Driving in Australia: Rules, Tolls and Fuel Costs

Australia was built for road trips. From coastal highways that cling to turquoise seas to red desert ribbons that seem to run forever, the country rewards anyone willing to turn the key and go. If you are planning to drive in Australia, this guide covers the essentials that make a trip smooth, safe and great value: road rules, Australian toll roads and how to pay them, plus fuel types and fuel costs across the country. Think of it as your friendly co‑driver, helping you turn a map into memories.

Before You Turn the Key: Licences, Car Hire and Insurance

Set yourself up before you set off. A little prep means more time watching for lookouts and less time worrying about paperwork.

Licences and international permits

• You can drive in Australia with a valid foreign licence while visiting.
• The licence must be in English. If it is not, carry an International Driving Permit or an official translation plus your original licence.
• Carry your licence at all times when driving. Police can request it on the spot.

Age, transmission and vehicle choice

• Minimum rental age is usually 21, sometimes 25 for premium vehicles. A young driver surcharge can apply for drivers under 25.
• Automatics are the norm in Australia. If you prefer a manual, book early because fleets are limited.
• Choose the right vehicle for the terrain. City and coast trips suit small and medium cars. Outback routes and gravel roads need high clearance or 4WD, but most rental companies restrict unsealed road use, so check the contract.

Insurance and excess

• Standard rental includes basic cover with a high excess. You can reduce the excess at the counter, pre‑purchase standalone excess cover, or use a travel credit card that includes collision damage waiver.
• Windscreen and tyre cover is worth considering if you plan rural or gravel driving.
• Confirm whether your rental allows driving on unsealed roads, at night in wildlife‑dense areas, or between states. Restrictions vary.

Roadside assistance

• Australia’s motoring clubs can save a trip if you get a flat battery or lock the keys in the boot. The main clubs are NRMA (NSW and ACT), RACV (Victoria), RACQ (Queensland), RAA (South Australia), RAC (Western Australia), RACT (Tasmania) and AANT (Northern Territory).
• Many rental companies include basic roadside assistance for mechanical issues. Driver error, such as running out of fuel or a flat tyre, can incur a call‑out fee unless you buy premium coverage.

Essential Australian Road Rules Every Visitor Should Know

Australia’s road rules are logical and well signed, but there are local habits and rules worth learning. Here is a quick briefing so you can drive with confidence from day one.

Left side driving and lane etiquette

• Drive on the left side of the road and keep left unless overtaking on multi‑lane roads. In most states, if the speed limit is 80 km/h or higher, you must keep left unless overtaking.
• Overtake on the right. On multi‑lane roads, avoid camping in the right lane.

Speed limits

• Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour.
• Typical limits:
  • 40 km/h to 60 km/h in built‑up areas, school zones can be lower at specific times.
  • 80 km/h to 100 km/h on rural roads.
  • 110 km/h on many motorways in most states. In the Northern Territory, some highways are limited to 130 km/h.
• Speed cameras, including point‑to‑point average speed cameras, are common. Obey the limit, especially when it drops near towns.

School zones

• School zone times vary by state and are always marked on the sign. Slow down during the posted times. Fines can be higher for school zone offences.

Seat belts and child restraints

• Seat belts are compulsory for everyone. Police enforce this strictly.
• Children up to age seven must use an approved child restraint suited to their size. Child seat rules vary slightly by state, but as a guide:
  • Rear‑facing infant restraint for up to six months.
  • Forward‑facing with harness from six months to four years.
  • Booster seat with harness from four to seven years.
• If you need a seat, book it with your rental car or hire one from a baby equipment provider in the city you visit.

Mobile phone use

• Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal. If you want to use navigation or calls, secure your phone in a proper cradle and use hands‑free controls.
• Learner and provisional drivers face stricter rules. In some states they cannot use a phone at all, even hands‑free.

Drink and drug driving

• The general legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05. Learner and provisional drivers are subject to 0.00 in most states.
• Random breath testing and roadside drug testing are common. Use ride shares or taxis after a few drinks and avoid risking your licence or your trip.

Roundabouts and giving way

• Give way to traffic already in the roundabout.
• Signal left when exiting a roundabout.
• Melbourne has hook turns at some CBD intersections to keep trams moving. If you see a Hook Turn sign, move to the left, wait in the marked box, then turn right when the lights change.

