Darren's Australia Travel Tips Page!
The following information is provided with no warranties or guarantees. It is exists to get you kick started in a positive direction. Good luck.
Crossing the Street - Life Threatening!
- Look both ways, if you come from a country where they drive on the right hand side!
- The problem is you tend to look the wrong way, and then step onto the road. Very bad move.
- This was my biggest concern. Above driving on the left and poisonous & man eating creatures.
Passports
- Photo copy your passport information _BEFORE_ you leave. While traveling, place a copy in a different bag.
Money
- Have someone review your statements while your traveling.
- Some people make arrangements to open a bank account before arriving. This is probably wiser than dealing with unexpected high exchange rates on your ATM bank cards.
- Travel Cheques
- Take travel checks that are in Australian currency.
- Keep track of the travel checks you use and place that information away from the actual checks. Like in another bag.
- Some banks have a fee and some do not. I was never charged a fee. This complaint came from other travelers. My advice; go to the next bank if possible.
- ATM Bank Cards
- Although common, still are not everywhere. Keep some cash at all times!
- Take bank cards that work off different systems just in case the machine you find is for the other card.
- Check with your bank (and the Australian banks) at what rate the exchange will be and how is it processed. Mine was it TOTAL RIP OFF. I'm from Canada.
Driving
- People suggest getting an international drivers license. This seems to be an unofficial document in a common format in the English language. I got mine from the automobile association for $10. Take your official license!
- The center road dividing lines are white! This is confusing if you come from Canada or the U.S. where the center lines are yellow.
- If your tired, take a rest!
- If you drive on the right hand side of the road
- They drive on the left.
- The foot peddles are in the same order.
- The signal arm and windshield arm are on opposite sides.
- Take it easy for the first few weeks!
- Spatially it is different. This throws off your senses.
- If you don't make any rash moves, you should be fine.
Buying a Vehicle
- When you have decided on a vehicle, GET IT TESTED by a mechanic. A full mechanical test is highly advised, especially for those who don't know much or anything about the mechanical side of vehicles.
- Buy back plans are handy, but usually pay you back very little. And also assume that there will be no road service available, even if said so.
- Kings Cross Car Market in Sydney is useful. This place allows travelers to buy and sell their vehicles. It can be very time consuming to sell.
- Darwin has a small travelers car market too. Lower prices I hear. For sellers this can be bad if you bought in an expensive market.
- Some states are easier to deal with than others. Apparently South Australia, and Western Australia are the easiest. New South Wales may be the most expensive.
- You'll find an basic state insurance sticker on the windshield that describes the month/year of expiration, but may not show the day of the month.
- It may take weeks to sell it.
- Road Worthy Tests
- Most states require their own version of a "Road Worthy Test" certificate.
- This is a very basic review of the vehicle to make sure it is safe to be on the road.
- If it failed on anything, you may not be able to register it in your name.
- This does NOT tell if the engine (etc) may be able to handle the mileage you are about to put onto the vehicle.
- Sellers are suppose to have a certificate to sell a vehicle. If it failed on anything major, look at another vehicle. You don't want to be spending big money if you can help it.
- If it passes in one state, it may not pass in another state.
Renting a Vehicle
- Expensive for a lengthy trip. I met a guy who bought a van for 30 days use. He said he still saved money even after taking a loss when selling it. He sold in a day!
- Good for a short trip. A couple I met had a few weeks in Australia. They flew to major destinations and then rented a vehicle when they need to. Good planning is needed for this to work out well.
- Ask about insurance, taxes, unlimited kilometers, any conditions.
- Ask about one way rentals.
- Ask about long term rentals. It may be cheaper for you.
- Campers are very popular to rent and there are several companies. I'll list what I know below.
- Company: maui
Campervan, motorhome & 4wd rentals
Depots in: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
Phone numbers: 1 800 363 800 or Sydney at (02) 9597 6155
- Company: Britz:Australia Rentals
Campervans, 4wd, other?
Depots in: Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth, Alice Springs, Adelaide, Melbourne.
Phone number: (08) 8981 2081
NOTE: Seems this is also Budget. Also they have an option for 23 year olds and older; Transfer their vehicle from one depot to another for $10 a day plus gas. You'll require an overseas or international driver's licence. Call (07) 3216 5953.
- Company: Backpacker Campervans
Campervans, other?
Depots in: Darwin, Alice Springs, Sydney, Cairns
Phone number: (02) 9693 2079 - this is the Sydney number
Fax number: (03) 9416 2933
NOTE: They have several numbers. One per city.
- To search for rental companies try this site or the following links.