Car Hire in Australia
If you own a vehicle you really can experience the riches of Australia, as you can reach the places off the beaten track and away from public transport routes.
Compared with the UK, driving in Australian cities is, on the whole, a pleasurable experience. The roads are well maintained and they simply do not suffer from the congestion and traffic that are the cause of so much frustration in other countries. However, in some rural areas some places can be hard to access without a four-wheel drive as dirt roads are common.
- When planning a journey that is on unfamiliar roads or terrain, purchase an up to date map and ensure that you have a vehicle that is suitable for your trip, as you could easily find yourself on a route that can only be accessed by four-wheel drives.
- Do make sure that you have water and a spare tyre, and never leave your vehicle especially if you are not familiar with the area. Make sure someone knows that you are travelling so that they can raise the alarm if necessary.
Speed limits are 50-60 kilometres per hour (kph) in populated areas, and 100-110 kph on open roads - the equivalent of 31-37 and 62-68 mph, respectively. There are no speed limits on the open road in the Northern Territory. Limits in school areas are usually around 40 kph (25 mph). Surveillance of speeders and drink-driving (the legal limit is a tough .05% blood-alcohol level) is thorough, and penalties are high. Seat belts are mandatory nationwide for drivers and all passengers.
Renting a Car
- Avis. www.avis.com.au
- Budget. www.budget.com.au
- Hertz. www.hertz.com.au
- Thrifty. www.thrifty.com.au
