Being the third-largest country in the world, unless you have unlimited time, you will have to choose which part of the country most appeals to you and stick with it. The camping variety would do well to set off into the outback of the Northern Territory, perhaps travelling between Darwin on the north shore and Adelaide on the south coast, a journey of roughly 2,000 miles! Another option would be to explore the untamed island of Tasmania.
If you’re in your Volkswagen van with a surfboard on top, the east coast might be more your speed. From Sydney all the way to Brisbane, you’ll find places like Byron Bay to appease any beach-seeking appetite. Ending the journey in Surfer’s Paradise seems apt.
Between these two kinds of Australian adventures, you’ll need to choose an appropriate vehicle. To cruise between cities and vineyards, a comfortable car with no bells and whistles will suffice (air conditioning is a good idea, though). Petrol is still cheaper than in Europe and you can expect to pay anywhere from A$0.90 to A$1 per litre.
If you’re going to be travelling through the outback, you will definitely need a foul-wheel drive truck of some kind, with enough space to carry supplies of water, food and whatever else you may need. Service stations in the more remote areas can be few and far between and you may find yourself left to your own devices. For this reason, it’s recommended to join an auto club. If something goes wrong, you can dial: 13 11 11 from any state for roadside assistance.
There are no speed limits on the back roads of the Northern Territory, but there is plenty to be careful of, such as potholes, large transport trucks and wildlife. The outback roads are generally long, narrow and straight. In Europe, the danger is the amount of cars on the road, whereas here it’s the lack thereof. It is advised that you plan your trip ahead of time so you have a place to stay each night, and don’t drive more than 370 miles (600kms) in any one day.
Even if you’re driving between the cities or in the more built-up areas where the roads are excellent, well-lit and well-maintained, it’s still recommended to limit your driving to a few hours at a time, before getting out of the car to stretch your legs and have a short rest.
The motorway system is identified with a letter ‘A’ and the speed limit on these roads is between 60 and 68mph (100 and 110kph). The limit is 60mph (100kph) on routes marked ‘B’, which are smaller, two-lane highways. Limits of 30 to 35mph (50 to 60kph) are in place in residential or suburban areas.
In all states, everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt and the driver’s blood alcohol level must not exceed 0.5mg/ml. There are random stops in all states by local police.
To rent a car, you must possess a licence from your home country. You don’t need to worry about getting an international driver’s licence. If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, you may have to apply for an Australian driver’s permit.
French traffic police are strict and you can expect an on-the-spot fine if caught speeding, are parked illegally or commit any manner of motoring offences. The minimum age you can get behind the wheel in France is 18 years and drivers must always have their full, valid license and insurance documents to hand.
Despite the often lax laws regarding the wearing of seatbelts in other European countries, all passengers must wear their seatbelts, including the rear seat passengers, while children under 10 years are not allowed to travel in the front.
Important points to remember for those bringing their cars from other countries, especially for the UK and Ireland, is that French law dictates that a red warning triangle be carried at all times in case of emergency during breakdown, Euro registration plates should in place and right-hand-drive cars have headlamp deflectors fitted.
Drink driving Don’t even think about driving after having a drink. It’s not even worth risking just the one as the 0.5mg/ml blood/alcohol limit is one of the strictest in Europe and French traffic police are particularly tough on drink driving offenders.
French roads
Autoroutes Motorways in France, known as autoroutes a peage, are usually tolled and quite pricey to travel on for any great distance, yet they easily offer the most efficient way to get about and are of very high quality. The autoroutes are marked with an ‘A’ and tolls can be paid for by card or cash.
Main roads ‘N’ roads and ‘D’ roads - routes nationales and routes departementales respectively – are next best to the autoroutes. They cover the majority of the country, sometimes offering a better driving experience than the motorways being closer to the country, and are free.
French speed limits
Urban areas:50kph/31mph Rural roads:90kph/55mph 110kph/69mph - on non-toll motorways Motorways:130kph/80mph
French fuel costs (euros per litre)
Unleaded: 1.33 €/l Lead replacement:1.30 €/l Diesel: 1.00 €/l
Unleaded petrol is known locally as sans plomb, while lead replacement petrol (leaded is not sold in France) is typically super ARS. Like most other countries, diesel is significantly cheaper than petrol. France is big on auto fuel dispensers, although these only accept domestic debit cards, whereas standard petrol stations will accept international credit and debit cards.
French road safety The emergency telephone number is 17 if you breakdown on an autoroute, although you can also use this elsewhere if you cannot find a garage for instance. Autoroutes have emergency telephones posted every two kilometres and rest areas every 10 or 15 kilometres. Those on long journeys should plan on taking a break at least every hour or so.
Taking out comprehensive motor insurance cover before driving in France is a must and it would also be a good idea to become a member of your local motoring organisation, many of which will offer cover or reciprocal agreements with their French counterparts.
French roads are busy with local and tourist traffic year round, but especially so before and after the school holidays and during the ski season in the Alps. Carry snow chains if you plan on visiting the latter and heed local weather and road information.
Andrew Burrows has sinced written about articles on various topics from Broadband, Insurance and Travel and Leisure. Australia is Andy Burrows favourite self drive vacation destinations. During his last visit he toured the country for two months. Online he usually pre-books with: