Australia Self-Drive Travel Guide: Detailed Introduction to Car Rental, Insurance, Parking, and Highway Tolls in Australia

Post date: 2025-07-20 | Categories: Australia Travel

Australia is a vast country with tourist attractions spread out across its landscape. Unless you plan to stay only in the city centers of Sydney or Melbourne, it’s best to rent a car for self-driving in Australia. The traffic rules and driving habits in Australia are essentially the same as those in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, with right-hand drive vehicles and left-side driving. Therefore, self-driving in Australia should not be difficult for travelers from Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand, but those from the United States, Canada, or Europe may need some time to adjust.

Last November, I visited Australia for the first time, spending 12 days exploring the two major cities of Sydney and Melbourne. In addition to sightseeing in the city centers, I also visited famous nearby attractions, including the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne, Phillip Island (Penguin Island), the Puffing Billy steam train, Sovereign Hill (a gold rush town), and the Blue Mountains near Sydney. Since I was traveling with elderly family members, I opted to rent a car for the entire trip.

Although I am experienced in renting cars for self-driving in Japan, this was my first time doing so in Australia. Planning this self-drive trip required extensive research, including comparing prices among different car rental companies, branch locations, and rental channels, as well as studying various types of insurance, city parking rules, parking fees, and highway toll payment methods. Additionally, since renting a GPS navigation system in Australia incurs extra fees, I used a free mobile GPS navigation app instead, which I will also introduce in this article.

– Comprehensive Guide to Self-Driving in Australia –

Detailed Introduction to Car Rental, Insurance, Parking, and Highway Tolls

This article compiles the information I gathered and researched while planning my self-drive trip to Australia, along with practical tips and experiences from renting a car and driving there. I hope it serves as a comprehensive reference for those planning a self-drive adventure in Australia.

The article is divided into the following sections:

[Part 1] Car Rental in Australia: Rental Companies, Insurance, Pricing, and Pickup/Drop-off Procedures

1. Requirements for Renting a Car in Australia (Driver’s License Documents and Age Restrictions)
2. Car Rental Companies in Australia: Major Providers, Branch Locations, Operating Hours, and Vehicle Options
3. Types of Car Rental Insurance, Coverage, and Premiums
4. Car Rental Prices in Australia: Where to Find the Best Deals?
5. Pickup and Drop-off Procedures for Car Rentals in Australia

[Part 2] Self-Driving in Australia: Highway Tolls, Parking, Fueling, GPS Navigation, and Traffic Rules

6. Highway Tolls and Payment Methods in Australia
7. City Parking Rules, Payment Methods, and Parking Fees in Australia
8. Using Free Mobile GPS Navigation Apps
9. Refueling Your Vehicle
10. Traffic Rules and Self-Driving Tips in Australia

Agoda Booking Deals!

【Agoda 10% Discount Code (incl. taxes)】(Valid worldwide, with discounts applied to taxes and service fees.)

【Bonus Guide: How to Use Agoda Promo Codes? | How to Avoid Agoda’s 5% Service Fee?】

[Part 1] Car Rental in Australia: Rental Companies, Insurance, Pricing, and Pickup/Drop-off Procedures

1. Requirements for Renting a Car in Australia (Driver’s License Documents and Age Restrictions)

The requirements for renting and driving a car in Australia are relatively lenient. If you enter Australia on a short-term visa, you can drive in the country as long as you hold a valid driver’s license from your home country. However, the license must include English content. If your driver’s license does not include English, you will need an additional English translation, such as an International Driving Permit, or a certified English translation of your license issued by an authorized notary. (Note: You must present both your original driver’s license and the International Driving Permit or English translation when renting a car.)

If you enter Australia on other types of visas, such as for immigration, work, or study, you must comply with the regulations of the respective state to drive legally.

In addition to government requirements, Australian car rental companies have their own age and driving experience criteria. Generally, drivers must be at least 21 years old and have held a driver’s license for at least one year. Some locations may require longer experience, such as three years in Tasmania. Additionally, some rental companies charge an additional fee for drivers aged 21 to 25.

2. Car Rental Companies in Australia: Major Providers, Branch Locations, Operating Hours, and Vehicle Options

1. Major Car Rental Companies in Australia

There are around a dozen or so car rental companies in Australia, primarily international chains, along with some local providers. International car rental companies operating in Australia include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, Enterprise, Alamo, and National. Local Australian car rental companies include East Coast, Jucy, Firefly, Redspot, Ace, Apollo, Atlas, and Apex.

Among these, Hertz and Avis are the two largest, offering a wider variety of vehicles and more branch locations, along with comprehensive services and better-quality vehicles. As a result, many people choose to rent from these two companies, although their prices are higher than others. For more affordable options, consider local Australian rental companies like East Coast and Jucy, which sometimes offer rates as low as half of Hertz or Avis. However, these local companies typically do not have counters at airports; instead, you’ll need to take a shuttle bus to their nearby offices to pick up the car.

Jucy is a unique local rental company in Australia, as many of its vehicles feature the company’s logo prominently painted on the body. Additionally, Jucy is one of the few rental companies offering small campervans.

2. Branch Locations of Major Car Rental Companies

Car rental companies in Australia do not have an extensive network of branches, with most located only at airports and in city centers. Therefore, picking up or dropping off a car in the city may not always be convenient. Below is an overview of branch locations at Sydney and Melbourne airports and in their city centers:

(1) Sydney Airport

Sydney Airport is divided into the International Terminal and Domestic Terminal. Most rental cars are parked in an indoor parking lot next to the International Terminal, making it convenient for international travelers. However, rental counters are also available at the Domestic Terminal.

