Getting There By Road
Driving regulations are not uniform across Australia's states and territories, so visitors should be aware that the laws in Sydney may differ from states outside New South Wales. Driving in Australia is on the left and the speed limit outside built-up areas is generally 100kph (62mph) or 110kph (68.2mph) on freeways. In built-up areas, the speed limit is 60kph (37.2mph) unless otherwise signposted. Wearing of seat belts is compulsory in the front and rear.
Visitors who plan to drive in the more remote outback areas should contact one of Australia's motoring organisations beforehand to obtain maps and advice on road and weather conditions, supply points and spare parts to be carried, as these regions are occasionally affected by excessively wet or dry weather. Further information can be obtained from the Australian Automobile Association (tel: (02) 6247 7311; fax: (02) 6257 5320; website: www.aaa.asn.au).
Overseas driving licences are acceptable, although an International Driving Permit is preferred; licences must be carried when driving. Visitors are required to take out minimum third-party insurance for driving both their own cars and hire cars. The maximum legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.05%, which is enforced with random breath tests and curbed with severe penalties.
Emergency breakdown service: NRMA Emergency Breakdown 131 111
Routes to the city: The main routes into Sydney are the Hume Highway (heading northeast from Melbourne), the Pacific Highway (south from Brisbane) and the scenic Princes Highway (north from Melbourne via the coast).
Driving times to Sydney: From Melbourne - 14 hours 30 minutes; Brisbane - 13 hours 30 minutes; Adelaide - 18 hours.
Coach services: Operators include Greyhound Pioneer (tel: 132 030, Australia only; website: www.greyhound.com.au) and McCafferty's (tel: 131 499, Australia only; website: www.mccaffertys.com.au). Sydney Coach Terminal (tel: (02) 9281 9366) is on Eddy Avenue outside Central Station.
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