Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Motorcycles are also popular here: between April and November the climate is ideal for bikes. A fuel range of 350km
will easily cover fuel stops along the coast. The long, open roads here are really made for large-capacity machines above
750cc.
The
Department of Transport and Main Roads
(
www.tmr.qld.gov.au
) is the Queensland government body respons-
ible for roads. It provides a wealth of free information on Australian road rules and conditions, and downloadable bro-
chures including the extremely useful
Guide to Queensland Roads
, which includes distance charts, road maps and other
helpful information.
Driving Licence
To drive in Australia you'll need to hold a current driving licence issued in English from your home country. If the li-
cence isn't in English, you'll also need to carry an International Driving Permit, issued in your home country.
Automobile Associations
The national
Australian Automobile Association
(AAA; 02-6247 7311;
www.aaa.asn.au
)
is the umbrella organisa-
tion for the various state associations. In Queensland, the
Royal Automobile Club of Queensland
(RACQ;
www.racq.com.au
)
holds sway, and offers reciprocal service arrangements (such as emergency breakdown assistance)
with other states and with similar organisations overseas - including AAA in the USA and RAC or AA in the UK. Bring
proof of membership with you.
The RACQ also produces a useful set of Queensland maps, can book tours and accommodation, and can provide ad-
vice on weather, road conditions and buying a car. Also on offer is additional insurance on top of your compulsory third-
party personal liability cover.
CLIMATE CHANGE & TRAVEL
Every form of transport that relies on carbon-based fuel generates CO
2
, the main cause of human-induced climate
change. Modern travel is dependent on aeroplanes, which might use less fuel per kilometre per person than most
cars but travel much greater distances. The altitude at which aircraft emit gases (including CO
2
) and particles also
contributes to their climate change impact. Many websites offer 'carbon calculators' that allow people to estimate
the carbon emissions generated by their journey and, for those who wish to do so, to off set the impact of the
greenhouse gases emitted with contributions to portfolios of climate-friendly initiatives throughout the world.
Lonely Planet off sets the carbon footprint of all staff and author travel.
Hire
There are plenty of car-rental companies in Queensland, big and small, ready to put you behind the wheel. The main
thing to remember is distance - if you want to travel far, you'll need unlimited kilometres.
Larger car-rental companies have drop-offs in major cities and towns; smaller local firms are sometimes cheaper but
may have restrictions. The big firms sometimes also offer one-way rentals, which may not cost extra. Most companies
require drivers to be over the age of 21, though in some cases it's 18 and in others 25. Typical rates are from $40/60/80
per day for a small/medium/large car.
The usual big international companies all operate in Queensland (Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty), but smaller
companies often have better deals.
Abel Rent A Car
(
www.abel.com.au
)
Based in Brisbane.
