Car Hire Australia

Local Time: There are 3 timezones within Australia: Eastern Standard Time (E.S.T), Central Standard Time (C.S.T) and Western Standard Time (W.S.T). Times vary according to states, however, Australia is approximately 10 hours ahead of Grenich Mean Time.

Language: English is Australia's official language but Australia also has a unique colloquial language that can confuse international visitors. Locals sometimes, or often, depending on what part of the country they reside in, use phrases such as 'G'Day Mate' or 'Fair Dinkum', it's very easy to pick up.

Speed Limits: Speed limits are measured accoring to kilometres/per/hour in Australia. Speed limits vary depending on what state you are driving in so be mindful of signs.

Rules of the Roads: The Majority of Australia's road rules are the same in all States and Territories.

Drivers must always keep to the left hand side of the road.

Steering wheels are located on the right hand side of the car.

Seatbelts must be worn by all vehicle occupants. It is illegal to travel without a seatbelt on.

Drivers must always carry a copy of their driver's license in English when driving.

Drivers must keep to the designated speed limits.

For experienced drivers the blood alcohol level is 0.05, provincial and learner drivers must not have any alcohol in their system when driving.

Driving Requirements: Minimum driving ages vary according to States. New South Wales (17 yrs. old), South Australia (16 yrs. old), Victoria (18 yrs. old), Queensland (17 yrs. old), Northern Territory (17 yrs. old), Tasmania (17 yrs. old) and Western Australia (17 yrs. old).

Petrol: In Australia, petrol comes in the form of super (lead-replacement fuel), unleaded, premium unleaded, diesel grades and sold by the litre and prices vary in different locations.

Petrol Stations: There is a reasonable distribution of petrol stations throughout Australia and most accept international credit cards. Motor guides and maps are a necessity when travelling through Australia's outback regions.

Emergency Telephone Numbers: Police: 000 Ambulance: 000 Fire: 000

The Great Barrier Reef: The Great Barrier Reef is thought by many to be Australia's greatest natural wonder, quite a complement considering its competitors. Words can't possibly express the magnificence of the colourfully diverse marine wildlife. The enormous reef, twice the size of Tasmania, contains more than 1,000 islands.

Uluru: Located at Australia's heart, this huge, majestic, red rock is the world's biggest monolith. Formerly known as 'Ayres Rock', Uluru rises to a breathtaking 450 metres and has a 9.4 kilometre circumference. It is at sunrise and sunset that Uluru exposes herself in all her magnificence and glory.

The 12 Apostles: Australia is proudly home to the 12 Apostles which are located along Victoria's brilliant Great Ocean Road, the spectacular stretch of road is a feat to the wonders of time, Mother Nature and Man Kind. Having formed over millions of years as a result of both water and wind erosion, the 12 Apostles are one of the country's greatest and most recognisable natural landmarks. 8 of the original 12 Apostles still remain.

Sydney Harbour Bridge: As a tourist attraction landmark, a trip to Australia would not be complete without witnessing the spectacular 52,800 tonnes of steel. Operating since 1930, the 'Coathanger', as locals affectionately refer to it, is the world's largest steel arch bridge. Make sure you have your camera at the ready.

The Daintree Rainforest: This extraordinary World Heritage Listed phenomenon is located in tropical North Queensl and is home to the highest number of plant and animal species that are threatened with extinction, in the entire world. The Daintree Rainforest is the most diverse ecosystem in the world and boasts golden beaches, untouched tropical rainforests, hiking tracks and remote wilderness.

How does a sun-drenched, beach barbeque Christmas sound? For Australians, this is what Christmas typically symbolises because the country's seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer officially commences in December and concludes in February, Autumn leaves begin to fall in March, clothing begins to pile on from June to August and flowers begin to bloom again in September. Australia is separated into two climactic zones due to its vast size and the temperate zones of the south experience all four official seasons whereas the tropical zones of the north experience only two; wet (summer) and dry (winter). As the world's driest continent it can be said, generally, that Australia enjoys a pleasant climate without extremes in temperature.