Driving in Australia (2026): cameras, long distances and left‑side driving
Australia is fantastic for road trips, but it’s also a place where speed enforcement is common and distances can be huge. Add left‑side driving, wildlife near roads, and changing conditions, and it pays to plan ahead.
Common enforcement types
- Fixed speed cameras and mobile units.
- Point‑to‑point (average speed) on some corridors.
- Red‑light cameras in urban areas.
- Heavy enforcement in school zones and roadworks.
Speed limits (typical patterns)
Limits are posted and vary by state. As a general feel:
- Urban areas: often 50 km/h (lower in school zones).
- Rural highways: commonly 100 km/h.
- Freeways: commonly 110 km/h where signed.
Tolls and city driving
Major cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) have electronic toll roads. If you’re renting a car, ask how tolls are handled to avoid admin fees.
Outback & long‑distance tips
- Plan fuel stops and carry water on remote routes.
- Avoid driving at dusk/night in rural areas where wildlife is active.
- Take breaks often — fatigue is a major risk on long, straight roads.
Recommended Speed Camera Map setup
- Set units to km/h and enable voice alerts.
- Enable fixed, mobile and average‑speed alerts where available.
- Keep the database updated before a long trip.
Note: This is a practical overview. Always follow posted signs and current local rules.