Wildlife on the Road

Yellow warning signs across Australia show where particular animals may cross the road. Watch for wildlife whenever you drive, and take extra care where you see these signs.

Some animals are most active at dawn and dusk. For this reason, some rental companies restrict driving at these times and at night outside towns. Check your rental agreement and plan your travel around it.

Animals you'll encounter on the road

Kangaroos and wallabies are the most common road hazard. Kangaroos can hop out from the roadside without warning, and a collision at highway speed can do serious damage to a car.

Emus are larger than you might expect, and are especially common in WA and the NT.

Wild horses (brumbies) are found in rural areas. Slow down and pass only when it's safe.

Feral camels are most common in the outback and usually travel in groups. Their size makes a collision very dangerous.

Wombats are solid, low animals, most active at night. Hitting one can badly damage the underside of a car.

Deer are a hazard on some rural highways, particularly at dawn and dusk.

Cattle roam unfenced on open-range roads in outback areas and are hard to see at night.

Driving at dawn, dusk and night

Dawn, dusk and night are higher-risk times for wildlife collisions. If you must drive at these times:

• Use high beam when there's no oncoming traffic, so you can see animals sooner. Follow the state rules on dipping it for other vehicles.
• Scan ahead for eyes reflecting your headlights at the roadside, especially where there are warning signs.
• Slow down. A lower speed gives you more time to react and a shorter stopping distance.
• Brake firmly and don't swerve. If an animal appears in front of you, brake as hard as you safely can in a straight line. Swerving at speed can cause a more serious accident.
• Expect more than one. Animals often travel in groups. If one kangaroo crosses the road, expect others to follow.

If you hit an animal

1. Put your safety first. Pull over only when it's safe, and turn on your hazard lights.
2. Keep your distance from injured animals. Frightened animals can injure you. If an animal is injured, contact a local wildlife rescue service.
3. Report it to the rental company. Call the rental company's roadside assistance number, which is on your key tag or pick-up documents. Report every animal strike, even if the damage looks minor. Unreported damage may affect your insurance cover.

Planning a similar trip in a campervan? See our campervan wildlife guide for motorhome-specific advice.

Next steps

• Vehicle breakdowns and accidents: what to do after any accident
• Safety tips for car hire travel: other tips for driving in Australia

Part of During Your Trip in the Car Hire Handbook.