First-timers’ guide to driving in Australia

Roundabouts (traffic circles) operate in a clockwise direction – give way to the right. Give way to the right at intersections, too. If you’re driving a manual (stick shift) car you’ll need to get used to changing gears with your left hand, rather than your right. Indicators and windscreen wipers may also be on the opposite side of the steering wheel than you’re used to, but the brake and accelerator pedals are always in the same place. 

It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, even if you are stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. If you are using your phone for navigation, make sure you have a hands-free cradle for it.

The blood alcohol limit is 0.05; police conduct random breath and drug tests on roadsides all across the country, and it is a criminal offence to drive under the influence.

Australia uses the metric system, so all measurements and speed limits are in kilometres, not miles. You should always drive to suit the weather conditions, but the speed limit in urban areas is 50 kilometres per hour unless otherwise signposted. Most other roads have a maximum speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour, although some highway stretches allow 110 kilometres per hour. On all open roads, however, lower speed limits are frequently indicated, particularly around schools. Don’t be tempted to speed, because highway police are very strict about enforcing speed limits – in some states even driving one or two kilometres over the limit is enough to get you charged, and hidden speed cameras are widely used. The fines are sent to your car hire company and if you don’t pay it could come off your credit card or security bond. 

Always park on the left-hand side of the road. It is illegal to park facing oncoming traffic. Check for any parking signs – 2P, for example, means you can park for two hours, 3P for three – the rules are also strictly enforced and if you overstay the allowed time you may be fined. 

In Australia, gas stations are known as petrol stations, but most people just call them “servos” (short for 'service station'). They are good for toilet breaks as well as stocking up on fuel, drinks and snacks. You’ll find servos at regular intervals on all major highways. In remote areas they are often called roadhouses and will have cafes and accommodation attached. 

Many of the motorways in our capital cities are toll roads and need to be paid with an electronic tag or pass. You can hire these along with your car or campervan, or you can buy a visitor pass from the local state roads and traffic authority website before you hit the road. In most cases you can also pay online up to three days after you use the road. The website or a phone number will be displayed at the toll gates. 

The Great Alpine Road is a stunning mountain drive across the Australian Alps, and South Australia’s Flinders Ranges is one of the Australian bushland's most scenic landscapes. If you’re a taste bud traveller, spend a week or two road tripping through the wine regions north of Adelaide, or spend a bit longer on a lap of Tasmania, where every road, it seems, is a scenic one.