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The stuff you need to know about Australia…

TRAVEL

Australia is world famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, “the bush”, and “the Outback”. Australia is one of the world’s most highly urbanised countries; it is well known for the attractions of its large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Australia is huge but sparsely populated, and you can sometimes travel many hours before finding the next trace of civilisation, especially once you leave the south-eastern coastal fringe.

CULTURE

The culture of Australia is essentially a Western culture influenced by the unique geography of the Australian continent, the diverse input of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the British colonisation of Australia that began in 1788, and the various waves of multi-ethnic migration that followed.The predominance of the English language, the existence of a democratic system of government drawing upon the British traditions of Westminster Government, Parliamentarianism and constitutional monarchy, American constitutionalist and federalist traditions, Christianity as the dominant religion, and the popularity of sports originating in (or influenced by) the British Isles, are all evidence of a significant Anglo-Celtic heritage. Australian culture has diverged significantly since British settlement in 1788. Aboriginal people are believed to have arrived as early as 60,000 years ago, and evidence of Aboriginal art in Australia dates back at least 30,000 years.

Uluru

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia. It lies 335 km (208 mi) south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs, 450 km (280 mi) by road.

Driving

Australia has a generally well-maintained system of roads and highways, and cars are a commonly used method of transport. Most of the state capitals are linked to each other by good quality highways. Some parts are dual carriageway but many sections are one lane each way. Major regional areas have sealed (paved) dual-lane roads, but isolated areas may have poorly maintained dirt roads or even tracks. Distances and speeds are specified in kilometres and fuel is sold by the litre. There are no tolls on roads or bridges outside of the urban areas of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Australia drives on the left. Overseas visitors who are used to driving on the right should take care when they first drive, and again when they are driving on country roads with little traffic.

Outback Fee

Outback Fee of an additional AU$10 per day will apply to all hires of the Lucky Rookie and Lucky Roamer traversing through areas defined by Lucky Rentals as the Outback and is irrespective of how many days of the hire are spent in the Outback.

If an Outback Fee is not paid for at pick up of the vehicle, then the hirer is fully liable for the costs of any accident, irrespective of fault, and / or breakdown of the vehicle that occurs in such areas. 

We have tried to implement the Outback Fee so you can visit most of the main sites / places in Australia without needing to pay the extra $10 per day. We just don’t want you to drive 10 hours into the middle of the desert, off road, across country in mental heats, and then have a breakdown – it sucks for everyone! It is all good if you only plan to travel on the permitted routes (black roads) or in the permitted areas (white stuff) as you don’t need to worry about the Outback Fee.

Download this map of Australia so see if your holiday falls within an area requiring an Outback Fee.