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Car Hire

Road Restrictions

Before You Book

Rental companies restrict where you can take their cars. Breaking those restrictions can void your cover and leave you paying for damage, recovery and third-party costs.

Rental companies in Australia restrict where you can take their vehicles. Most hire cars must stay on sealed (bitumen) roads unless the rental company gives you written permission. Driving on unsealed roads, tracks or beaches without permission can void your insurance and leave you liable for the cost of any damage.

Other common restrictions include taking the car on ferries, driving outside towns at dawn, dusk or night in some areas, and crossing state borders. Restrictions differ between rental companies and locations. Read the conditions in the Important information on your quote before you book, and talk through your planned route with the branch staff when you collect the car.

2WD rental cars (standard)

Most rental cars are 2WD and are restricted to sealed roads. Some rental companies allow you to drive a short distance on a well-maintained unsealed access road to reach a recognised campground, accommodation or major tourist attraction. How far you can go varies between rental companies, and some don't allow it. If you're unsure, ask the branch before you set off.

4WD rental cars

If your trip involves unsealed roads beyond any short access road your rental company allows, you'll generally need a 4WD, and restrictions still apply. Rental companies generally require a vehicle with a low-range transfer case, not just AWD, and you'll usually need written permission from the rental company before you go off-road. Our guide to types of vehicles explains the difference.

Even with a 4WD and permission, some routes stay off-limits. Restrictions can also change with road conditions, weather and the time of year, so confirm your itinerary with the branch at pick-up.

Commonly restricted routes

Each rental company keeps its own list of roads and tracks that are off-limits, sometimes even for 4WDs. Routes like these are commonly restricted. Check your own rental agreement before planning any of them.

Western Australia

  • Gibb River Road
  • Cape Leveque Road (north of Broome)
  • Bungle Bungles / Purnululu access track
  • Kalumburu Road and tracks in the far Kimberley
  • Roads north of Carnarvon towards Exmouth may need permission

Northern Territory

  • Jim Jim Falls and Twin Falls access tracks (Kakadu)
  • Mereenie Loop Road (between Alice Springs and Kings Canyon)
  • Central Arnhem Road
  • Tanami Road (NT section)
  • Many NT roads are unfenced and can have wildlife and stock on them, so Tourism NT recommends driving in daylight. Check your rental agreement for any night-driving restrictions.

Queensland

  • Cape York tracks north of Cooktown, including the Telegraph Track and Old Coach Road
  • Bloomfield Track (between the Daintree and Cooktown)
  • Unsealed sections of the Savannah Way
  • Tracks on K'gari (Fraser Island), where standard hire cars are commonly prohibited

Central Australia and outback tracks

  • Tanami Track (Alice Springs to Halls Creek)
  • Gunbarrel Highway
  • Oodnadatta Track
  • Canning Stock Route
  • Strzelecki Track
  • Birdsville Track (unsealed sections)
  • Simpson Desert crossings

As a general rule, if a route appears in a 4WD adventure guide, it's likely to be restricted for rental vehicles.

Popular routes on major sealed highways are generally fine for a standard hire car. Night-driving, interstate and distance restrictions can still apply, so check them for your route.

Seasonal restrictions

Wet season

In the Top End of the Northern Territory and in tropical Queensland, wet season rain can close roads for weeks at a time. Rental companies may restrict travel to some areas during these months, even on roads that are otherwise permitted.

Don't drive through floodwater. It can hide washed-out road surfaces, deep holes and debris. Rental agreements may exclude flood damage from cover, whatever level of cover you have.

Snow

Not all rental companies allow their cars above the snow line in New South Wales and Victoria. Where it is allowed, you may need to carry snow chains and take the rental company's snow cover, and only some locations and vehicles offer chains. Driving in snow chain areas without the cover the rental company requires can void your insurance. If your trip includes alpine areas, check with the rental company before you book.

What happens if you break the rules

Driving outside the areas your rental agreement permits can be very expensive. If you breach the road restrictions:

  • your insurance can be invalidated, including any excess reduction or damage cover you bought
  • you can be liable for the full cost of damage to the car
  • you can be liable for damage to other vehicles, property or infrastructure
  • recovery and towing from remote areas can be your responsibility, and these costs can be high

This can apply even if the damage wasn't caused by the road surface. If you have an accident on a restricted road, even a collision with another vehicle, your cover can be void because you were somewhere the agreement doesn't allow. See insurance and excess reduction for other situations where cover may not apply.

Check road conditions before you go

Check current road conditions on the relevant state or territory website:

Road conditions in remote areas can change quickly, especially after rain. If a road is officially closed, your rental agreement won't cover you for driving on it, even if it looks passable.

Planning a similar trip in a campervan? See our campervan road restrictions guide for motorhome-specific rules.

What do customers most often ask about road restrictions?

  • Can I take my rental car on a dirt road? Generally no. Standard hire cars must stay on sealed roads unless the rental company allows a short access road or gives you written permission.
  • Can I take a rental car on the Spirit of Tasmania ferry? Some rental companies allow it, usually with their permission, but your cover may not apply while the car is on the ferry. See ferries.
  • Can I add snow chains to my booking? Not all rental companies allow snow chains. They are an option only at some locations and for some vehicles.
  • Can I drive a rental car above the snow line? Not all rental companies allow it. Where it is allowed, you may need to take the rental company's snow cover and carry snow chains, so check its conditions first.

What do customers ask about interstate travel?

  • Can I take my rental car across state lines? Not all rental companies allow interstate travel, and some require written approval.
  • Are there any travel restrictions from Perth? Yes. Some rental companies set distance limits that stop you driving outside the Perth area.
  • How will they know? The rental company will ask about your planned itinerary and explain any restrictions.

Next steps

Part of Before You Book in the Car Hire Handbook.