While Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and Australia offer no shortage of attractions during a Working Holiday Visa , some drives are simply unmissable. This is certainly true of the West Coast in New Zealand, one of the most beautiful coastal roads on the planet, much like the Great Ocean Road that runs along the southwest coast of Australia. In the north of the United States, the Sea-to-Sky Highway is a true paradise on earth.
The Great Ocean Road , quite simply an unmissable Australian experience, is nestled along the southwest coast of Victoria. Between cliffs and sea, the road begins in Melbourne, or more precisely Torquay (where the famous Rip Curl Pro competition has been held annually for nearly half a century at Bells Beach), and stretches 243 kilometers to Warrnambool. Traveling the Great Ocean Road also means stopping to admire the imposing and breathtaking rock formations such as the Twelve Apostles near Port Campbell, the London Bridge, and the Grotto, which line the route.
You can also take the opportunity to admire waterfalls, try surfing, go diving, and take in the stunning coastline along the Great Ocean Walk (a 104km multi-day hiking trail). Get up close to native wildlife at Tower Hill, and enjoy the local cuisine and vineyards. Of course, to have the freedom to go wherever you please, the best way to experience the natural wonders of the Great Ocean Road is by car. A tip for the return trip: take a loop back to Melbourne via the inland route. A change of scenery and atmosphere is guaranteed! The countryside stretches as far as the eye can see, sometimes arid, sometimes lush. Venture onto the back roads that will give you the feeling of visiting a completely different country.
Among the road trips to take in New Zealand, the West Coast is definitely a must-see. The impressive route that hugs the wild and majestic landscapes of the South Island's west coast is bordered by the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps. On the agenda: mountains, glaciers, lakes, beaches… and powerful surf. It's an extraordinary itinerary that will take you driving through pristine nature in a sparsely populated region (less than 1% of New Zealand's population, for 9% of its land area).
From Charleston to Haast (and even Wanaka), there's plenty to see and do in just under 400 kilometers. Be sure to allow enough time to visit the galleries of glassblowers and woodworkers. While travelers rightly tend to tick off must-see sites like Punakaiki (better known as Pancake Rocks ) , Hokitika , Franz Josef, and Fox Glaciers, other places like Oparara Basin , Okarito Lagoon , and the many lakes along the coast will surprise you just as much. This little corner of paradise offers numerous walks, such as the one to the secluded Truman Beach, as well as longer hikes like the Heaphy Track or the Rob Roy Glacier Track . "The Coast," as the locals call it, is a geological treasure of the Blue Planet.
While the Sea-to-Sky Highway is the main route connecting Whistler to Vancouver over 120 kilometers, few travelers will complain. A famous section of British Columbia Highway 99 on Canada's west coast, the route hugs Howe Sound along a kind of highway that climbs from the sea to the mountain peaks, earning it the nickname " Sea to Sky." Its starting point is Horseshoe Bay , a charming little coastal village with a beautiful beach, just a few kilometers from Vancouver. Made up of legendary and winding roads, the Sea-to-Sky Highway has recently undergone repairs at several interesting stops.
Among the must-sees are Shannon Falls, the Capilano Suspension Bridge spanning 137 meters and 70 meters high across a canyon, and Grouse Mountain, offering a unique view from atop a wind turbine in Vancouver. Other highlights include Brandywine Falls and Shannon Falls, both 335 meters high, accessible via a short hike of less than an hour. Another option is The Chief hike near Squamish. Many visitors try rock climbing there, enjoying the breathtaking views of the fjord from the summit. In Squamish, outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice: cycling, rafting, kitesurfing, canoeing, and more.
What other unusual routes have you completed in these three destinations? Share your experiences here with other mountain bikers.
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
