Safety Tips for Campervan Travel
During Your Trip
Going on a road trip is great fun, but it's a good idea to understand how to do so safely and some of the basic road rules you will need to follow. Find out more here
Road Safety
- Drive within the posted speed limits and to the conditions. Maximum speed limit in Australia is 110km/h. Vehicles must not exceed this speed limit.
- Stop signs – under Australian law, failure to stop at a stop sign is an offence.
- Keep to the left-hand side of the road.
- At a roundabout all traffic must proceed in a clockwise direction. A vehicle already on a roundabout has right of way over any vehicles entering.
- Carry a valid driver’s licence in English or an International Drivers Permit alongside your national driver’s licence.
- Drivers must have an alcohol reading of less than 0.05 for experienced drivers. Provisional drivers and young drivers may not have any alcohol before driving.
- Always overtake to the right. Be sure you can see enough of the road to complete overtaking and move back to the left-hand side of the road (even on over taking lanes). Never overtake on corners, blind rises or on double white lines. When overtaking heavy vehicles in wet weather, beware of wind turbulence and wheel spray causing a reduction in visibility. Allow plenty of space behind you when pulling back in after passing a truck. Trucks are unable to stop as quickly as cars, especially when carrying heavy loads.
- Everyone must wear a seat belt and all children 7 years old and under must be in an approved child restraint.
- Vehicle size – do not enter undercover carparks or drive through, allow extra space when turning around corners and have someone guide from outside when parking and reversing.
Safe Driving Tips
- Allow extra distance between other vehicles. If driving in a convoy and the group gets separated, pull over where safe and regroup.
- If driving slowly, pull over where it is safe and let faster traffic pass.
- Take regular rest breaks.
- Look out for animal hazards.
- Get to know the vehicle, road rules, signs and markings before you drive.
- Taking photos or checking directions? Pull over somewhere safe.
- Fatigue causes many crashes in Australia. When driving long distances, stop and rest every 2 hours.
- Take note and follow the recommended speed signs on winding roads.
- Take care and be alert when driving to avoid a collision with either a native, farm or domestic animal. It is best to drive during the day and avoid dusk until dawn. Many animals are nocturnal or are more active when the sun is low and the temperature is cooler.
- Campervans & motorhomes can be double the height and length of sedan vehicles. Keep an eye out for height indicator signs at low level crossings or car parks. Remember that overhanging tree branches may also affect where you can drive.
- Lock your campervan when unattended and keep valuables out of sight.
- Be wary about sharing your travel plans with strangers.
- Keep your fuel tank topped up, especially in remote areas where petrol stations can be sparse.
By following these tips, you'll be better prepared to enjoy a safe and memorable campervan adventure in Australia. Happy travels!
Other Things to Consider
During Your Trip
- Accidents
- Electrical Safety
- Ferries
- Heating and Cooling
- Overnight Parking
- Petrol
- Power Management
- Road Rules
- Tips for a Good Night's Sleep
- Toll Roads and Charges
- Travelling with Children
- Travelling with Pets
- Using Campervan Features
- Utility Failures
- Vehicle Breakdown
- Waste Management
- Water Management
- When Things Go Wrong
- Wildlife on the Road