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Driving in Australia and Melbourne

Driving in Australia, and particularly in Melbourne and Victoria is fairly simple. Roads are well made and well signposted.

Road rules

The most important rule to know is that in Australia we drive on the left-hand side of the road. You must also wear a seatbelt and have your licence with you when you’re driving. If you don't, you could be fined. In Victoria, the speed limit on the open road rises to 100 kilometres per hour and, in some sections of freeway, 110 kilometres per hour.

Hook turns

In central Melbourne, a strange rule is the ‘hook turn’. On certain signposted streets (look above the intersection), if you want to turn right, you have to wait to the left of the traffic until the traffic light starts to change to to red and then complete your right turn. Hook turns are only required on streets that carry trams. They ensure that right-turning cars do not obstruct trams while waiting to turn.

Driver's Licence

You can use your home driver’s licence for up to three months in Australia, as long as it has photo identification and it’s for the same type of vehicle you intend to drive. If you stay more than three months, you’ll need to get a Victorian licence.

Renting and buying a vehicle

The minimum age to rent a car in Victoria is generally 25 years old. Some outlets will hire cars to those under 25, although surcharges and restrictions may apply. Other main rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz and Thrifty. Two that cater to backpackers include Stand by Cars and Travellers Auto Barn.

If you’re planning to buy a vehicle, car markets are a good place to get used vehicles at low prices. Otherwise, visit a car dealer – to get guarantees, warranties and buyback options.

Parking

Melbourne has thousands of coin-operated parking meters and parking lots, but it can still be hard to find space for your vehicle. There are large fines if you let the meter expire.

For parking lots, expect to pay around $5 an hour, or $10–20 daily, although some offer discounts to shoppers.

Photo by Irene, taken on the Great Ocean Road.