Driving in Australia as an American

I just got back from a two-week trip to Australia, where I spent most of my time exploring Queensland by car. I’ve driven across the U.S. four times and road tripped in over a dozen other countries, but driving in Australia was unique. If you're planning a driving vacation in Australia, here’s what stood out to me and what you might want to keep in mind.

You Can Drive There Without an International Driving Permit

First, a quick note: if you're an American visiting Australia, you don't need an International Driving Permit (IDP) as long as you have a valid U.S. driver’s license. You’re allowed to drive for up to six months in Australia without one. So, while Fast IDP helps American drivers get IDPs quickly when they need one, this is one destination where you won’t need it.

There I am showing off my International Driving Permit, even though I didn't need one to drive in Australia. Also, that's me showing off my bicep by pressing it against the door to make it look bigger than it actually is! 😂

Driving on the Left (and Other Mind Games)

Australia and the U.S. might feel similar in many ways, but driving is not one of them. Like the UK and Japan, Australians drive on the left side of the road. That takes some getting used to, especially when making turns or pulling into traffic. It’s not just about driving on the opposite side; it's about reorienting all your instincts. Even crossing the street as a pedestrian takes thinking twice at first.

A few things in particular stood out to me:

• Roundabouts are everywhere. I like them for how they speed traffic flow, but if you're not used to them, expect a learning curve. Make sure you learn to use your turn signals in them, just as if you were entering any other kind of intersection.

• Speed cameras are common, even in rural areas. You won’t often see police, but speed enforcement is common, and usually the cameras will give out fines even if you’re only a few kilometers per hour over the speed limit.

• White lines divide opposing traffic, not yellow like in the U.S. That was a small detail, but one that threw me the first few times I saw it.

• Turn signal levers may be on the opposite side of the steering wheel. I found myself accidentally turning on the windshield wipers more than once.

My Route: From the Gold Coast to the Rainforest

I started my trip on the Gold Coast before flying up to Cairns and renting a pickup truck to explore the bush. One of the most memorable drives was along the James Cook Highway, especially the section that hugs the coast on the way to Mossman Gorge. It's one of the most scenic roads I’ve ever driven, with the rainforest on one side and ocean on the other.

I also drove west from Cairns to Undara Volcanic National Park to see the lava tubes. The route took us into the bush, where cell reception was spotty at best. We didn’t see many cars, but we did see kangaroos and wallabies on the roadside, which felt wonderfully Australian.

Most of the roads in the park were dirt but manageable, especially since it was dry. We rented a truck thinking we’d need it, but honestly, a sedan would have been fine apart from needing the extra storage space for our luggage.

That's me again, standing in front of the ocean along the gorgeous James Cook highway, just north of Cairns. The biceps are unfortunately looking much more normally sized in this picture. 😂

A Quick GPS Heads-Up

We used Google Maps, which worked well in cities and anywhere with reception. But when we lost service in the bush, the app still functioned, but we just couldn’t change our route or get updates. One odd thing I noticed was that Google Maps sometimes showed traffic going around roundabouts rotating counterclockwise, as they would in the U.S., instead of clockwise (which is how they actually work in left-side driving countries). It didn’t change the route but could be confusing if you weren’t already aware of the direction you’re supposed to take.

Notes on Driving in Sydney

At the end of my trip, we rented a small sedan in Sydney. Parking there is about what you'd expect in any big city - it’s doable, but make sure you understand the signage and pay attention to time limits and fees. What really surprised me about driving in Sydney, though, was the quiet. People almost never use their horns, even in traffic. Compared to New York or LA, it felt remarkably peaceful. Though I love the US, that’s one thing that I wish drivers in our country could learn from the Australians.

A Few Practical Notes

• Fuel is about twice the cost of gas in the U.S., so budget accordingly.

• Road signs are clear, but you'll want to familiarize yourself with common Aussie signage before your trip (e.g., “Give Way” instead of “Yield”).

• Drive cautiously at night, especially in rural areas. Wildlife can be a hazard, particularly kangaroos and wallabies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a driving vacation in Australia, go for it — just give yourself a few minutes behind the wheel to recalibrate your instincts. Once you get the hang of driving on the left, it’s a fantastic way to explore the country. From lava tubes to coastal highways and rainforests to the heart of Sydney, I’m glad I chose to drive. It was one of the best ways to experience all Australia has to offer!