The East Coast Discovery Pass offers six months' travel on the eastern coast. An Austrailpass does not include meal or sleeping berth charges. A surcharge must be paid on the XPT Express service in New South Wales. The passes must be used within 12 months of issue. Contact the respective tourist boards.
Traffic drives on the left.
Road signs are international. Seat belts must be worn at all times and driving licences must be in the driver's possession when driving. Driving off major highways in the outback becomes more difficult between November and February because of summer rain, as many roads are little more than dirt tracks. Road travel is best between April and October. Distances between towns can be considerable, and apart from ensuring that all vehicles are in peak condition, it is advisable to carry spare water, petrol and equipment.