Driving In Queensland

This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in Queensland.

Telephone Numbers
In an emergency dial 000.

Speed Limits
Speeds in Australia are measured in kilometres per hour (KPH).

Rural areas

100kph/62mph

Urban areas in South East Queensland

50kph/31mph

Other urban areas

60kph/37mph


Monitor roadside signs for changes to limits, areas near schools for example have reduced limits, usually of 40kph (24 mph).

General Tips and Road Information
Queensland is the second largest of the Australian states, and home of The Great Barrier Reef. The landscape enjoys great diversity from rainforests, outback, tropical islands, beaches and city life, so there is a lot to see and do. 

Climate:
Queensland is split between the Temperate and Tropical climate zones, summers are warm and long and winters are short and cool.  Temperatures rarely reach extremes, tropical areas (for example Cairns and Mackay) can be humid though.  In the outback humidity is lower and in the mountainous regions the temperatures are cooler than coastland regions.

  • Spring (September to November) - Warm, sunny with gentle breezes.
  • Summer (December to February) - Inland temperatures can be high, but fairly low humidity, coastal regions may benefit from cool breezes from the sea.
  • Autumn (March to May) - Temperatures will be lower but still warm.
  • Winter (June to August) - Night and early morning temperatures are cooler, during the day temperatures are mild to warm.

For up to date weather information and weather warnings, visit the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology website.

Wildlife:
Be aware that wildlife may cross your path, slow down and be extra vigilant at dusk and night time.

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.

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. Try the Australian Quadriplegic Association or Accessible Queensland.

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.
Visit the websites for Aboriginal regions:

Highways:

  • Kennedy Highway - meets the Gulf Development Road from the west and continues into Cairns on the east coast.
  • Gulf Development Road - Runs from Normanton on the west coast to meet the Kennedy Highway in the east.
  • Bruce Highway - Runs from Cairns down the east coast all the way to Brisbane.
  • Burke Development Road - runs between Cloncury and Normanton.
  • Barkly Highway - Enters Queensland at Camooweal from the Northern Territories to meet the Flinders Highway.
  • Flinders Highway - Meets the Barkly Highway as it approaches from the Northern Territories, runs across to Townsville on Queensland's east coast.
  • Peak Downs Highway - Runs between Clermont and Mackay.
  • Gregory Highway - Runs between Clermont and Springsure.
  • Landsborough Highway - Runs from Cloncury to Longreach to meet the Capricorn Highway.
  • Capricorn Highway - From the Landsborough Highway runs to Rockhampton.
  • Dawson Highway - Runs between Springsure and Gladstone.
  • Burnett Highway - Runs between Biloela and Toowoomba.
  • Leichhardt Highway - Runs south from the Dawson Highway towards New South Wales.
  • Warrego Highway - Runs between Charleville and Brisbane.
  • Balonne Highway - Runs between Cunnamulla and St George.
  • Barwon Highway - Runs between St George and Goondiwindi.
  • Cunningham Highway - Runs between Goondiwindi and Brisbane.

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.
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 Queensland’s RAC visit www.racq.com.au.

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 Queensland - When on Foot:

  1. Carry plenty of water
  2. Take notice of signs at ALL Times
  3. Keep to walking trails
  4. Carry sun protection - hat, sunglasses, sun lotion, sunblock/cream and insect repellent.
  5. Carry a map of the area.
  6. Be aware of changes in climate and the effect on your body.
  7. 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 we recommend Hertz Car Rental
Local Tourism:

Gay/Lesbian:
Visit Gay Australia’s website at: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au

Surfing:
Visit, Sunshine Coast Surf Report or the Coastalwatch website.

Disabled Drivers:
For links to useful websites around the world visit: http://www.planetamber.com


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