Car rental companies with branches at Sydney Airport include:

Hertz Rent a Car
Avis Rent a Car
Budget Rent a Car
Europcar Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental
Enterprise Rent a Car
Alamo Rent a Car (Redspot counter)
National Car Rental (Redspot counter)
Redspot Car Rental
Apollo Car Rental (counter only at Domestic Terminal)

Car rental counters at Sydney Airport’s International Terminal:

All rental cars are parked in the indoor parking lot next to the International Terminal, just across from the rental counters.

(2) Sydney City Center

Most rental companies have branches in Sydney’s city center, though the number is limited, with each company typically having only two or three branches. These branches are not always conveniently located near train stations. Below are the locations of Hertz and Avis branches in Sydney’s city center:

Hertz has eight branches in Sydney, with two main ones in the city center—one near Darling Harbour and another close to Hyde Park.

Avis has two main branches in Sydney’s city center—one near Sydney Harbour and another close to Chinatown, which are more conveniently located than Hertz’s branches.

(3) Melbourne Airport

Melbourne has two airports: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine Airport) north of the city and Avalon Airport to the west. Avalon Airport is primarily used by Jetstar for domestic flights, while Melbourne Airport is the main international and domestic hub, divided into Terminals 1 to 4. The terminals are close to each other, and rental car counters are located in Terminals 1 and 3, with most vehicles parked in the indoor parking lot opposite the terminals.

Car rental companies with branches at Melbourne Airport include:

Hertz Rent a Car
Avis Rent a Car
Budget Rent a Car
Europcar Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental
Enterprise Rent a Car
Alamo Rent a Car (Enterprise counter)
National Car Rental (Enterprise counter)
Redspot Car Rental

Car rental counters at Melbourne Airport’s Terminal 1:

All rental cars are parked in the indoor parking lot opposite the terminals, just across from the rental counters.

(4) Melbourne City Center

Most rental companies have branches in Melbourne’s city center, though the number is limited, with each company typically having three or four branches. Since Melbourne’s city center is compact, and rental branches are often located near Federation Square or Southern Cross Station, picking up or dropping off a car is more convenient than in Sydney. Below are the locations of Hertz and Avis branches in Melbourne’s city center:

Hertz has 23 branches in Melbourne, with four main ones in the city center—two of the most convenient are near Federation Square and Queen Victoria Market.

Avis has three main branches in Melbourne’s city center—near Southern Cross Station, Federation Square, and Queen Victoria Market.

3. Operating Hours of Car Rental Companies

Car rental companies in Australia have relatively short operating hours. Apart from major airport branches, which have longer hours, most branches operate from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends (sometimes closing at noon). Airport branches typically open from early morning (5:00–6:00 AM) until late at night (11:00 PM–12:00 AM) or even until 1:00–2:00 AM.

Reference:

4. Vehicle Selection

Car rental companies in Australia offer vehicles in various categories. Small to medium-sized sedans (including Economy, Compact, and Intermediate categories) are suitable for 2–3 adults, while SUVs can accommodate 4 adults. For groups larger than 4, you may need to rent a “People Carrier” (7–8-seater), though even these may only comfortably fit 6 adults with luggage.

Most rental vehicles in Australia are Japanese, Korean, or European models. Small to medium-sized sedans are predominantly Japanese (e.g., Toyota Yaris, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Micra, Suzuki Swift) or Korean (e.g., Hyundai i20, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio). Options for 7–8-seaters are limited, typically only the Kia Carnival and Hyundai Imax, though Jucy offers the Toyota Estima.

If renting a 7–8-seater, the Kia Carnival is recommended over the Hyundai Imax, as the latter is larger and harder to maneuver. For a comparison of the two, refer to this YouTube video.

During my trip, I rented the Kia Carnival in both Sydney and Melbourne. In Melbourne, the rental company initially assigned me a Hyundai Imax, but I requested a switch to the Kia Carnival.

3. Types of Car Rental Insurance, Coverage, and Premiums

The base rental fee in Australia includes third-party liability insurance, collision damage waiver (CDW), and theft protection. These insurances cover:

Third-Party Liability Insurance – Covers compensation for injuries or property damage to third parties in an accident, but does not cover passengers in your vehicle. There is also a compensation limit, and any excess must be paid by the renter.
Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection – Covers damage to or theft of the rental vehicle, but excludes tires, glass, and personal belongings. Even with these insurances, the renter is responsible for an excess fee (also called Loss Damage Waiver or Accident Damage Excess), which varies by vehicle type and rental company. Larger international companies like Hertz and Avis typically have higher excess fees than local providers. For example, Hertz’s excess for a standard car is around AUD 4,000 (approximately HKD 20,000). In addition to the excess, renters may also be liable for insurance claim fees, vehicle damage assessment costs, and compensation for lost rental income during repairs.

Like in Japan, Australian rental companies offer additional insurance options to reduce or waive the excess, cover tire and glass damage, or provide roadside assistance. The types of additional insurance and their premiums vary by company, with larger international chains generally charging more than local providers.

Additional insurance can be purchased when booking online or at the time of pickup, though booking online often comes with discounts, especially through rental websites.

Among Australian rental companies, Hertz offers the most comprehensive additional insurance, though at higher premiums. Hertz’s options include:

Accident Excess Reduction (AER) – Reduces the excess to a lower amount, costing approximately AUD 19 per day;
Maximum Protection Cover (MAX) – Waives the excess, insurance claim fees, vehicle damage assessment costs, and covers tire and glass damage, costing approximately AUD 29 per day;
Glass & Tyres (G&T) – Covers tire and glass damage;
Personal Accident (PA) / Personal Effects (PE) – Provides compensation for injuries or medical expenses for the driver and passengers, as well as coverage for personal belongings;
Premium Roadside Assistance Cover (PRAC) – Offers free roadside assistance;
SuperCover – Combines MAX, G&T, PA/PE, and PRAC, and also waives additional driver fees and surcharges for drivers aged 21–24, costing approximately AUD 44 per day. Note that not all Hertz branches offer SuperCover.

