So, you wanna hit the wide-open Aussie road and see what a sun burn is all about?

 

Hold your horses, you need the instructions on how to stay safe and where to go. Luckily, this guide is here to give you the top safety tips. But for locations, you are going to have to become a member. 

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Better get that checked.

 

You have your international driver's license and your off to pick up your dream Aussie car. Renting? Unfortunately you need to be over 21 in Australia to rent. Buying? Make sure to take your time and do due diligence, you don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere needing a helicopter to pick you up.

 

When purchasing a vehicle, it is always best to take it to a mechanic yourself to have a professional make sure the vehicle will last its purpose and get you home safe.

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Top car rental companies in Australia:

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1. Avis: Known for its extensive fleet of vehicles and convenient locations

2. Budget: Budget-friendly options without compromising on quality

3. Thrifty: Similar to Budget, Thrifty provides affordable car rental solutions with a focus on value.

4. Hertz: Wide range of vehicles and excellent customer service.

5. Europcar: Flexibility and convenience

6. Redspot: Local a focus on customer satisfaction and competitive pricing.

7. Campervan Co: Campervan and motorhome rentals and sales. They can fit out a vehicle for you.

8. Jucy: Range of campervan models and customization options.

9. Wicked Campers: Quirky and colourful campervans. Offer customization options and fit outs​

 

Buying a car in Australia:

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1. CarSales.com: Australia's premier car sales platform for all cars

2. Backpacker Cars: Customises and fits out used cars for affordable travel (follow on instagram @backpackercars)

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Top Tips for Hitting the Dusty Trail

 

Aussie roads are as diverse as the country itself. You'll cruise down smooth highways, tackle bumpy outback tracks, and navigate bustling city streets.

 

Stay safe no matter where your wheels take you:
 

• Drop a Line to ya cobber.
  Always let someone know your itinerary, especially if you're venturing into never never. Mobile reception can be patchy out there, so a good old-fashioned heads up is essential.
   

• Blown out bombshell.
  If your car thinks your having a good time and wants its own holiday, the most important thing is to stay with the vehicle. It's much easier for help to find you next to a big rig than you waltzing into the hidden outback pub.
   

• Even been thirsty? Welcome to Australia.
  The dry heat of Australia is a real hard soccer punch and will make you cling to your water through day and night. Where dehydration can turn your trip into a nightmare on elm street, pack plenty of water – at least 2-4 litres per person daily (in some places this can easily be doubled). Dehydration is a real buzzkill, so keep that water bottle handy! 
   

• Road Trip Ready.
  Before you set off, check online resources for road closures and weather updates. While sealed roads are more predictable than unsealed, nobody wants to get stuck in a cyclone flooded riverbed, now do they? If you are struggling checking online, local Visitor Information Centres are there to help.
   

• No Service? No Worries.
  Aussie mobile reception can be a bit iffy in remote areas. Telstra is your best bet for coverage Optus is alright too, but consider grabbing a local SIM card or downloading offline maps (like Waze) for backup. Having a GPS device is a good idea too, just in case! 
   

• Fuelling Up
  Fuel stations can be spaced far apart, so staying informed about their locations is essential to avoid running out of gas. Keep up to date and plan acccordingly. Jerry cans can be a lifesaver. 

 

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Packing Must-Haves:

Don't Be a Bogan Tourist

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• Safety First.
  Get yourself a first aid kit and a snake bite kit if you are exploring the great outdoors. Better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to our slithery friends (although unlikely to be an issue). Plus, you could make your way to Aussie fame by saving someone else.
   

• Cash is King (Sometimes).
  While credit cards are widely accepted, some outback towns are cash-only. Don't get caught short – stash some emergency cash in a secure location.
  
   

Clueless Cobber Tips

 

Unlike many countries in the world, Australia drives on the left side of the road. So ditch any muscle memory you might have and get ready to become a temporary lefty.

 

Here are some other driving tips to keep in mind:

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• Corrugated Chaos.
  Bumpy outback roads are a bone shaker. You will learn new things on your body that jiggle that you didn't think was possible. There's some tricks when facing these roads and your decision is a trade-off between comfort and safety. For comfort, drive fast and the car will have less touch on the ground but this has a big cost of low traction, low control, and high crash risk. 
   

• Long Drives Deserve Short Breaks.
  There's no question about it, long distances are part of the Aussie adventure no matter how hard you try to keep things short. Make sure to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and consider sharing the driving duties if you're traveling with mates. A good general rule is to stop every 2 hours for a 15 minute break.
   

• How fast can you go?
  Generally, the speed limit is 100 km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in towns. Don't be a speed demon and spoil the fun for yourself or other drivers. Keep an eye out for speed signs, stop signs, bridge signs, and even animal signs notifying you that animals are likely to be on roads.
   

• Day Time Driving.
  Try your best to reach your destination during day light hours, at least 1 hour before sunset and wait 1 hour after sunrise if you are an early riser. This will significantly reduce your risk of crashing into a Kangaroo or Wombat. You're bound to see a few lazing around.
   

• Don't Drink and Drive You Drongo.
  This one's a no-brainer. The legal BAC limit is 0.05%, which is about 2 small beers or a glass of wine. But it's always best to avoid alcohol altogether if you're behind the wheel.
   

• Avoid Being a Bogan
  Seatbelts and Phones? Not a Choice. Wear your seatbelt at all times, and keep your phone away unless it's hands-free. Nobody likes a texter behind the wheel! In Australia, it is a serious offence to drive with your phone on your lap.

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Beyond Driving Safety.
 

• Said it once, I'll keep saying it
  Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide. The hot sun down under makes Australia and New Zealand the 2 most prevalent countries to get skin cancer. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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• Between The Flags
  When swimming in patrolled Australian beaches, you have red and yellow flags, everyone swims in them and surfers surf by the side. These areas change daily based on water conditions and are the most supervised area by lifeguards. Avoid swimming alone and never at dark. This is when sharks are most likely to come for a bite. And never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   

• Rivers, Creeks, Ponds, and Lakes
  Always read the safety signs before going in fresh water and always take time getting in. You never know what hazards and dangers might be present like  submerged logs and snags. 
   

• Wild Animals.
  Wild animals can be unpredictable, only approach with professional guidance. When you see signs near water, be extra vigilant to not accidentally go for a swim with a croc or enter shark infested waters. 
   

• Campfires.
  The rustic dream of hitting the road, setting up camp, and building a fire. Yeah, fires are for winter. Summer conditions can pose serious risk for the smallest ember starting a state wide fire and national disaster. Always check online for local fire conditions.
   

• Local Advice
  Visitor Information Centres are an excellent source for specific information. You can get local advice and at the same time pick up travel brochures and maps. 
   

• Special Access Permits
  When crossing lands, there may be times where you might go on private property and require mandatory permits. These focus on educating you on staying safe.
   

• Walking on poorly marked trails
  While at the time you may feel confident that you know the way, it only takes a couple minutes for you to become distracted and become lost. It is always best practice, if you have to walk on poorly marked trails that you have company. When conditions are exceptionally poor, leaving a signal marker can be the difference between getting back to your start point or spending multiple nights lost.