5 Rules for Successful Road Trip in Australia
If you gear up for a trip to Australia soon, this article will provide five tips for successful travel. Get to know various regulations, driving etiquette, and main destinations with activities there. Although everything seems similar to what you are accustomed to, you will notice some local peculiarities. Thus, let us begin!
Rent car easily
If you want to explore the country without spending time on public transport, renting a car is the perfect option. You can choose any vehicle, rent a 7 seater minivan or an SUV, or a compact car, that matches your needs with Rental24h.com.
Preorder your transport long ahead of your trip to choose from a broader selection and lower prices.
Drive carefully
Driving in Australia isn’t all that scary. Get ready because locals move on the left side of the road. That means that driver’s chair is on the right. It takes time to get used to that, right? Thus, count on your driving experience. About the latter, in Australia, car rental is possible for at least 21 years olds with additional fees. Extra daily surcharges do not apply if a renter is older than 25. When coming to the rental car office, bring ID, insurance, a credit card, and a driving license. Make sure documents will not expire soon. Likewise, your CC must have enough available money.
Australia can boast of the world’s longest, largest, and broadest transport, the road trains. They weigh up to 200 tons and can be 175.5 ft long, pulling two or more trailers. If you meet it on your way, you will inevitably want to overtake them. How to do that correctly? Be ultimately careful! You will need at least a kilometer of the open road. Take your time moving away at least a few cars. When it is safe to overtake, indicate your intention, move to the center line and do that.
Park as a local
There are two official parking styles in Australia: angled parking and parallel parking. When parking at an angle, check the road markings. Some places require a 90-degree parking position, while another allows a 45-degree parking angle. If you need to make a parallel park, you must ensure that your car stands in the same direction as the traffic goes. Read as much information on parking regulations as possible. The more you know the easier you solve tasks.
Learn traffic signs and rules
Most road signs in Australia are general as in the entire world, for example, warning signs and speed limits. Jet, there are local road signs. Only there, you may see kangaroos crossing the roads. You need to know the signs for, additionally, koala crossing, wombat crossing, and other warnings regarding animals and livestock that roam Australia’s highways. That is vividly important to your safety.
Unlike some war-torn countries, Australian police checkpoints are primarily for immigration, DUI regulation (sobriety checkpoints), and medical emergencies. If you come across a checkpoint, the authorities will most likely ask for your driver’s license and some details related to the purpose of coming. In your turn, you have a right to ask them why they made you stop. The same refers to the police. Show your best intentions by following the guidelines of the police. Yet, remember you can avoid replying to non-related questions.
Plan your route
Australia is a country of unique beauty with the capital Canberra. Despite its large dimensions, likely to the USA’s ones, there are about fifty kilometers from the coast habitable. It results in a one-hour drive between cities. Create your itinerary of desired places to attend. If you dream of spending time observing urbanistic views, landmarks, and the indigenous culture, that is such an opportunity! Likewise, we recommend turning to nature. Australia possesses a variety of landscapes. There, rainforests dwell next to the mountain ranges and deserts. Rent a minivan for cheap, pack your backpacks and go! In addition, there are also Tasmania and other smaller islands here.
Australians are calm, friendly people, so there is no problem asking for directions if you’re polite. There is also no particular way to address strangers. However, if you need a first conversation starter, you can always start by “excuse me.” Likewise, Australians don’t formally say “Sir” and “Ma’am.”
Australia is the perfect travel destination. It can suit any taste, budget, age, or interest. It gives a unique experience that is not possible to find anywhere else. Have a good trip!
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