Some of the most picturesque roads in the world are, unfortunately, some of the most unbearable for your ‘inner ear’. But, oh, they’re worth it! Just plan enough time so you don’t have to rush along the hairpins, and enjoy the views with your nose pressed against the car window. 

Big Sur, USA

Big Sur or Interstate 1 is one of the best known roads in the States and you will see why, when it takes you to the breathtaking view over the Pacific Ocean. The Interstate spans 145 km (90 mi) from San Simeon to Carmel and offers wild nature and steep rocks, overlooking the waves crashing against the shore.

The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

Across a 241-kilometer (149 mi) stretch of road along the south-eastern coast of Australia, the Great Ocean Road offers a view of the ocean, blue skies and green landscapes.

Read more: 13 useful tips for a road trip in Australia

Stelvio Pass, Italy

Perched at an impressive 2743 m (9000 ft), high in the Italian Alps, the road turns sharply 48 times across its relatively short span of 24 km (14 mi). Passing this road is something of a ritual for motorists and motorcyclists.

Read more: How to plan a surprise birthday trip in less than 30 minutes

The Transfagarasan Road, Romania

Known as Ceausescu’s Folly, the Transfagarasan stretches across 90 km (55 mi) of turns and curves through the highest parts of the Carpathian Mountains. It connects Sibiu and Pitesti, about 270 km (167 mi) north of Bucharest; its highest point rises to a height of 2034 m (6673 ft).

Read more: 5 little known but great places in Romania

The post Drive along the most scenic winding roads in the world appeared first on 203Challenges.

The first place I’ll take you in Melbourne is… to the MCG, for an Australian football match. It’s not soccer, it’s not rugby and it’s not American football; it’s simply the best game is the world, and you’ll have to watch it to understand it. The atmosphere at the ‘G during a good game is something special.

The MCG in Melbourne | © Visit Victoria

Few people know that Melbourne… was called Batmania for a while. Seriously. We also have Batman Avenue, named after the same guy – John Batman. Whoever changed the city’s name to Melbourne should be ashamed of themselves!

When I want a little peace I go to… one of Melbourne’s many beautiful parks. Even in the middle of the city you can find a green oasis to help you recharge during your lunch break.

Carlton Gardens on the northeastern edge of the Melbourne CBD | © Visit Victoria

If you taste only one local dish, it should be… a barbeque cooked on a sunny day in a suburban backyard, one that has a Hill’s Hoist clothesline and a corrugated iron fence. It’s not about the food; it’s all about the classic Aussie atmosphere.

If you come to Melbourne, make sure you take a photo with… the Yarra River and the city skyline in the background.

Melbourne’s skyline at night, as seen from the Yarra River

You can tell that somebody is from Melbourne by… the way their shirt matches their hairstyle and their moustache. Tattoos, skinny jeans and thick-rimmed glasses are also signs that the person is a hipst- sorry, Melbournian…

The residents of Melbourne would never… admit that your city’s coffee is as good as theirs. Because it just isn’t. Sorry.

Your city’s coffee just isn’t as good as Melbourne’s | © Visit Victoria

When I want to escape the crowds I go… anywhere in country Victoria. The area around Melbourne is so big and spacious that you can find peace and quiet pretty much wherever you go.

In spring you should… expect the unexpected. According to the famous saying, Melbourne weather gives you four seasons in one day, and spring is the most unpredictable time of the year.

In summer you should… wear sunscreen!

In autumn you should… check out the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. For nearly a month, you can find up to 100 comedy shows every night, all across for the city. Shows range from free local acts to gala performances by the world’s most famous comedians. It’s genuinely one of the best things in the world.

In winter you should… go to a footy match at the MCG!

The best day trip from Melbourne is… down the Great Ocean Road, which starts about two hours west of the city. The coastline is spectacular and you can do the drive over several days if you have the time.

Getting a public holiday because of a horse race (the Melbourne Cup)… is classic Melbourne.

If I wanted a beer, I’d go… to one of about 1000 places. Melbourne has way too many cool bars to choose from. I’ll go with Naked in the Sky on Brunswick St for its combination of tasty beer, cheap food and awesome views.

The view from Naked In The Sky | © Visit Victoria

If I wanted coffee and sweets, I’d go… anywhere in the inner-northern suburbs. We have such a strong café culture and there are so many interesting coffee shops – literally thousands in the city – that to single one out would be unfair. Brunswick St, Sydney Rd, High St and Lygon St are some of the best-known coffee strips.

