Australian Roads
There is a very clear division between inland and
coastal roads. The built-up coastal area from South Australia to
Queensland (and the south western corner of Western Australia) is
served by modern freeways and good quality sealed roads. The further
inland the traveller goes the more substandard the roads become.
In the far west of Queensland, for example, the roads
can be unsealed and around the Gulf it is common for a road to only
have a single width of tarmac. This means that if you come across a
road train (they can be over 20 metres long) carrying cattle you have
to head off the road. This is not a humorous suggestion. Road trains
need all the road and expect on-coming traffic to head for the hills.
They have trouble deviating and will wipe out a car rather than
endanger their entire load.
Car Rental
There are a large number of car rental agencies, both
local and international. Competition means a range of prices and
short-term specials, the options are worth investigating.
The major companies - Avis, Hertz and Budget - operate at
most of the state's major airports. They differ little on typical
round-the-city rentals but special offers begin to emerge with less
typical and longer-term deals. Recognise that while unlimited kilometre
rates are common around the cities, country and remote driving can
incur a higher flat rate plus a kilometre charge and donšt forget
insurance expenses. Smaller companies are often cheaper and it is worth
shopping around. The best source is a copy of the Yellow Pages (the
Telstra telephone Business Directory) which will list all the car
rental companies in the local area. They can be accessed on the
Internet. A valid driving licence is essential and applicants usually
must be over 21.
One-way rentals between major cities are available but not
very economical. Note that smaller cars may be cheaper but are not as
comfortable on a long journey. Restrictions may also apply with regard
to crossing state boundaries and, depending on the type of car you
rent, concerning driving on unsealed roads. A 4-wheel drive could be a
wise choice for outback driving or a campervan for long distances.
Automobile Associations
Each state has its own motoring organisation
which provide excellent free maps for members of affiliated
organisations abroad. Their addresses are:
Queensland
RACQ,
300 St Pauls Terrace,
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006
tel: 07-3361 2444
toll free: 131 905
New South Wales
NRMA,
151 Clarence St,
Sydney,
NSW 2000
tel: toll free 13 11 22
fax: 02-9502 7329
Internet Address: www.nrma.com.au
Victoria
RACV,
360 Bourke St,
Melbourne,
VIC 3000
tel: 03-9642 5566
fax: 03-9642 5040
Tasmania
RACT,
cnr Patrick and Murray Sts,
Hobart,
TAS 7000
tel: 03-6232 6300
fax: 03-6234 8784
South Australia
RAA,
41 Hindmarsh Square,
Adelaide,
SA 5000
tel: 08-8202 4600
fax: 08-8202 4520
Western Australia
RAC,
228 Adelaide Terrace,
Perth,
WA 6000
tel: 08 9421 4444
fax: 08 9221 1887
Internet Address: www.rac.com.au
Northern Territory
Automobile Association of the Northern Territory,
79-81 Smith St,
Darwin,
NT 0800
tel. 08 8981 3837
fax: 08 8941 2965
