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Australian Safari Adventure
January 19, 2010
The world largest sand island, Fraser Island, looks like a scene right out of the Star Wars movie. It is just a drive along the east coast beach or through the inland forests, where you will be awed by the rainforest’s and sand dunes.
Due to the numerous amounts of sand dunes, it is a very populated area for Sand Safaris. In order to travel around the terrain however, you must have a four wheel drive, as the lack of paved roads will destroy any normal car.
Self Drive tours are becoming really popular especially with backpackers as they are unbeatable on price. Nine new friends are given a vehicle, some 4WD instructions and then they head off in a convoy for a three day, two night camping adventure. There are advantages and disadvantages to this way of touring: It’s cheap , you can choose what and where you want to go and see and you could make great friends. The disadvantages are that it could be a very long three days if your group doesn’t get on. If you get an inexperienced driver, it is very frustrating if you spend most of your safari bogged in sand all the time. Also there have been a small amount of fatal crashes too.
If you don’t fancy sharing your safari with a bunch of strangers then it is possible to hire your own 4WD from Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach or even on Fraser Island itself. All companies require a large deposit, usually a credit card imprint and you WILL lose it if you drive in salt water (so don’t even think about driving through those waves!!) A driving instruction video is normally shown and when planning your trip then driving about twenty kilometers in an hour on inland tracks and fifty an hour on the eastern beach would be about right. Be careful to resist the urge to speed as there have been many accidents and also, when driving on the beach, watch out for sunbathers on the Beach Highway.
Fraser Island is also home to an array of wildlife including the purest strain of Dingo. Although the Dingo may appear to be tame, you still must be careful as their only interest in people is the food they leave. It is not encouraged that food is left or that the Dingos are fed. Back in April of 2001 a nine year old boy, on Fraser Island, was killed by a Dingo, this event could have been avoided if the Dingos were not being feed, therefore encouraging them to come around the camp.
It can become difficult when trying to find a suitable car rental Queensland. If you log on to www.budget.com.au they have expert staff that can help you with making this choice. No matter if you are looking in Queensland or car rental Coolangatta, you are sure to get just what you want!
Planning A Successful Road Trip In The Outback
January 10, 2010
While traveling to the Tropical North Queensland region in Australia it may be difficult to find your way around, especially when you are unfamiliar with the area. You should tale some time to get yourself prepared for any issues that may happen to your vehicle or yourself during your travels. By being properly prepared you will be able to fully enjoy your vacation without any worries or fears.
Begin by choosing a reliable car hire company. Choosing a company with a newer fleet and with vehicles that have less mileage on them will help allow the peace of mind that you will be traveling around in a reliable vehicle that is free of mechanical problems. Having a vehicle that is reliable is the first key to safe traveling in the Outback.
Once you have yourself a reliable vehicle, you should then begin to prepare yourself in case of an emergency. Start by getting some current maps of the areas you will be visiting. Then you will want to put some extra water in your vehicle, in case your car brakes down and you need to wait for an extended period of time for a tow truck or roadside service. Then you will want to make sure that you have a first aid kit available at all times, nothing to elaborate, just the basics.
The last thing you want to be sure that you have on you is a cell phone with a SIM card that is adaptable for your overseas location. This will not only allow you to contact family and friends back home, but will also come in handy should your car brake down or you need to call for emergency assistance. You will also want to program your cell phone with emergency contact numbers, hotel information and car rental company just in case a situation arise where you are unable to speak.
A good rule of thumb, while driving in the Tropical North region, is to never leave your car if it should brake down. Always remain inside and wait for roadside service to assist you. The roads are desolate and dark at night time and you can get lost very easily. It can take emergency individuals hours to find you outside of your vehicle. Since a vehicle is much more easily spotted this is where you will want to remain.
If you are ready to holiday in Australia be sure to use the car hire Surfers Paradise has loved for years. Visit Budget Rentals at www.budget.com.au for the best deals available. You can also get a brisbane car rental vacationers have enjoyed while traveling from sight to sight.
categories: Tropical North Queensland,History,Sights,travel,Sight Seeing,Historical,History,Vacation,Holiday,Short Break,Romantic Getaway,hotel,accommodation
Renting A GPS With Your Next Vehicle Rental
December 24, 2009
Renting a vehicle for your travels can be a stressful thing. You want to make sure you drive as safe as you can and that no damage is done to the vehicle you are driving. you can prepare yourself a little by studying the laws and rules for traveling in this unfamiliar land, but there is not much you can do to learn all the roads, turns and routes that will get you from point A to point B
What many do not realize is this is no longer an issue. Just as rental companies offer trailers, roof racks and safety seats for the children, they also offer navigational devices that will assist you on your travels. GPS devices are available to rent now from many of the major rental companies. This can be a big help when you are unfamiliar with the area that you will be traveling in.
A helpful device, a GPS system, can also help you easily locate points of interest as well as locate emergency services when you need them. These items can be very handy when in the possession of a foreign traveler looking to explore uncharted territories.
Now although the availability on these devices is currently limited, this is believed to be an idea that will really take off. Over the next year, these items should become available at a variety of vehicle rental agencies worldwide to aid in directing the tourist to their destinations more quickly and safely than before. And the thought is that more locations will be offering these devices at a reasonable rate because of the need to keep tourists safe.
If the rental company that you are utilizing does not offer a navigation system, then you can always bring one from home. These system can be purchased through a wide variety of stores, and the prices can range from $20 to $600. The price of the system will more than pay for itself when you realize all that these little devices can do for you when traveling far, or even close, to home.
If you are shopping for brisbane car rentals the best place to log onto is www.budget.com.au. While there you will also be able to look into cheap car hire Coolangatta.
Transporting Your Vehicle To Australia
November 23, 2009
When you are visiting Australia for a holiday, romantic get away or a business function then the most logical mode of transportation would be renting a vehicle for the duration of your stay. However, if your trip is going to be longer then an average holiday or business stay, then it would be better for you to have your own vehicle shipped overseas, for use. Here is some general information on how you can go about getting your vehicle transported to your overseas destination, as well as some important rules that must be followed.
There are two available options for you to choose when you are looking to bring your own vehicle with you whiling staying in Australia. The first is transport it under a car net cover and the second is by utilizing section 162 of the Customs Act. When deciding on the suitable transportation method, you should also contact the Australian Customs Department to acquire information on fee, duties, taxes and quarantine requirements.
In general, unless otherwise pre-approved, your vehicle may not be altered, given away, sold, hired or mortgaged during your stay. Upon arrival in the Queensland you will need to make sure your vehicle is inspected by Australian Customs and the AQIS.
When your vehicle arrive in Australia it will also be given an exportation date. On this date the vehicle is to leave the country and return to your home. If you require additional time you should contact customs for approval. You also must be aware that while you have your vehicle in Australia you are to remain in AUstralia as well, and not leave the country under any circumstance.
the process for utilizing your own vehicle while in Australia is a very long and restricted one. Therefore, it is not worth doing if you are going to be there for a holiday or a business trip. Transporting your own vehicle is only advisable when you are planning on staying for a long duration, on a temporary basis.
Budget Rent a Car is the best site to check out if you are looking for a car rental Surfers Paradise. They are the leading rental car agency in all of Australia.