Hiring a car and making your own way around Australia is by far the best way to fully experience and immerse yourself into the Oz environment. With your own car you can free yourself from the constraints of any schedules or set routes, leaving your holiday open to a whole host of surprises.

Anyone over 18 can drive in Australia, providing they have their local licence, which if not in English, may need to be translated. To hire a car though, you need to be over 21 also; most companies may charge a little extra for those under 25.

The majority of Australia's main roads are well maintained, with the average car taking you virtually anywhere in Oz. If however, you wish to explore the outback, drive on the beach or Fraser Island for instance then you're going to need a 4x4.

It's important to note that Australia occupies around 5% of the world's surface, making it the 6th largest country on the planet. Combined with the fact that it's also one of the least populated countries, with 2.5 persons per square km, compared to the UKs 244 persons per sq km – Australia is a place you really don't want to break down or get lost in.

All of Australia's major towns and cities are located on the coast, with the majority of the population living along the east coast and in the south west of country. For the most part, everything in between is vast, flat, open area known as the outback.

Driving in the outback is an excellent way to fully enjoy the freedom you get from hiring your own vehicle and can turn into a real adventure. At the same time, it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety if anything does go wrong.

To begin with it's important to seek local advice from someone who knows the area, along with leaving a copy of your intended itinerary or route and expected arrival time. On the off chance anything does happen to your or your vehicle in a remote area, do not attempt to walk for help, stay with your car, as this generally greatly increases your chances of being found.