Driving in Australia: vehicle rules & how to pay Tolls when renting a van

Planning an Australian road trip? Whether you’re cruising along the Great Ocean Road or tackling the vast Outback highways, knowing the local driving rules and how to pay for toll roads is essential.

1. Essential Driving Rules in Australia

🚗 Keep Left! Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right side of the vehicle.

⏩ Speed Limits: vary by area:

• 40–60 km/h in cities
• 100–110 km/h on highways
• 25–40 km/h in school zones (during school hours)

Speed cameras and mobile speed traps are common, so stick to the limits!

🍻 Drink-Driving Laws: The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for most drivers. Random breath testing is common, so don’t risk it!

⚠️ Wildlife: Be extra cautious when driving in rural areas—kangaroos and other wildlife are active at dawn and dusk.

2. Toll Roads in Australia: How They Work & How to Pay

Unlike some countries, Australia has no cash toll booths—all tolls are collected electronically. If you use a toll road, you’re responsible for paying the fee within 72 hours of travel to avoid penalties.

Where Are Toll Roads?

If you’re driving in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, you’re likely to encounter toll roads. They help manage traffic but can be confusing for visitors.

Best Toll Payment Option for Campervan Renters: Linkt Account

For campervan renters traveling across multiple states, the most convenient and cost-effective option is to open a Linkt account. This will allow you to travel on toll roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane without having to buy separate passes.

Why Use a Linkt Account?

• Covers ALL toll roads in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane
• No need to buy separate passes for different cities
• Works whether you travel with or without a tag
• Avoids toll fines and admin fees from rental companies
• You can add multiple vehicles, including your campervan

Set up a Linkt account here: Linkt Website

Alternative Toll Payment Option: Buying a Pass

If you don’t want to open a Linkt account, you can purchase a temporary toll pass instead.

State-Specific Toll Passes:
Sydney: Sydney Pass (Covers ALL toll roads in Australia)
Melbourne: Melbourne Pass (Only for Melbourne toll roads)
Brisbane: Brisbane Road Pass (Only for Brisbane toll roads)

What If You’ve Already Used a Toll Road Without an Account?

If you’ve already driven on a toll road without paying, you can still cover the trip:

Open a Linkt account within 9–10 days of travel, and past tolls will be charged to your account.
Alternatively, buy a pass for the city you traveled in.
Some roads, like the Sydney Harbour Bridge & Tunnel (NSW) and EastLink (Victoria), may require separate payments.

For more details on how Indie Campers handles toll payments, check out our policy here:
👉 Indie Campers Tolls & Fines Policy

Learn more: Travelling Interstate – Linkt

About the Autor

Renata

Having lived in 3 continents and visited 26 countries already, Renata is passionate about travelling and loves creating unique itineraries.