Other rental companies offer similar additional insurance, though under different names.

In addition to the rental companies’ own insurance, many rental websites, such as RentalCars, also offer additional insurance, often at lower prices. However, if you purchase insurance through a rental website, you must first pay the rental company’s required fees (e.g., excess, tire/glass replacement costs, roadside assistance fees) and then claim reimbursement from the website or insurance provider, which adds an extra step compared to purchasing insurance directly from the rental company.

The additional insurance offered by rental companies is actually provided by third-party insurers. RentalCover is one of the major providers of third-party rental insurance. You can purchase this insurance directly from RentalCover’s website, and the premiums are significantly cheaper than those offered by rental websites or companies. For example, the average daily premium for self-driving in Australia is only around HKD 75, less than half the cost of rental company insurance.

RentalCover‘s third-party insurance covers all aspects, including compensation for accidents and fees charged by the rental company in the event of an incident.

4. Car Rental Prices in Australia: Where to Find the Best Deals?

1. How Car Rental Prices Are Calculated

Car rental fees in Australia typically consist of the base rate, taxes, administrative fees, vehicle registration fees, and a “Location Fee.” Renters under 25 may also incur an additional surcharge, and one-way rentals may include a drop-off fee. The base rate usually accounts for only about 60% of the total cost (excluding additional insurance), while taxes are calculated as 10% of the pre-tax total.

The Location Fee varies by branch, with airport locations generally charging more than city branches. For example, Hertz calculates this fee as a percentage of the base rate, such as 30% at Sydney Airport, 6% in Sydney’s city center, 29% at Melbourne Airport, and 6% in Melbourne’s city center.

Different rental companies display their fees differently, with some providing itemized breakdowns and others showing only a base rate and a lump sum for “Fees and Taxes,” or simply a total amount.

Compared to Japan, car rentals in Australia are more expensive. Small cars (1000–1300cc) typically cost AUD 50–100 per day (excluding additional insurance), while 7-seaters range from AUD 100–200 per day. Longer rental periods reduce the average daily rate. Prices also vary significantly between companies, with local providers often charging half the rate of international chains like Hertz or Avis, though their vehicles may be of lower quality.

Rental periods are calculated in 24-hour increments, with any fraction of a day counting as a full day. For example, a rental from 10:00 AM on Day 1 to 10:00 AM on Day 5 counts as 4 days, while a rental ending at 11:00 AM on Day 5 counts as 5 days.

2. Rental Channels and Price Comparisons

You can book a rental car in Australia through the official websites of rental companies. Booking directly offers more choices in branch locations and vehicle types, especially for city pickups or one-way rentals. Payment is usually made at pickup, either in cash or by credit card, though some companies charge a 1–1.5% fee for credit card payments. Some companies require prepayment at the time of booking, while others allow payment on arrival.

In addition to renting a car directly through car rental company websites, you can also use car rental agency websites such as RentalCars, which is one of the larger international car rental platforms. Many travel websites also offer car rental services, such as booking.com and Expedia, but their car rental services are actually powered by RentalCars. Therefore, if you plan to use these travel websites for car rentals, it’s better to go directly through RentalCars.

When renting through RentalCars, you generally need to pay upfront with a credit card, though some options only require a deposit. However, deposits are usually non-refundable if you cancel. Apart from RentalCars and travel websites that use its services, Trip.com also offers car rental services.

5. Car Pickup and Drop-off Process in Australia

1. Pickup Process and Important Notes

The car pickup process in Australia is similar to that in Japan. When picking up the car, you’ll need to bring the following documents:

Car rental confirmation letter;
Original domestic driver’s license;
Original international driver’s license;
Credit card.

The rental company usually won’t require your passport during pickup, but it’s best to have it with you. If you haven’t paid the rental fee when making the reservation, you’ll need to pay upon pickup. The rental fee can be paid in cash or by credit card. Additionally, if you didn’t purchase additional insurance when booking, you can add it at pickup.

In Australia, rental companies typically charge a deposit called Bond. This deposit covers the excess in case of an accident, insurance claims, vehicle damage assessment fees, and compensation for business losses during repairs. The Bond may also be used to deduct unpaid highway tolls or traffic fines incurred during the rental period.

The Bond amount usually depends on the insurance coverage you’ve purchased. If you didn’t buy additional insurance, the Bond will be higher. If you’ve purchased full coverage insurance that waives the excess, the Bond will be lower. For example, during our rental with full coverage, the Bond was only $200 AUD in Sydney and $100 AUD in Melbourne.

The Bond can generally only be paid by credit card, not cash. Even if cash is accepted, the Bond won’t be refunded immediately upon returning the car. Instead, you’ll need to wait for the rental company to settle all charges (e.g., tolls, fines) before the remaining amount is refunded. If paid in cash, the refund will be issued via a mailed check, which is more cumbersome.

When paying the Bond with a credit card, different rental companies handle it differently. Some may deduct the amount upfront and refund the balance after deducting actual charges, while others may only place a hold on the credit limit and charge the actual fees later. For example, Hertz uses the latter method, with charges appearing on the credit card statement about a month after returning the car. However, during pickup, the Hertz staff mentioned that an email with a detailed breakdown of charges would be sent, but we never received it and had to follow up with customer service to get the invoice.

