Helpful Information
Please click on the below links to be taken to the relevant helpful information.
Useful Links
Driving in Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
These links may assist with your holiday planning:
School Holidays in Australia
- Check when the school holidays are in each state to assist with your holiday planning
Exchange Rate Calculator
- This useful calculator will assist to convert Australian Dollar prices to your local currency
Australian Automobile Associations (AAA) Road Safety for Overseas Visitors and Road Users Hand books
- Lots of useful information for overseas visitors driving in Australia can be found in these documents
Current weather conditions in Australia & General information - Australian weather and the seasons
- The weather can play a huge part when travelling in Australia – check these links to assist with your holiday planning
Australian Events Calendar
- You might like to plan your holiday around one or two popular events or festivals while travelling in Australia
Time Zone Converter & Time Zones and Daylight Savings in Australia
- Within Australia there are different time zones, and some states have daylight savings.
Australia is a large country, as indicated by the comparison maps below (click map for larger view)
Please refer to the travel distances between our main cities to assist with your holiday planning. There can be quite large distances to travel between major tourist destinations, which are part of the experience. Some roads allow for larger distances to be travelled in a day, however ensure you plan enough time to experience what Australia has to offer.
Click here to view our driving matrix
Safe Driving In Australia
When driving in Australia, you must always drive on the left hand side of the road, obey all traffic signals and signs, and wear a seatbelt whilst in a vehicle. The driver must have their licence with them at all times when driving. It is recommended that familiarise yourself with the Australian road rules before driving in Australia to ensure you have a safe and trouble free holiday. (*Please note you will be charged for any traffic infrigement, speeding or parking fines or road toll fines that you incur.)
Below you will find answers to some frequently asked questions. Contact us if you require any other information
Four Wheel Drive Vehicles can also be driven on recognised unsealed tracks, but some remote areas are restricted as specified in our Terms and Conditions. Most suppliers also occasionally restricts vehicle movements in certain areas due to adverse road or weather conditions.
Australia has an extensive network of caravan parks in all major tourist centres and most towns. Caravan parks offer excellent recreational opportunities, plus showers, toilets and usually many other facilities, like laundry facilities. Powered sites enable you to connect your vehicle to electricity. There is usually no need to book ahead, although this could be wise in peak periods in popular destinations. The approximate cost is AU$25-30 per night.
National Parks
Most national parks have areas set aside for camping. There are often showers, toilets, barbecues and picnic areas. National parks are also beautiful and peaceful locations to stay overnight. National parks do not usually offer powered sites.
Freedom Camping
Council laws prohibit camping on the side of the road near towns and cities. However, outside towns and in country areas it is generally permitted.
For further information check our freedom camping information. For all confirmed bookings of vehicle hire for 21 days or more, Gallivanting Oz will provide you with a Camps Australia Wide Guide for free. This book is an excellent resource complete with maps, shows you where you are allowed to freedom camp. There is also plenty of information on the facilities provided at each camp.
Most of our vehicles operate on ancillary battery systems which power internal appliances such as the fridge, lights and water pump.
The batteries only recharge when you drive the vehicle or when connected to mains power. Idling the engine won't provide enough power to recharge the house battery.
When you are connected, all equipment automatically runs on mains power rather than the battery. Appliances such as the television, microwave, rear air-conditioning and power points only run on mains power.
It is possible to comfortably stay away from powered sites for the majority of the vehicles, especially if you are driving reasonable distances each day. Cooking is on gas stoves, and the vans are fitted with 12V lights, from the house battery. It is important if staying in a freedom camp with no facilities that you leave no trace on the environment to ensure the area remains beautiful. If your vehicle does not have an onboard shower and toilet, consider hiring the Galli Ensuite, if you plan to make use of freedom camps.