• What sort of climate does Australia have?

Australia is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite to those in the northern hemisphere. Summer is December to February whilst winter is June to August. The differences between seasons become smaller the further north you go. Darwin only has a hot and dry climate (April till October) and a hot and wet climate (November till March). In general south of the tropic of Capricorn however winters can be cold and in the mountains you can snow ski. In central Australia (Outback) temperatures in summer can be very high during daytime. During the wintertime nights can be cold, however temperatures during the day are more pleasant.

• Is Australia save?

Australia is a save country. Crime rates are amongst the lowest in the world. Normal caution is advised. Try to travel during the day.

• What currency is used in Australia?

Australian Dollars (AU$). Travellers cheques and most major international credit cards are accepted.

• What are the standard opening hours?

Many businesses and all banks operate only Monday to Friday. Banking hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm and are closed on public holidays. Increasingly, stores in major cities are extending their hours through to Saturday and Sunday. Those stores catering largely to visitors are open every day, often with extended hours. Most petrol stations are open every day.

• What medical and emergency facilities are there?

Medical and emergency services are available but not free to visitors. Please arrange insurance coverage before your departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended.

• Is there a goods and services tax?

Australia has a Tourist refund scheme (TRS)
The TRS may enable you to claim a refund, subject to certain conditions, of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) that you pay on goods you buy in Australia.

The TRS is administered by the Australian Customs Service. For more information, refer to their website at http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4646

• What kind of electricity outlets are used in Australia?

Electricity is supplied throughout Australia at 240 volts via a slant pin outlet. An adaptor or a converter can be bought for about $ 10.

• Do we need to tip?

Australians do not depend on tips for their income and tips are not expected for normal service, however you may wish to show your appreciation for extra special attention.

• What sort of clothing should I take?

In keeping with Australia's relaxed lifestyle, dress is informal on most occasions. A jacket is recommended only for those intending to visit a better restaurant or evening show. Wet and colder weather conditions can occur, depending on season and itineray and therefore it is advised to bring a suiter and rain jacket as well.

• What is the best time to visit Australia?

This depends on the attractions that one would like to visit. Climate will play a major role in determining your travel plans. In general the north is avoided during the wet season which stretches from December to April. Winter months (June to August) are colder and rainy in Winter.

• Dangerous animals?

There are many animals in Australia who can be harmful. To name a few, sea animals such as jelly fish, sharks, stone fish or crocodiles, snakes and spiders. It is advised to read about potential danger prior to travel. However, statistics show that it is very unlikely that you will get bitten or stung by these animals.

• Is Australia expensive?

Australia is relatively inexpensive, also depending on the exchange rate fluctuations.

• What Drivers Licence will I need?

Most Hire Companies require the driver(s) to be over 21 years of age. A valid current car driver’s license is to be produced for everyone intending to drive the vehicle. State, Overseas or International Licenses are acceptable. However, the license must be in English characters.

• What is a good distance to travel each day on average?

We recommend traveling an average of 150 – 200 kilometers per day to enjoy Australia the most without being in to much rush.

• Can we travel with (small) children?

Australia is an attractive holiday destination for children with many interactive attractions and outdoors activities and many playgrounds for younger children.

• What is the cost of fuel in Australia?

Petrol (Gasoline) in Australia comes in unleaded and leaded grades, and is sold by the liter. Petrol and diesel fuel costs between $ 0.90 and $ 1.10 per litre and can be higher especially in country and remote outback areas.

• What road rules apply in Australia?

The Australians drive on the left side on the road and give way to the right. Urban areas have a 50 kilometers per hour (kph) maximum speed limit. On the highways the maximum is 100 kph.

• What travel documents will I need?

You should check with your local Australian embassy or consulate for the latest information. You can also check this website:

https://www.ecom.immi.gov.au/visas/jsp/index.jsp?visaType=VSS

• Can we leave the vehicle in another place than where we picked it up?

This is an advisable option to save time and by doing so adding holiday pleasure. Costs are relatively limited and most airline companies offer the possibility to depart from another location than the city where you arrived.

• Where do we camp at night?

You can stay in a caravan park. Australia has an extensive network of caravan parks in all major tourist centers and in most towns. They offer excellent recreation facilities and of course have superb shower and toilet amenities. They also have provision for you to plug the vehicle into electricity. The approximate cost is $15 to $20 (Australian dollars) a night. Most national parks have areas set aside for camping. There are often shower and toilets, barbeques and picnic areas and of course national parks provide a scenic and peaceful place to stay at overnight. However these areas generally do not have facility for you to plug the vehicle into electricity.

• Do we need to make reservations on campgrounds?

There is ordinarily no need to book ahead. However in peak periods a telephone call the day before you are planning to arrive is recommanded.

• Can we free camp?

Because of local council laws you are not permitted to camp on the side of the road in the vicinity of towns. However outside the towns and in country areas it is generally allowed. We recommand common sense in deciding about safety issues. Most battery systems will last approximately 12 hours when fully charged. Since the engine battery is separate, if you flatten one of the rear batteries, you will still be able to start the engine and drive.

• Why travel with a camper?

Traveling by camper will create a feeling of freedom. Traveling by camper means that one will have more options to unwind in nature. There is no need to unpack every night because you will take your house on wheels with you. It also offers the convenience to organize a picnic whenever and wherever it pleases you.

• Will I need vehicle insurance?

In the standard hire price a third Party and Public Liability Insurance is included. Every company insists on a bond which is fully refundable if the vehicle is returned in a clean undamaged position. It is strongly recommended that Bond Waiver Insurance is taken out.

• What options on a bond waiver insurance do I have?

With most companies you have 2 options. The first one reduces the excess to around $ 2500 – $ 2000. The comprehensive insurance reduces the excess to $ 250 - $ 0.

• Do we need a 4WD?

If you plan to travel to remote areas with unsealed roads it is necessary to rent a 4WD. Australia can well be discovered with a 2WD. Outdoors camping orientated clients prefer to rent a 4WD for a more remote experience.

• What is supplied with the vehicle?

Each vehicle is supplied with complimentary living equipment (such as bedding, cooking equipment, eating utensils, bath and tea towels.) Also provided are comprehensive maps and camp ground guides. We strongly recommend that you use soft bags instead of suitcases for your luggage. Soft bags take up less room and fit easier into the storage cupboards and lockers in the vehicle.