Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In Trouble?
If you do run into trouble in the back of beyond, always stay with your car. It's
easier to spot a car than a human being from the air, and you wouldn't be able to carry a
heavy load of water very far anyway. Police suggest that you carry two spare tyres (for
added safety) and, if stranded, set fire to one of them (let the air out first) - the pall of
smoke will be seen for miles.
Road Rules
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Give Way
When driving, 'give way to the right', meaning that if an intersection is un-
marked (common in the outback, but not in cities), you
must
give way to vehicles entering
the intersection from your right.
Speed Limits
The general speed limit in built-up areas is 50km/h (25km/h or 40km/h near
schools at certain times - look for the signs), and 110km/h on highways in SA. In the NT,
the speed limit on the open highway is either 110km/h or 130km/h.
Seat Belts
Seat belts must be worn by law.
Drink Driving
You must not drive with a blood-alcohol content 0.05% or more.
Mobile Phones
Talking on a mobile phone while driving is illegal in Australia (excluding
hands-free technology).
Hitching
Hitching (or picking up hitchers) is never entirely safe - we do not recommend it. Hitching
to or from SA across the Nullarbor is definitely not advisable as waits of two or three days
are common. People looking for travelling companions for the long car journeys interstate
often leave notices on boards in hostels and backpacker accommodation: ask around.
Local Transport
In SA, Adelaide has an extensive public bus network, a not-so-extensive public train sys-
tem and one tram line (which is surprisngly useful). All are run by
Adelaide Metro
(
1300 311 108;
www.adelaidemetro.com.au
) .
In the NT, Darwin and Alice Springs have handy public bus networks run by the
Depart-
ment of Transport
(
08-8924 7666;
www.transport.nt.gov.au/public/bus/darwin
)
.
