Driving in Australia gives you the freedom to explore stunning coastlines, national parks, and vibrant cities at your own pace. However, for many international visitors, driving here feels different from back home—and it’s easy to make mistakes that could lead to fines, accidents, or unnecessary stress. By knowing what to watch out for, you can enjoy your road trip safely and confidently.

Common Driving Mistakes Tourists Make in Australia

1. Forgetting That Australians Drive on the Left

One of the biggest adjustments for overseas visitors is left-side driving in Australia. Many tourists instinctively drift to the right, especially when turning at intersections or pulling out of driveways.

How to Avoid It

• Always remind yourself: “Left is best.”
• Stick a note on the dashboard to keep left.
• Pay extra attention at roundabouts and when making right turns.

2. Underestimating Long Distances

Australia is vast, and distances between towns can be huge. Tourists often assume travel times will be shorter, only to discover they’ve underestimated by several hours.

How to Avoid It

• Use GPS or Google Maps for accurate travel times.
• Plan fuel stops in advance—petrol stations can be far apart in rural areas.
• Allow extra time for rest breaks.

3. Ignoring Road Signs and Speed Limits

Australia enforces strict speed limits, and fines are hefty. Some tourists miss signs, especially in regional areas where limits can change suddenly.

How to Avoid It

• Pay attention to road signs at all times.
• Use cruise control to avoid accidental speeding.
• Remember: speed limits are in kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles.

4. Misjudging Wildlife Hazards

Kangaroos, wombats, and other animals often cross roads, particularly at dawn and dusk. Collisions can cause serious accidents.

How to Avoid It

• Avoid driving at night in rural areas.
• Stay alert during early mornings and evenings.
• Slow down when you see wildlife warning signs.

5. Not Understanding Roundabouts

Roundabouts in Australia can confuse international drivers. Many tourists enter incorrectly or fail to give way to vehicles already inside.

How to Avoid It

• Always give way to vehicles coming from the right.
• Signal when exiting.
• Slow down before entering.

6. Driving Tired After a Long Flight

Tourists often rent a car straight after landing, even following long-haul flights. Fatigue is a major cause of accidents.

How to Avoid It

• Rest overnight before starting a long drive.
• Take regular breaks every two hours.
• Share driving duties if travelling in a group.

7. Not Preparing for Rural and Outback Conditions

Driving in the Australian Outback is very different from city driving. Roads may be unsealed, remote, and lacking mobile coverage. Many tourists underestimate the risks.

How to Avoid It

• Carry extra fuel, food, and water.
• Ensure your rental car is suited for outback driving (e.g., 4WD).
• Inform someone of your route and expected arrival.

8. Overlooking Insurance and Rental Terms

Many tourists skip reading their rental agreement carefully, leading to surprise fees if damage occurs. Insurance coverage can also be confusing.

How to Avoid It

• Read the rental contract before driving away.
• Check what’s included in your insurance and consider extra coverage.
• Take photos of the car at pick-up and drop-off.

9. Not Knowing Local Road Rules

Rules vary across states in Australia. For example, some intersections allow left turns on red with a sign, while others don’t. Tourists often assume rules are the same everywhere.

How to Avoid It

• Research driving rules for the specific state you’re visiting.
• When unsure, always follow road signs.
• Use official road authority websites for guidance.

Final Thoughts

Australia is a dream destination for road trips, but driving here requires awareness and preparation. By avoiding common mistakes—like drifting to the right, underestimating distances, or ignoring wildlife hazards—you’ll have a much safer and more enjoyable journey.

With Accura Cars, tourists can easily find reliable rental cars in Perth to explore Western Australia with peace of mind. Whether you need a vehicle for a few days or weeks, Accura Cars connects renters and owners in one trusted platform.

👉 Start planning your Australian road trip today with Accura Cars and enjoy driving with confidence.