Pedestrians, cyclists and trams

• Stop at pedestrian crossings when people are waiting to cross.
• Many states require a minimum passing distance when overtaking cyclists, usually one metre where the limit is 60 km/h or less, and 1.5 metres at higher speeds.
• In Melbourne, give way to trams and never pass a tram that has stopped at a safety zone where passengers are boarding.

Lights, indicators and driving courtesy

• Use headlights from dusk to dawn and in rain or poor visibility.
• Indicate for at least three seconds before changing lanes.
• Avoid using high beam when another vehicle is within sight. Dip your lights to avoid dazzling others.

Cameras, fines and demerit points

• Australia uses fixed and mobile speed cameras, red‑light cameras and average speed cameras. They work everywhere, not just in cities.
• Fines can be heavy. Demerit points apply to your licence class, and visitors can be barred from driving if they accumulate too many.
• Some states apply double demerit points on long weekends and holiday periods, notably in NSW and WA. Watch local enforcement calendars.
• If you are in a rental car, fines are redirected to you and the rental company may charge an admin fee. Pay promptly to avoid extra costs.

Tolls in Australia: How They Work and How to Pay

Australian toll roads are cashless. Cameras record your number plate, or a small electronic device called an e‑TAG reads your account as you drive. If you have a tag or a pass set up, you can glide through without stopping.

Where you will find toll roads

• Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have toll roads on major corridors and tunnel networks.
• Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart, Darwin and Perth currently have no toll roads.

Plan routes in and out of toll cities in advance. Tolls can save significant time in peak hours, especially in Sydney and Brisbane, and can be worth the cost for stress‑free city driving.

How e‑TAGs and passes work

• An e‑TAG is a small device that beeps as you pass a toll point. It deducts from your prepaid account.
• If you do not have a tag, you can set up a visitor pass linked to your number plate. Passes can cover Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in one setup, or you can buy a city‑specific pass.
• Time limits apply. You should set up your pass before driving, or shortly after travelling. Always check the operator’s deadline because time windows vary by state and road.
• If you forget, you can often pay a toll notice after the fact, but you will incur administration fees.

Sydney toll roads: what to expect

Sydney has extensive tolled motorways and tunnels. You will encounter tolling on key routes to and from the airport, the CBD, the north shore and western suburbs. Common toll roads include:

• M2 Hills Motorway
• Lane Cove Tunnel
• M4, M8 and the M4‑M8 Link within the WestConnex network
• M5 East and M8 Motorway
• Cross City Tunnel
• Eastern Distributor
• Westlink M7
• NorthConnex
• Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel

Paying in Sydney:

• Linkt manages most Sydney tolling. Set up a Sydney Pass or a Linkt Visitor’s Pass that covers multiple cities.
• If you use a tag from any Australian operator, it generally works across Sydney roads.
• If you do not have a pass, a toll invoice goes to the registered owner. In a rental car, that means your hire company plus their admin fee.

Travel tip: If you prefer non‑toll routes, navigation apps can be set to avoid tolls, yet in Sydney that can add significant time. For a short visit, the convenience of a pass often pays for itself in reduced stress.

Melbourne toll roads: what to expect

Melbourne has two main toll corridors:

• CityLink, which includes the Tullamarine Freeway, West Gate Freeway and the Domain and Burnley tunnels. This is the key route between Melbourne Airport and the CBD.
• EastLink, connecting the eastern suburbs via the Monash and Eastern Freeways.

Paying in Melbourne:

• Linkt manages CityLink. EastLink is managed separately but accepts Linkt tags and most passes. If you set up a Linkt Visitor’s Pass, you can cover trips on CityLink, and you can buy a short EastLink trip pass if needed.
• Melbourne Airport trips often use CityLink. Set up toll cover before you leave the car park to avoid notices.

Travel tip: If you want to avoid tolls from the airport, alternative routes exist through suburban arterials, but they are slower and more complex. For a first‑time visitor, CityLink is the smoothest option.

Brisbane and South East Queensland toll roads

South East Queensland’s toll network streamlines travel across the river city and around it. Key roads include:

• Gateway Motorway and Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges
• Logan Motorway
• AirportlinkM7 and the M7 Clem Jones Tunnel
• Legacy Way and Go Between Bridge
• Toowoomba Bypass also includes toll points

Paying in Brisbane:

• Linkt Queensland covers all Brisbane toll roads. A Linkt Visitor’s Pass works across the network and can also cover Sydney and Melbourne.
• Signs before each toll point inform you of the charge and give a website for payments.

