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Adelaide Car Hire
Adelaide Car Hire is dedicated to providing the lowest all-inclusive car rental deals. Using our car hire suppliers in Adelaide we are able to bring a large range of vehicles at last minute discounted rates to help with your South Australia holiday plans. Adelaide Car Hire offers you a great range of Adelaide vehicles in the city and at the airport. Our simple three step booking process makes finding your Adelaide Car Hire easy. Adelaide Car Hire Accepts
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Driving in Australia ... Travel Tips ... Facts about AustraliaThe most amazing experiences you can have while travelling are the unplanned surprises along the way. Surprises you can't get from a scheduled tour bus experience. That's why more and more people are choosing to hire a car, campervan, or motorhome and enjoy the freedom that unplanned travel can offer. Some of the most endearing and unique experiences Australia has to offer can only be had by venturing off the beaten track. The freedom of having an accessible vehicle means never having to fit a tour operator's agenda. The problem is, quite often car and campervan hire can be an expensive business. Not so at DriveNow™. We make it easy to compare last minute, discount prices on car and campervan hire at the click of a mouse. You must be at least 21 years of age, with a current and full Australian or International drivers licence, written in English to book motor vehicle rental on DriveNow. Probationary Licences are not accepted. Most of the prices displayed are for drivers over 25 years of age. It's especially easy for visitors from the UK to drive in Australia, as traffic drives on the left. Australian city roads are generally well maintained, though some country areas may have dirt roads which are more suitable for four wheel drive travel. Driver fatigue can be a problem in Australia, with many long stretches of straight highway and towns in rural areas kilometres away from one another. The best advice for travellers is to "Stop, Revive, Survive". If you can share the driving, stop for regular breaks and sleep before you lose concentration, you'll have safe and happy travels. Regular rest breaks also give you the opportunity to discover parts of Australia that are less well known, and afford you time to 'meet the locals'. It's not just the towns and sights that make Australia great, it's the people who live here. So don't delay, reserve a hire car or campervan now with DriveNow™, and start planning for unexpected fun! AustraliaAustralia is one of the oldest, driest and flattest continents on earth with an unique range of flora and fauna. From the far north with it's hot wet and dry seasons to the southern more temperate climates you will discover how truly unique this Great Southern Land is. Inhabited by indigenous people for over 40,000 years it was not until the late eighteenth century that Europeans came to settle with the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The majority of Australians live along the East coast and in the South West corner of the country. Population: 20 million
States and Territories: The Commonwealth of Australia is made up of 8 states & territories. Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW), Northern Territory (NT), Queensland (QLD), South Australia (SA), Tasmania (TAS), Victoria (VIC) and Western Australia. New South WalesCapital: Sydney http://www.sydneyaustralia.com http://www.visitnsw.com.au http://www.hellosydney.info It's a Fact: Sydney harbour bridge was due to be opened by the NSW Premier, Jack Lang, on 19th March, 1932. However, just as he was about to do so, a Captain Francis de Groot moved forward on a horse and slashed the ribbon with a sword , declaring the bridge to be open in the name of the people of New South Wales. He was arrested and later convicted of offensive behaviour. Shopping: In major city areas most shops are open 7 days per week. Climate: New South Wales has summer during the months of December through March and winter June through August. Summer is usually warm to hot and a little humid. Winter is usually cool to cold and rainy. Snow in high mountain areas. Time zone: New South Wales is +GMT10 in Australian East Coast Standard Time (AEST). Day light savings is observed from the last weekend of October to last weekend of March. Eating Out: Darling Harbour, Double Cross Bay, Cockle Bay Wharf. Things to do around Sydney: Blue Mountains, Hunter Valley wineries, Royal National Park, Ku-Ring-Kai-Chase National Park. VictoriaCapital: MelbournePopulation: 4.64 million (Melbourne 3.36 million) Area: 227,000 sq kilometres (87600 sq miles) Temperature: Melbourne January 26°C (79°F) to July 14°C (57°F) Useful Links: http://www.vicnet.net.au http://www.visitvictoria.com http://www.visitmelbourne.com