Australia, like the USA is a fantastic road trip destination, but unlike the US don't expect petrol stations and waffle houses along the way - you'll need to stock up along the way. You will be able to hire a car from all the major airports. Roads are generally sealed but you will come across more adventurous roads too.

Get behind the wheel
It's a big country, in fact it covers 5% of the world's surface so there are long drives between cities. If you head into the Outback get yourself a good map, let someone know your intended route and inform the rental company when you organise car hire - Australia has a few roads that are not covered by insurance. If you drive across Aboriginal land you will need to get permission and you are legally required to shut any gates that you open on your journey.

Of course you don't have to take on the outback, a car is also useful in the big sprawling cities where public transport can be time consuming and for seeing the sites as you drive between cities. Oh and remember to drive on the left and give way to trams.

Popular drives
Stuart Highway - this road cuts down the middle of Australia from Darwin and through Alice Springs. It's a barren road, particularly in the north, and there is no speed limit.
West Coast - see some of Australia's most exciting cities such as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne by driving down the west coast.
Southern Australia - a drive along Australia's southern coast can start in Melbourne and take in beautiful scenery and the city of Adelaide - a popular wine growing area.

If you've sorted out your Australia care hire, why not get yourself a great cheap flight deal to Australia?