3. Don’t Underestimate Distances
Australia is one huge landmass. In fact, England can fit into Australia almost 60 times. Don’t expect to drive from Sydney to Perth or Adelaide to Darwin in a two day road trip. Those are particularly long hauls through unforgiving desert, with roadside amenities few and far between. Even the more populated routes up the east coast can take longer than you think. Give yourself lots of time to travel from place to place on the road, peppered with plenty of rest stops along the way. Consider flying between far flung destinations to save yourself time and fatigue.
4. Don’t Tip
Tipping is not the custom in Australia as it is in America, where 20 per cent is the expected norm. Service workers are paid a fair wage here, and don’t expect to be topped up with a bonus for doing their job (unless particularly exceptional service is given). They won’t necessarily be insulted or not take your change, but its not an expected part of the local service culture. *A reader has pointed out that tipping is becoming more customary in the big cities and touristy areas of Australia, so leaving 10 per cent or so might be a good idea these days.
