Consumology

The smallest continent and biggest island in the world is Australia. In terms of size, it is about as large as the 48 adjacent U.S.. With 20.4 million people in population, mostly saturated in the eastern and south-eastern coastal urban areas. This means that there are big open spaces to explore in the rest of the country, and this can be best accomplished by car. Pretty coast lines, inland mountainous regions and verdant tropical forests with exotic plants and wildlife are there for the traveler to experience.

All you need to easily arrange for car rental at the airport or hotel is a valid drivers license that is in English. There are dozens of car hire companies offering many kinds of vehicles, from different makes and sizes of cars and SUVs to minivans, camper vans and RVs, minibuses, and 4WDs. There is a vehicle to suit any need or requirement. For instance, camping enthusiasts can find campervans that will sleep up to 6 people, and come fitted out with a microwave, gas stove, griller and refrigerator. Some even have double beds, toilet and shower in addition to the mini-kitchen. If you are travelling in more rugged terrain, there are four-wheel-drives. For the budget minded, there are economy compact cars and economy campers. There are also convertibles and luxury large cars.

Driving in Australia can be dissimilar from other countries: driving on the left side of the road, observing the different speed limits (in kilometres) and regulations in the States to be visited, checking weather and road conditions before travel, letting police know of travel plans if driving in rural areas, making way for the road trains (a semi-truck hauling 3 large trailers), etc. The car hire company will usually provide you with detailed information on driving rules and regulations, supplies to take (most importantly, plenty of water), emergency processes, potential dangers such as wildlife and driving at night, as well as accommodations, routes and resources on the road. Study and preparation ahead will assure a successful and pleasurable car vacation in Australia.