Last updated: April 2026
Driving in Australia: What You Need to Know
Before you rent a car in Australia, here are the essential driving facts:
| Drive Side | Left |
|---|---|
| International Driving Permit | Required For Non-English Licenses |
| Speed Limit (Motorway) | 110–130 km/h varies by state |
| Average Fuel Price | AUD 1.90/L |
| Minimum Rental Age | 21+ |
Sources: Tourism Australia — Driving · AAA (Australian Automobile Association)
💡 Insider Tip
Distances are enormous — Melbourne to Sydney is 9 hours. Check for one-way drop-off fees if not returning to the same city.
Best Cities for Car Hire in Australia
Click on any city below to see detailed rental information, driving tips, and provider comparisons.
Sydney is surrounded by natural beauty best accessed by car. Drive over the Blue Mountains, north al...
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Car hire in Brisbane →Perth's remoteness is actually its greatest asset for road trippers. Drive north along the Coral Coa...
Car hire in Perth →