Getting There By Road
Driving regulations are not uniform across Australia’s states and territories, so visitors should be aware that the laws in Sydney might differ from states outside New South Wales.
Driving in Australia is on the left and the speed limit outside built-up areas is generally 100kph (62mph) or 110kph (68mph) on freeways. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 60kph (37mph) unless otherwise indicated. Wearing of seatbelts is compulsory in the front and rear. Roads are usually known by their names (for example, the Hume Highway) although motorways are also identified by a corresponding number.
The legal driving age in New South Wales is 16 years. Overseas driving licences are acceptable, although an International Driving Permit is preferred. Licences must be carried when driving. Visitors are required to take out minimum third-party insurance for driving both their own cars and hire cars. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.05%, which is enforced with random breath tests and curbed by severe penalties.
Visitors who plan to drive in the more remote outback areas should contact one of Australia’s motoring organisations beforehand, to obtain maps and advice on road and weather conditions, supply points and spare parts to be carried, as these regions are occasionally affected by excessively wet or dry weather. The Australian Automobile Association (tel: (02) 6247 7311; e-mail: aaa@aaa.asn.au; website: www.aaa.asn.au) provides further information. The National Roads and Motorists’ Association – NMRA (tel: 131 122; website: www.mynrma.com.au) also provides information and motoring services.
Emergency breakdown service:
NRMA Emergency Breakdown 131 111
Routes to the city: The main routes into Sydney are the Hume Highway (heading northeast from Melbourne), the Pacific Highway (south from Brisbane), the scenic Princes Highway (north from Melbourne via the coast) and the Sturt Highway (linking Adelaide on the west coast to Sydney on the east coast).
Approximate driving times to Sydney: From Melbourne – 11 hours; Brisbane – 13 hours 30 minutes; Adelaide – 18 hours.
Coach services: Operators include Greyhound Pioneer (tel: 132 030, Australia only or (07) 4690 9888 or (02) 9212 3433; e-mail: info@greyhound.com.au; website: www.greyhound.com.au) and McCafferty’s (tel: 131 499, Australia only or (07) 4690 9888 or (02) 9212 3433; e-mail: info@mccaffertys.com.au; website: www.mccaffertys.com.au), offering routes to many destinations throughout the country, including Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Melbourne. Buses depart from Sydney Coach Terminal, Eddy Avenue, outside Central Station (tel: (02) 9281 9366).
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Getting There By Road