Driving In Western Australia

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

Telephone Numbers
In an emergency dial 000.

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

Rural areas

110kph/68mph

Urban areas

60kph/37mph


Watch out for ‘Speed Zones’ which may carry a lower limit, they will be clearly signposted. There are also ‘Advisory Speed’ signs (yellow with black symbols) applicable on winding roads to indicate suggested speeds to safely negotiate the road ahead.  These are not enforced, but if you have an accident and are travelling faster than the indicated limit you may be deemed as driving without due care.

General Tips and Road Information
Western Australia is the largest state of the country and experiences different climates over its vast expanse and is predominantly desert land in the east. Perth is the capital of the state, and there are ten further regions, Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Mid West, the Heartlands, Peel, the South West, Great Southern, Esperance and the Goldfields.

Climate:
Perth and South WA:

  • Spring and summer (September to February) - Mild to warm weather.
  • Autumn and winter (March to August) - Cooler.

North of Perth:

  • Spring and summer (September to February) - Hot weather.
  • Autumn and winter (March to August) - Mild to warm weather.

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

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 when driving in the outback, slow down and be extra vigilant at dusk and night time.

Insurance:
Foreign insurance policies are not valid in Australia; the minimum cover required by law is third party.

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 website.

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.

Traffic Lights:
Traffic lights are, from the top, Red, Amber and Green.  At junctions there may also be arrow beside the main lights to indicate whether you can turn.  If the main lights show green, but you are turning and the arrow in the direction you wish to turn is red then you may NOT proceed.  If both the main green light and the direction arrow that you wish to turn in is also green you can proceed either way.

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.

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.

Main National Highways:

  • Geraldton-Mt Magnet Rd
  • Great Northern Highway
  • Gibb River Road
  • Victoria Highway
  • Brand Highway
  • North West Coastal Highway
  • Nanutarra-Munjina Road
  • Brookton Highway
  • Albany Highway
  • Goldfields Highway
  • South Coast Highway

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. Should you need help it is useful to be able to locate how far you are from the nearest town.

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 Western Australia - 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, sun block/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 Western Australia 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   Western Australia as well as their current licence. This permit must be obtained from your Country of Origin prior to arrival in Western Australia. Please contact your relevant authority to arrange.

Children:
Children must travel in the rear of the car with appropriate restraints for their age.

Seatbelts:
The use of a seatbelt is compulsory at all times for the driver and any passengers.

Mobile phones:
Do not use handheld mobile phones.

Hitchhiking:
Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers.

Useful Links and Further Information
We recommend Hertz Car Hire for car hire.
For further information on each of the Western Australian regions visit the following sites:

If you are intending to bring your own vehicle into Western Australia, visit the Australian AAA for information.
The latest road conditions for Western Australia can be checked on the Main Roads government website. For road conditions in rural areas telephone: 1800 013 314.

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

Surfing:
Visit the Coastal watch website at: http://www.coastalwatch.com/.


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