CRICKET LEGEND ALLAN BORDER HAS BEEN ALL OVER THE WORLD THANKS TO HIS STELLAR SPORTING CAREER BUT, DESPITE HOSTING TV TRAVEL AND CARAVANNING SHOW ON TOUR WITH ALLAN BORDER, HE ADMITS AUSTRALIA REMAINS LARGELY UNEXPLORED TERRITORY.
Allan says being part of the series has inspired him to travel within his home country and, in the show’s second season – sponsored by GemLife – he does exactly that, as well as taking to the road in an Explore by GemLife motorhome.
“I have done a lot of international travel through cricket but haven’t done much travelling around Australia. The show has given me the opportunity to discover and explore new places,” he said.
“There is just so much on offer in this country and my appetite has been whetted to see more.”
On Tour with Allan Border, co-hosted by well-known AFL icon Robert ‘Dipper’ DiPierdomenico, is set to premiere on Saturday, 8 October on Channel 7. In the eight-part series, AB and Dipper aim to inspire Aussie travellers to visit some of the country’s best holiday hot spots as well as lesser-known spots whether it be the city or the bush, the beach or the mountains. Each episode puts the spotlight on two regions (turn to next page for a full episode list with locations).
“We aim to put the fun into caravan and RV travel and show viewers what’s right on their doorsteps,” said Allan.
From outback Cloncurry and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland to the Riverland in South Australia, rural Victoria and northern New South Wales, the series uncovers destinations and activities on and off the beaten path.
On board Explore by GemLife
During the shooting of On Tour in Queensland and northern New South Wales, AB took the wheel of one of GemLife’s eye-catching Explore motorhomes for just over a week.
“I am happy to report that I really enjoyed my time in the RV! It’s very easy to drive and everything worked a treat!” he said.
“I had a great time driving it and staying on board – the bed was comfy too.”
Allan also had the opportunity to tour several GemLife over-50s lifestyle resorts.
“Having a look at the GemLife properties was a bit of an eyeopener for me. All the facilities are awesome and the three-bedroom home I had a quick peek at was very well presented!” he said.
AB was so impressed by what he saw, he’s keen to look into home options at the GemLife Lennox Head development when it is released.
Allan’s favourite spots
A big fan of coastal Australia, Allan said he particularly loved the countryside along the Great Ocean Road, the Mornington Peninsula, and the Sunshine Coast.
“Noosa and the Sunny Coast have been number one spots for my family and I since the kids were young back when Hastings Street was still lined with beach shacks. It’s a favourite because there is so much diversity. You can enjoy the beach, nature, the national park or great restaurants. It offers the best of all worlds,” he said.
The vast natural beauty of Western Australia’s ancient Pilbara region, which is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and extends to the Great Sandy Desert of the Northern Territory in the east, also impressed Allan.
Famous for its breathtaking landscape, the region features rugged gorges, pristine waterfalls and isolated rivers and billabongs within three national parks as well as the attractions on the region’s coastal plains and nearby islands.
Allan has many more destinations on his bucket list.
“I’d love to travel more through the red centre. I only this year visited Uluru for the first time. I’d also love to do a roadtrip across the Nullabor.”
His advice to people wanting to travel Australia?
“Just do it! There are so many ways to explore. Motorhomes, caravans, a Hilux with a canopy. You can opt for more luxurious travel or can rough it and keep it simple – from basic camping to a kitted-out motorhome house on wheels,” Allan said.
Like many others, during the height of COVID restrictions, he and his wife Jan took off on an impromptu Queensland roadtrip with no set itinerary.
“There is just so much to see in Australia. And the facilities out there are very good, even in central Australia. I think people who are new to road travel would be very surprised at just what’s available,” he said.
“Do it while you can. Pull back from the stresses of working and take more time to explore, have adventures, and enjoy!”