Hiring a rental car and driving around Australia is simply the best way to discover the Great Southern Land. Many visitors to our shores, as well as the locals, choose to take the car hire option, and they are rewarded with some of the most beautiful drives, scenery and landscapes in the world.
Driving in Australia is a pleasant and exciting experience, but as with any other country in the world, there are rules and guidelines that should be abided by to make the experience as safe and hassle-free as possible. Some of these rules may be regarded common-sense and are generally universal, yet some are more specific to Australia. While driving in the Australia, recognition of the following guidelines is essential:
Round-a-bouts
Roundabouts are a common place on Australian roads, particularly in regional and country towns and cities. Some are reasonably small and feature only one lane, while others have multiple lanes and can sprout into five or more streets and roads. Roundabouts are generally confusing so knowing the basics will come in really handy.
On a roundabout, you basically have to give way to all the traffic that is already driving in the roundabout. Always travel in a clockwise direction and be sure to use your indicator when exiting the roundabout. This will avoid confusion and will inform all other vehicles of your intentions.
Speed Limits
Speed limits are highly enforceable on Australian roads and ample signage ensures drivers always know what speed they should be travelling. As a general rule, the speed limit in residential areas is 50 kilometres per hour, in local built-up areas it is 60 kilometres per hour and highways generally allow you to travel at 100 kilometres per hour.
Signs indicate the maximum speed that should be travelled in a particular area, yet this is just a guideline of the speed that should not be exceeded. If you do exceed these limits, you will incur a heavy fine that MUST be paid.
Driving in the Australian Outback
The great Australian outback is a major drawing card of our amazing country and is home to such attractions as Uluru, the Nullarbor Plain and the Simpson Desert. The best way to truly discover the outback and to get right into the heart of it is to drive in it.
The very first thing that you need to do before you embark on your exploration of the outback is to ensure that your rental vehicle is suitable to be driving this particular terrain. Ensure that the insurance option you have chosen will cover you out here as the outback is home to many unsealed roads, which insurance companies tend not to like. A 4WD is the best option in the outback as it will allow you to take the beaten track and discover some of Australia's most hidden treasures.
Although the landscapes here are spectacular and seem to stretch for endless miles, the outback can be dangerous and hazards seem to pop up around every twist and bend. Keep in mind that driving distances in Australia are enormous so you should always plan ahead and allow for plenty of time to reach your destination. Be sure to take frequent breaks and swap the driving as much as possible; staring at the open road for hours on end can become very tiresome.
Some of Australia's most unique wildlife calls the outback home so you are almost guaranteed to spot a kangaroo. However, they usually like to come out at dusk, making driving at this time particularly risky. You should also keep a close eye open for other wildlife and wandering cattle because essentially, this is their land.
If driving during the wet season (which usually occurs between the months of November/December to April/May), beware of flooding!
Australian Licences
When visiting Australia, you may travel in a rental car for up to three months if you hold a valid overseas driver's licence. This licence must be carried at all times keep in mind that a translation of it may be required (if it is in a language other than English). After your three months is up and you want to extend your car hire holiday, you will need to obtain an International Driver's Permit. This permit will serve as a translation of you licence, which is officially recognised Australia wide.
Some General Tips
When driving on Australia roads, here are just a few more things to keep in mind:
1. Don't forge that we drive on the left side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car.
2. Beware of kangaroos while driving at night.
3. All speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour.
4. Ensure occupants of the rental car always wear a seat belt.
5. Always remember to carry a current driver's licence.
6. Do not drive whilst using a mobile phone; you may incur a heavy fine and it is dangerous
7. Do not drink alcohol and drive; the blood alcohol limit in Australia is .05.
