Does the idea of driving on the left-side of Australia make you want to immediately close the rental car tab and book another domestic flight instead?
You’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common concerns I hear from Canadian travellers planning their Australian adventure.
The funny thing? I was absolutely terrified too.
Seriously, I waited an entire YEAR before I tried driving in Australia (no joke) because my anxiety convinced me it was going to be terrifying.
And then one day… I just finally did it.
The entire drive I couldn’t stop giggling with joy!
My First Time Driving in Australia
It was 2017, and at the time I had been living in a rural town called Lennox Head, NSW (New South Wales) for nearly a year.
If you’ve never heard of Lennox Head, imagine gorgeous beaches, great coffee shops and a laid-back lifestyle just 25 minutes south of Byron Bay. I absolutely loved living there.
The funny thing is, despite living in Australia for nearly a year, I still hadn’t driven.
Partly because I was nervous, and partly because I could always rely on my Aussie boyfriend to get us where we needed to go.
Then, one day that changed.
Some friends of ours were heading back to Canada for a holiday and asked us to look after their property while they were away. As a bonus, they offered me the use of their car.
Eeek, cue the panic.
As grateful as I was for the wheels, a wave of anxiety immediately washed over me.
In my case, D-Day (driving day) arrived the same way it probably does for many travellers…you simply don’t have another choice.
My boyfriend left for work that morning, and suddenly I found myself alone at a rural property with no way to get anywhere except to face my fear and drive.
I grabbed the keys, walked confidently to the vehicle, and immediately opened the wrong door.
Not exactly the confidence boost I was hoping for.
After finding the actual driver’s side, I climbed in, took a deep breath and thought:
“Let’s try not to make any more mistakes.”
As I pulled out of the driveway, I felt sixteen years old again.
My hands gripped the steering wheel.
My foot was hesitant on the accelerator.
My spatial awareness felt completely off.
I made it a few hundred feet.
Phew.
Then came my first left turn onto a winding country road.
It felt strange.
It felt unnatural.
But I was doing it.
I was driving on the left side of the road in Australia.
And that’s when something unexpected happened.
What Surprised Me Most About Driving in Australia
I started giggling.
Besides being kinda impressed with myself, I realized I’d spent an entire year building this up in my head and it wasn’t nearly as scary as I’d imagined.
In fact, once my brain adjusted to being on the other side of the road, driving felt surprisingly fun.
Is Driving on the Left Side of the Road Difficult?
Whenever someone tells me they’re nervous about driving in Australia, I ask them one simple question:
“How long have you been driving?”
Usually everyone answers something like:
“Since I was 16.”
Which means most travellers have 20, 30, or even 40+ years of driving experience under their belt.
So I tell them the same thing I remind myself whenever I’m behind the wheel in Australia:
“You can do hard things. You’ve already been driving for decades.”
And somehow, that little reminder helps dissolve the fear.
Because the truth is, you already know how to drive.
You’re not learning a brand-new skill. You’re simply teaching your brain to apply a skill you’ve been using for years in a slightly different way.
– Yes, you’ll need to pay a little more attention (not a bad thing right?)
– Yes, you’ll probably open the wrong side of the car once or twice. (I’m guilty of this!)
But once your brain adjusts?
It honestly becomes surprisingly natural.
Well… mostly.
Let’s just say roundabouts are a conversation for another section..ha!
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Driving in Australia
1. Australia Is Made for Road Trips
Having a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover places you would otherwise miss. Because of the size of Australia, you’ll see so many spots others miss by driving between them.
2. Driving Is More Relaxed Than You Think
Road rules are heavily enforced in Australia – see a sign for 100km/hr? Follow as indicated, as others are doing the same. Traffic feels calmer because everyone respects the roads.
3. You’ll Open the Wrong Door
Practically a right of passage for this experience – I’ve been asked “are you driving today” so many times as I step in the wrong-side- oopsies.
4. Roundabouts Are Everywhere
Ah yes, the famous Aussie roundabout. At first, they can make your brain short-circuit for a moment. Think “enter from left, stay left” and use your blinker light to indicate to those behind you where you are going.
5. Avoid Driving at Dawn and Dusk
I know you want to see wildlife, but likley not jumping in front of your car hire! Kangaroo’s are most active at sunrise and sunset – be careful.
6. Look Right, Then Left… Then Left Again
Your brain is used to looking the opposite direction, so give yourself grace while you adjust. Double, then triple check — then go get a massage for your neck once home.
Should You Rent a Car in Australia?
First things first…
Australians don’t “rent” cars.
They hire them.
The first time I heard someone say “car hire,” I genuinely wondered if they meant hiring a driver.
Spoiler alert: they don’t.
If you’re considering hiring a car for your Australia trip, my answer is almost always yes.
Some of my favourite memories in Australia happened because I had the freedom to pull over at a scenic lookout, discover a tiny coastal town, grab coffee from a roadside café, or take a detour that wasn’t listed in any guidebook.
That’s the magic of Australia.
The journey is often just as memorable as the destination.
And while driving on the left side of the road might feel intimidating before you arrive, most travellers find the fear disappears surprisingly quickly.
Usually within the first day.
The memories, however?
They last forever.
Planning a trip to Australia?
I’d love to help you create a personalized itinerary that removes the overwhelm and helps you experience Australia with confidence.
See you Down Under,
Jess 🇦🇺