Explore Australia by Car
The world’s smallest continent and largest island is Australia. It is almost as large as the 48 adjoining U.S.. With 20.4 million people, largely focused in the eastern and southeastern coastal urban areas. This means that there are tremendous open spaces to explore in the remainder of the country, and this can be best done by car. Lovely coast lines, inland mountainous regions and verdant tropical forests with exotic plants and wild life are there for the traveller to see.
You can easily arrange for a car rental at the airport or hotel with an international drivers license or a valid American or European drivers licence. There are heaps of car hire companies offering various kinds of vehicles, from assorted makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is always a vehicle type to suit any need or requirement. Just to exemplify, those who love camping out can get camper vans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come fitted with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Some even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini-kitchen. There are four-wheel-drives that would be suitable for more rough terrain. If you are travelling on a budget, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars, if you want to travel in style.
If you are visiting Australia from another country, you should be knowledgeable with the driving conditions: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. Expect the car hire company to provide thorough information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), what to do in case of emergency, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation beforehand will ensure a successful and enjoyable car vacation in Australia.