Travel tip: If you plan a Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast road trip, the Gateway Motorway can be a time saver, especially in peak traffic.

Cities with no tolls

• Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin currently have no toll roads. You can set navigation to avoid toll roads entirely if your itinerary sticks to these cities and their surrounds.

Tolls in a rental car: avoid nasty surprises

Rental cars and tolls need planning. Without a plan, you can end up paying both the toll and a daily admin fee.

• Most rental cars are enrolled in a toll billing program. If you drive through a toll point, the rental company receives the charge and then bills your credit card plus an administration fee per day that you use a toll road.
• You can usually cover a hire car with your own visitor pass by adding the number plate and your travel dates. If your pass captures the toll first, you avoid the rental admin fee.
• Best practice:
  1. Ask the rental desk how their tolling works, including daily fees and caps.
  2. If allowed, set up a Linkt Visitor’s Pass and add your rental plate with the start and end date of your hire.
  3. Backdate your pass within the operator’s permitted window if you already drove on a toll road.
  4. Keep all emails and receipts. If an admin fee still appears, you can query it with proof of coverage.

Fuel in Australia: Types, Prices and How to Save

Fuel costs in Australia fluctuate by city and region. Understanding fuel types, price cycles and apps can trim your road trip budget without trimming your itinerary.

Fuel types at Australian bowsers

• Unleaded 91: The standard petrol, suitable for most cars that do not specify premium.
• E10: Unleaded petrol blended with up to 10 percent ethanol. Many cars accept E10, but check the fuel cap or handbook.
• Premium Unleaded 95 and 98: Higher octane fuels. Required for some European, performance and turbocharged engines. If your car specifies premium, use it to protect the engine.
• Diesel: Common for larger SUVs and 4WDs. Modern diesels may require AdBlue, but rental fleets usually manage this on service and you will rarely need to top up on a short trip.
• LPG Autogas: Less common for private vehicles now, so do not rely on it being available everywhere.

Fuel prices and regional differences

• Prices are shown per litre and vary by city, brand and day. A broad guide in recent years would put regular unleaded and diesel anywhere from the mid one dollar range to the low two dollar range per litre, with outback areas often higher due to transport costs.
• Major cities often have price cycles. Prices rise and fall in predictable waves. Buying at the cycle low can save significantly.
  • Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have multi‑week cycles with gradual rises and sharp falls or vice versa.
  • Perth runs a weekly cycle regulated by FuelWatch, with prices usually lowest one day per week.
• In remote regions and on the Nullarbor, expect to pay more. Roadhouses may be hundreds of kilometres apart, so top up when you can.

Apps and tools to find the cheapest fuel

You can save a surprising amount by using price apps that show live pump prices.

• FuelCheck NSW: Real‑time prices for New South Wales.
• FuelWatch WA: Statewide price reporting in Western Australia. Also shows the next day’s prices from 2 pm each afternoon.
• RACQ Fair Fuel Finder, FuelMap Australia and PetrolSpy: Aggregated prices across multiple states.
• MyFuel NT and the SA Fuel Pricing scheme: Official price reporting in the Northern Territory and South Australia.
• Tasmania and Victoria also support price reporting through government or third‑party apps. Check your app store for “FuelCheck TAS” or “Fuel price Victoria.”

Travel tip: Two minutes of checking can save a family coffee at every fill. Look ahead on your route, then choose the cheaper servo near the highway rather than the first one you see.

Paying for fuel and roadhouse etiquette

• Most stations are pay at the counter after you pump. Some metro locations offer pay at the pump. In remote areas, self‑serve bowsers with card payment can operate after hours.
• Almost all outlets accept major credit cards and contactless payments. Carry a backup card in case of network outages in remote towns.
• Supermarket chains Coles and Woolworths offer fuel dockets that can give a small cents‑per‑litre discount at affiliated stations if you shop with them.

Outback fueling and safe range

• Distances can be enormous. Plan your range conservatively, carry plenty of water, and know where the next fuel stop is.
• Many rental contracts prohibit carrying fuel in jerry cans inside the vehicle. If you plan serious remote travel, rent a suitable vehicle with long‑range tanks.
• Do not rely on a single roadhouse being open late. Check trading hours, especially on public holidays and Sundays.

