this arid landscape their home. There will also be numerous holidaymakers, truck drivers and intrepid (a nice way of saying foolhardy) backpackers. Numerous roadhouses dot this stretch of landscape, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee and have a chinwag (chat) with the locals. An added bonus is that you get a chance to try your hand at a round of golf on the world's longest golf course, one that stretches from Kalgoorlie in the west and extends 1,365 kilometres (848 miles) to Ceduna in the east.

A word of warning. Get your car checked thoroughly before you leave and take supplies with you... at least 10 litres (2.6 gallons) of water per person, coolant, engine oil and a spare tyre or two. Get advice from experienced operators about how and when is the best time to travel this road. If the driving sounds like it might be a bit much, there is an alternative, take the train. The plain is crossed by the Indian Pacific, travelling from Perth (Indian Ocean side) to Sydney (Pacific Ocean).

Photographs: The left hand shot is one of the sunset over Balladonia and, on the right, part of the long line of limestone cliffs that runs along the Great Australian Bight.

Answer: Western Australia

If you enjoy your driving adventures off-road then the Gibb River Road is for you. It will certainly test your mettle. It will take you to a number of Western Australia's (WA) most famous gorges and an amazing cattle station. The Gibb is 660 kilometres (410 miles) of track (track being the operative word) but, depending on weather, it is only accessible between April and October each year. The road can be heavily corrugated in places and soft in others... don't attempt this without a four-wheel-drive. It would also be advisable to contact the visitors centres at either end of track (Derby or Kununurra) to determine the road's accessibility and conditions.

Starting at Derby in WA's northwest, the track will take you through the Windjana Gorge (pictured) at Tunnel Creek (don't forget to check out the freshwater crocodiles as they bask in the sun), through to Bell Gorge, take a peak at the Wunaamin Millwundi Ranges, have a swim at Lennard Gorge and... I will stop there because there are a string of other awesome gorges I could mention here... I believe that you are getting the picture.

Continue on the road and you will reach the Drysdale River Station, which is the gateway to the Mitchell River National Park and the famous Mitchell Falls (pictured). Then, make your way to the El Questro Wilderness Park for a range of guided nature experiences, the opportunity to swim in the Durack River, fish for barramundi at Jack's Waterhole and check out the stunning Pentecost River landscape. Complete your journey in Kununurra and get a view of the manmade Lake Argyle, an area famous for its pink diamonds, and the stunning beehive shaped stone formations that form the Bungle Bungle Ranges.

Photographs: Windjana Gorge is in the top left corner, Mitchell Falls are in the top right. The bottom right photo is not a bushfire but an intense sunset on the Gibb.

Answer: North

This drive is a short trip of 140 kilometres (87 miles) but, wow, it is jam-packed with special sites.

Heading north from Cairns you will cross the Barron River, giving you access to a welter of unspoiled beaches. Stop off at the Rex Lookout and you will be blessed with 180 degree views of the Coral Sea and countless photo opportunities. Leave the coast for a while and make your way through the green cane fields until you reach the palm tree lined driveways of Port Douglas.

Port Douglas regularly plays host to visits from the A-listers, which means that the facilities available to you are likely be of high order. Enjoy some amazing dining experiences and boutique shopping. The nearby Four Mile Beach has the nearest mainland access to the Great Barrier Reef and a great opportunity to explore one of the natural wonders of the world.

Leaving Port Douglas it is a short drive to the Daintree Forest National Park, the traditional country of the Kuku Yalanji people. At the southern end of the park you will find the steep slopes of the Mossman Gorge, where the Mossman River continues to tumble over granite boulders to create fresh swimming holes for you to enjoy. A short drive from the gorge is the Daintree River where a cable ferry waits to transport you to a whole new world, the pristine rainforest itself, the world's oldest. This is like a step back in time to when the world was a great deal more innocent. Your drive will finish up at Cape Tribulation where two World Heritage sites, two marvels of the Earth, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest collide.

Photographs: Under the water on the Great Barrier Reef on the left and the inset circle on the right shows you a brief glimpse of the Daintree Rainforest.

Answer: True

This 240 kilometre (149 mile) stretch of road lies between the Victorian towns of Torquay and Allansford. It was built by returned soldiers between the years of 1919 and 1932 and has been dedicated to the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I. Appropriately, the road is heritage listed.

