The short answer: Australia drives on the left
Australia drives on the left-hand side of the road. In most hire campervans and motorhomes, the steering wheel is on the right, th…
KEEP LEFT, MATE
What side of the road does Australia drive on when you’re in a campervan?
A road train in the mirror, red dust flicking off the shoulder, and your brain whispering, “Which lane again?” Welcome to self-driving Australia, where the rule is simple but the habits take a day: we drive on the left.
This FAQ is for travellers hiring a campervan or motorhome and sleeping in it — not sitting on a coach with someone else doing the stressful bits. You’ll get the practical version: pickup-yard nerves, roundabouts, servo exits, overtaking, campsite loops and how not to drift into trouble before you’ve even found the bottle-o.
australiamotorhomes.com STRAIGHT ANSWERS
Questions self-drivers actually ask
Is it hard to drive a campervan on the left in Australia?
Most self-drivers adjust within the first day, especially if they start with quiet suburban roads rather than a CBD dash. The trick is to go slowly, keep the driver near the centre line, and be extra deliberate after stops.
Are campervans in Australia automatic or manual?
Both exist, but many hire campervans and motorhomes are automatic. Check the transmission before you book online, because learning left-side traffic and changing gears with your other hand is a bit much for day one.
Which side do I overtake on in Australia?
You overtake on the right. On multi-lane roads, keep left unless overtaking, unless traffic conditions or signs say otherwise. In a motorhome, allow more distance and time than you would in a car.
Can I use my overseas licence to drive a campervan in Australia?
Usually yes if it is current, in English, and accepted by the hire operator. If your licence is not in English, you will generally need an International Driving Permit or an official translation; always check the booking conditions before travel.
What is the biggest mistake visitors make with left-side driving?
Turning out of quiet places onto the wrong side of the road — especially after fuel stops, lookouts and campsites. Build a pause into every departure: mirrors, left lane, wide turn, then go.
Should I avoid driving at night in Australia?
For campervan trips, yes if you can. Wildlife is far more active around dusk, night and dawn, and some hire agreements restrict remote or night driving. Plan to reach camp in daylight, plug in, level up and cook dinner without headlights and kangaroos complicating things.
SHORTLIST
Where to start
Roundabouts, turns and intersections in a hire campervan
Roundabouts are where visiting drivers either settle in or start inventing new swear words. In Australia, you enter a roundabout t…
Highways: left lane, big distances, bigger road trains
Out on the highway, driving on the left becomes easier because the road tells you what to do. The bigger issue is scale. Australia…
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