Driving in Australia
Driving Distances
Australia is a large country as indicated by the comparison maps below. In order to enjoy your holiday, we recommend that you research your intended travelling route thoroughly, particularly your travelling distances. It is far better to travel at a leisurely pace and visit the many attractions of Australia rather than spend each day driving long distances. Aim to cover 150 - 250 kilometres per day and you will experience Australia in comfort.
Safe Driving
In Australia you must always drive on the left hand side of the road, obey all traffic signals and signage, wear a seatbelt whilst in a vehicle and the driver must have their licence with them at all times when driving. All Apollo vehicles are supplied with a Travel Safely in Australia brochure courtesy of the Australian Government and Tourism Australia . This brochure provides information in all languages and it is recommended that you it read carefully to ensure that you have a safe and trouble free holiday.
*Please note you will be charged for any traffic infringement, speeding or parking fines or road toll fines that you incur.
Travel Restrictions
To ensure your safety Apollo has some travel restrictions for certain vehicles. Two Wheel Drive vehicles can only be driven on sealed/bitumen roads or well maintained access roads less than 5 kilometres long to recognised campgrounds.
Four Wheel Drive vehicles can be driven on recognised unsealed tracks but may only travel to the following remote areas with the express written permission of Apollo: Any Islands, Tasmania, Simpson Desert, Gunbarrel Highway, Cape York (North of Daintree River), Oodnadatta Track, Birdsville Track, Tanami Track, Gibb River Road, Kalumburu Road, Warburton Road, Strzelecki Track, Cape Leveque, Bungle Bugles and any other remote area. No vehicle is permitted on the last 2 kilometres of the Lennard River Gorge Road , the Canning Stock-route, The Lost City in Litchfield Park and the Telegraph Road section of the road to Cape York.
Restriction Maps
Western Australia - Kimberley Region
Northern Territory - Top End Region
Road Maps & Extra Info
All Apollo customers are supplied with a Complimentary Travel Wallet when picking up their vehicle. This wallet includes our Australian touring map, discount vouchers, campground guides, safety tips, local/regional information and other helpful information. Our vehicles also include an Australian road atlas to help you travel through Australia with ease. If you would like any more information our friendly staff will be more than happy to help you and offer you personal advice on where to go, what to see and the best routes to travel.
Breakdown & Accident Assistance
All Apollo vehicles are serviced and maintained to the highest industry standard but should you run into any mechanical trouble on your holiday Apollo offers 24hour roadside assistance.
Touring routes
The Matilda Highway
Start: Sydney, New South Wales,
End: Karumba, Gulf of Carpentaria
Distance: 2,725 kilometres
The Matilda Highway is a place of colourful characters, remarkable history and a landscape endless in time and space. This is a place where dinosaurs left their footprints, ancient culture was recorded on rock faces and people will say g'day and share a yarn.
4WD Adventures - The Savannah Way
Start: Cairns, Tropical North Qld,
End: Broome, Western Aust.
Distance: 3,609 kilometres
The Savannah Way is one of Australia's ultimate adventure drives, linking Cairns in Tropical North Queensland with the historic pearling town of Broome in Western Australia, via the natural wonders of Katherine in the Northern Territory.
4WD Adventures - Cairns to Cape York
Start: Cairns, Tropical North Qld
End: Cape York
Distance: 921 kilometres
If you love bushwalking, four wheel driving, wildlife, fishing, birdwatching or camping then Cape York is the place for you. The Cape York region is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world that remains relatively untouched, maintaining its original beauty and a variety of sights.
Pacific Coast Touring route
Start: Port Douglas, Tropical North Qld
End: Gold Coast, South East Qld
Distance: 1,928 kilometres
From swaying palm trees to sandy white beaches, the Pacific Coast Touring Route is a drive that will put you in touch with Australia's love affair with the ocean. Learn to dive, snorkel with turtles, watch humpback whales, try white water rafting or even sail a yacht. On the Pacific Coast Touring Route the journey truly is the destination!
The Great Southern Touring Route
Start & End: Melbourne, Victoria
Distance: 807 kilometres
This amazing self-drive touring route offers the very best of Victoria's attractions, coastal scenery, cities and towns, history and heritage - all in a flexible, compact touring package.
The Great Murray & Outback Touring Route
Start: Melbourne, Victoria,
End: Broken Hill, Outback New South Wales
Distance: 768 kilometres
Mildura & Murray Outback will overwhelm your senses. From the outback city of Broken Hill stretching south through the ancient deserts to Mildura and Swan Hill on the shores of the Murray River, this region has so much to offer.
The Overlander's Way
Start: Townsville, North Queensland,
End: Tennant Creek, Central Australia
Distance: 1,563 kilometres (2,071 kms to Alice Springs)
Linking the Great Barrier Reef to Outback Queensland, The Overlander's Way will give you a unique insight into Australia's proud pioneering history and culture that gives Australia its charm. The fully sealed highway travels into the heart of Northern Territory, offering adverture seekers an unforgettable journey from the reef all the way to the ‘rock' (Uluru), in the centre of Australia.
The Great Inland Way
Start: Sydney, New South Wales
End: Cairns, Tropical North Qld
Distance: 2,653 kilometres
The only way to really appreciate the size and history of this big country is to head ‘in land'. Travel from Sydney to Dubbo in central New South Wales all the way to Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. The Great Inland Way will show you sprawling rural homesteads, outback country pubs, gold mining towns, craggy volcanic peaks and ancient rock art.