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Campervan Rental in Australia – What are the road rules?

The rules for driving camper rentals in Australia differ slightly depending on your location. The country is divided into eight states and territories: Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Western Australia (WA), Tasmania (TAS) and the Northern Territory (NT), also known as ‘the Outback’.

 

There is a nationwide version of the Australian Road Rules, however, these are ‘model rules’ only. Each state/territory has its own version of these rules written into local law. This is something to keep in mind, but fortunately, the rules are similar throughout the nation. For the purposes of this guide, we’ve focused on the rules which you will need to follow in every state with your campervan hire in Australia. If you have state-specific enquiries, it’s best to visit each state or territory’s website.

 

Without further ado, let’s get started!

 

Licensing

When you plan to be driving your rental campervan in Australia for less than three months, you will be able to use your foreign licence – provided it’s written in English. If your licence is written in another language, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit from your home country.

 

Speed limits

In Australia, the speed is measured by kilometres per hour. You need to stick to the speed limit at all times; no exceptions. Limits are clearly signposted on the side of the road at regular intervals. There are also ‘end-speed limit’ signs to let you know when you are entering into a different speed zone. In most cases, you can travel up to 100 kilometres per hour on the open roads, 50 kilometres per hour in city and suburban areas, and 40 kilometres per hour near schools.

 

Give way rules

In Australia, the three most common instances you will be expected to give away are at traffic lights, give way signs, roundabouts, and stop signs. Here’s a general guide of what to do at each intersection.

 

Traffic lights

Learn the colour signals: green means go, yellow means come to a stop (if possible) and red means stop completely. Some traffic lights feature coloured arrows; these will let you know which directions you are allowed to turn. You may also occasionally see signs which read “left turn on red permitted after stopping”. If you see a flashing yellow light, this means you are able to proceed after following the standard give way rules for uncontrolled intersections (see below for more details).

 

Roundabouts

Known as ‘traffic circles’ in other countries, roundabouts are common throughout Australia. At roundabouts, you are required to give way to all vehicles to your right, and to indicate your intended direction. In the seconds before you exit the roundabout, indicate left briefly to show other drivers you are getting off.

 

Pedestrian crossings

In city centres, most pedestrian crossings are controlled by traffic lights. However, in suburban areas you might come across marked white stripes on the road – these are also pedestrian crossings and you need to give way to anyone attempting to cross.

 

What about trams and buses?

Trams and buses often have the right of way regardless of the general rules; it’s best to give them plenty of space. You’ll see red and green ‘give way to buses’ signs on most of the buses to remind you.

 

 

Are there any exceptions to these rules?

Yes. The above is intended as a basic guide only. An important exception is emergency vehicles; if any police cars, ambulances or other vehicles approach with flashing lights or the alarm sounded, everyone has to give way. Please remember to drive your campervan carefully and courteously at all times, especially in a motorhome, as these heavy vehicles can be slow to come to a complete stop.

 

Indicators and lights

The indicators will be located on different sides of the steering wheel depending on what type of motorhome you are driving. In most cases, they will be found on the right. You need to use your indicator ahead of every time you change direction, switch lanes, enter or exit a road or roundabout, make a U-turn, enter the road from a parked position and in any other circumstance in which you are joining the traffic flow. Indicating is a sign of intention only; it does not require other drivers to make space for you, so you must always wait until there is a clear, safe gap before joining the road. It is particularly important to be cautious and patient in a motorhome, as there may be vehicles sitting in your blind spot.

 

As for headlights, you must turn these on in your Australia motorhome rentals after dark. However, it’s also recommended to turn them on at any point there is decreased visibility on the roads, such as at dawn or dusk, in heavy rain or very grey weather.

 

Overtaking

Since you drive on the left in Australia, all overtaking is done on the right. When travelling in a motorhome, you will probably be going slightly slower than others on the road due to the weight and size of your vehicle. This means smaller vehicles may attempt to overtake you; it’s important to be aware of this possibility and check your mirrors regularly, especially on the open road.

 

If you do need to pass other vehicles, please exercise caution and ensure you can safely do so within the speed limit. There are some situations in which overtaking is strictly prohibited; you may not overtake if there is an unbroken line on your side of the centreline, or if the vehicle ahead of you is indicating it wishes to turn right.

 

Seatbelts

According to Australian law, your seatbelt must be worn at all times when the motorhome is moving. You must also wear your seatbelt if the vehicle is stationary but not safely parked. The same rules apply for all other occupants of the motorhome. Young children may need to travel in a booster or infant seat; it is the driver’s responsibility to make sure all children under the age of sixteen are properly restrained. Please remember it is illegal to wander around the motorhome and use its facilities while the vehicle is moving. If someone would like to use the toilet or stretch out on a bed, take a rest stop.

 

Road signs

Now that you have a better understanding of some of Australia’s basic road rules, let’s take a look at some of the common road signs.

