Why go on a road trip in Australia?

Australia is a fantastic self-drive country and offers some of the most unique and memorable stretches in the world.

A tour to Australia, where you are the driver, gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace, where all you have to do is get yourself to your planned accommodation or excursions booked from home.

A self-drive tour also gives you the opportunity to enjoy amazing experiences through the car windows, while transporting yourself from A to B. Sit back and marvel at the unique views along the Australian roads.

Our tours offering a self-drive holiday

We offer tours in Australia, parts of which are self-drive on some of Australia’s scenic and iconic routes, such as the Great Ocean Road.

Self-drive on the Great Ocean Road

The iconic Great Ocean Road stretches over 243 kilometres, snaking its way along Australia’s breathtaking south-east coast. The road was originally built by soldiers returning from the First World War II and is the world’s largest war memorial.

Not only does it afford beautiful views of the Australian Bay, but the Great Ocean Road also takes you past some of Australia’s unique sights.

• The 12 Apostles: Discover the world-famous limestone formations, of which only eight remain. Millions of years old, these 45-metre-high formations are a must see.

• Charming coastal towns and cities: Explore coastal towns and cities such as Warrnambool, Port Campbell and Apollo Bay, which offer maritime history and scenic views.

• The Australian wildlife: Marvel at Australia’s fascinating wildlife on the Kenneth River Koala Walk and Griffiths Island, where you can spot koala bears and swamp wallabies.

Self-drive up along Australia’s east coast

Australia’s east coast is home to colourful flora, stunning fauna and fascinating landscapes. Here, you really get a feel for the sheer size of the country while gaining an insight into how local Australian farmers, fishermen and other workers lived their lives outside the big cities.

• Beach and coastal towns: Discover cosy towns such as Noosa, Hervey Bay and Port Douglas, where you can relax on beautiful sandy beaches or go whale watching.

• Nature experiences: Look forward to nature experiences such as the Great barrier Reef, the Whitsundays archipelago and the world’s largest sand island, K’gari.

• Wildlife: Explore Eungella or Girringun National Park, where you might be lucky enough to see the rare duck-billed platypus or the colourful bird, the cassowary.

Frequently asked questions about being on a road trip

A self-drive tour is a great way to explore Australia, but it can lead to some unanswered questions. What side of the road do they drive on? Can I use my British driving licence? And what else should I be aware of when driving in Australia?

Can I drive in Australia with a British driving licence?

Yes.

As long as your driving licence is valid and you are only in the country on a temporary basis, you can use your English driving licence in Australia.

Do they drive on the left in Australia?

Yes. They drive on the left side of the road in Australia, just like at home.

What should I be aware of?

Be aware of local speed limits, which may vary from state to state. Generally, however, unless otherwise stated, you can expect a speed limit of 50 km/h in towns and cities, and 100 km/h outside the city limits. However, you should always keep an eye on the road signs.

There are also several toll roads in Australia, for example in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. They are paid electronically by means of an “E-tag”, which will be set up for you when you pick up your rental car. The toll will then be automatically charged to the credit card registered on your E-tag.

Any questions about our road trips in Australia?

Still need an answer to your question?

We’re here to answer any questions you may have about going on a self-drive tour to Australia.

We look forward to helping you on the tour of your lifetime.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller