Planning Your Holiday around Australia
The smallest continent and largest island in the world is Australia. In size, it is about as large as the 48 adjoining U.S.. With 20.4 million people in population, largely focused in the eastern and south-eastern coastal urban regions. This means that there are big open areas to explore in the rest of the country, and this can be best accomplished by car. Lovely coastal lines, inland mountainous areas and verdant tropical forests with native plants and wild life are there for the traveller to see.
A traveler with an international driving license or a validated American or European driving license in English can easily arrange for a car rental at the airport or hotel. There are lots of car hire companies providing many kinds of vehicles, from assorted makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is constantly a vehicle type to suit any need or requirement. Just to illustrate, those who enjoy camping can get camper vans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come fitted with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Some even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini kitchen. If you are travelling in more rough terrain, there are 4WDs. If you are travelling on a budget, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars.
Driving in Australia can be different from other countries: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. Anticipate the car rental company to supply thorough information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), emergency processes, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation beforehand will ensure a successful and pleasant car vacation in Australia.