 

Speed limit signs

The speed limit signs are clear and easy-to-read, featuring black numbers in a red circle with a white background. In some cases, speed limit signs may include text explaining the reason for the limit, such as ‘school zone’ or ‘children crossing’. Another sign indicating speed is the ‘speed derestriction sign’; this features a black diagonal bar across a white circle and means the default speed limit is in place. If you come across a black circle with numbers on a yellow background and the words ‘AHEAD’ underneath, this means you are about to enter a new speed zone.

 

Give way and stop signs

The give way signs are triangle-shaped with a white background and red border and have the words ‘GIVE WAY’ clearly marked in black letters. There are also separate give way signs for when you need to give way to trams, cyclists and livestock; these are square-shaped, black and white and feature symbols. The stop signs are red hexagons with ‘STOP’ marked in white. Some stop signs feature three horizontal black dots; this means you need to stop if traffic lights are off or flashing.

 

Prohibited signs

Keep an eye out for circle-shaped signs with a red border and a red diagonal bar across the middle. These signs let you know when something is prohibited; for example, ‘no u-turns’, ‘no parking’ or ‘no left or right turns’.

 

Warning signs

These black and yellow diamond-shaped signs indicate upcoming hazards, such as forked roads, wild animals, sharp corners, slippery surfaces, pedestrian crossings or one-way bridges.

 

 

Directional

Signs featuring directional information are slightly different from state to state. Often, they are rectangular-shaped and green or yellow with white writing indicating what towns or cities are ahead and how many kilometres they are away. You may also see some brown signs – these are used to show nearby points of interest.

 

 

Parking Campervan Hire in Australia

Finding a space to park your camper or car hire is one of the most challenging aspects of driving in Australia’s cities. When you’re visiting remote towns, parking will be a breeze, but in busy urban centres, it’s important to be aware of parking rules and signs. You may find it better to leave your campervan rental at your accommodation and use public transport to get around the cities instead. If you’d prefer to drive, below are some parking tips and rules to be aware of.

 

Paid parking

In large cities there are plenty of parking buildings where you can pay to park your RV or car hire for the day. Most are owned and operated by private companies, such as Wilson Parking or Secure Parking. The price varies from place to place, but expect to pay a premium in the city centre – some cost around $40 per day. In busy areas, you may also have to pay to park on the street; keep an eye out for street meters or signs for more information.

 

Parking restrictions

In some areas, there will be parking restrictions in place. You should always carefully check for signs before you park your campervan rental. If you see a green ‘P’, this means parking is allowed. If there are restrictions in place, the sign will usually include information about these (for example, if the sign reads ‘3P’ this means you are able to park for three hours maximum). The ‘NO PARKING’ signs are clearly marked; they have a white background and red letters.

 

There are some circumstances in which parking is always prohibited. For example, you may never park on double yellow lines, on a cycle path, on private land or in a disabled parking space. You must also take care not to block any driveways or park on the pavement. Parking in bus or tram lanes is only allowed if the lane is out of operation (for example, some lanes are only used by buses and trams during peak times).

 

Parking campervans in Australia

It’s important to take extra care when parking a motorhome hire in Australia. Depending on the size of your vehicle, you may be too large to fit inside conventional parks and may be required to occupy two spaces. Try to be courteous and avoid disrupting the cars around you. As aforementioned, it may be best to use public transport in busy city centres and save the motorhome for out on the open road.

 

 

What’s it really like to drive a campervan rental in Australia?

We’ve covered the major road rules and signs; now let’s talk about some of the quirks of driving on Australian roads.

 

Sharing the road with public transport in Melbourne

Melbourne’s public transport network is excellent – but it does require drivers to be extra vigilant about sharing the road with trams and buses. In fact, there’s a driving maneuver particular to Melbourne roads called a ‘hook turn’. This maneuver may need to be performed at traffic lights – if you see a sign that reads ‘RIGHT TURN FROM LEFT ONLY’, this means a hook turn is ahead. What you need to do is a little counterintuitive. If you would like to turn right, you need to move into the left lane. Once the light goes green for straight ahead, move forward to the other side of the intersection, keeping left and clear of any pedestrian crossings, and wait. When you get a green light for turning right, you can do so – making sure you aren’t cutting off any other vehicles. Although counterintuitive, it won’t take long to get the hang of this maneuver. In any case, it needs to be performed at controlled intersections, so if you are in any doubt, follow the traffic signals and do not proceed unless you have a green light.

 

Driving RV rentals in the Outback

Visitors flock to Australia from far and wide to experience driving in the Outback, a remarkable region well-known for its flat, barren landscapes and unique wildlife. Here are some important things to keep in mind on your Australian RV hire journey.

• Research which route you’ll take in your campervan rental as well as possible so you have an idea of what types of roads you will encounter. There are a lot of unsealed roads in this region and your motorhome rental agreement may prohibit you from driving on them. It’s best to check with your rental provider whether there are any roads you must avoid.

• Stock up your campervan rental on petrol and supplies. The Outback is very remote and you may find yourself driving for hours before coming across any signs of life. Make sure you have plenty of water and food to last the distance.