http://www.zoo.org.au It's a Fact: Melbourne's founding fathers laid out the city's parks (when viewed from above) in the form of the Union Jack, the flag of the United Kingdom. Shopping: Melbourne is known as the shopping capital Australia with international labels available at the top end of town as well as some great markets including Victoria Market reputed to be the largest of its kind, South Melbourne and Prahran to name but three. Climate: Victoria has summer during the months of December-March and winter June-August. Summer is warm to hot. Winters are mild in comparison with North America or Europe but colder than NSW. Snow in the high country allows for skiing in the popular resorts of Bulla (2 hours north of Melbourne) and Hotham (5 hours north of Melbourne). Time Zone: Victoria is +GMT10 in Australian East Coast Standard Time (AEST). Day light savings is observed from the last weekend of October to last weekend of March. Eating Out: Lygon Street for Italian cuisine, Chapel Street and South Bank also offer a wide range of eateries. Things to do around Melbourne: Philip Island Penguins, Great Ocean Road Twelve Apostles, Healsville Wildlife Sanctuary, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Yarra Valley, Sovereign Hill. QueenslandCapital: BrisbanePopulation: 3.5 million (Brisbane 1.6 million) Area: 1,734,000 sq kilometres (668000 sq miles) Temperature: Brisbane January 27°C (81°F) to July 23°C (73°F) Cairns January 31°C (88°F) to July 25°C (77°F) Useful Links: http://www.qttc.com.au http://ourbrisbane.com http://www.tropicalaustralia.com.au It's a Fact: The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living organism stretching for 2000 kilometres (1240 miles) up the coast of Queensland. Shopping: In major city areas most shops are open 7 days per week. Climate: The majority of Queensland falls in the tropics. A mild to warm climate with high humidity during the rainy season between late November and March. Time Zone: Queensland is +GMT10 and does not operate daylight savings remaining on east coast standard time all year round. Eating Out: South Bank, the Valley Things to do around Brisbane: Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise, Sea World, Moreton Bay, Glass House Mountains. Western AustraliaCapital: PerthPopulation: 1.8 million (Perth 1.3 million) Area: 2,530,000 sq kilometres (962,000 sq miles) Temperature: Perth January 30°C (86°F) to July 19°C (66°F) Useful Links: http://www.westernaustralia.net http://www.perthtouristcentre.com.au http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au It's a Fact: In 1962 the residents of Perth switched on their lights to welcome astronaut John Glen as he orbited above. Thirty five years later, in 1998, they welcomed him back and repeated the exercise as he passed over in the shuttle Discovery. Shopping: In major city areas most shops are open 7 days per week. Climate: Western Australia makes up almost 40% of mainland Australia and occupies two climatic zones. The southern half has a mild Mediterranean-like climate whilst the northern is tropical where it is constantly warm to hot with high humidity during the rainy season in December-March. Time Zone: Western Australia is +GMT8 on west coast standard time, 2 hours (3 hrs during DLS) behind the East coast and does not operate Daylight savings. Eating Out: Fremantle, Northbridge, Subiaco Things to do around Perth: Rottnest Island, Fremantle, Swan Valley, Wave Rock South AustraliaCapital: AdelaidePopulation: 1.4 million (Adelaide 1.0 million) Area: 985,000 sq kilometres (378,000 sq miles) Temperature: Adelaide January 28°C (82°F) to July 14°C (57°F) Useful Links: http://www.southaustralia.com http://www.statesa.com It's a Fact: South Australia was the first place in the world where women could stand for parliament. Shopping: In major city areas most shops are open 7 days per week. Climate: Adelaide has a mild climate. Summer runs from December to March and winter June to August. Time Zone: South Australia +GMT9.30 on central standard time, 30 minutes behind east coast standard time. Daylight savings is observed from the last weekend of October to last weekend of March. Eating Out: Hindley Street, Gouger Street, Rundle Street. Things to do around Adelaide: Adelaide Hills, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, Victor Harbour. Northern TerritoryCapital: DarwinPopulation: 210,000 (Darwin 109,000) Area: 1,350,000 sq kilometres, (520,000 sq miles) Temperature: Darwin January 30°C (86°F) to July 30°C (86°F) Useful Links: http://www.nttc.com.au It's a Fact: The Territory is home to many large cattle stations, of which Anna Creek Station is reputed to be the largest in the world. Wales or the US state of Maryland would leave room to spare in its 34,000 Sq Kilometres (13,000 sq miles) area. Shopping: In Darwin most shops are open 7 days per