DRIVING IN VICTORIA
If you’ve hired or bought a vehicle, you’ll find driving around Victoria simple, with major roads between cities and country towns well signposted and of a high standard.
Road rules
The most important rule for travellers in Australia is that you 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 or you will 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. In Melbourne, one of the few unique driver idiosyncrasies is the ‘hook turn’. For comprehensive information about driving safely in Melbourne and Victoria, visit the VicRoads website. Alternatively, you can pick up a copy of the Victorian Road Traffic Handbook from bookshops and VicRoads offices.
Licence to drive
A driver’s licence from home will suffice for up to three months in Australia, as long as it has photo identification and it’s for the same class of vehicle you intend to drive. If you’re staying more than three months, you’ll need to get a Victorian licence.
Rental and buying
Victoria has some great rental companies specifically targeted at backpackers. Two of the best include Stand by Cars and Travellers Auto Barn. 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.
If you’re planning on buying a set of wheels, car markets are a great place for used vehicles at rock-bottom prices. Otherwise, visit a car dealer – they’re usually a safer bet, often providing guarantees, warranties and buyback options.
Parking
Even though Melbourne has thousands of parking meters and parking lots, it’s still a pain – and an expense – to find space for your vehicle. Coin-operated meters are the norm (there are hefty 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 moviegoers and shoppers.
