Driving in Australia
Photo: Philippe Berube, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Driving in Australia is an experience to be savoured. It is a way to experience the wide-open spaces and magnificent natural scenery, and there are so many destinations that can only be experienced by car. Before setting off you should make sure you are well prepared for the Australian driving experience.
UnderstandBeing the world's third most sparsely populated country, Australia's car ownership rate is very high, and the vast majority of adult Australians own cars.
Buy or rent a car?There is a substantial second hand market in cars and campers for backpackers wishing to do extended road trips around Australia. These vehicles are routinely bought and sold through Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.
Campervans and motorhomesDon't assume renting a camper will be a cheaper way of seeing Australia. The cost of fuel varies greatly: fuel costs in outback Australia are much higher than urban areas.
Road rules and safetyDriving is regulated by state government authorities, but there is a fairly consistent set of signage and road rules across Australia.
City drivingTraffic in Australia's major cities can be congested.
Rural drivingOutside of major cities, the main highway between Sydney and Melbourne, and the main motorway between Sydney and Brisbane, Australian highways are mainly two-lane undivided sealed asphalt roads.
Outback drivingIf you are driving in the outback, be prepared for anything. Some roads have little traffic, so there may be a substantial amount of time before anyone will pass should you break down.
FerriesMost car rental companies prohibit you from taking their cars onto the ferries to Tasmania and Kangaroo Island.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Driving in Australia" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Philippe Berube, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons