| Touring Australia by car offers a unique freedom and | | | | The motorways are classified as 'A' routes. Their |
| more and more people choose to traverse this | | | | speed limits are between 60 and 68mph (100 and |
| beautiful land on their own four wheels. For New South | | | | 110kph). 'B' routes are smaller highways, usually having |
| Wales and the Queensland coast, no special | | | | two lanes, but are equally well-maintained. You can |
| considerations need to be taken into account when | | | | comfortably travel at 60mph (100kph). When you get |
| renting a car. Just make sure the seats are nice and | | | | into suburban areas or city driving, this will be |
| soft, as you'll be in the car for long periods. | | | | considered a 'C' route and your speed should not |
| If you're heading for the hinterlands of central Australia, | | | | exceed 30 to 35mph (50 to 60kph). |
| it's a different matter altogether. A four-wheel drive | | | | If you're heading to the outback, regular highway rules |
| vehicle is a must, and you'll need to bring your own | | | | apply, except on the Northern Territory's remote roads. |
| food and water supplies as well as extra fuel. | | | | These roads are long, narrow and straight. For the |
| It is generally a hassle-free experience to rent a car in | | | | most part, these routes are hassle-free, but be |
| Australia. As long as you are staying for less than 6 | | | | prepared for a few potholes and adverse weather |
| months, you can drive anywhere with your driving | | | | conditions. A dust storm will reduce your speed to a |
| licence from home. Australia recognises foreign | | | | crawl. |
| licences and you are not required to use an | | | | Service stations are spread roughly between 60 and |
| international permit. | | | | 200 miles (100 and 300kms) along motorways, many |
| The road rules are fairly straightforward and common | | | | of them open 24 hours, making it easy to travel |
| sense should prevail. Everyone in the car must be | | | | continually. A few hours is all you should undertake in |
| strapped in with a seat belt, while 0.5mg/ml is the legal | | | | one driving session before stopping to rest. The best |
| alcohol limit. The police conduct random stops in all | | | | way to travel is to plan ahead to stop somewhere |
| states. Australians drive on the left-hand side of the | | | | overnight. Having more than one driver will also help |
| road. | | | | the long journeys to pass more easily. |
| The driving age is 16 to 18 years old, depending on the | | | | In the outback, it's not so cut and dry. The operating |
| state. Expect to part with anywhere from A$0.90 to | | | | hours of service station are erratic, and you may not |
| A$1 per litre at the pump. You may notice prices are | | | | find it as easy to use your overseas credit card. As |
| higher in the outback compared to those on a highway | | | | with everything in the outback, it's always better to |
| near Sydney. | | | | plan ahead as there are many more chances to be |
| In developed areas, Australia's motorways are | | | | stranded in this massive desert. One precaution could |
| excellent. They are all paved, wide and uncongested | | | | be to join an auto club. In case of emergency, dial: 13 11 |
| outside of the big cities. They are also simple to | | | | 11 for roadside assistance. |
| navigate with all signs being well-marked. | | | | |