week. Climate: Darwin and the Top End are warm to hot and can be humid. Two season prevail, the "Dry", April-November and the "Wet", December to March. Alice Springs and the surrounding country being in the middle of the country experience desert like conditions, warm to hot, but can be surprisingly chilly overnight in the winter. Time Zone: Northern Territory +GMT9.30 is on Central Standard Time and does not observe Daylight savings. Eating Out: Cullen Bay, Wharf Precinct, Darwin City. Things to do around Darwin: Darwin Crocodile Farm, Doctors Gully fish feeding. Full Days: Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk), Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park. Things to do around Alice Springs: Camel Riding, Hot Air Ballooning. Full Days: Ayers Rock (Uluru), Kings Canyon, MacDonnell Ranges. TasmaniaCapital: HobartPopulation: 456,000 (Hobart 191,000) Area: 68,000 sq kilometres (26,000 sq miles) Temperature: Hobart January 21°C (70°F) to July 11°C (52°F) Useful Links: http://www.discovertasmania.com.au It's a Fact: Discovered by the Dutch in 1642, 146 years before the First Fleet sailed into Sydney Cove, Tasmania was originally known as Van Diemen's land. IN 1856 Parliament renamed it Tasmania in honour of it's European Discoverer, Abel Tasman. Shopping: In Hobart most shops are open 7 days per week. Climate: Tasmania has a temperate climate, closer to Southern Europe that its mainland counterparts, with mild temperatures throughout the year. Winter is June-August, Summer December-March. Time Zone: Tasmania +GMT10 and operates Daylight savings from the first week of October through to the last week of March Eating Out: Sullivans Cove, Elizabeth Street, Salamanca Place Things to do around Tasmania: Port Arthur, Launceston, Cradle Mountain, Franklin National park. Australian Capital Territory ACT)Capital: CanberraPopulation: 360,000 Area: 2,350 sq kilometres (900 sq miles) Temperature: January 27°C (81°F) to July 12°C (53°F) Useful Links: http://www.canberratourism.com.au It's a Fact: In 1912 Walter Burley Griffin, an American landscape architect from Chicago, won the international competition for the design of the future Australian capital. Shopping: In Canberra most shops are open 7 days per week. Climate: Canberra has a mild climate with cold winters. Summer runs from December to March and winter June to August. Time Zone: ACT +GMT10 on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST). Daylight savings is observed from the last weekend of October to last weekend of March. Eating Out: Dickson is Canberra's Chinatown. The suburbs of Kingston and Manuka offer a wide range of cuisine. Things to do around Canberra: Australian War Memorial, Institute of Sport, National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Royal Australian Mint, Parliament House. Distance ChartBeing a country roughly the size of continental USA but with the population of greater Los Angeles visitors are often surprised by the distances between Australia's major cities. Kilometres/Travel Time (in hours)*
*Please note that times and distances are approximations only and will vary depending upon road conditions and time of year. We suggest always checking with local authorities before travelling in remote areas. (Multiple by 0.621 for Miles equivalent) Driving on the LeftAustralians drive on the left side and drivers should use the left lane of any given highway unless overtaking. Three cities operate trams, Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne of which the latter is by far the largest. In general Trams always have right of way. In Melbourne's centre "hook turns" are used on many intersections where drivers turning right sit in the left lane across the junction indicating right until the traffic lights change and then turn right. Speed LimitsIn most States the maximum speed limit on freeways and major highways is 100kph and local urban limits range from 50 - 80 kph. In the Northern Territory there are highways that are free of any limits. All speed limits are clearly marked and all States operate sophisticated speed detection equipment including mobile and static speed cameras along with Red light cameras. Any fine incurred in Australia is the responsibility of the driver and should they be a foreign national the fine will be mailed to their home country address. Safety Belts and Child RestraintsWearing a seat belt in Australia has been compulsory since 1962. This applies to both front and rear seated vehicle occupants. Drivers please note that you as well as any passenger are liable should that passenger not wear a belt. Child restraints must be used where passengers are too small to make use of regular seat belts. All our suppliers retain a number of Child capsules/booster seaters that are available for a modest fee. Drink DrivingAll Australian states enforce strict drink