Driving in Australia

Here are some important things you need to know before driving in Australia:

• All Australian vehicles are right-hand drive. Remember to drive on the LEFT-hand side of the road.
• Road distances are measured in kilometres and speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h).
• Speed limits vary slightly from state to state. In South Australia, they are 100km/h (68 miles per hour) or less on the open road and 50 or 60km/h (31-37m/h) in towns and the Adelaide metropolitan area. In many Adelaide suburbs the limit is 40km/h (25m/h).
• By law, seat belts must be worn by the driver and passengers at all times. The driver of the vehicle is not permitted to use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving.
• Drivers holding a full licence must not exceed a blood alcohol concentration of .05, or they may be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, for which there are severe penalties.
• Most Australian road signs use symbols similar to those used internationally.
• Maps, self-drive guides and motoring advice are available from motoring organisations, in particular RAA in Adelaide, NRMA in Sydney and RACV in Melbourne.
• Fuel (petrol/gas) is available at service stations, the majority of which are open seven days a week with many city, suburban and some larger regional centre outlets open 24 hours. Most service stations are self-service, but some do offer driveway service, especially in regional areas.
• In regional areas, especially Flinders Ranges, the Outback and Eyre Peninsula, never assume petrol will be available. Top up at every opportunity.