This is one of Victoria's prime tourist attractions and many would favour doing the trip east (starting at Torquay) to west. That way, you will be driving on the ocean side for the most part of the journey. East of the Otway Ranges, this area is affectionately known as the Surf Coast while west of the ranges it carries the rather foreboding sobriquet of the Shipwreck Coast.

The region is notable for its many limestone formations such as the Loch Ard Gorge (pictured), the Grotto and the London Arch. The latter used to be called the London Bridge... until it fell down in 2015. At this point it would be remiss of me not to mention the dramatic Twelve Apostles (also pictured) which rise, majestically, from the Southern Ocean.

Along the way there are also waterfalls, lighthouses, forests, magnificent beaches and... koalas. You can surf, take a helicopter ride, follow a gourmet food trail... just do it. This is, not just one of Australia's, but one of the world's most scenic drives.

Photographs: The Loch Ard Gorge is on the left (a similar formation that you see in the picture is also on the right of it, providing a narrow gap into the ocean), the Twelve Apostles make up the middle photo and the picture on the right is one of the road.

Answer: The Red Centre

Most tourists will take the easy route and fly to see this imposing stone monolith, however, to get a deeper appreciation of this landscape make it a road trip from Alice Springs (the Alice) to the centre. Better still, complete the Red Centre Loop which will then extend your journey from the Rock to the breathtaking rim of the Kings Canyon then guide you to the marvel that is the West MacDonnell Ranges, before returning you to the Alice.

This trip will also allow you to see the stunning Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), representing millions of years of geology and it will give you access to the ancient culture of the indigenous people of central Australia. Along the way you will get the chance to sample camel burgers, meet some of the colourful local folk, feed some cheeky emus and witness some of the most amazing sunsets that this country has to offer. The entire trip will cover some 1,120 kilometres (696 miles) though some of this will be unsealed roads.

Your safety here is paramount. Ensure that you take a good supply of food and water and this is not just for emergencies. There will be some significant stretches here, where these items will not be available. The road between Alice Springs and Uluru is likely to be busy but, beyond the rock, not so much. Consequently, take every opportunity to fuel up.

(Footnote) This section also forms a part of the "Explorers Way", which is the subject of another question within this quiz and details of this area will be fleshed out a little fuller there.

Photographs: That is Uluru. The photo, on its own, says so much. I had planned to install a picture of Kata Tjuta but it took so much attention away from the icon that I left it out.

Answer: Margaret River

Speak to an Eastern Stater and they will beg the question "why would you want to explore that part of Australia"? The answer, because it is awesome (and, yes, I am biased). Isolated from the rest of the country by that vast expanse known as the Nullarbor Plain, the south west has taken its time to evolve and, for visitors, it provides a little bit of that laid back air, with a touch of the 'step back in time' feel.

Your journey commences at Bunbury where everyday is like the weekend. Step into the city's Koombana Bay and be greeted by smiling dolphins. Drive a little ways down the road to Busselton and walk across its 1,800 metre (1968 yard) jetty (pictured). Next stop is the aforementioned Margaret River where almost every wine is a premium wine. Taste one or several but make sure you have a designated driver (and buy them a bottle for the end of the trip).

On the road to Augusta the stunning Western Australian wildflowers will be in full bloom between September and December and, should you arrive earlier, say between June and August, there will ample opportunity to gaze upon the tens of thousands of whales migrating through our Southern Ocean. On the way to Walpole you will traverse through the Valley of the Giants and get to admire some of the tallest trees in the world and there's the chance to take on the Tree Top Walk that will have you talking to their leaves some 30 metres (98 feet) above the ground.

Next is Denmark which will offer up to you a host of brilliant beaches and blue-green swimming holes. You will complete your journey at Albany, which has a rich historical legacy. A former whaling community, the town represents the first European settlement in Western Australia and it is a vital part of Australia's ANZAC story.

This section also provides visitors with some stunning hiking opportunities. The highly regarded Cape to Cape walk is a five day venture between Yallingup and Augusta, while the Bibbulmun Track, now seen as one of the premier trails in the world, will take you 1005 kilometres (625 miles) from the hills in Perth to the waters in Albany.

Photographs: The top picture highlights Busselton's long jetty and below that, a reminder of the great breaks at Margaret River.

Answer: New South Wales

The Grand Pacific Coastal Drive is a 140 kilometre (87 mile) journey that showcases the pristine, southern coastline of New South Wales (NSW). (Note: NSW was the only one of the answer options that possessed a coastline on the Pacific Ocean).