Long Distance and Outback Driving Tips

Australia’s size is part of its magic. Respect the distances and you will love every day on the road.

Distances, timing and fatigue

• Do not underestimate drive times. What looks like a short hop on the map can be several hours at safe speeds.
• Take a 15 minute break every two hours. Swap drivers often. Fatigue is a major factor in serious crashes on country roads.
• Rest areas are frequent on highways. Many have toilets and shaded tables. Some allow 24 hour stops for fatigue management.

Wildlife and night driving

• Kangaroos, wallabies and wombats are active around dawn and dusk. Slow down at those times and scan the verges.
• Avoid driving at night outside cities, especially in outback regions. Livestock and wildlife are harder to spot and can be fatal to hit.

Road trains and overtaking

• Road trains can be more than 50 metres long. Allow plenty of room to pass, and only overtake when you can see far ahead.
• Expect a buffeting effect from wind when passing large vehicles. Keep a steady line and do not cut in.

Unsealed roads and water crossings

• Many beautiful places are reached by gravel roads. If your rental contract prohibits unsealed roads, do not risk it. You could void insurance even if no damage occurs.
• Never cross flooded roads. Depth and flow are deceptive and road edges can be washed out. If it is flooded, forget it.

Navigation, coverage and emergencies

• Mobile coverage drops away outside towns. Download offline maps and carry a paper map as a backup.
• Consider a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon for remote routes.
• For emergencies, call Triple Zero 000. On some phones, 112 connects to emergency services when 000 does not, although coverage is still required.

Weather, fires and floods

• Australia’s weather can change fast. In summer, monitor bushfire warnings. In the wet season in the north, plan around road closures due to flooding.
• Check official road conditions sites before long country legs. A five minute check can save a five hour detour.

Parking, City Driving and Practicalities

A smooth city day means knowing the small rules that keep traffic flowing and fines at bay.

Parking rules and signs

• Parking signs are precise. Pay attention to time limits, resident zones and the start or end days for restrictions.
• Clearways operate in peak hours on many arterials. Do not stop in a clearway during posted times or your car can be towed.
• Disabled parking spaces require a valid permit displayed. Fines are steep for misuse.
• Many councils use parking apps such as EasyPark, PayStay and CellOPark. Download the local app to pay without coins.

Using navigation and avoiding tolls

• Set your navigation to “avoid tolls” if you want a meandering route that saves money, or “allow tolls” if you value quick, direct trips.
• In unfamiliar CBDs, follow lane arrows early. Watch for bus lanes, and do not enter them unless signs allow.

City etiquette

• Merge like a zipper, one from each lane. Use indicators and be patient.
• Do not block intersections. If traffic is banked up, wait until you can clear it.

Suggested Iconic Road Trips and Drive Times

Driving in Australia is as much about the journey as the destination. Here are classic routes where the rules and tips above will serve you well, plus brief notes on tolls and fuel planning.

1. Great Ocean Road, Victoria

   • Route: Melbourne to Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, Twelve Apostles and Warrnambool.
   • Distance: 400 to 600 kilometres depending on detours.
   • Tolls: CityLink out of Melbourne if you take the fastest route.
   • Fuel: Plenty of stations in towns, prices higher in small coastal villages.

2. Sydney to Byron Bay, New South Wales

   • Route: Pacific Highway, with stops in Port Stephens, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.
   • Distance: About 770 kilometres.
   • Tolls: Sydney motorways leaving the city. North of Sydney is toll free.
   • Fuel: Regular highway servos and great coffee stops. Use FuelCheck NSW to catch price dips.

3. Brisbane to Cairns, Queensland

   • Route: Bruce Highway with detours to the Whitsundays, Mission Beach and Atherton Tablelands.
   • Distance: About 1,700 kilometres.
   • Tolls: Brisbane bypass sections only.
   • Fuel: Easy on the coast, rarer in far north side routes. Watch distances between towns north of Townsville.

4. Perth to Margaret River, Western Australia

   • Route: Kwinana Freeway and Bussell Highway to wineries and surf breaks.
   • Distance: 270 kilometres one way.
   • Tolls: None.
   • Fuel: Frequent options. Use FuelWatch to pick the cheapest day.

