Car & Van Hire - Gungahlin

Gungahlin is a region in the north of the Australian Capital Territory. The district is becoming more popular with visitors to the area. In particular, it is known for its sites of historical interest, which explore the region's past. Families often come to give their kids an opportunity to learn about both Aboriginal and colonial history.

Visiting Ginninderra Village is a highlight of a trip to Gungahlin. This historical site includes a number of preserved buildings from the original 19th-century settlement. The old schoolhouse, which dates back to 1884, is one of the most interesting sights. Visitors also have the chance to learn about Australia's indigenous culture. The Ginninderra Galleries and Aboriginal Dreaming Gallery boast a large collection of Aboriginal artwork for you to admire.

You can easily spend an entire day in the area surrounding Ginninderra Village. Now known as Gold Creek Village, this area has a number of attractions to entertain the whole family. The Australian Reptile Sanctuary is not for the faint-hearted. Here, you can get up close and personal with the country's most ferocious cold-blooded creatures, including some of the world's biggest snakes. If you prefer your wildlife to be less menacing, visit the Bird Walk. At this 1,000-square-metre aviary, you can stroll through and admire the colourful birds. For hands-on fun, go to the traditional Gold Creek Station farm. Here, kids can see what it's like to shear and herd sheep. All in all, it makes for a fantastic day out.

More family fun can be found at the National Dinosaur Museum, which houses Australia's finest collection of fossils. There's also Cockington Green, a small-scale replica of a traditional English village where you'll enjoy feeling like giants.

Getting a car or van rental in Gungahlin will also allow you to explore the surrounding area much easier. You'll probably want to visit Australia's capital city of Canberra, the home to a number of museums and galleries. Take a tour of Parliament House to see how the country is governed, or enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin if you're not into politics.

No matter what time of year you visit Gungahlin, you'll have plenty of options for road trips. In the spring, Tulip Top Gardens comes alive. With incredible colourful floral displays, this place will make you feel like you've been whisked away to Holland. In summer, you can head to the nearest beach at Batemans Bay or the Sapphire Coast. Autumn lets you indulge in truffle-hunting at Canberra's very own Truffle Farm complex. The winter is best of all, as you'll find Australia's finest skiing and snowboarding slopes in the nearby Snowy Mountains. Perisher, Thredbo and Charlotte Pass are among the most popular ski destinations.

Driving in the Australian Capital Territory is generally straightforward. There are very few one-way streets around the Canberra area, making it easy to backtrack or look for alternate scenic routes if you happen to get lost. Some visitors may be overwhelmed by the numerous roundabouts, but they are quite large and easy to manoeuvre. Just take things slowly and follow the rules of the road.

Although Canberra is the country's capital, it does not have the same level of traffic as Sydney or Melbourne. Traffic is generally free-flowing, and even in rush hour, it's unlikely that you'll experience any major congestion. There are many parking options around the CBD. It might be worth checking online to see if there are any apps you can download for parking discounts, which are common in this area.

There are no toll roads within the Australian Capital Territory. Depending on the time of year you visit, you will need to be prepared for different weather conditions. The ACT has several rivers and is prone to flooding, usually between February and April. Listen to local weather reports closely and watch out for road closures. Flash floods can cause roads to close unexpectedly. Never attempt to cross a flooded road.

If you are going to the Snowy Mountains, you can purchase a national park pass in advance. There is an entry fee for vehicles, and single-day passes are available. Take care when driving in winter, and be sure to slow down if it is snowing. Keep your headlights or fog lights on at all times when driving in snow. As icy roads can make fast braking impossible, it's important to maintain safe distances from other vehicles on the roads. The Snowy Mountains roads often have a lot of trucks carrying out essential work. They can be awkward at any time of year, particularly due to the difficulties of overtaking on mountain roads. When snowing, take extra care around large trucks and heavy vehicles. Watch out for bright orange snow poles on mountain roads, and when possible, only drive during daylight hours. The area's animals are most active between dusk and dawn.