Australia drives on the left. Roundabouts run clockwise and you give way to the right. Speed limits are in kilometres per hour: 50 km/h in built-up areas unless signposted, usually 100 km/h on other roads and up to 110 km/h on some highways.
Licensing is a state matter
There is no single national rule for visitors. Each state and territory decides how long a visitor may drive on an overseas licence and what has to go with it. Check the rules for every state you will drive in — a road trip can cross several.
- New South Wales: tourists and temporary visitors may drive on a current overseas licence for up to 6 months
- Victoria: allowed if you will live and drive in Victoria for less than 6 months, counted from when you first arrived
- Northern Territory: up to 3 months for visitors and new residents
- Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT: visitors may drive on a current overseas licence; the official pages do not state a fixed time limit for visitors
Three-month limits you may read about in Queensland, NSW, WA and the ACT apply to Australian citizens and permanent or resident visa holders, not to tourists.
If your licence is not in English
Carry an English translation of your licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with the licence itself. The details differ: the Northern Territory says to get an IDP before you travel, or an official translation from an authorised NT translator; Queensland says to carry a recognised English translation. An IDP never replaces your home licence — carry both.
Before you set off
- Always carry your licence while driving
- Your licence must be current and for the type of vehicle you are driving
- The drink-driving limit is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05
- Distances between towns are long — plan fuel stops and rest breaks
Source: Transport for NSW — Visiting from overseas
Source: VicRoads — Driving with your overseas licence
Source: Queensland Government — Driving in Queensland with an overseas licence
Source: NT Government — Driver licence rules for visiting drivers
Source: Tourism Australia — Driving in Australia
Common questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Australia?
If your licence is in English, generally no. If it is not, carry an English translation or an IDP together with your licence. The exact rule depends on the state.
How long can I drive on my overseas licence?
It depends on the state: up to 6 months in NSW, less than 6 months of residence in Victoria, up to 3 months in the NT. Other states do not state a fixed limit for visitors.
More on the eVisitor
Public holidays
Each state and territory sets its own public holidays. The dates that apply everywhere, the ones that differ, and what it means for your trip.
Emergency numbers
Call 000 for police, fire or ambulance; 112 works from mobiles. 911 is not redirected. Non-urgent police: 131 444. An interpreter is arranged if needed.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol
Vapes are sold only in pharmacies; travellers may bring 2 for their own treatment. The drinking age is 18, and smoking is banned in enclosed public places.
What is the eVisitor
The eVisitor is a full visitor visa granted electronically to holders of eligible European passports. What it covers and how it differs from the ETA.
How to apply
Applications are made free of charge through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. The order of the steps and the mistakes that cause delays.
Cost
The Australian government charges AUD $0 for the eVisitor: no visa application charge and no service fee. The ETA for other passports costs AUD $20.