5. Adelaide to the Barossa and Clare Valleys, South Australia

   • Route: Northern Expressway to vineyards and historic towns.
   • Distance: 200 to 300 kilometres return with tastings and detours.
   • Tolls: None.
   • Fuel: Simple, with short hops between towns.

6. Hobart to Freycinet, Tasmania

   • Route: Great Eastern Drive to Wineglass Bay.
   • Distance: 200 kilometres one way.
   • Tolls: None.
   • Fuel: Fill in Hobart, then again in Swansea or Bicheno.

7. Darwin to Kakadu and Litchfield, Northern Territory

   • Route: Stuart and Arnhem Highways, plus Litchfield Park Road.
   • Distance: 700 to 1,000 kilometres over several days.
   • Tolls: None.
   • Fuel: Available in park gateways, plan for longer gaps and buy water at every stop.

8. The Red Centre Way, NT

   • Route: Alice Springs to Kings Canyon and Uluru, with sealed and unsealed sections.
   • Distance: 1,100 kilometres loop.
   • Tolls: None.
   • Fuel: Remote roadhouses. Confirm rental permissions for any unsealed sections.

9. Crossing the Nullarbor, SA to WA

   • Route: Eyre Highway from Ceduna to Norseman.
   • Distance: About 1,200 kilometres between major towns, 2,000 kilometres including Perth or Adelaide.
   • Tolls: None.
   • Fuel: Plan every stop. Carry ample water, check winds, book accommodation ahead in peak season.

Electric Vehicles: Charging on an Australian Road Trip

If you are driving an EV in Australia, infrastructure is growing quickly.

• DC fast chargers connect most capitals and many regional corridors. Networks include Chargefox, Evie and Tesla Superchargers.
• Check PlugShare for live status and compatible plugs. In remote regions, charging can be sparse, so plan legs conservatively.
• Some rentals include EVs in major cities. Request a Type 2 cable and phone support for the local network to make charging smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit?

If your licence is in English, an IDP is not usually required for visitors. If not in English, you must carry an IDP or an official translation plus your original licence.

Which side of the road do Australians drive on?

Australia drives on the left. The driver sits on the right side of the vehicle.

How fast can I drive on the highway?

Limits vary. Many motorways are 100 or 110 km/h. The Northern Territory has 130 km/h on some highways. Always follow the posted limit.

Can I pay tolls with cash?

No. Australian toll roads are cashless. Use an e‑TAG or set up a visitor pass linked to your number plate.

I used a toll road by mistake. What now?

Pay online as soon as possible. Set up a pass and backdate it within the operator’s allowed window so your trip is covered. Check your city’s tolling website for time limits.

How much does fuel cost in Australia?

It varies by location and date. Expect higher prices in remote regions than in cities. Use price apps such as FuelCheck, FuelWatch and RACQ’s tools to find the cheapest pump near you.

Can I sleep in my car?

Rules vary by council. Many rest areas allow short stops for fatigue management. Do not camp or sleep where signs prohibit it. In national parks and coastal zones, use designated campgrounds.

Are there double demerit periods?

Yes, some states, notably NSW and WA, apply double demerit points on holiday periods. Check local calendars.

SEO‑Friendly Tips to Plan and Save

• Search phrases to compare before you book: “driving in Australia rules,” “Australian toll roads pass,” “fuel costs Australia today,” “Sydney tolls pass,” “Melbourne CityLink pass,” “Brisbane toll pass,” “FuelCheck NSW,” “FuelWatch WA,” “road trip Australia itineraries.”
• Create a checklist:
  1. Licence and International Driving Permit if needed.
  2. Rental car booked with the right insurance and roadside support.
  3. Toll pass set up and number plate added.
  4. Fuel price apps installed and offline maps downloaded.
  5. Itinerary with safe daily distances and rest stops every two hours.

Conclusion: Your Keys to an Effortless Australian Road Trip

Driving in Australia unlocks a country of big skies, bigger beaches and endless detours you will talk about for years. Now you know the road rules that matter, how to glide through Australian toll roads without a paper bill, and how to master fuel costs from city bowsers to outback roadhouses. With a little planning, you can swap traffic stress for scenic pull‑outs and turn tolls and fuel into simple line items rather than surprise expenses.

Pick your route, book the right car, set up your toll pass, download a couple of fuel apps and hit the left lane. Australia is ready when you are, from sunrise on the Great Ocean Road to stars over the desert. Safe travels and happy driving.