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Despite the vast distances in Australia, this is a country that is best explored by road. Hiring a car or motorhome is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of the nation’s top attractions. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Red Centre, there is so much to see while there. Some care must be taken when on the road however as the wrong decision or a lack of knowledge can easily end up in disaster.
1) Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Law enforcement in Australia is quite strict, especially when it comes to seatbelts. Everyone, including the driver and passengers should wear their safety belts at all times while on the road. This even applies for campervans and larger vehicles. You should also remember that children under seven require special child restraints. Ask your car or motorhome rental firm if they can supply you with these extras so you stay safe and legally compliant while behind the wheel.
2) Obey the Road Rules
If you want your Aussie road trip to go forward without a hitch, you will need to stick to the local laws. In particular, it is important to:
- Drive on the left of the road
- Never drive after drinking
- Overtake only on broken lines
You should also follow the speed limits even if there aren’t any signs. The limits in these unmarked streets vary from state to state so ask your rental agency what they are before departing.
3) Plan Your Intended Route
While independent travel is a smart choice, you should have a good idea of how to get to your destination so you don’t get lost along the way. Pack a map, get a travel app, and ask an expert in campervan hire in Australia what the best route is. In this way, you enjoy your holiday without putting yourself in danger. After all, you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere or get stuck in a flooded back road with no assistance.
4) Never Leave the Vehicle
If you do find yourself stranded on the side of the road, never ever try and walk to the nearest town. Not only are distances quite far but you also put yourself at risk of heat stroke, dehydration and other fatal conditions thanks to the extreme weather. Instead, it’s better to stay with your vehicle where you are protected from the heat, rain and other elements. Additionally, a stranded car is far easier for someone to see than a lone person walking in the wilderness.
5) Remember to Rest Up
As the distance between towns tends to be quite long, you may have to drive many hours at a time. Always get a good night’s sleep before your Aussie road trip. If you are driving by yourself, it is also important to take a break every hour. Fatigue kills too many people on Australian roads, so the local government has installed rest stops every 100 km or so. Take advantage of these to prevent any risks while driving through the outback.
6) Pack Food & Drinks
In order to keep your energy up while driving, you should bring along some high energy snacks. Forget the fatty foods and constant coffee intake and pack:
- Juice
- Water
- Sandwiches
- Nuts
Ensure you have enough drinking water so you can survive for a few days if your car or campervan breaks down as well.
For further details on Australian driving safety and essential road rules, we recommend getting in touch with the local tourism authority or having a discussion with your chosen car or campervan rental agency.
About the Author:
Salamanda Travel is a campervan hire in Australia that lets you discover the lovely landscapes as well as city sights of the land down under by way of holiday motorhomes or campers.
