Hi everyone! My name is Pam and I'm from the USA. I'm planning a month long solo trip in a campervan starting in Brisbane and ending up in Adelaide. I land in Brisbane on March 6th. I have one huge anxiety that I hope someone in this group can give me an idea of a way to ease. When I land in Brisbane, I take a shuttle to my hotel and spend the rest of the day and Tuesday in the city. This is where the sticky part comes in. I pick up my campervan on Wednesday morning at the Jucy Rental Agency. To be truthful, I'm terrified to drive it out of the city. I know once I get my bearings of driving a larger vehicle than I'm used to, on the opposite side of the road from what I'm used to, I'll be fine. But to jump into an unfamiliar vehicle and drive through the heart of a large city (that has roundabouts!) immediately without any practice terrifies me. A friend of mine suggested I hire a driver, just to get me to the open road where I'll head to Warwick. Is that even possible? Can anyone else suggest something? Thanks in advvance.
aussietraveller said
03:07 PM Feb 23, 2017
Gday Pam and a warm welcome to the Forum you may have more success in finding a potential driver if you post a message in the general discussion section of the forum I cant help as I am in Sydney but for all major cities there are ring roads that bypass the main parts of major cities. We wish you an absolutely terrific time in Australia exploring the big playground.
the4thlady said
10:48 PM Feb 23, 2017
Thank you!
Cadpete said
11:13 PM Feb 23, 2017
G'day Pam, and welcome to the forum. Plenty of great advice and folks on here. Don't forget to try out the two games - Who is This in the I digress section and Pick ThisPlace in the general section. 'Pick this place' is a great way to find new places to explore.
Have you tried checking out where in Brisbane the hire company is, and then planning your exit away from the city - looks like it's right next to the motorway (toll way) and no need for roundabouts to get on to the south bound lanes, that will then take you well south of the city. Would reckon that 2nd driver would need to be on hiring papers and may cost more - so you would need to check that as well. Can't help you much though as we are in Western Autralia.
Pete & Marion
the4thlady said
11:34 PM Feb 23, 2017
Thank you! I was hoping that would be the case....that the freeway would be close. But on goggle earth, it still looks like a congested area. I know I'll be fine once I drive a little bit. I drove in Ireland on the opposite side of the road (and they gave me a manual instead of automatic!) but the airport was in the country, so by the time I got to the city, I was comfortable driving. Also, my niece was with me, so I had an extra set of eyes to look for road signs and other vehicles. Plus, I was 20 years younger then, ha!
Woody n Sue said
09:02 PM Feb 25, 2017
And it's welcome from us two 2 Pam I'd love to help but I'm in Victoria just take you time and a deep breath and jump in .
Woody
the4thlady said
02:33 AM Feb 26, 2017
Thank you! This is a life-long dream being fulfilled...just hope I can relax enough to enjoy it! I'm feeling awfully anxious right now...I leave in a week.
the rocket said
02:13 PM Feb 28, 2017
Hello the4thlady, welcome. Enjoy australia
Dougwe said
02:12 PM Mar 2, 2017
Welcome to the gang Pam, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Sorry for the delay in the welcome but I needed to have a break from the forum so haven't tuned in for two weeks.
Im baaaack now though
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
the4thlady said
02:23 PM Mar 2, 2017
Thank you, Dougwe! This group has been great with suggestions and ideas. I leave here in three days...a two day trip to get there and then I'll join you all on the wide Australian road. Can't wait!!
Hi everyone! My name is Pam and I'm from the USA. I'm planning a month long solo trip in a campervan starting in Brisbane and ending up in Adelaide. I land in Brisbane on March 6th. I have one huge anxiety that I hope someone in this group can give me an idea of a way to ease. When I land in Brisbane, I take a shuttle to my hotel and spend the rest of the day and Tuesday in the city. This is where the sticky part comes in. I pick up my campervan on Wednesday morning at the Jucy Rental Agency. To be truthful, I'm terrified to drive it out of the city. I know once I get my bearings of driving a larger vehicle than I'm used to, on the opposite side of the road from what I'm used to, I'll be fine. But to jump into an unfamiliar vehicle and drive through the heart of a large city (that has roundabouts!) immediately without any practice terrifies me. A friend of mine suggested I hire a driver, just to get me to the open road where I'll head to Warwick. Is that even possible? Can anyone else suggest something? Thanks in advvance.
G'day Pam, and welcome to the forum. Plenty of great advice and folks on here. Don't forget to try out the two games - Who is This in the I digress section and Pick This Place in the general section. 'Pick this place' is a great way to find new places to explore.
Have you tried checking out where in Brisbane the hire company is, and then planning your exit away from the city - looks like it's right next to the motorway (toll way) and no need for roundabouts to get on to the south bound lanes, that will then take you well south of the city. Would reckon that 2nd driver would need to be on hiring papers and may cost more - so you would need to check that as well. Can't help you much though as we are in Western Autralia.
Pete & Marion
Woody
Thank you! This is a life-long dream being fulfilled...just hope I can relax enough to enjoy it! I'm feeling awfully anxious right now...I leave in a week.
Hello the4thlady, welcome. Enjoy australia
Welcome to the gang Pam, enjoy here and out in the playground.
Sorry for the delay in the welcome but I needed to have a break from the forum so haven't tuned in for two weeks.
Im baaaack now though
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Thank you, Dougwe! This group has been great with suggestions and ideas. I leave here in three days...a two day trip to get there and then I'll join you all on the wide Australian road. Can't wait!!