Is There a Road in Australia with No Speed Limit?

The Northern Territory has around 300km (~200 miles) of highways with no specific speed limit. However, this is the exception rather than the rule for the entire country.

Are There Roads in Australia Without Speed Limits?

Yes, there are roads in Australia where no specific speed limit is enforced. One of the most notable examples is the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory, particularly in some remote areas. While there are recommended speeds and conditions that drivers are expected to adhere to, there are stretches where no formal speed limit is set. It is important to note that driving at unsafe speeds can still lead to penalties, and road safety remains a priority. Always check local regulations and conditions before driving.

A Brief History and Current State

The Northern Territory was once the last place to have unlimited speed limits, but only on the Stuart Highway. When I lived there, driving at 100mph or even faster from Alice Springs to Darwin and back was a common practice. Back then, you would see only one car every 100 kilometers or even less, and most big road trains traveled at night, making frequent encounters with them infrequent. Today, there are far more people on the Stuart Highway, especially caravans and camper vans traveling at 80kph, making passing more difficult. Thus, it may no longer be suitable for unlimited speeds.

Default Speed Limits in Australia

Under the Australian Road Rules, the default speed limit is 100 km per hour unless designated otherwise. Here are the different speed limits applied in various circumstances:

10-20 km/h: These limits are designated in very high-risk areas, such as school zones at specified hours on school days or in other circumstances. 30 km/h: Primarily in built-up areas. 40-90 km/h: These limits are designated to be safe in specified circumstances or on specific roads, with 110 km/h on some freeways and motorways. Advisory Speeds: Generally shown in yellow background, indicating the advised maximum speed for severe corners or steep gradients.

In answer to your question, no, not all roads in Australia are subject to speed limits. There are also advised speeds that show the advised maximum speed going into a severe corner or steep gradient.

What Does This Mean for the Average Driver?

The responsibility falls on the driver to be eagle-eyed and very alert because speed restrictions can change in the blink of an eye. While generally, speed limits are realistic and sensible, changes in speed restriction signs can be obscure. It is common to find that speed is inadvertently exceeded because of a poorly positioned single sign. Speed limits in Australia vary frequently, and they need to be made obvious and shown continually to drivers, not just at the start of the point where speed restrictions apply or in places that do not attract the attention of a driver but visible reminders need to be placed along all routes.