Roads
Roads around Australia vary from first class, all weather, sealed roads to unsealed and 4x4 adventure routes. The good news is that 95% of the major tourist spots are accessible by sealed roads.
Safety on Unsealed Roads
Important safety tips to remember when you travel on unsealed roads:
- Reduce speed as traction often decreases and braking distances increase.
- Beware of hidden dangers such as dust filled holes, as well as soft and sloping edges.
- Take care on Outback tracks when overtaking as dust obscures vision – dangers may be hidden.
- To avoid sliding, slow right down before making a turn.
- The condition of unsealed roads varies according to the weather, usage and how often they are graded. Unsealed roads can be excellent just after grading but poor before the next grading. It is important to check road conditions before travelling.
- Watch out for animals on the road, the most dangerous times are at night, dusk and dawn.
- If you are driving a 4x4, it is recommended you engage 4x4 when travelling on unsealed roads. These vehicles have a high centre of gravity and control can be affected by strong winds.
Road conditions
To check on road conditions, closures and restrictions ask at the nearest tourism association, Parks and Wildlife office or where you are staying.
Road Rules
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Seat Belts - By law, the wearing of a seatbelt by everyone in the vehicle is mandatory in Australia if seat belts are fitted to the vehicle. Fines are imposed on those who don’t wear them and it is the driver who is responsible for ensuring that all passengers ‘Belt Up’.
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Drinking and Driving - Australia has a 0.05 per cent blood alcohol limit for drivers holding open class licences. Contact the Police in the State in which you are travelling on limits applying to other classes of licence.
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International Drivers - Remember that in Australia vehicles are right hand drive and we travel on the left hand side of the road. Before leaving, check your licence is valid.