5 places you’ve never heard of until you visit Melbourne: Hungry Jack’s, Centrelink, Abbortsford Convent, Frankston, the bathroom on the 35^th floor of the Sofitel Hotel.

*

Nick Johns-Wickberg is an Australian traveller/writer/digital nomad/lost cause. When he’s on the road, he assumes his alter ego: The Tragic Traveller. Nick is a Melbournite who currently lives in Belgrade, Serbia, where he spends his time eating, drinking, wandering and – very occasionally, when he absolutely has to – working.

All photos: Visit Victoria

>>> Read more from our Through the Eyes of a Local series.

Pin it for your future trip to Melbourne:

See also: An essential guide to exploring Australia’s Beautiful North West

The post Melbourne, Australia – famous cities through the eyes of locals appeared first on 203Challenges.

#1 Australians drive on the left side of the road. If you are used to driving on the other side, you may need some time to get used to this change. If you prefer camping – check Camper Champ, traveling in a motorhome is one of the best ways to travel.

#2 If you plan to visit Melbourne (and you should!), even if it’s summer, pack clothes for all types of weather, from early spring showers to baking summer sun, as the weather tends to change suddenly. It’s not a coincidence that they say: “If you don’t like the weather in Melbourne, just wait for ten minutes.”

#3 Trying to drive the Great Ocean Road in a day is crazy and draining – it’s worth spending a night or two along the way to fully immerse yourself in the amazing scenery. That’s why you should consider getting an aluminum roof top tent so that you’ll have no problems when the weather is changing.

#4 If you travel over the Christmas holidays, keep in mind that two days before and after Christmas and New Year’s Eve almost no shops are open, so stock up on food. Also, check the opening hours of local restaurants if you plan to dine out.

#5 If you want to hire a kayak, surfing equipment etc., you should usually get and return it between 9 am and 5 pm. It turned out that finding a rental kayak for a sunset tour was not an easy feat. It’s also important to call up at least one week in advance, especially in the high season, as you may find everything has been pre-booked.

#6 If you want to see kangaroos, koalas, wombats and penguins parading at sunset and other exotic (at least to foreigners) animals in their natural habitat, plan a trip to Phillip Island.

Philip Island, Australia | © www.203challenges.com

#7 For a chance to see and feed possums, head to Kalimna Woods Cottages at Lake’s Entrance.

#8 If you have included the Blue Mountains National Park in your itinerary, here is a useful tip to skip the crowds: choose a trail other than the Three Sisters Walk. All trails offer the same views but the Three Sisters Walk is the most overloaded with human traffic.

Blue Mountains, Australia | ©www.203challenges.com

#9 A stop in Sydney always includes a scenic view of the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House (and of the New Year’s fireworks above them if you have planned your visit to coincide with this major celebration). The best views are from Taronga Zoo, Kurraba Point or Robertsons Point. Some people arrive at these viewpoints hours in advance to spend the whole New Year’s Eve there, but you can also arrive at the last minute and it will still be easy to find a good vantage spot.

#10 In every single AirBnB we rented, there were cockroaches, every time getting bigger and bigger. It’s a good idea to buy some anti-cockroach spray if you can’t stand the sight of a huge bug on your wall.

#11 Include a stopover at Byron Bay – a coastal town full of people from all over the world who have come here to make their dreams come true. It’s a lively and inspiring place famed for its hippy, alternative atmosphere and beaches that are perfect for surfing.

#12 Always read the signs on the beach carefully because they tell you if there are jellyfish or anything dangerous/poisonous in the water. If you see a picture-perfect beach with nobody in the water, always suspect that there may be a sign you have missed.

#13 If you are a cruise lover ready to see the Great Barrier Reef, you can book a two- or three-day sea tour in Cairns, where you actually spend the night on a ship and enjoy diving three times a day, including night diving. If you are restricted by time, you can go diving on a single-day tour, too. Although Cairns is most famous for its surfing spots, don’t miss Kuranda Rainforest Village only 25 km (15 mi) from Cairns (and don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and plenty of water).

See also: An essential guide to exploring Australia’s Beautiful North West

The post 13 useful tips before you head on a road trip to Australia appeared first on 203Challenges.