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Driving In New South Wales
This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in New South Wales.
Telephone Numbers:
In an emergency dial 000.
General Tips and Road Information
New South Wales is located to the south east of Australia, its capital city is Sydney and the landscape is varied. You will find alpine areas, rainforest regions, beaches, outback, skiing regions and excellent city life.
Road trains:
Give them plenty of space, allow at least 1km to overtake. Hold the steering wheel firmly when passing oncoming road trains. Air pressure build-up created as they pass can cause significant buffeting to smaller cars.
Wildlife:
Be aware that wildlife may cross your path, slow down and be extra vigilant at dusk and night time.
Insurance:
Foreign insurance policies are not valid in Australia and the minimum cover is third party. This must be in place before driving.
Disabled Drivers:
Facilities for disabled drivers are very restricted, so it is advisable to take your own hand held controls to be fitted to standard vehicles on your arrival. There are Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Associations who can assist, make contact prior to departure:
Breakdown cover:
It is worth checking with your own automobile association to see with there are any reciprocal services available when you are abroad, for details of Westerns Australia’s RAC visit their website.
Driving with Caravans:
DO NOT PARK IN TRUCK PARKING BAYS - Only trucks and road trains are allowed in order to ensure drivers park their rigs safely during rest breaks. Manoeuvring space is essential to them and they often need to run noisy refrigeration units. Caravanners are allocated rest areas for breaks, and camping and caravan parks in most towns for overnight stops.
Fuel:
Widely available on major road routes from garages, roadhouses and wayside inns. Remote service stations may have restricted opening hours and limited credit card facilities, so plan in advance. Fuel types: super, unleaded, diesel and gas available at main service stations, can be highly priced (sometimes nearly double) especially in remote areas.
Fuel pricing can be checked at the Australian Automobile Association’s Petrol Price Monitor website. To locate your nearest Shell fuel station visit their website.
Aboriginal Land:
You must obtain a special permit when travelling on Aboriginal land, contact tourist information centres or apply to local Aboriginal land councils. Boundaries of Aboriginal land will be clearly marked on all major maps.
Dealing with Trucks:
- Oversize Trucks: display a flashing ORANGE light. May have escort vehicles in front and/or behind.
- Road Trains: will be towing trailers around 36-37 metres long, travelling at speeds up to 90km/h. Can be found on the Newell Highway, roads to the west.
- Long Vehicles: will be towing trailers 25-26 metres long, travelling at speeds up to 100km/h. Can be found on many roads throughout New South Wales.
- Allow trucks extra space at intersections and roundabouts as they can legally use BOTH lanes when turning.
Main National Highways:
- Pacific Highway: Runs between Sydney and Brisbane via Grafton and the Holiday Coast.
- New England Highway: Runs between Sydney and Brisbane via Tamworth.
- Great Western, Mitchell and Barrier Highway: Runs between Sydney and Adelaide via the Central West and Broken Hill.
- Newell Highways: Runs between Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Great Western, Mid Western and Sturt Highways: Runs between Sydney and Adelaide.
- Hume Highway: Runs between Sydney and Melbourne via Albury.
- Hume and Sturt Highways: Runs between Sydney and Adelaide via Wagga Wagga.
- Princes Highway: Runs between Sydney and Melbourne via Bega and the Sapphire Coast.
Safety
Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Dangers include:
- Wet or dusty conditions.
- Human fatigue.
- Potential collision with cattle, horses or native wildlife.
- Drowsiness while travelling on long straight roads and across vast distances.
Off Road Precautions:
Ensure you check road conditions prior to starting your journey. Take the following:
- Two spare tyres
- Fan belts, radiator hoses, air conditioner hoses.
- Tow rope.
- Detailed touring map with petrol stops indicated.
- At least 20 litres of water.
- Spare fuel.
- Check that you have a jack, spare tyre and extra water.
Outback Roads:
Billowing dust can be hazardous when following vehicles on Outback roads. Keep to an appropriate speed, don’t get too close to the vehicle in front and stop if necessary to allow dust clouds to settle.
As you leave towns check your car mileage because, should you need help, it is useful when locating you to know how far from the nearest town you are.
Breakdown:
Breakdown assistance is not always easily at hand. If you break down in a remote area, do not leave your vehicle. The best and safest chance of rescue (if you have no method of communication), and in extreme cases survival, is someone else passing; this may take hours. Your vehicle can in the mean time provide protection, shelter and is far more visible for rescuers.
Flooding:
Don’t try crossing flooded bridges/causeways unless certain of the depth. Don’t test depths of moving flood water, flow can be very rapid and can sweep anything away that is in its path, including heavy vehicles.
Exploring New South Wales - When on Foot:
- Carry plenty of water
- Take notice of signs at ALL Times
- Keep to walking trails
- Carry sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, sunblock/cream and insect repellent.
- Carry a map of the area.
- Be aware of changes in climate and the effect on your body.
- Keep hydrated, water is the cheapest way to do this, don’t wait until you feel thirsty - especially when you are active.
Requirements
Driving Licences:
International Visitors - An international visitor can drive in the Northern Territory for up to three months on a 'Country of Origin' Licence providing it is in English. Non-English licences will require an International Driving Permit to drive within the Northern Territory as well as their current licence. This permit must be obtained from your Country of Origin prior to arrival in the Northern Territory. Please contact your relevant authority to arrange.
Seatbelts:
The use of a seatbelt is compulsory for both driver and passengers.
Children:
Children must travel in the rear of the car and use restraints appropriate for their age.
Mobile phones:
Do not use handheld mobile phones.
Hitchhiking:
Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.
Useful Links and Further Information
If you are going to be renting a car why not get a quote from Budget Car Rental Australia?
For up to date weather information and weather warnings, visit the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology website. http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/nsw
If you are intending to bring your own vehicle into Australia visit the Australian AAA for information. http://www.aaa.asn.au/touring
For the latest road conditions in New South Wales visit the NSW Government website http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficreports
Local Tourism:
If you need directions for your journey or general tourism information visit the Driving Directions page (under maps) on the http://www.visitnsw.com
For information about Sydney visit http://sydneyaustralia.com/en
For information about NSW national parks visit. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Surfing:
Visit the Coastal watch website at: http://www4.coastalwatch.com
Disabled Drivers:
For links to useful websites around the world visit: http://www.planetamber.com
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