At pickup, the rental company will provide a simple rental agreement for you to sign. This document includes basic details such as your name, email address, reservation number, pickup and drop-off locations, dates and times, vehicle model, license plate number, fuel type, Bond amount and payment method, and excess amount. It will also mark any existing scratches or damage on the vehicle with diagrams.

After completing the paperwork at the counter, the pickup process may vary depending on the location. At airport branches, after finishing the formalities at the service counter in the terminal, the staff will give you the car keys and tell you the parking spot number. You’ll then proceed to the parking lot to find your car. Once you locate the vehicle, inspect it yourself. If you find any damage or scratches not marked on the rental agreement, notify the rental company staff in the parking lot to update the records. If everything looks good, you can drive away.

Car rental counters inside Sydney Airport terminal and the pickup/drop-off parking lot

Car rental counters inside Melbourne Airport terminal and the pickup/drop-off parking lot

2. Drop-off Process and Important Notes

Before returning the car, make sure to refuel it. However, some rental companies (e.g., Hertz) offer the option to prepay for the last tank of fuel at a discounted rate. If you’ve purchased this service at pickup, you don’t need to refuel before returning the car.

The drop-off process is straightforward. Simply drive the car to the designated return location, where staff will briefly check the fuel gauge and the vehicle’s condition before you leave. According to the rental agreement, the staff may ask to see the receipt for the last refueling, so remember to keep it, though they usually don’t request it.

If you’re returning the car at a downtown branch, the drop-off location is usually in an indoor public parking lot. You can enter the parking lot as usual by taking a ticket at the gate and hand it to the rental company staff when returning the car.

Below is the Hertz branch on Flinders Street in Melbourne (near Federation Square). This is Hertz’s most convenient downtown location, so most people picking up or dropping off cars in Melbourne’s city center will use this branch. The parking lot for this branch is on the left side of the storefront (marked with a “P” sign in the image below). When returning the car, simply drive into the parking lot. However, the signage outside the parking lot is partially blocked by traffic lights when viewed from the car, so we had to circle twice to find the entrance during our drop-off.

[Part 2] Australia Self-Drive: Highway Tolls, Parking, Refueling, GPS Navigation, and Traffic Rules

6. Highway Tolls and Payment Methods in Australia

1. Highways and Toll Roads in Australia

Highways in Australia are mainly concentrated around the three largest cities—Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—as well as routes connecting major cities and surrounding towns. Australian highways are referred to by various names, such as freeways, motorways, and expressways, and not all highways are toll roads. Only Toll Roads require payment.

Most Australian highways are at ground level, with very few elevated sections like those in Japan.

The speed limit on Australian highways is typically 110 km/h, though it may be reduced in certain sections or during rain or roadwork. A unique feature is that some highways allow bicycles to ride alongside, so be cautious of cyclists when driving in the left lane.

Highway rest stops, called Service Centers, are rare in Australia but occasionally appear. These rest stops usually have toilets, gas stations, convenience stores, and fast-food outlets.

In Australia, Toll Roads and free highways share the same numbering system, so you can’t tell whether a highway is a Toll Road just by its number. For example, Melbourne has multiple highways labeled M1, M2, M3, M8, M11, M79, and M80, but only M2 and M3 are Toll Roads. Some highways also have tolled sections, such as Sydney’s M4, where only the section near the city center is tolled. This can be confusing for tourists trying to determine whether their route includes Toll Roads.

However, it’s not difficult to identify Toll Roads in Australia. The official government websites of the three states with Toll Roads provide dedicated pages with relevant information:

(1) Sydney Toll Roads

To identify Toll Roads in Sydney, refer to this brochure produced by the New South Wales government, which highlights Toll Roads in orange and free highways in blue.

In addition to the brochure, the official website’s interactive map provides a clearer view of Toll Roads (orange) and free highways (blue) on Google Maps.

Sydney’s Toll Roads include the entire M2 and M7 highways, sections of the M4 and M5, parts of the M1 (Eastern Distributor), the Cross City Tunnel through downtown, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel connecting North Sydney to the city center. However, the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel only charge for southbound traffic (into the city); northbound travel is free.

The majestic Sydney Harbour Bridge costs just $3 AUD for a one-way trip. If you have time, driving across it is a memorable experience.

(2) Melbourne Toll Roads

To identify Toll Roads in Melbourne, refer to this map produced by the Victoria government, which highlights Toll Roads in red. Melbourne has only two Toll Roads: CityLink, connecting downtown to Melbourne Airport in the north, and EastLink, located east of the city. CityLink consists of two segments—one from Melbourne’s waterfront to the M2 near the airport, and another along the M1 on both sides of the Yarra River in downtown. EastLink covers most of the M3 east of the city.

The map above provides a simplified overview of Melbourne’s Toll Roads. For a more detailed view on Google Maps, use this webpage, though it only covers CityLink, not EastLink.

(3) Brisbane Toll Roads

To identify Toll Roads in Brisbane, refer to this webpage by the toll operator go via, which highlights Toll Roads in blue.

2. Toll Road Fees in Australia

Toll fees in Australia vary by vehicle class, with each state defining vehicle classes differently. For example, Sydney (New South Wales) divides vehicles into Class A and Class B, but the definitions vary by Toll Road. Private cars (including 7-8 seaters) always fall under Class A. In Melbourne (Victoria), vehicles are classified into motorcycles, private cars (including 7-8 seaters), light commercial vehicles, and heavy commercial vehicles.