drinking laws and the Police are entitled to stop drivers on a random basis for breathalyser tests. These operations are often referred to as "Booze Buses". In most states the legal limit is 0.05, however in encouraging responsible driving abstinence is recommended. Driving in the OutbackThe most important thing to remember should you decide to go "off Road" (off a sealed road) in the Outback is to seek local advice on your intended route as well as ensuring someone locally knows of your travel plans. If your vehicle does break down in a remote area stay with it do not attempt to walk. Generally people who stay with their vehicles are located quickly and easily. Please note, that some rental suppliers do have conditions that limit the operation of their vehicles in the outback. Should you plan to go off road we suggest that you discuss your intended route with the rental company beforehand. It is a legal requirement that any gates opened to allow your vehicle to pass through are closed afterwards. Any travel across designated Aboriginal Land will require permission from the owners beforehand. As the permit process varies from state to state (and can take up to 6 weeks to obtain) it is best to contact the national parks' controlling body in each state prior to your journey. Road TrainsA common sight in the Outback, particularly the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, are road trains. These are multi trailer trucks up to 50 metres (170 feet) long. Always allow plenty of room as you pass in the opposite direction of a road train as the displaced air causes severe buffering. When overtaking a road train allow 1.5 kilometres of clear road. Outback Road ConditionsAustralia has an extreme of climates especially in the north. Minor roads that are passable in the Dry season (March-November) can disappear beneath a torrent of water during the "Wet". Seek local advice should your travels take you off the main highways. Some things to look out for in country areas include potholes and rough surfaces, soft road edges and road surfaces changing without notice. Driving at NightWhen driving at night particularly in the Outback care should be taken to lookout for wildlife that may stray onto the road. Animals are attracted by car lights. Collisions with animals such as the Red Kangaroo can cause substantial damage to your vehicle. Driving LicenceInternational visitors may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver's licence that covers the same vehicle class. Whilst driving ensure that you carry your licence with you and if it is not in English carry a translation. FuelPetrol is sold in litres and comes in both unleaded and lead substitute forms. Prices will vary depending upon location and in the major cities you will see price fluctuations during any given week and national holidays. Fuel is generally much cheaper than other western countries ranging from AU$0.95 to AU$1.25 per litre. On the BeachWith 34,000 kilometres of coastline it is little surprise that beaches are an integral part of Australian life. All popular beaches have areas marked with yellow and red flags that are patrolled by members of the Australian Surf Life saving club. It is recommended that you always swim between these flags to ensure your safety. Should you choose to swim elsewhere avoid doing so on your own as strong rips and tides exist around many of Australia's beaches. In the North during the Wet Season (November � April) dangerous jellyfish are common in coastal sea waters and swimming should not be undertaken except in pools or areas designated safe by members of the Surf Life saving club. These jellyfish do not interfere with activities on the Barrier Reef as it is located away from the coast beyond the jellyfish habitat. Travelling with ChildrenSome journeys in Australia, especially in the Outback, are longer than those undertaken elsewhere and keeping children occupied can be a challenge. You know your children best and what keeps them happy, however you may find something below that can assist.
Hitch HikersHitch hiking is illegal in Australia but still a common sight. It is recommended that you do not pick up travellers that you are not acquainted with. Driver FatigueOwing to the size of Australia and distances travelled driver fatigue has been the cause of 20% of all traffic accidents. Rest every 2 hours giving yourself a 15 minute break even when close to your destination. Please note - the above information was accurate as at 8th November 2004. DriveNow™ welcomes any feedback you may have. We're dedicated to making this site the best it can be for our customers. If you feel we offer a valuable and useful service, remember to tell your friends about DriveNow™. If you have any questions or comments about the services we offer, please don't hesitate to contact us at savemore@drivenow.com.au. |
