There is only one option for the ultimate holiday of a lifetime: a self-drive holiday in a motorhome or caravan. A road trip allows to you see as much as possible in a relaxed way. You can stop in Australia's best cities, see incredible sights, and venture through some of the best scenery this wonderful country offers.

Driving in Australia for the first time can be a little daunting. Different rules and roads can seem complicated. Although, once you are there, you will soon get into the swing of things and enjoy the drive. If you are a little unsure, then here are a few tips to ensure you have the best holiday in Australia possible!

Deciding where to go

The first and most important thing to consider is where you want to go! You could pick the Gold Coast for a holiday full of sunshine, sand and dips in azure seas, or head to the Australian outback for an adventure you won't forget in a hurry. If you prefer, you could opt for a road trip that allows you to see a little bit of everything.

Head to Southern Australia, a territory that was made for road trips. Visit Adelaide, catch the ferry to Kangaroo Island, explore the region's fertile vineyards, discover the Flinders Ranges, take a trip to the rugged Eyre Peninsula or journey into the outback to discover the old mining town of Coober Pedy.

Please take a look at our Southern Delights Tour or Great Ocean Road Tour.

If you want something a little more on the wild side, why not visit Tasmania? The Wild Island State Tour showcases Tasmania's awe-inspiring scenery and its varied natural, cultural and historical attractions.

Stop in picturesque villages and towns as you traverse this fascinating and unique island.

If you'd rather avoid the hustle and bustle of Australia's beaches, the Northern Territory is the place for you. Our Northern territory Tour takes you from the northern tip of Australia through an enchanting itinerary of natural wonders, historical heritage and cultural importance, including the iconic Uluru.

To the West of Australia, you can find the deep blue Indian Ocean, the attractive seaside city of Perth, and a host of attractions and iconic sights. Our tour of this area begins and ends in Perth, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to explore this urban paradise. From the city, you take a circuit around Western Australia with plenty of stopovers along the way to take in the sights.

For a tropical holiday with diverse landscapes and experiences, you can't beat a trip along Australia's Gold Coast. Our Reef, Beach and Mountains Tour has it all! As the name suggests, you can explore the Great Barrier Reef, laze on the beach or head into the mountains.

Pick the right motorhome or caravan

An often overlooked but crucial part of your road trip is your accommodation and travel. Australia seems almost built for incredible road trips, so naturally, there are plenty of options when it comes to motorhome and caravan hire. Your motorhome or caravan will be your constant companion, so you want to ensure it has everything you need, enough space for your travelling party and is comfortable.

When you pick your vehicle, always check what is included in the hire costs. You need adequate insurance and liability and maximum mileage allowed within the price. Then check to see the facilities that are included. If you are travelling from the UK, you don't want to have to take bedding too!

At Worldwide Caravan and Motorhome Holidays, we have this covered for you! Choose from the options available on each of our fantastic itineraries and ensure you have the security of everything you need, including satnavs and WiFi access.

Choosing the right time to go on holiday to Australia

There is no perfect time to travel to Australia. Most regions will have something slightly different to offer at different times of the year, so it depends on what experience you want.

Australia is considered to have two separate climates. The North is dry and warm between April and September if sun and warmth are important to you. So, this is when it's perfect for visiting beaches and the beautiful national parks in the area. After September, the North can become a little more humid and rainy. However, if you want to make the most of the abundance of wildlife, this would be your best time to travel.

For the Southern parts of Australia, the summer months are between December and February, when it is hottest. Spring is the ideal time to travel if you want warmth but don't want it too hot. This falls between September and November, and it is also an excellent time for wildlife spotting.

Learn the rules of the road

When it comes to driving in a different country, it's worth ensuring you are aware of the rules of the road and any travel regulations that might affect you.

As long as you have an English language driving licence, you should be fine to drive for up to three months. It is preferable that your licence has a photo ID, but if you only have a paper licence, you can still drive, although you will need to carry another form of photo ID in addition to your driving licence. Before heading to Australia, you can also check to see if you need an International Driving Permit. These are available from the post office.

Australians drive on the left, so vehicles and roads are set up similarly to those in the UK. This does make it a little easier to get used to, but it can throw off those who are used to driving on the right.

Driving rules and regulations vary from state to state, so it's worth checking before travelling. Some fairly standard rules to be aware of are as follows.

• Speed limits will be shown in kilometres and would be typically between 50 and 60km per hour in residential and built-up areas and 100 and 110km per hour on highways. Always adhere to any speed limit restriction signs. Your satnav may be able to help you with this if you can't spot speed limit signs.
• It is illegal to turn left at a red light unless a sign specifically permits you to do so. This isn't too unusual for Brits, but for those coming from other countries, this can take some getting used to.
• U-turns are not allowed at any intersection unless a road sign permits you to do this. If in doubt, don't do it.
• When travelling on highways and roads with more than one lane, the left lane is used for driving, and passing should be done on the right. Slower vehicles must stay in the left lane.
• If you are in an accident or witness one, it is essential to know what to do. If there has been any injury or death, the police have to be contacted, and the number to contact emergency services is 000. For minor accidents that don't require the police or medical assistance, then make sure you exchange your name, address, phone numbers and insurance details with the other drivers involved.
• Large animals on the road can be a problem in Australia, so be careful when driving. If you hit a wild animal, there are several wildlife management authorities you can call to come and help the animal. These will differ depending on the state.

Plan an awesome itinerary

Once you have planned the practical parts of the holiday, it's time to get stuck into the fun aspects, such as your itinerary. This is where you can spend time looking at the best sights and attractions you want to incorporate into your holiday and plotting them along your route. If you need a little inspiration, we have several blogs for you to look at.

Plan in plenty of stops in amazing cities

Australia may be known for its beaches, mountains, sunshine and incredible culture but its iconic cities are a must-visit too. Each offers something different and gives you a great look into modern Australian culture. You can take a night or two to take in a live show, visit a local pub, have a delicious meal or do some shopping. Many cities also have some world-famous sights to see, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens and MCG.

Many of our holiday itineraries include stops at some of these remarkable cities. Almost all of our Australian holidays have a starting point in one of the major cities for a few days before you head out on your road trip. This allows you to acclimatise to the new time zones and prepare for your adventure while relaxing and exploring city life.

Road safety and regulations Australia.com
First timers guide to driving in Australia Australia.com

Driving tips worldwide.alanrogers.com

Peter Stannett

Content Writer

Peter is our content writer and SEO specialist, helping keep our content current and monitoring website traffic.

His content covers all four corners of the globe, across topics like activities, advice, food, culture and history.

More by Peter Stannett