Toll fees are calculated differently depending on the road. Some charge a flat rate, while others calculate fees based on distance, sometimes with a cap. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Tunnel also vary fees by time of day. For Sydney Toll Road fees, refer to this webpage.

Toll fees in Australia are relatively low, and the number of Toll Roads is limited, so the cost of tolls for self-driving tourists is manageable. To estimate toll fees for your route, use the following calculators:

The image below shows an example of using the New South Wales Toll Calculator. The green dot marks the starting point, the red dot marks the destination, and the red line shows the route. The calculated toll for this route (using M5 and M7) is $12.57 AUD for Class A vehicles. (Note: Toll fees in this article are based on 2018 rates and may differ from current prices.)

Money-Saving Tip: Sydney has more highways and Toll Roads than other Australian cities, but fees vary significantly. If multiple routes are available to your destination, use the calculator to compare costs. For example, traveling from Sydney Airport to the Blue Mountains via M5 and M7 costs $12.57, while using the M4 (with only a small tolled section) costs just $4.74.

3. How to Pay Toll Road Fees in Australia

Apart from identifying Toll Roads, another common confusion for first-time renters in Australia is how to pay toll fees. Unlike traditional toll booths or gates, Australian Toll Roads use electronic systems with sensors and cameras at entrances, exits, or along the road. Vehicles don’t need to stop or slow down when passing through, making it easy to miss Toll Road signs if you’re not paying attention.

Without toll booths or gates, how does Australia charge vehicles for using Toll Roads? The answer is electronic tolling. When a vehicle uses a Toll Road, sensors and cameras identify it and charge the fee based on the selected payment method.

Sensors and cameras at a Toll Road exit

Toll fees in Australia are managed by several companies, such as Transurban Linkt, Roam, E-Toll, and E-way in Sydney; CityLink, EastLink, and Breeze in Melbourne; and go via in Brisbane. Among these, Linkt, CityLink, and go via are the major operators.

There are four main ways to pay toll fees in Australia:

Using a tag (or e-tag);

Using a tagless account;

Using an e-pass;

Purchasing a fixed-rate day pass.

Each toll operator offers different payment options, but tags are the most common. Tagless accounts and e-passes are widely available, while day passes are rarer. Some companies also offer mobile app payments.

A tag functions like Japan’s ETC card. Installed in the vehicle, it is detected by roadside sensors when passing through Toll Roads, and fees are deducted from the linked account or credit card. Tags from any operator can be used nationwide. A tagless account requires registering the vehicle with the toll operator. Cameras capture the license plate, and fees are charged to the linked credit card or bank account, with a small matching fee per transaction. Some tagless accounts work nationwide, while others are state-specific.

Tags and tagless accounts suit frequent Toll Road users, while an e-pass is designed for occasional users, such as tourists. E-passes function like tagless accounts but have higher matching fees and typically expire after 30 days.

Different operators offer e-passes under various names. Only Transurban Linkt’s e-pass works nationwide; others are state-specific. E-passes require a one-time startup fee (e.g., $1.50 AUD) and a matching fee (e.g., $0.75 AUD per transaction).

Here are the e-passes offered by major toll operators:

Transurban Linkt Sydney Pass ($1.50 startup fee, $0.75 matching fee, 30-day validity)—works nationwide despite the name;
Roam Visitor’s e-Pass ($1.50 startup fee, $0.75 matching fee, 30-day validity)—Sydney only;
E-Toll eMU Pass ($1.50 startup fee, $0.75 matching fee, 30-day validity)—Sydney only;
Melbourne Pass ($5.50 startup fee, $0.75 matching fee, 30-day validity)—Melbourne only (CityLink and EastLink);
Road Pass (no startup fee, $0.48 matching fee)—Queensland (Brisbane) only.

In addition to e-passes, CityLink offers two fixed-rate day passes: a 24-Hour Pass for unlimited CityLink travel within 24 hours, and a Weekend Pass for unlimited CityLink travel from Friday noon to Sunday midnight. EastLink offers a single trip pass for one-time use.

Toll fees must be paid within 3 days (72 hours) of using the Toll Road. Late payments incur a $10–20 AUD administrative fee.

Note: Most goods and services in Australia are subject to a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST), so toll fees and related charges include this tax.

How to Pay Toll Fees When Renting a Car in Australia

Although paying for toll roads in Australia may seem complicated at first, it’s generally not a major issue for tourists renting cars. While different rental companies handle toll road fees differently, most Australian car rental firms install electronic tags (E-Toll tags) in their vehicles. During the rental period, the toll fees incurred will be paid by the rental company first, and then later charged to the customer. According to available information, major rental companies in Australia such as Avis, Europcar, Budget, Thrifty, East Coast, Jucy, Redspot, Ace, Atlas, and Apex have E-Toll tags installed in their vehicles. If you rent from these companies, you only need to pay the toll fees and a service fee when returning the car. The service fee is calculated based on the number of days you use toll roads—only the days you actually use them are charged. For example, if you rent a car for four days but only use toll roads on days 1, 2, and 4, you’ll be charged for three days of service. If you pay by credit card, the daily service fee is $3.30; if you pay in cash, it’s $5.00. For rentals with E-Toll tags, detailed toll information can be checked on the dedicated E-Toll webpage, which is straightforward and offers reasonable service fees.

Among the major car rental companies in Australia, Hertz is one of the few that does not install tags in its vehicles. According to Hertz’s website, the company offers two options for paying toll road fees: purchasing a fixed-amount Toll Day Pass or paying the actual toll fees plus an administrative fee when returning the car. The administrative fee is a one-time charge, capped at $27 AUD for rentals under 30 days (Note: The webpage mentions $36.30, possibly due to a price increase in 2018). For shorter rentals, this fee can be disproportionately high. For instance, during a four-day rental in Melbourne, the toll fees amounted to $14.20, but the administrative fee was $27—almost double the toll cost.

