Car hire in Australia

Australia is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, offering visitors the chance to explore some of the most rugged and remote regions on the planet as well as world-famous harbour cities such as Sydney. Given the distances involved in travelling here, many visitors choose to fly around the country, but if you purchase car hire in Australia with us then this will offer you a much better way to get off the beaten track. Conveniently, this website’s search form offers customers the opportunity to compare Australia car hire from several top suppliers, such as Budget, Hertz and Avis.

Car hire driving tips in Australia

Given the huge numbers of backpackers and young travellers who explore Australia each year, it is unsurprising to find that rates are set accordingly. There really are some great deals on offer with Australia car rental companies. However, there are particular challenges when driving on Australian roads in remote areas. While the rewards are great, these trips should not be taken lightly, and travellers must ensure they have enough fuel, water and spare parts before setting off. It is well worth taking local advice as Australians are naturally used to local conditions. Book cheap car hire in Australia with us and you will save loads to put towards your travel expenses.

Need to know essentials

Driving licences: any license written in English allows travellers to drive in Australia as a tourist. However, those who hold a license written in another language will require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Which side does Australia drive on: the left.

Speed limits:

Highways and freeways: 100-130kph

Rural areas: 100-110kph

Built-up areas: 50-60kph

School zones: 25-80kph (depending on the kind of road)

Alcohol limits: 0.05 per cent or 50mg/100ml; anything over this results in a mandatory court appearance. Random drug and alcohol tests are common.

Compulsory items: headlamp convertors.

Driving age: as young as 16 years in some states (21 years for drivers who wish to hire a car).

Seatbelts: must be worn in all seats. Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine of AU$250 per unsecured person, payable by the driver.

Mobile phones and GPS: using a mobile phone without a hands-free kit while driving is prohibited in all Australian states. Trips should be well planned and all GPS devices preset before departure.

Cost of fuel in Australia: petrol in Australia is generally half of the cost of petrol in the UK, so if you purchase budget car hire in Australia then you can save even more money during your travels. However, the cost can vary throughout the week, with fuel on Wednesdays tending to be cheaper than fuel at weekends.

Car hire and fuel payment: by credit card is the typical method of payment, but many Australia rental car suppliers also accept cash and debit cards. The main driver must usually hold a credit card for the purpose of a bond when hiring a car. All major credit cards are accepted at petrol stations.

Insurance: is usually included in the cost but tends to have a large excess, which is payable by the driver in the event of an accident. Many budget car rental firms in Australia offer excess-reduction for an additional fee.

Traffic and parking: parking in Australian cities can be expensive. Commercial car parks in cities tend to charge hourly rates during the week or flat rates at weekends. There are also on-street meters which are operated by local authorities. Those drivers that don’t mind a short walk to popular attractions can often find unrestricted, free-of-charge street parking.

Our travel editor’s recommended drives

Great Ocean Road – beautifully carved from the Victorian coastline, the Great Ocean Road provides some of the most breathtaking sea views in the Southern Hemisphere. Travellers have the chance to see the Twelve Apostles rise majestically from the seabed, before stopping at Port Campbell National Park for equally great vistas.

Alice Springs and the Red Centre – nowadays, many travellers fly directly to Uluru to enjoy the stunning sunsets behind this famous red rock. However, driving from Alice Springs allows visitors to take in the Red Centre’s other magnificent sights on the way. These include the amazing King’s Canyon, whose rim walk is must-do for any keen hiker.

Gibb River Road – this is one for the more adventurous. Travellers with a four-wheel drive vehicle can take on this 709km cattle track between Kununurra and Derby in Western Australia. Drivers on this route are unlikely to meet another soul but seeing the sunrise above some of Australia’s most dramatic mountain ranges will be an unforgettable experience. Probably not the place to take your hire car in Australia!

Australia travel tips

Since the advent of affordable air travel, British travellers have been flocking to Australia in large numbers. Apart from the weather, some parts of the country are similar to the UK. However, it is always good practice to research some of the finer details about any country before departure. This way, a trip of a lifetime can go much more smoothly.

Australia weather and tourist seasons

Given the huge size of the country, travellers should expect to experience a range of climates, depending on the region they visit. Summer (December to February) can be defined by the tropical north and the sub-tropical south. At this time, the tropics experience their wet season, while the south is dry and hot. In the winter (June to August), this is reversed somewhat, but the south can experience much cooler temperatures in the winter season than the north. Travellers can expect tourist destinations to be crowded from Christmas until the end of January, when most Australians take their annual holidays.

Australia contact numbers (+61)

Emergency services - 000 (mobiles – 112)

British High Commission – 61 2 6270 6666

Canadian High Commission – 61 2 6270 4000

US Embassy – 61 2 6214 5600

Irish Embassy – 61 2 6273 3022

South African High Commission – 61 2 6272 7300

Australian Tourist Commission – 61 2 9360 1111

Holidays and festivals

Many Australian public holidays take place during the summer months, particularly Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and Australia Day (26 January). The Sydney Harbour area is well known for its magnificent fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve and Australia Day. The four-day Easter holiday usually falls in March or April, around the same time as ANZAC Day (25 April), which honours Australia’s military veterans. Most states also celebrate the Queen’s Birthday (second Monday in June, September in Western Australia) as well as Labour Day.

Money matters

The Australian dollar (AU$) is Australia’s currency, with travellers able to find dedicated currency exchange booths in city centres, yet rates vary widely so visitors should shop around before changing any cash. ATMs across the country accept overseas cards with the Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus or Maestro symbols. Banks change most currencies; however, they often add a local surcharge, which is usually around AU$2.

Health and safety

Special vaccinations are not required for travel to Australia. However, visitors susceptible to mosquito bites should be aware that several viruses are carried by mosquitoes here. Travellers to Queensland should take increased preventative measures against mosquito bites in February, at the start of the annual dengue fever season. The Australian sun is extremely strong and a sun block is recommended. Five of the 10 deadliest snakes and spiders are found in Australia.

Fitting in…

Australians are well known for their casual manner and tourists will find that formalities are rare. Locals will usually address others by their first name, and visitors should expect to do the same. Many Australians are sports lovers so visitors should be prepared for friendly banter regarding their favourite sport. It might seem that Australians are eager to make fun of others at times, but this teasing is usually good-natured and they can take as much as they give out!

Visas for Australia

All travellers to Australia require a valid visa. However, obtaining a visa is fairly straightforward for visitors from most Western countries. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship offers ‘e-Visitor’ visas free of charge. Alternatively, visitors can get an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa directly from a travel agent or airline carrier. This service is subject to an administration charge.

Electricity

Australian electricity outlets operate at 240 Volts, 50 Hertz, with most only accepting plugs with two V-shaped flat prongs. As such, visitors arriving from the UK will require a plug adaptor for their three-pin appliances. Travellers with appliances running on a lower voltage will also require a suitable transformer.

Business hours
Australian business hours generally run from 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday. Shops in larger cities tend to open at weekends. Some retail outlets host a late-night shopping night on Thursday or Friday, opening until 21:00. However, many rural retailers operate along more traditional hours, closing all day on Sunday, with token weekend hours on Saturday mornings.

Helpful phrases

G’day - Hello

In the arvo – In the afternoon

Have a barbie – Have a barbecue

Tea – This word can refer to the main evening meal

No worries – everything is okay

That’s bonzer– That is fantastic

Chuck a U-ey – Do a u-turn

Fair dinkum – truly, honestly

Resources online

www.wikitravel.org

www.ukinaustralia.fco.gov.uk