CAR TRAVEL SERVICES, CAR TRAVEL, DRIVING, CAR RENTAL, CAR HIRE, BUYING A CAR, DRIVING RULES, AUSTRALIA

Car travel around Australia certainly allows you to explore the country in depth, however, you must take into account the large driving distances. There are various options open to you, whether you buy your own vehicle or hire a car or a van to travel around Australia.

Driving around can work out expensive, unless you are travelling in a group. You have to consider fuel costs, costs of parts and labour if something should go wrong, insurance fees and other general car running costs. However, you do save money on other transport ticket costs, as well as having the flexibility to travel when and where you want.

Car Rental and Hire in Australia

If you hire a rental vehicle it offers you flexibility and independence, with the security that if something goes wrong with the vehicle it will be replaced or repaired. If you are on a tight budget an option is car relocation. There are some great deals for relocating cars, although these bargains are hard to find, and do tie you up on your journey.

If you are planning on camping or travelling long distances it would be a good idea to hire a van rather than a car, as it gives you more storage space, and often cooking and sleeping facilities. This means you can stop almost anyway and rest for the night, without having to find accommodation.

Avis

Avis is the leading car rental company across Australia. With over 240 locations around the country including all major airports, Avis is conveniently located close to your favourite holiday destination.

The average age of the Avis fleet is less than a year and ranges from the economical Toyota Corolla through the popular Holden Commodore to the luxurious Holden Statesman, plus the exciting Astra convertible, Renault Laguna and the Rover 75 Connoisseur. Vehicles also include the 4WD Mitsubishi Pajero and the roomy 8 seater Toyota Tarago.

Avis is also a partner in a wide range of rewards programs including the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, the Air New Zealand Air Points program, British Airways Executive Club and United Airlines Mileage Plus program.

Rent an economy (Group X or Group A) car from Avis Australia for 3 or more consecutive days from only $39 a day! This limited offer is available from 27 April until 31 July 2009. (Excludes Broome and the Northern Territory). Or if renting in Tasmania, rent an economy car for 3 or more consecutive days from only $29 a day! Offer valid on rentals commenced between 27 April and 31 July 2009.

* This special rate is subject to availability
* Rate includes Vehicle Registration Fee, Administration Fee, GST, unlimited kilometres in metropolitan areas, 200 free kilometres per day in country areas and 100 free kilometres per day in remote areas. Additional kilometres are charged at 27.5 cents per kilometre
* Rate excludes Concession Recovery Fee or Premium Location Surcharge (if applicable), refuelling service charge, optional insurance cover and miscellaneous charges and GST
* Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or coupon
* Subject to the terms and conditions of the Avis Rental Agreement at the time of rental
* Offer available at participating corporate and licensee locations in Australia.

Budget

Budget is renowned for meticulously maintained vehicles and quality service. Budget offers a wide range of cars, 4WDs and minibuses as well as Australia's largest fleet of trucks and commercial vehicles. The fleet is constantly being updated to ensure you enjoy the best in comfort and safety.

Budget also offers the convenience of over 240 locations Australia wide, so you are never far from a pick up point or friendly advice. We offer not just great rates but a variety of additional services to provide you with added value each time you rent from Budget.

Rent a Compact car (Group B) or larger from Budget Australia for 4 consecutive days or more and you will earn 1,000 extra Qantas Frequent Flyer points on top of the usual 3 points per $1 spent on time and kilometre charges.* Simply quote coupon number MPNZ150 when you book. Offer valid for rentals commencing before 30 June 2009.

* 1,000 extra Qantas Frequent Flyer points are earned on rentals of 4 consecutive days or more from all Budget Australia locations.
* Reservation must include coupon number MPNZ150 to be eligible to receive 1,000 extra Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
* Valid for car groups B, C, D, E, K, F, G, H, S, W and V only.
* Quote your Qantas Frequent Flyer number when making your booking and when you pick up your vehicle.
* Within Australia, points are earned on time and kilometre charges, excluding GST, insurance and miscellaneous charges.
* Points are not earned on major contracted corporate accounts, industry rates and rentals that are part of a package.
* All car rentals are subject to the terms and conditions of the car rental agreement.
* Driver must meet Budget age; driver's licence and credit requirements.
* One way rentals are not permitted

Buying a Car in Australia

If you buy your own vehicle then there are a few things you should consider beforehand. It is generally better to buy a Holden, Ford, or another known Australian car, as you have more chance of getting hold of parts if you do break down in the outback or a small country town. Although the Car Registration (Rego) includes basic insurance, this only covers you for injury and not vehicle or property damage. For this reason it is best to buy extra insurance, just so you are covered in the unfortunate case of an accident. Also check the vehicle over before you buy it, and if need be pay the RAA to do this for you.

Rules when Driving in Australia

Drive on the left-hand side of the road
Give way to the right
Never drink and drive, as there are large fines if you are found with a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.05%
Always stick to the speed limits as there are cameras around the cities, towns and along the highways. The general speed limits are 60km in built up areas, and 110km on highways
Always carry at least one spare tyre (two when driving in the outback) as blowouts are common
When driving in the outback and on long journeys make sure you carry plenty of water in case you break down
If travelling through the desert or remote areas, make sure that you carry a radio transmitter so that you can communicate in case of danger
Always carry a basic first aid kit which can act as a temporary measure against injury, until further help can be received
Try to avoid driving at night as this is when road trains and animals are out on the road
Always pull over to allow road trains to pass, as if they have to pull out to overtake, their carriages often start to sway and can knock you off the road
If you are going to hit an animal press the brakes and dim your lights, although try to avoid swerving unless it is safe to do so