If you’re renting from Hertz and find its administrative fee too high, or if you’re renting from a company that requires you to handle toll payments yourself, you can purchase an e-pass directly from the toll road operator. An e-pass is an account-based system with no physical tag, and anyone with a credit card (VISA or MasterCard that supports international transactions) can purchase one.

E-passes can be bought on the toll road operator’s website. When purchasing, you’ll need to provide your name, email address, the vehicle’s registration state, license plate number, make, and model, as well as set the start and end dates/times for the e-pass and provide payment details. It’s crucial to ensure the e-pass’s validity period falls entirely within your rental period. Any tolls incurred during the e-pass’s active period will be charged to your credit card.

Although toll road fees can technically be paid within three days of use, Hertz’s website states that if you purchase an e-pass yourself, it must be done before using the toll road. Additionally, if you plan to buy an e-pass, always confirm with the rental company staff at pickup whether this is allowed.

7. Australia’s City Parking Rules, Payment Methods, Parking Lot Fees, and Discounts

Although Australia is sparsely populated overall, cities like Sydney and Melbourne have high population densities and traffic congestion comparable to other major cities worldwide. To reduce the number of cars entering city centers, parking fees in Sydney, Melbourne, and other large cities are set very high—especially in Sydney—though free parking is widely available in suburban areas.

City parking facilities mainly include indoor public parking lots and street parking spaces, as well as outdoor parking lots near major attractions like Sydney’s Fish Market or Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market.

1. Indoor Public Parking Lots

Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne have numerous indoor public parking lots, primarily operated by a few large companies. The most prominent ones with extensive networks are Wilson Parking and Secure Parking. Parking fees in city centers are exorbitant, particularly in Sydney, but rates vary between lots. To find cheaper options, it’s worth comparing. Even within the same parking lot, fees may differ by floor or section, and rates fluctuate by time—weekday daytime rates are the highest, while weekends, public holidays, and evenings are cheaper.

To locate nearby indoor parking lots and check their fees, use Google Maps. It’s recommended to install the Google Maps App on your phone beforehand. You can also find parking lot locations and details on the websites (or apps) of operators like Wilson Parking and Secure Parking.

When using Google Maps to find parking, move the map to your desired area and type “parking” in the search bar. Red pins will mark all parking lots. Click a pin to see basic details, and then click the link to open the parking lot’s webpage for information on fees, operating hours, entrance/exit locations, and photos.

Australian public parking lots primarily offer two fee structures: hourly rates and flat-rate fees per entry. Hourly rates are the standard, typically applied on weekday daytime, while flat-rate fees are common during off-peak times like weekends, holidays, and evenings. However, fee structures vary by lot, so always check before parking.

Weekday daytime hourly rates in Australian public parking lots are often tiered based on parking duration. For example, at Wilson Parking’s Sydney Opera House lot, the “Casual” rate (weekday daytime) charges $6 for under 30 minutes, $14 for 30 minutes to 1 hour, $29 for 1–2 hours, and so on. Evening rates (5 PM–6 AM) are a flat $39, while weekend rates (6 AM–5 PM) are $15 per entry.

Public parking fees in Australia are steep, especially weekday daytime hourly rates, but many lots offer early bird discounts. If you enter and exit within specified windows, you can enjoy discounted flat-rate fees. For example, the Sydney Opera House lot’s early bird rate is $15, but you must enter between 6–10 AM and exit between 3–7:30 PM, making it more suitable for commuters than tourists.

Besides early bird discounts, many public parking lots offer online parking space reservations at discounted rates. Wilson Parking calls this “Book a Bay.” For the Sydney Opera House lot, weekday daytime reservations average $10.50/hour, while weekend rates drop to $12 per entry—about a 20% discount.

Discounts and reservation policies vary by operator and even by lot, including terms, rates, and entry/exit windows. Reservation deadlines also differ; for example, Wilson Parking requires bookings at least 15 minutes before arrival, though lots usually allow early entry (typically 30–60 minutes in advance).

Wilson Parking and Secure Parking allow online reservations through their websites. You’ll need an account—Wilson Parking creates one automatically after your first booking, while Secure Parking requires pre-registration.

When reserving online, you’ll set entry and exit times, usually with a 30–60 minute flexibility window. You’ll also need to provide your license plate number and possibly an Australian postal code (use your hotel or rental company’s address).

Online reservations require prepayment by credit card (VISA or MasterCard with international transaction support). When arriving, do not take a ticket—instead, insert the same credit card into the gate’s card reader. Repeat the process when exiting.

If you haven’t reserved online, take a ticket upon entry and pay at a self-service machine before leaving. Most machines accept cash (coins and bills), though some are credit-card-only (VISA or MasterCard).

2. Street Parking

Many streets in Australian cities have street parking. In less populated towns and suburban areas, street parking is usually free, but city centers almost always charge. Compared to parking lots, street parking is cheaper—for example, Sydney’s city center charges $5–7/hour on weekdays and $3–4/hour on weekends, roughly half the cost of indoor lots. However, street parking has time limits (typically 2 hours during daytime), making it suitable only for short stays.

Street parking fees vary by location, with higher rates closer to city centers. To check rates in Sydney, use the City of Sydney’s interactive map, which shows parking space locations, numbers, fees, and time limits.

Most street parking spaces in Australia are marked with white lines, though some in Sydney lack clear demarcation—instead, a parking sign between two white lines indicates the valid area.