• Try not to cover too much ground too quickly. Schedule regular stops to minimise driver fatigue. If possible, share the driving responsibility of your motorhome hire.

• Sometimes in the desert, an imaginary body of water will appear; this is called a mirage. Unless it has been raining, the body of water is not real, so simply acknowledge that it’s a mirage and don’t panic.

• Keep an eye out for kangaroos, wallabies, snakes and other wildlife. These creatures may occasionally wander onto the road. Try your very best to avoid a collision, as larger animals such as kangaroos may cause a lot of damage to your motorhome rentals Australia (not to mention give you a fright). However, if a small animal such as a bird comes into your path, try not to swerve sharply or take any risks to evade it – the most important thing is to stay in control of the motorhome. It’s recommended to avoid driving at dawn and dusk. Visibility is low at these times of day, and there tend to be more animals out and about.

• Stay on the main road. Don’t go off the beaten track or you could risk becoming lost.

• Prepare for the heat. Temperatures soar in central Australia, especially in the middle of the day. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity when the heat is at its peak.

• When driving your campervan hire in the Outback, you’re likely to come across some road trains. These are huge trucks with 3-4 trailers behind the truck cab. Some weigh nearly 200 tonnes! If you need to overtake them, try to wait for a passing lane, as you’ll need at least two and a half kilometres of clear space to overtake them safely. Due to their sheer size, these trucks take a long time to stop, so take extra precaution and follow at a distance.

 

 

Australia highway system

Australia’s original highway system is currently being phased out and a new one is being introduced. This means both systems can be found throughout the country at the moment. Here’s some information on both so you know what to look out for.

 

 

National highways

The original highway system was made up of numbered roads marked with black and white shields. These are slowly being replaced by alphanumeric routes signposted with green and yellow shields. You will still see both signs in operation as you travel around. The main road in Australia is called Highway One. This circular route goes around the edges of Australia and through Tasmania.

 

State routes

Australia has a State Route system made up of important inter-regional routes and urban roads. These are signposted with blue and white shields. The numbering scheme is slightly different in each state. You may still see older routes, marked with plain blue shields – these are especially prevalent in Melbourne.

 

Alphanumeric routes

The new highway system uses alphanumeric codes to differentiate each route. Roads are given a letter – such as ‘M’ – and a number (which is often the same number from the original system). Each letter stands for something different. For example, ‘M’ means a dual carriageway or primary traffic route. ‘A’ is a primary highway, main urban arterial or an interregional single carriageway. ‘B’ is the letter designated to quieter roads, while ‘C’ is for very minor roads.

 

Toll roads for campervans in Australia

There are not many toll roads in Australia; you will only find them in three cities – Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Here’s a brief overview of what to expect in each city.

 

Melbourne

There are two toll roads in Melbourne: the CityLink and the Eastlink. Both connect some of the city’s major freeways. You can pay for both online before you travel, or up to 3 days after you’ve used the road. If you intend to drive on them regularly, you can purchase a Melbourne Pass; this will give you up to 30 days of unlimited travel on either road.

 

Sydney

Toll roads are reasonably common in Sydney. Some of the main ones include the Sydney Harbour Tunnel, the Lane Cove Tunnel, the Eastern Distributor and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The cost varies for each one but you can pay for them all online at myE-Toll. You can also set up a casual pass, which will automatically deduct the toll from your credit card each time you use the road.

 

Brisbane

There are five tolls roads in Brisbane: the Gateway and Logan Motorways, the Go Between Bridge, Clem7 Tunnel and the AirportLink. You can pay the rolls online at the Go Via website.

 

Each campervan rental company will have a different system in place for tolls, so be sure to ask before you set out on your motorhome hire Australia journey.

 

Restricted roads

Most contracts on campervan rentals will strictly forbid you to drive on certain roads in Australia. These, of course, differ across rental companies, but here is a list of some of the most common roads to avoid:

• As Australia is so large, you may be forbidden to take your RV rental too far from your pickup point.

• You may need to hire several vehicles or motorhome rentals along the way and fly between major cities. You might not be able to drive above the snow line (this is only an issue in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania).

• There are roads that are off-limits to your campervan hire in Australia. Other commonly forbidden roads include those on any offshore islands, the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland, Mt Isa in Queensland, the Jim Jim Falls Road in the Northern Territory and the Gibbs River Road, and the Gorge Road in Western Australia.

 

Other important information for your campervan hire Australia trip

Emergency numbers

The nationwide emergency number in Australia is 000. You can call this number from any pay phone, mobile phone or fixed-line. Another emergency number to be aware of is 112; this can be reached via satellite phones or GSM mobile phones. If you have hearing or speech impediments, there is a text-based emergency number: 106. Making an emergency call does not cost anything. You will have the option of talking to police, ambulance or fire services.

 

If you would like to talk to the police but it is not an emergency – for example, you need to report stolen goods or a local disturbance – please call 131 444.