Planning an Australian road trip? Whether you're cruising along the Great Ocean Road or tackling the vast Outback highways, knowing the local driving rules and how to pay for toll roads is essential. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey!
1. Essential Driving Rules in Australia
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Keep Left!
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right side of the vehicle.
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Speed Limits
Speed limits vary depending on the area:
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40–60 km/h in cities
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100–110 km/h on highways
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25–40 km/h in school zones (during school hours)
Speed cameras and mobile speed traps are common, so always stick to the limits!
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Drink-Driving Laws
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for most drivers. Random breath testing is common, so don’t risk it!
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Wildlife
Be extra cautious when driving in rural areas—kangaroos and other wildlife are most active at dawn and dusk.
2. Toll Roads in Australia: How They Work & How to Pay
Unlike some countries, Australia has no cash toll booths—all tolls are collected electronically. If you use a toll road, you must pay within 72 hours of travel to avoid penalties.
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Where Are Toll Roads?
If you're driving in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, you’re likely to encounter toll roads. These roads help manage traffic but can be confusing for visitors.
Best Toll Payment Option for Campervan Renters: Linkt Account
For travelers crossing multiple states, the most convenient and cost-effective solution is opening a Linkt account. This allows you to travel on toll roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane without buying separate passes.
Why Use a Linkt Account?
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Covers ALL toll roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane
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No need to buy separate passes for different cities
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Works whether you travel with or without a tag
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Avoids toll fines and admin fees from rental companies
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You can add multiple vehicles, including your campervan (Set up a Linkt account here)
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Alternative Toll Payment Option: Buying a Pass
If you don’t want to open a Linkt account, you can purchase a temporary toll pass instead.
State-Specific Toll Passes:
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Sydney: Sydney Pass (Covers ALL toll roads in Australia)
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Melbourne: Melbourne Pass (Only for Melbourne toll roads)
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Brisbane: Brisbane Road Pass (Only for Brisbane toll roads)
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What If You’ve Already Used a Toll Road Without an Account?
If you’ve already driven on a toll road without paying, you can still cover the trip:
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Open a Linkt account within 9–10 days of travel, and past tolls will be charged to your account.
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Alternatively, buy a pass for the city you traveled in.
Some roads, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge & Tunnel (NSW) and EastLink (Victoria), may require separate payments.
For more details on how Indie Campers handles toll payments, check out our policy here: Indie Campers Tolls & Fines Policy