Australia is known for its great outback - a vast, unpopulated and mainly arid area that comprises the country's interior and remote coasts. However, tucked away in the northern corner of the continent lies a tropical oasis that is the gateway to one of the seven wonders of the world.


The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

We were recently in Cairns, Australia, to experience the Australian tropics in all its glory. Unfortunately, we did not get to rub noses with the Great Barrier Reef but we did get the next best thing - a visit to the newly opened Cairns Aquarium, which houses more than 15,000 species of flora and fauna.

There's more to Cairns than just fish, though. The city boasts an established coffeeshop scene, a rich Aboriginal history dating back over 40,000 years, and the country's largest continuous area of tropical rainforest - the Daintree. Oh and, not to mention, some of the most scenic coastal roads in the country.

King of the concrete jungle

To be honest, driving around the city wasn't all that fun, thanks to the sheer number of roundabouts and traffic lights. However, this task was made less trying in the BMW X3, which was born and bred in the concrete jungle. Where larger Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) would struggle, the new X3 thrives, breezing through city streets despite its larger proportions. In fact, when combined with sharp and accurate steering, the mid-size SUV nips and zips around town in a manner comparable to cars much smaller than itself.

Thankfully, we didn't spend much time driving in the city. With our destination in sight, we set off on a journey that would take us from the concrete jungle of Cairns, past forests, mountains and a golden chain of beaches, and on to the tropical oasis of Port Douglas.


Long way round

The most direct route from Cairns to Port Douglas is a pretty short and disappointing one (it takes about an hour), which is why we took a little detour. Heading south first then back up north, we took on meandering mountainous roads and a good amount of gravel roads.

You'd think an SUV like the X3 wouldn't be do too well in the twisties. But you'd be wrong. It sticks to the road with confidence and minimal body roll, thanks to an improved chassis and suspension setup that offers up a well-sorted ride through the corners.

Take it off the beaten track and the X3 does just as well, with the German marque's xDrive system keeping everything in check for an off-road experience that doesn't involve an ambulance or a tow truck.

Do it all, do it well

The BMW X3 may not be the best in any one thing. But it does everything you'd expect from a do-it-all SUV and it does it well. It thrives in the city, holds it own off-road, and does it all without sacrificing everyday usability. From the great Australian Outback to its tropical hinterlands, the BMW X3 feels right at home.