Driving

The long roads Down Under can be lonely places - which is of course part of their appeal for many - but it’s worth making sure that if the worst does happen and you conk out in the middle of nowhere, you know who you can call (and it’s not Ghostbusters).

If you’re a member of an organisation like the AA in the UK, you can use the Australian version Down Under (each state has its own group, such as the RAA in Adelaide, the NRMA in Sydney and the RACV in Melbourne; give your assistance provider a call before you go to find out more). Joining an organisation can make good financial sense, particularly if you’re in Oz for any length of time. However, anyone can call for roadside assistance from anywhere Down Under on 13 11 11 (but it’s not free).

Regional motoring organisations:

• AANT (Automobile Association of Northern Territory)
• NRMA (National Roads & Motorists Association)
• RAA (Royal Automobile Association)
• RACT (Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania)
• RACQ (Royal Automobile Club of Queensland)
• RACV (Royal Automobile Club of Victoria)
• RACWA (Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia)

Find out more on road safety Down Under.

Driver Revivers are often unsung heroes on the open road: manned by volunteers in the holiday season, these rest stops all over the country are a godsend when the long dusty road starts to send you a little crazy. The revivers will invite you to stop off, stretch your legs, have a free cup of tea or coffee, biscuit and chat, before waving you on your way. At the moment they mainly operate from August-October depending on where you are: check www.driverreviver.com.au for rest stop locations and dates.