Getting Around Australia: By thumb

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Whilst it is certainly possible to hitchhike in Australia, it is not common, and is often frowned upon by both locals and the police, at least in metropolitan areas. In rural areas it is a common thing to see a tourist on the side of the road with bags and thumb out, however, depending on the area many will not stop for fear of you being a potential criminal - especially in the Northern Territory. Your best time to hitchhike is early morning, preferably showered and shaved, near the exit to a town.

If you are in a position where you have no choice to hitchhike due to a broken down car, or other similar problem, you may be able to get a passing motorist to give you a lift to the nearest town to call for help. It would be rare that you’d find a motorist who would take you further afield. Most major inter-city routes have specific help stations which people can call for help from.

Australia Photos

• Gove Airport, a meteorological station
• Meyer Rock, a rock