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Driving in Australia
If you are a visitor and you hold a valid driver's license then you have a "green light" to drive in Australia.
However, the driver's license must be translated into English if it was issued in other languages.
For those who came from countries where you drive on the right hand site of the street, there is a bit to adjust.
In Australia you drive on the left hand site and there are slight differences about traffic rules.
Australian Traffic Department does not recognise international driver's license.
Despite what officials in your home countries tell you, the international drivers license is a wasted paper in Australia.
Driving in Australia on the left hand site can be tricky (that is, if you are from countries using right hand site traffic).
There were many accidents caused by the foreign travelers driving in Australia while turning to the right of the T intersection or roundabout (i.e. traffic circle).
Remember, Australia is a vast country. Driving in Australia from Melbourne to Cairns is an expedition which requires preparations and it is not the same as driving from Holland to Germany.
Driving in Australia from Melbourne to Sydney
Highway 1 is probably the best way to move from one Australian metropolitan area to another.
Most major cities are connected with Highway 1 (though the name can differ from one state to another).
If you are in Melbourne it is really great to take a driving trip to Sydney.
Highway 1 (Princess Highway, etc..) will take you along eastern coast of Australia.
The views are breathtaking and it is great to have a stop over in pre-booked bed and breakfast or a motel.
There are plenty of facilities along this route.
Both Victoria and New South Wales have multiple of national parks, fantastic fishing regions and plenty of accommodation.
However, it is important to understand that the trip is long (about 1000km).
Thus, ensure that you are well prepared. You must make frequent tops (every 200-300km, especially during summer for tires to cool down).
Driving in Australia from Melbourne to Adelaide
If you are not in the hurry to see Adelaide than you should aim to take a Great Ocean Road.
Princess Highway (Highway 1) will take you to Adelaide quickly but it is not as much fun as the coastal trip.
Therefore, just outside Geelong you should leave Princess Highway and head towards Torquey.
From there you can follow Great Ocean Road through attractions like Apollo Bay, Lorne to Port Cambell.
There is plenty to see and experience.
The famous Twelve Apostles, Rain forest, plenty of waterfalls and the tree-top ventures are just few attractions for driving travelers.
Finally, close to Adelaide you can further make side trips by car to Grampians National Park and Mt Gambier. Visiting Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island will definitely boost the trip experience.
Driving in Australia from Adelaide to Perth
The best way to get to Perth from Adelaide is to follow Princess Highway. The Princess Highway merges into Eyre Highway.
The Eyre Highway turns south to South Coast Highway, which provides most of the trip attractions.
The Western Australia Margaret River wineries and the fantastic surfing locations are must for the tourists.
Yes, you have to make few side turns but at the end it is really worth it.
Finally, you can drive north to rejoin Princess Highway and follow the coast all the way to Perth.
Driving in Australia from Perth to Darwin
Again, this is the Highway 1 route which is called Brand Highway.
This road will take travelers along Atlantic coast to Geraldton.
Between Geraldon and Carnarvon there is a great tourist attraction - Monkey Mia.
There, you can have a close encounter with friendly dolphins while driving in Australia from Perth to Darwin.
From Carnarvon you head towards Minilya. You can make side trips to Ningaloo Reef (great location for tourists to swim among fish in the crystal waters).
Finally, you rejoin with Victoria Highway and follow the northern branch of Highway 1. This will take you to Darwin.
Driving in Australia from Darwin to Brisbane
From Darwin, the Highway 1 becomes Stuart Highway which merges with Carpentaria Highway. You should aim to take a Savannah Way which is a bypass to the unsealed section of Highway 1. The unsealed section of Highway 1 is suitable for cars but not as comfortable as sealed road of Savannah Way. Finally, you can merge with Bruce Highway all the way to Brisbane.
Driving in Australia - Tips
Australia is a vast country. You must always ensure a full supply of drinking water while driving in Australia. Make a lot of stops! The rule of thumb is that you rest yourself and your car every 200-300km. You mobile phones and GPS should be all charged and checked. First aid kit and enough of food is also vital for long trips driving around Australia.