Taking a trip by car around Australia is one of a kind, combine the excitement of travel with the many beautiful views and practical stops along the way. Weather you are traveling by a highway along the coast, or making your way through the rough outback, planning your trip is a must to ensure a pleasant and safe experience. This article is aimed at addressing concerns of first time travelers to the continent and covers the most practical aspects of travel including most useful tips, driving etiquette, purchasing fuel and most importantly, the driving culture of Australia.
Core Data
| Driving Side | Fuel Type | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Left | Unleaded/Diesel | Sealed/Unsealed |
Driving etiquette and culture
In Australia, the driver always keeps to the left. this contrasts with most left hand driving coutries, so extra orientation will be needed. It is the right of the driver to remain closest to the center of the road, particularly when making turns or changes to left hand. The left hand lane is the driving lane and is used for every form of driving, except for left hand turns and right hand overtakes, and even then, always within the right hand lane. Road signs with dashed white lines are used for the stages of the overtake. White lines are used for the no overtaking area.
Road rules and civility
Even as a newcomer, maneuvering around Australia is easy due to well defined roads and highways that are paved. More remote areas and the outback are sometimes too rough and unsealed, and so require extra caution. Road civility is widespread with friendly waves to passing cars. Traffic outside cities is usually light, which permits careful driving. Important rules regarding driving at night in remote areas include driving only on marked roads and not driving at night: one can easily run over kangaroos.
Buying Fuel
Most primary routes feature service stations that offer fuel, meaning securing fuel is not challenging. In the outback, however, fuel service stations are few and far between. As a general rule of thumb, to avoid fuel shortage, carry an extra fuel container on long drives. Additionally, fuel prices tend to increase the farther one is from the city-urban center. Therefore, planning stops and regularly checking the tank is essential.[1]
Tips for Safe Travels
Surveys indicate that first-time and novice drivers tend to lag behind in the road sign, speed limit, and general driving custom knowledge. There are many rest areas to stop at in order to rest from long drives, as fatigue is a critical factor to consider on long drives. Isolated driving regions tend to have higher risks, and vehicles tend to be checked less, which is a concerning factor. Most importantly, during long drives, a person is encouraged to carry at least a few liters of drinking water, a map, and a list of phone numbers for emergency contacts in case illness strikes, since mobile phone service is known to be patchy in certain places.
Accommodation and Some Scenic Routes
A road trip across Australia is guaranteed to be enjoyable as it provides the most pleasing views and a wide range of places to stay. Accommodation options include motels, caravan parks, and campgrounds so road- trippers can choose the one that fits their budget the best. Coastal routes offer splendid views of the ocean while the more inland ones uncover Australia’s deserts and diverse wildlife.
FAQs
Q1: For a vacation in Australia, do I need an international driving permit?
Most visitors require an English license with an international driving permit.
Q2: Is driving in the countryside after dark a problem?
In the outback, driving during the time the sun goes down can be dangerous because of the risk of kangaroos and other wildlife.
Q3: Is it possible for an international tourist to book a rental car without too many problems?
Rented cars and campervans are relatively easy to obtain for people travelling
