Australia - Travel Guide
Description
Home of the world's largest monolith - Ayres Rock, kangaroos, koala bears and the Flying Doctor service, Australia consists of six states, two territories and a collection of islands.
With an area of 3 million square miles and a population of 17.5 million people, Australia has something for everyone of any age or culture. It is a backpacker's paradise, a truly beautiful natural place where you can almost lose yourself in the size and culture.
Settled by the Aborigines around 40,000 years before European exploration began, it was claimed in the name of Great Britain by Captain Cook in 1770 and has been part of the British Commonwealth ever since. Located in Oceania, the island of Australia has over 25,000 km of coastline which includes the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast and is geographically constructed of low plateaus and desert areas interspersed with tropical rainforest in the north and fertile plains in the southeast. Australia is the world's smallest continent but the 6th largest country.
Australia is proud of its prosperity and excellent infrastructure. It is also immensely proud that it has such varied and diverse natural attractions such as Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, limestone caves, koala bears, kangaroos, tropical rainforest thousands of years old and, without doubt one of the most important and spectacular sights in the world, The Great Barrier Reef. As well as the natural phenomena which help to market the Island, there are more modern delights such as Canberra, the capital city with its Botanic Gardens, museums, galleries and excellent shopping and Sydney. The Opera House and Harbour Bridge in Sydney are probably two of the most obvious and spectacular landmarks associated with Australia.
Driving Guide
Driving in Australia can be an experience to be savored. The wide-open spaces and magnificent natural scenery is well worth the extra time taken. This guide aims to fully prepare drivers for an Australian driving experience.
Speed and distance in Australia are measured in kilometers. Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Most Australians live on the coast . Roads within and between the cities and towns are generally reliable and in good condition, as are the main highways that join the state and territory capital cities. Although highways between major cities are well-maintained, motorists may travel for hundreds of kilometers between towns or road houses, with no opportunities to re-fuel, purchase refreshments, or use toilets. Road conditions can be difficult in remote areas and the large and less populated areas in the middle of Australia (the "outback"). Not all roads are sealed, and may not be passable in certain seasons or weather conditions. Motorists need to be self-sufficient and prepared when travelling in remote areas. Permits may also be required to travel through certain remote locations.
Licences
Drivers in Australia require a valid driver's license. Licenses from other countries may be accepted for limited stays in Australia; details vary by State. Typically, foreign licenses in English are considered valid for driving in Australia for visitors with visitor's visas. In other cases, an International Driving Permit is required, issued in your home country before arrival in Australia. Also, you are permitted to drive an American (left-hand drive) car in Australia, providing that you have the license to do so. If you are going to do so, and you are driving a GM car, you are able to get support from Holden, a GM brand in Australia.
Licences
Drivers in Australia require a valid driver's license. Licenses from other countries may be accepted for limited stays in Australia; details vary by State. Typically, foreign licenses in English are considered valid for driving in Australia for visitors with visitor's visas. In other cases, an International Driving Permit is required, issued in your home country before arrival in Australia. Also, you are permitted to drive an American (left-hand drive) car in Australia, providing that you have the license to do so. If you are going to do so, and you are driving a GM car, you are able to get support from Holden, a GM brand in Australia.