This great trek commences at Sydney at the Heathcote National Park, in Dharawal country, in the area Sydneysiders affectionately refer to as "The Shire". It offers freshwater pools to swim in, great bushwalks and an abundance of wildlife to observe. If you have the children with you, on the way to Wollongong, stop off at the Symbio Wildlife Park where they can feed the kangaroos. For their next treat, pull into the Apple Shack at Darkes. This is an orchard that is home to over 22,000 fruit trees where they are able to pick their own supply of fruit.

At Austinmer Beach, enjoy the rock platforms at the water's edge and rest in the comfort that you're being looked after by the local surf club that has been in operation for over a century. A short skip up the road is the village of Thirroul, which is where the great English novelist, D.H. Lawrence, stayed while writing his 1923 story "Kangaroo". Finally, don't leave Wollongong without stopping to check out the Nan Tien Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere.

Shellharbour is a designated National Surfing Reserve and then, further south, is the Bass Basin Reserve that is both a littoral forest (a rainforest near the coast) and an important archaeological site. The local Aboriginal people used the area as a camp site with a history that extends 17,000 years further back than the Egyptian history of building pyramids. Next stop is Kiama, which is a mecca for beach goers and boasts a wonderful set of blowholes, before winding up at Jervis Bay for a spot of dolphin spotting or whale watching.

Photographs: On the left is the auspicious Nan Tien Temple and a picture of the road that you'd be traveling on is on the right.

Answer: Adelaide and Darwin

The Stuart Highway was named after John McDouall Stuart, the first man to traverse across the Australian Continent from south to north and manage to come back to tell about it. He completed his journey in 1862. The highway which commemorates him follows the Overland Telegraph (established 1872) and runs for 2,720 kilometres (1,690 miles). However, this drive will take a few detours and you will wind up travelling 4,062 kilometres (2,524 miles).

Your trail starts in Adelaide and takes you into the Flinders Ranges to Australia's opal mining mecca, the town of Coober Pedy, where the majority of its residents live in houses carved out underground, to escape the white hot desert heat. Travel another 734 kilometres (456 miles) to the heart of Australia and explore the wonders of Uluru and Kata-Tjuta (the Olgas). There are walking trails here that will leave you speechless. The climb to the top of Uluru is 2,831 feet but don't anticipate doing this as the ascent was shut down in 2019 due to health and safety concerns. Never mind, you can still walk around it. Does that sound like it's too strenuous? Hire a camel or a Harley Davidson motor bike and ride around it or... take to a helicopter and get flown around the area. Alternatively, you can just stand there and breathe the spirit of the place into you or soak up the awe inspiring "Field of Light" (pictured). This is a Bruce Munro creation that covers an area the size of seven football fields, that is made up of 50,000 spindles of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white lights that bring a new dimension to the desert at night time.

Three hundred (300) kilometres (186 miles) up the road is Kings Canyon, an extraordinary rock formation, blessed with 100 metre (328 feet) high walls that provide a wealth of hiking experiences and memories that will linger longer. The road will carry you forward to the West MacDonnell Ranges where you can walk through Simpson's Gap or past the sheer walls of Standley Chasm. If the weather is too hot, you can cool down with a dip at the Ellery Creek Big Hole.

At Tennant Creek, ogle at Karru Karru (the Devil's Marbles - pictured). These are a series of massive granite boulders that have been strewn across a shallow valley. These stones are sacred to the Warumungu people of this area. Four hundred (400) kilomtres (249 miles) further on, quench your thirst at the Daly Waters Historic Pub before making your way to the crystal clear waters of the Mataranka thermal pools.

Next is Katherine, the fourth largest town in the Northern Territory, and the doorway to thirteen stunning gorges in the vast Nitmiluk National Park. If your energy levels are slipping at this point, view them with a joy ride in a helicopter. Getting closer to Darwin you will come across the verdant Litchfield National Park. It may not be as heralded as its close cousin, the Kakadu National Park, but it is no less exotic with its arrangement of waterfalls, plunge pools, flora and fauna. Finally, you make it into Darwin. Sitting on the Timor Sea, it is Australia's northernmost capital city and it has become a contemporary, multicultural metropolis.

Photographs: On the left are the Devil's Marbles (Karru Karru) and the "Field of Lights" creation is on the right.