Compare Car Hire in Australia

• British drivers are able to use their UK licence (excluding provisional) as long as they remain a temporary visitor, for up to three months, but must also carry their passport. Rules on other foreign licences vary, some may require an additional international permit, or a translation if the licence is not written in English.

• Australian speed limits range from 5 to 130 km/h. Typically, within built-up areas the limit is 50 km/h, and outside of these areas it increases to 100 km/h.

• Remember, like many Australian driving laws, speed limits vary from state to state. For example, there are roads in the Northern Territory with 130 km/h speed limits, but these can significantly reduce in other regions. Take note of local signage and research the specific areas you plan to drive.

• There are a number of toll roads in Australia, particularly between cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Prices start from as little as $3 (approx. £1.68), but you must remember to pay, or you could be fined. Be sure to research the routes you plan to drive carefully.

Guide to Australia

In terms of geographic area, Australia is the sixth largest country in the world, covering some 7.7 million square kilometres. It comprises the Australian mainland and several islands. This vast country has an amazingly diverse landscape which includes desert, rainforest, mountains and stunning coastlines. Australia has a population of almost 25 million, with most of the population located in the eastern states, in major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne.

A Brief History

An ancient rock-shelter, Madjedbebe, is the oldest evidence of human activity in Australia and potentially dates from around 50,000 years ago. The indigenous inhabitants of Australia included the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These groups had, by the arrival of Europeans, established a significant oral tradition which honoured and respected the land. At this time, it is estimated there was an indigenous population of between 300,000 and 750,000.

In 1788, Europeans made their first permanent settlements in the country, and although some Aboriginal communities continued as previously, Europeans controlled most of Australia in just over a hundred years. The Pintupi were the last people living a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, in the Gibson Desert, until contact was made in 1984. As a British colony, Australia is well known as a place convicts were sent — in fact, over 160,000 were sent to Australia from Britain between 1788 and 1868. Australia was united on 1 January 1901 as the Commonwealth of Australia.

21st Century Australia

Today, Australia is a modern country with a diverse and growing population. It is a vibrant, fun-loving nation, and 65% of the population is of working age. Over 80% of the population live in cities, the largest being Sydney. Arts and culture are a significant part of the modern Australian economy, with world-class venues such as the Sydney Opera House drawing in tourists from all over the world. Sport is also a massive part of the national identity, with rugby, cricket and soccer having huge popularity, although the most popular sport in Australia is swimming — perhaps unsurprising for a country where 85% of people live within 50 km of a beach.

Places to Visit in Australia

• Sydney Architecture and Opera House: Sydney is the oldest city in Australia, and its architecture reflects this, with a wonderful melting pot of styles, periods and design. St Andrew's Anglican Cathedral is a fine example of the city's Gothic Revival architecture, whereas the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge demonstrates the steel-arched modernity of the 1930s. It is of course the Sydney Opera House which is the most famous building in Sydney. Opened in 1973, this attraction brings in over 10 million visitors every year and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, with around 40 shows every week ranging from traditional dance to classical music.

• Melbourne Botanical Gardens: Get back to nature with a visit to Melbourne's world-class botanical garden. Though there are options to pay for guided tours, entry to the grounds is free. Make a whole day of memories wandering amongst rare plants, trees and wildlife. There are special children's gardens and plenty of amazing activities for all the family — save money and bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy in the beautiful grounds, though barbecues aren't permitted.

• Telstra Tower, Canberra: Standing at 195 metres above Black Mountain, Telstra Telecommunications Tower offers unrivalled panoramic views of Australia's capital city and its surroundings. Access for adults costs $7.50, with children and seniors costing $3. Be sure to visit the café for coffee with one of Australia's most spectacular views.

• Surfers Paradise: Located in the Gold Coast region of Queensland, Surfers Paradise is a hub of tourism, not only for surfers but for anyone wanting to enter into the coastal vibe of surf culture. With an impressive skyline of high-rise buildings and some spectacular shopping opportunities, Surfers is a fun-packed destination for everyone. If you want to ride a wave or two, Go Ride A Wave is a popular surf school offering instruction not only in surfing but also kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding, with specialist instruction for kids too.

• Alice Springs Desert Park: Australia is the driest country on earth, so it's hardly surprising it has some wonderful desert to explore. Spend a few hours here and you will discover the desert is far from an empty, barren place — instead, you'll see what a richly diverse landscape it is, home to a wide range of plants and animals. The park is open daily (except 25th December) from 7.30am to 6pm, with entry at $37 for adults and free entry for children under 5.

Eating Out in Australia

Australian cuisine is a true melting pot, shaped by British colonial roots, waves of post-war European immigration, and more recent Asian influences, particularly in cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Classic staples like meat pies, fish and chips, and barbecued snags sit comfortably alongside a thriving café culture built around the flat white, a coffee style Australia proudly claims as its own. Fresh seafood is a highlight along the coast, with barramundi and Moreton Bay bugs well worth seeking out, while native ingredients like macadamia nuts, lemon myrtle and kangaroo occasionally make an appearance on more adventurous menus. Melbourne in particular is renowned as one of the world's great food cities, with laneway cafés and high-end restaurants reflecting its multicultural population.

Getting to and From Australia

There is lots of choice when it comes to your flight options. The busiest airport in Australia is Sydney, followed by Melbourne and Brisbane. Most of the world's major airlines have routes to Australia, including British Airways, Virgin and Emirates.

Flights to Australia usually involve a layover and can take anywhere between 22 and 55 hours depending on how long it is between your flights. You could choose to take advantage of your layover in a city such as Hong Kong or Bangkok with a few days there, just be sure to check out visa requirements. Recently, Qantas has been testing direct non-stop flights from both the UK and USA to Australia, and other airlines are likely to follow suit.

Enjoy is available to pre-book vehicles for collection through our partners at airports and cities throughout Australia. Be sure to book in advance to avoid any disappointment or inability to secure the size and type of car you need for your trip.

Car Hire in Australia

Being the 6th largest country in the world, with a land mass of 2,969,121 square miles, Australia proudly displays its supremacy with over 300 cities. Led by Sydney, the cities spread across the six states, and they bear the true definition of Australian culture.

Car hire is an excellent option for travellers who like the freedom to plan their own schedule and the ability to travel any distance in comfort. Enjoy works with a wide range of local partners across Australia to offer you the best deals. Booking in advance of your trip will save you time and money, and it will also ensure you have the widest possible choice of vehicles, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your booking is secured.

Some Rules of the Australian Road

• In Australia you should drive on the left.

• All passengers must wear seatbelts, in the front and rear of the vehicle.

• Australia has a number of speed-reducing initiatives, including cameras, so stay within the limits.

• You must not use your phone while driving.

• The blood alcohol limit in Australia is 50mg.