General Information
Australia has over 556,000 miles of highways that can take you all over this continent nation. From Sydney on the east coast to Perth on the west there is plenty to see along the Australian roadways. It is not uncommon to see a kangaroo as you drive in some of the remote areas of Australia!

Requirements
To rent a car, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. The maximum age to rent with some suppliers is 75 years old. Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and passengers.

Speed Limits
Speed limits in Australia are as follows: City 35mph/60kph Highways 68mph/110kph

Rules of the Road
In Australia, cars drive on the left hand side of the road and the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car.

Gas
Gas stations are plentiful and open varied hours depending on location. Most stations accept international credit cards. Gas tends to cost more in country areas.

Tolls
There is a toll to cross the Sydney Harbor Bridge and also tolls on some of the highways exiting Brisbane. These tolls cost about US$1 - US$2, however alternate routes are available to avoid these tolls.

Parking
Parking lots and meters are common in major Australian cities. You may park at a meter for up to 2 hours.

General Information
Car rental insurance varies widely, so please review the information below prior to making your reservation. Regulations of the country where you rent the car will be in effect for the duration of your rental.

All our car rental rates include fire and third party liability insurance. In Australia, our rates also provide collision and/or theft coverage at an advance purchase discount. Specific insurance information for your reservation will be printed on your confirmation voucher.

The following guidelines apply to rentals commencing in Australia.

Required Coverage
In Australia, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection are included in Auto Europe rates. CDW reduces the deductible (responsibility of the client) to US$525 - US$3,300. Theft protection reduces the deductible to US$525 - US$3,300. Third party liability insurance covers US$20,000,000 to unlimited coverage in case of damage or injury to people or property outside of the rental car. Fire insurance is also included. Super CDW may be offered locally to reduce the deductible as low as zero.

Optional Coverage
Personal Effects Protection insures select items if stolen from the rental car. This coverage is available with select suppliers at a rate of approximately US$2 - US$6 per day. Personal Accident Insurance is also available locally with select suppliers at a rate of approximately US$2 –US$5 per day. Optional insurance coverage is available with select suppliers only, rates subject to change without notice.

General Information
There are restrictions on certain vehicles traveling to Northern Territories, Western Australia and Tasmania. Cars are not allowed to travel on the ferries.

Restricted Countries
Vehicles may not be driven outside Australia and travel on ferries is prohibited. Travel to New Zealand (and to Tasmania) is not allowed.

One-Way Rentals
Domestic one-way rentals are available between select rental locations in Australia. Some rentals have return fees of US$170 - US$450 and minimum rental lengths may apply.

United States Embassy
Moonah Place
Yarralumla
Canberra, ACT 2600 Australia
Phone: (02) 6-214-5600

United States Consulate General in Melbourne
553 St Kilda Road
Melbourne, Victoria 3004
Tel: (61) (03) 9526 5900
Fax: (61) (03) 9510 4646

United States Consulate General in Perth
16 St. George's Terrace,
13th Floor, Perth, WA 6000
Tel: (08) 9202-1224
Fax: (08) 9231-9444
Email: CGPerth@state.gov
After Hours Emergencies: (08)9476-0081

United States Consulate General in Sydney
MLC Centre, Level 59
19-29 Martin Place
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Phone: +61-2- 9373-9200
After hours emergencies +61-2-4422-2201
Fax: 1902-942-504
* In the event of an emergency Americans traveling abroad can contact the Office of Overseas Service at (202) 647-5225, after-hours emergencies call (202) 647-4000.