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Great Ocean Road
Great Ocean Road
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Australia Self-Drive Holidays

Hit the open road with our Australia self-drive holidays

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Enjoy the freedom of the open road as you explore Australia at your own pace. From picturesque coastal roads to rolling hills and the arid Outback, you can experience every facet of Australia with you firmly in the driver’s seat. And what better place to try an independent holiday - Australians drive on the same side of the road as the UK and versus what we’re used to, there is very little traffic.

We can help you book your hotels, but how you get to them and at what time, is entirely up to you. We’ll help you on your way with a SatNav, road atlas and co-pilot booklet which will help keep you headed to your chosen destination, and also point out all the areas of interest you’ll be passing through.

See our complete list of Australia Self-Drives.

Australia Self Drive Holiday Highlights
•   Try our Territory Discovery Self-Drive in the Northern Territory to experience the Red Heart of Australia, drive through the empty Outback and visit the iconic Uluru.

•   Drive the Great Ocean Road on our Great Southern Touring Route Self-Drive as it hugs the coast offering sublime views.
•   Hop off the Pacific Highway to beautiful Port Stephens on our Best of the North Coast Self-Drive and enjoy the glorious beaches, harbours and bays of New South Wales’ North Coast.

Australia Tailor Made
All of our Self-Drive itineraries are perfect component parts of your dream Australia holidays. Please refer to our dedicated Australia Car Hire & Campervans page for more information about hiring vehicles in Australia.

To create your perfect Australia tailor made holiday:
•    Browse our online portfolio, or request a copy of our fantastic Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific brochure.
•    Call our knowledgeable Australia sales team who will help guide you through your options and prepare your detailed holiday quotation.
•    Request a quote online

Australia Facts
For further information, inspiration and holiday ideas:
•    Our comprehensive list of Australia facts and information.
•    Our i-travel articles for Australia.

Capital city

Canberra
Population

Australia has a population of 19.5 million.

Time difference / local time

Eastern Standard Time: GMT +10 Hours taking in Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland Central Standard Time: GMT + 9 Hours 30 Mins taking in Northern Territory and South Australia. Western Standard Time: GMT + 8 Hours taking in Western Austr
Language

English is the official language even though they do have their own vocabulary for certain words! The aborigines do have their own language but it is not widely spoken.

Currency

Australian Dollar ($). Approx. exchange rate AUD 1.61 = GBP 1 (27 January 2011) comprising of 100 cents = $1.

Safety

As in most countries, it is wise to take precautions against theft, especially in big cities. Keep valuables such as expensive jewellery in the hotel safety deposit box.

Passports and Visas

Visas are required by everyone except holders of Australian or New Zealand passports. Visas can now be booked electronically through Electronic Travel Authority (ETA’s) or by contacting the Australian High Commission. Clients will also require a 10 year passport which needs to be valid for six months after return to the UK. All other passport holders should contact the Australian High Commission as early as possible.

Shopping

Aborigine art is available in all major cities at every conceivable price. Shops selling duty-free goods are available so it’s worth looking at radios, photographic and electrical equipment, as well as clothes and perfumes. Your passport and ongoing ticket will prove that you’re eligible for duty-free although not always asked for. Souvenirs include the cuddly koala, boomerangs and the  Australian wide brimmed hat.

Climate / season

Rule of the thumb is that the seasons in Australia are opposite to those in Europe. Spring & Summer is October to March with most of the country being warm or hot, the north being more tropical and the south having milder nights. Autumn and winter is April to September where the north and central Australia is clear, with warm days and cool nights. The south experiences cool days with occasional rain.

Electricity

220/240 volt AC. Three round pin plugs are used therefore an adaptor is required

No compulsory vaccinations but recommended vaccination is Tetanus.

Clothing

For warmer weather light weight cotton garments are advisable and for cold weather a jumper or jacket is useful especially for cooler evenings.

Tipping

If you feel that you have received an excellent service and wish to show appreciation for this then a discretionary tip of 10% may be given.

Climate data for this region

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