Australia’s public highways are generally well-maintained, and most cities and towns are clustered around these routes. However, the majority of highways run along the coasts; only a few split the center of the continent. Many sparsely populated towns are only accessible via unpaved roads, and public transportation in these areas is spotty at best. National and state parks present similar problems, although some can be explored via tour buses. To travel on most outback roads and in national parks, you will probably need a four-wheel-drive vehicle (4WD or AWD), which can double the cost of renting or buying. Shop ahead of time and be aware that some trips may be quite expensive.
Most of Australia’s popular coastal destinations are connected by train and bus companies. However, a sizable chunk of outdoorsy destinations are best accessed by car. A 2WD will suffice most of these sights, but if you’re planning to hit the center of the country or do any serious driving through national parks, you’re going to want a 4WD. This can be extremely expensive for an individual, but it can be relatively cost-efficient if split between a group. Despite the recent leaps in gas prices, car-rental is still pretty popular among Australia’s tourists, and so it’s usually possible to use a 2WD for most of the journey and only rent a 4WD when in areas that call for it.
You can generally make reservations before you leave by calling major international offices in your home country. It’s a good idea to cross-check this information with local agencies as well. The local desk numbers are included in town listings; for home-country numbers, call your toll-free directory.
To rent a car in Australia, you generally need to be at least 21 years old. Some agencies require renters to be 25, and most charge drivers 21-24 an additional insurance fee ($7-24 per day). Small local operations occasionally rent to people under 21, but be sure to ask about the insurance coverage and deductible, and always check the fine print. Rental agencies in Australia include:
Rental car prices start at around $45 per day from national companies and $35 from local agencies. Expect to pay more for larger cars, and be prepared to empty your pockets for 4WD. Cars with automatic transmission can cost $3-10 per day more than cars with manual transmission (stick shift). It can often be difficult to find an automatic 4WD at all.
Remember that if you are driving a conventional rental vehicle on an unpaved road, you are almost never covered by insurance; ask about this before leaving the rental agency. Be aware that cars rented on American Express or Visa/MasterCard Gold or Platinum credit cards in Australia might not carry the automatic insurance that they would in some other countries; check with your credit card company. Insurance plans from rental companies almost always come with an excess of around $3000 for conventional vehicles; excess ranges up to around $5000 for younger drivers and for 4WD. This means that the insurance bought from the rental company only applies to damages over the excess; damages up to that amount must be covered by your existing insurance plan. Some rental companies in Australia require you to buy a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which will waive the excess in the case of a collision. Loss Damage Waivers (LDWs) do the same in the case of theft or vandalism.
National chains often allow one-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another). There is usually a minimum hire period and sometimes an extra drop-off charge of up to several hundred dollars.
Buying and reselling used cars is a popular option for long-term travelers or those too young to rent. Automotive independence can cost under $5000. However, used car dealers have been known to rip off foreigners, especially backpackers. Do some research before hitting the lots or searching through classifieds. Alternatively, ask a trustworthy Aussie about reasonable prices; some people recommend bringing a local along when purchasing a car.
Buying from a private owner or fellow traveler is often a cheaper alternative. In many cities, private sellers rent space at used car lots where buyers are free to stroll around and haggle. Hostel or university bulletin boards are another good bet. In Sydney, check the weekly Trading Post on Thursdays (or online at www.tradingpost.com.au) for used car advertisements, and the Daily Telegraph Mirror and Sydney Morning Herald on Saturdays. Also check out Craigslist (http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/au) and Gumtree (www.gumtree.com.au).
Remember that seasons effect regional travel and therefore have an impact on vehicle prices. Vehicles are also easier to sell if they are registered in the state where they are being sold— interstate registration transfers can be a hassle. If you buy a car privately, check the registration papers against the license of the person who is selling the car. Australia’s national consumer website also has good information about buying used cars (www.consumersonline.gov.au).
When buying a car, call the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (☎13 32 20) or check online at www.revs.nsw.gov.au to confirm that a vehicle is unencumbered—meaning that it hasn’t been reported as stolen and has no outstanding financial obligations or traffic warrants. You’ll need to provide the registration, engine, and VIN/chassis numbers of the vehicle.
Within two weeks of purchase, you’ll need to register the car in your name at the local Road and Traffic Authority (RTA). Transferring the registration (or “rego”) costs 3% of the price paid for the vehicle. Local automobile organizations can always help. Further information on vehicle registration in Australia can be found at www.australia.gov.au/Registration_&_Licences.
Australian driving laws are managed by the individual state or territory. You can generally drive on your existing license for three months without penalty—if it’s written in English. However, if you plan to drive a car for longer than three months, or if your home country’s license is not in English, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP functions as a translation of your license, printed in 11 languages. Even if your home license is valid, it may be a good idea to get one anyway, as it doubles as a form of photo identification.
Your IDP, valid for one year, must be issued in your own country before you depart. An application for an IDP usually requires one or two photos, a current local license, an additional form of identification, and a fee. To apply, contact your home country’s automobile association. You must be 18 to apply. Be vigilant when purchasing an IDP online or anywhere other than your home automobile association. Many vendors sell permits of questionable legitimacy for higher prices. Also be aware that an IDP is not valid by itself; you will also need to carry your actual license with it.
Most credit cards cover standard insurance. If you rent, lease, or borrow a car, you will need a green card, or International Insurance Certificate, to certify that you have liability insurance and that it applies abroad. Green cards can be obtained at most car rental agencies, most car dealers (for those leasing cars), some travel agents, and some border crossings.
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. Therefore, in unmarked intersections, a driver must yield to vehicles entering the intersection from the right. By law, seat belts must be worn at all times by all persons riding in the vehicle. Children less than 40 lb. should ride in a car seat, available for a small fee at most rental agencies. Gasoline (petrol) prices vary, but average about $1.70 per liter in cities and around $1.60 per liter in outlying areas. The speed limit in most cities is 50kph and 100 or 110kph on highways. The Northern Territory has the most lenient limits in the country, with highway speeds capped at 130kph. State and territorial authorities, particularly those in Queensland, will sometimes use radar guns to patrol well-traveled roads, and some intersections are even equipped with cameras to catch offenders.
While Australia’s cities are plagued by typical urban traffic problems, its more rural routes present some extreme dangers. See Great Outdoors for an extensive list of hazards, like wildlife, road conditions, and car maintenance.
The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) is the national umbrella organization for all of the local automobile organizations. You won’t often see it called the AAA, though; in most states, the local organization is called the Royal Automobile Club (RAC). In New South Wales and the ACT, it’s the National Royal Motorist Association (NRMA). In the Northern Territory, it’s the Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT). Services—from breakdown assistance to map provision—are similar to those offered by automobile associations in other countries. Most overseas organizations have reciprocal membership with AAA (including AAA in the US; AA and RAC in the UK; NZAA in New Zealand). Bring proof of your membership to Australia, and you’ll be able to use AAA facilities free of charge. If, for some reason, your membership is not honored, your AAA at home will usually reimburse you for fees incurred. It’s possible to join AAA through any state’s automobile organization. Let’s Go lists the location of the regional automobile organization in each state or territory introduction.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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