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Australia is the land of ‘road trippin’. Get ‘off the beaten’ track in a 4WD and discover ancient landscapes. We have many years of experience designing holidays that take in the unique contrasts of Australia. Without the need to visit every ‘highlight’ as promoted in the well-known guide books.
The question is ‘what size car suits you?’ Compact, Medium or Large. We can help you make this decision.
What size car would you like to travel with?
Take it easy and soak up Australia’s finest scenery. Travel in a compact SUV with maximum fuel efficiency. Affordable and comfortable, our vehicles are less than 6 months old. Easy to get in and out. And offering fantastic views, so you won’t miss a thing.
We offer full insurance with no gravel road restrictions. And, we know all about the best scenic routes, driving times and distances. Depending on your situation, a compact SVU is okay for a small family. Or if you are a larger group and would like to take multiple cars.
We also recommend taking domestic flights during your journey to Australia. Since the distances are so large, this means you will save time and see more. Each flight is less than a few hours and the diversity of landscape is immense.
Our hire cars include insurance with $0 excess as standard. Please note: there are other insurance limitations to consider.
Blog
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With every turn of the road, Australia’s landscape changes. A dramatic array of diverse landscapes that you won’t… read more
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Tourism can be great for the environment, and, with us, you make a positive difference
Let's accentuate the positive, reduce the negative and offset what's left
Sustainability in action"The Great Ocean Drive in Western Australia must be one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the world."
Nicole, Travel specialist
Good to know
We are serious about sustainable travel and always have been. Since native New Zealander Andrew Morten founded the company in 2006, we have taken sustainability seriously. It’s not just a project for us but a company philosophy. Since 2008, we have been planting trees in the Te Urewera Rainforest. And we joined forces with Cathay Pacific to carbon offset all of our clients and employees travel through projects in Asia.
Did you know?
We support a project for placing clean cooking ovens for underprivileged families in Bangladesh. These cooking ovens use 5x less fuel and also have extra filters to prevent smoke. As a result, a sharp reduction in the number of lung diseases. These heaters save a total of 80% CO2 emissions per family and contribute to a cleaner, healthier living environment.
Useful facts
Driving DownUnder
If you hold a valid driver's license in English, you can drive in New Zealand and Australia for up to 12 months while travelling as a tourist. In both countries, you drive on the left side of the road, just like the United Kingdom!
The speed limit in both countries is generally 50 km/hr in residential areas and 100 km/hr on motorways and open roads. Be aware, during school hours there are strict speed limits. We advise paying close attention to all road signs.
Internet in Australia
The internet in Australia can be slow and expensive. In many rural areas, there is also no WiFi. We recommend that you buy yourself a hotspot before you go. This is the cheapest option.
When you buy a prepaid SIM card from a local provider, you can also obtain Internet access, so you can use Google Maps for navigation when travelling for instance. Your own telephone must be SIM-free for this purpose.
Drinking tap water in Australia
Tap water is generally safe to drink throughout Australia. We recommend you bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day. This way you can ensure that you stay hydrated.
If you are planning to drive in a remote area, be sure to bring a large supply of water with you. Enough to last you a sufficient amount of time.
Renting a car DownUnder
What do I need to rent a car?
- A MasterCard, Visa card or American Express in the driver's name.
- An international drivers licence.
- A national drivers licence.
What do I need to take into account when renting a car?
- A deposit will be held on your credit card for each rental car.
- You will sign a rental agreement when you collect the car. By doing so, you agree to the terms and conditions of the car company. Please read these in advance. You will find the terms and conditions in your travel documents.
Australia’s road rules
It is highly recommended to follow all speed limits and road rules whilst driving through Australia. Here are a few simple rules. And remember all signage/ distances is based on kilometres.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a crime in Australia.
- The driver and all passengers must wear a seatbelt.
- It is not allowed to hold your mobile phone whilst driving.
Please note, there are many hidden speed cameras located along Australia’s highways and roads.
Parks in Australia
With so much space, it shouldn’t be surprising that Australia has many green and spacious parks to enjoy. The perfect place to stop and take a break. Many parks offer picnic tables, free barbecues, toilet amenities, shaded and undercovered areas. And more. Savour a picnic. Fire up the barbecue. Take a short nature walk. Spot wildlife including a large assortment of birds. And more.
Discover more about travelling with your family
All the things you love
and none of the things you don't
Our local knowledge makes the difference for your bespoke holiday through New Zealand or Australia. Your Journey Down Under starts here.
