CAR HIRE AUSTRALIA

Away from its major cities Australia has vast, empty stretches of wild country. Outback Australia is magnificent to drive through but distances are huge so don't be over ambitious when planning your itinerary and take frequent breaks to guard against fatigue. Even Melbourne and Sydney, which look so close on the map, are a 550-mile drive apart. Holiday car hire is an excellent way to explore the country using them to travel between plane and train.

Roads between cities are generally two-lane only. There are usually overtaking lanes at regular intervals, generally at ascents which slow trucks, and these are signposted some distance in advance

Seasonal rainfall can quickly wash out a track and make it impassable. Roads may be closed in the wet season even to four-wheel-drive vehicles to avoid them churning up the surface which, when dry, forms impassable ruts. Fines for drivers using roads that are officially closed can be severe.