Melbourne’s street parking is cheaper than Sydney’s, with city center rates around $5.50 on weekdays and $3.20 in outer areas. Sundays are often free. Many Melbourne street spaces have sensors; check real-time availability and time limits via the City of Melbourne’s parking map.

Street parking spaces have signs with three key details:

TICKET or METER indicates paid parking during specified hours; absence means free.

Time limits are marked with P (e.g., 1/4P = 15 minutes, 1P = 1 hour).

Hours when fees/time limits apply. Outside these, parking is unrestricted.
An arrow on the sign shows which side the rules apply to.

Here are common sign examples:

The sign below means:

Right side: No parking.

Left side:

Weekdays 6 AM–10 PM: Motorcycles only.

Weekends/holidays 8 AM–10 PM: Cars allowed, 4-hour max, paid.

Other times (10 PM–6 AM): Free, no time limit.

This sign means:

Right side: No parking.

Left side:

Any day, 8 AM–10 PM: Paid parking.

8 AM–6 PM: 2-hour max.

6 PM–10 PM: 4-hour max.

Other times (10 PM–8 AM): Free, no limit.

This sign means:

Both sides: Free parking.

Left side:

Weekdays–Sat, 7:30 AM–7:30 PM: Loading/unloading only (no cars), 15-min max.

Sun, 7:30 AM–6:30 PM: Free, 1-hour max.

Right side:

Any day, 7:30 AM–7:30 PM: Free, 15-min max.

Other times (7:30 PM–7:30 AM): No limit.

This sign means:

Both sides: Free parking.

Left side:

Weekdays, 8:30 AM–6 PM; Sat, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM: 1-hour max.

Other times: No limit.

Right side:

Weekdays–Sat, 8:30 AM–1 PM: 1-hour max.

1 PM–7 PM: Reserved for postal vehicles.

Other times: No limit.

Always check parking signs to avoid fines or towing. Penalties vary by state; in Melbourne, they range from $79–$159. Below is a $79 fine issued for overstaying in a free parking zone.

Fines can be paid at any post office or online:

Street parking payment methods include meters (rare, coin-only) and pay machines (common, accept coins/cards). If spaces are numbered, enter the number before paying. Always take a receipt and display it on your dashboard.

Time limits are strictly enforced. Once expired, you must move your car—re-paying won’t extend your stay. For detailed rules, see:

3. Hotel Parking

Outside city centers, free parking is widely available, and suburban hotels often offer complimentary parking. For standalone accommodations (e.g., cottages), you can park right outside your room.

During this trip, stays at Port Campbell’s Daysy Hill Country Cottages and Phillip Island’s Amaroo Holiday Park—both standalone properties—allowed parking outside.

In city centers, however, hotel parking usually costs $20–$40/night.

In Sydney, we stayed at The Branksome Hotel And Residences near the airport, which charged $30/day for indoor parking. Free alternatives included outdoor lots or street parking.

When booking city hotels, filter for properties with parking. Sites like HotelsCombined, Trivago, Agoda, Hotels.com, and Booking.com list parking fees. Payment is usually made at check-in, and some hotels require reservations.

Melbourne has many serviced apartments and short-term rentals in residential buildings. While legally ambiguous, these are popular due to their central locations.

We stayed at Nest-Apartments Sea View Apartments near Southern Cross Station, though unregulated rentals carry risks. Next time, I’d opt for a licensed hotel.

Short-term rentals may offer parking in the building’s private lot, arranged directly with the host. Keys and parking passes are often exchanged via mailboxes, with fees charged to your card.

If apartment parking is expensive, consider nearby public lots. For example, Southern Cross Station’s lot charges $16.50/day with Book a Bay.

8. Free Mobile GPS Navigation Apps

Rental cars in Australia typically charge $10–$15/day for GPS units, unlike Japan where they’re free. For this trip, we relied on free mobile navigation apps instead.

After testing several options, we used four apps in Australia:

Here WeGo (iOS | Android)

navmii (iOS | Android)

Google Maps (iOS | Android)

maps.me (iOS | Android)

Here WeGo and navmii are dedicated navigation apps with robust features, while Google Maps and maps.me prioritize mapping with navigation as a secondary function.

(1) Offline Maps & Data Usage

All four apps support offline maps, reducing data needs. With an Australian SIM, online use improves accuracy but consumes minimal data.

(2) Route Search

Here WeGo and Google Maps offer multiple route options; navmii and maps.me provide one. Re-routing speed varies—Here WeGo and Google Maps are fastest.

(3) Destination Search & Saving

Here WeGo excels at locating places by name, address, or phone number. All apps allow saving destinations for quick access later.

(4) Voice Guidance

Here WeGo, Google Maps, and maps.me support multilingual voice guidance. Here WeGo provides the clearest instructions, especially at intersections.

(5) Speed Display & Alerts

Here WeGo, navmii, and maps.me show vehicle speed (slightly lower than the dashboard). Here WeGo also displays speed limits and flashes red when exceeded.

(6) Battery Drain

Navigation apps consume ~1% battery per minute. Always use a car charger or power bank.

Essential tools:

- Power bank
- Car charger
- Charging cable
- Car phone mount

Here WeGo was our primary app due to its detailed guidance and speed alerts—critical in strict enforcement zones like Australia.

9. Refueling Your Car

Australian gas stations are almost entirely self-service. Refueling is simpler than in Japan:

Park at a pump, turn off the engine, and open the fuel door.
Select the correct fuel type (check rental contract or fuel door label).
Insert the nozzle, squeeze the handle, and fill until it clicks.
Replace the nozzle, close the fuel door, and note the pump number.
Pay at the counter by stating the pump number.

