Driving in Australia can be challenging for all your senses, emotions, natural instinct and concentration, especially if you are American or Continental Europe where right-hand driving means 'right-hand side'.
Here are a few things to 'When driving in Australia' to consider:
1. Australian driving on the left hand side of the road which may be 'right' for them but if you are driving behind an Australian car tire remember that oncoming traffic will be closer to you to your right. It is not uncommon for travelers arriving in Australia from left-handed places to get into an accident shortly after leaving the airport in their new shiny rental car because they were able to get off the wrong side of the road. This also often happens in popular tourist attractions such as the Great Ocean Road near the southern coast of Victoria.
2. The rare Australian wildlife likes to face cars, especially those that appear in front of them at dusk or at night. Although a collision with a heavy kangaroo or wombat will likely leave your car unattended, do not attempt to turn it around when facing wildlife. If it is safe to slow down, do so, but do not turn around to avoid it, as you may end up driving on the side of the road to one of the large Australian Gum trees, which, while at home, C Australia's Cuddly Koalas do not excuse any impending traffic or traffic. Yes this means let your car hit the animal if you can avoid it.
3. Australian-made cars have indicators and windscreen erasers on one side of the right-hand European cars. So although you are sure to turn on the wipers if you want to turn left or right, or pointers to clear the water on the windscreen, familiarize the controls so that you can at least fix any error.
4. Speed limits in Australia are a controversial issue even for Australian drivers and can vary several times over short distances in residential areas and lead to regional cities or departures. There are also different speed limits from time to time in different school areas and districts throughout Australia may have different high speed limits. All speed limits are well marked so look at the signs you will be fine.
5. If you go to Victoria and enter the city of Melbourne you will see signs of so-called 'Hook turns'. These 'Hook Turns' have nothing to do with pirates, instead they are designed to encourage traffic flow and require drivers to turn right from the left lane. Yes it sounds downhill but take a moment to remember where you are. Here's how it works: If you want to turn right at a crossroads symbolized by the 'Hook Turn' sign, enter on the left lane and enter the intersection. Once in the middle of the road you walk to the far left side of the left-hand lane (your right direction is open). Wait for the red traffic lights in front of you and, after looking at your right shoulder to see other vehicles, complete your right turn into the opposite lane and proceed as usual. If you rent a car ask the receptionists to explain in detail the examples.
6. Australia is a large country and many remote rural roads are long and rarely used. If you use any of these remote roads make sure you carry water and food in case of an emergency. If your car dies, never, never, never (I said "NEVER") leave your car. Search operators are more likely to be able to find you in your car than if you decide to walk and expose yourself to high temperatures during the day and night.
7. Finally, Australia is a beautiful country that you can travel and experience in your own car. While the above factors may make driving in Australia seem risky, some of the minor challenges we face as travelers when visiting any country that does not belong to us. They are about to say be careful when driving in an unfamiliar area and return home with the good news of driving on the wrong side of the road!
Australia is well represented by a number of car rental companies including Budget and Drive Now. There are also a number of other operators who can provide everything from small to large vehicles that are self-contained and portable.
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