Most cars use unleaded fuel (marked “Unleaded”). Pumps display the amount and cost.

Unleaded options include regular and premium. Any “Unleaded” grade works.

Pump screens show volume and cost (e.g., 24.71L = $34.08). The pump number is clearly displayed.

Gas stations are sparse in rural areas. Unleaded fuel costs ~$1.30–1.40/L (cheaper in cities). Use navigation apps to locate stations.

10. Australian Traffic Rules & Self-Drive Tips

1. Traffic Rules

Australia shares the same driving direction as Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, with left-hand traffic and right-hand drive vehicles. Therefore, those who frequently drive in Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand should have no major issues driving in Australia. In fact, apart from some regional-specific regulations, traffic rules around the world are largely similar, and Australia is no exception. So, for those who are accustomed to driving and follow the rules, adapting to Australian traffic rules should not be difficult.

Each state in Australia has its own traffic laws, though the basic rules are the same. Each state government provides web pages detailing their respective traffic regulations, and links to these pages can be found here. Among them, the New South Wales webpage offers particularly clear and well-organized information. If you want to understand Australian traffic rules, you can refer to the following sections on the New South Wales webpage:

Once you understand the above traffic rules, driving in Australia should be relatively straightforward. Additionally, here are some special traffic rules to keep in mind when driving in Australia.

(1) Seat Belts

In Australia, both the driver and all passengers must wear seat belts. Failure to do so may result in fines. Additionally, children under 7 years old must use child car seats. For more details, refer to this webpage.

(2) Roundabouts (Traffic Circles)

Roundabouts (also known as traffic circles or rotaries, called “Roundabouts” in English) are nothing new, but they are particularly common in Australia. Most intersections without traffic lights in Australia are designed as roundabouts. There’s nothing intimidating about roundabouts as long as you follow one simple rule: give way to the right, which is the same as the traffic rules in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. When approaching a roundabout, you must stop and check for vehicles coming from your right. If there is a vehicle approaching from the right, you must yield until it passes before entering the roundabout and exiting at your intended junction. For official guidelines on roundabout rules, refer to the New South Wales government’s webpage.

If you use the navigation apps I mentioned earlier, the voice guidance will instruct you to take the “Xth exit” when approaching a roundabout. The exits are counted clockwise, starting from the left: the first exit, the second exit, the third exit, and so on. For a standard four-way roundabout, taking the first exit means turning left, the second exit means going straight, and the third exit means turning right. For a T-junction roundabout, since there is no straight exit, the first exit is a left turn, and the second exit is a right turn. Therefore, the exit number indicated by the navigation app does not always correspond to a fixed direction; it depends on how many roads intersect at the roundabout. Some roundabouts may have more than three exits.

If you’re worried about missing your exit, pay attention to the road name signs at each exit. The four navigation apps mentioned earlier will display the name of the road you’re turning onto. As long as you check the road name signs at the exit, you won’t get lost.

(4) Special Traffic Rules in Melbourne’s City Center

Trams are a hallmark of Melbourne and a major mode of public transport in the city center. When driving in Melbourne, it’s essential to be mindful of trams and follow the related traffic rules. The basic principle is that vehicles must give way to trams and must not drive onto tram tracks. When a tram stops at a station without physical barriers, vehicles must stop and wait until the tram departs. For more details on tram-related traffic rules, refer to the Victoria government’s webpage.

Another special tram-related traffic rule in Melbourne’s city center involves making right turns at intersections with tram tracks. At a standard intersection, making a right turn requires staying in the right lane, waiting for the traffic light to turn green, and ensuring there are no oncoming vehicles before turning. However, at intersections with tram tracks in Melbourne, the procedure is entirely different. To make a right turn, you must first stay in the left lane—the right lane is reserved for vehicles going straight. At these intersections, you’ll find a marked box on the road with a right-turn arrow. If you’re the first car turning right, you should stop in this box when the straight-ahead light is green. If there’s already a car in the box, wait behind it until the right-turn signal on the traffic light pole turns green before proceeding.

2. Important Notes for Driving in Australia

(1) Driving Speed

If you’re accustomed to driving in Japan, the first thing you might find challenging when driving in Australia is the speed limits. Many people driving in Japan feel the speed limits are too low—for example, highways typically have an 80 km/h limit, and rural roads rarely exceed 60 km/h—so it’s easy to unintentionally speed. In Australia, the opposite is true. If you’re not a seasoned driver used to high speeds, you might find the speed limits outside urban areas surprisingly high.

In Australia, speed limits are primarily determined by pedestrian and residential considerations. In areas with people, speed limits are strict, especially near schools, where the limit is 40 km/h. In other residential areas, the limit is usually 50–60 km/h, while main roads farther from buildings may allow 70–80 km/h. Thus, urban speed limits are reasonable and not excessively high.

However, in uninhabited areas, speed limits are much more lenient. Roads that might have a 60 km/h limit in Japan often have limits of 90–100 km/h in Australia, with some even reaching 110 km/h—the same as highways. Yet these high-speed roads aren’t always wide and straight like highways; many are just ordinary two-lane roads, some narrow and winding. For drivers who prioritize safety and aren’t used to high speeds (like myself), having faster vehicles behind can be stressful, often requiring pull-over stops to let them pass.

(2) Driving in Urban Areas

Traffic in Australia’s major cities can be heavy, making urban driving more challenging. Additionally, parking fees in city centers are high, making driving more expensive than using public transport. If you must drive in the city, try to schedule your downtown trips for weekends. Since fewer people commute on weekends, traffic is lighter, parking spots are easier to find, and parking fees are significantly cheaper—sometimes even free.