Ace Rental Cars Blog

Seeing a kangaroo bounce past your car might feel like a classic Aussie moment, but it can quickly turn dangerous if you’re not prepared. Whether you're heading through the Red Centre, exploring the Great Ocean Road, or just taking a detour through the countryside, Australian wildlife has a habit of showing up when you least expect it. If you’re exploring with an Ace rental car, this guide will help you stay alert, avoid accidents, and make the most of your time on the road, without unwanted encounters.

Watch for Movement at Dawn and Dusk

The majority of wildlife-related accidents in Australia happen around sunrise and sunset. That’s when kangaroos, wombats, and other animals are most active—and visibility on the road can be at its worst. If you’re driving your rental car early or late in the day, take it slow, scan the verges regularly, and use your high beams in rural areas (when safe to do so) to help spot movement ahead.

Know Where You’re Driving

Certain areas are known hotspots for wildlife activity. The further you get from cities, the more likely you are to encounter animals near the road. Regions like the Flinders Ranges, Outback Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia's south coast all come with frequent sightings, especially in national parks and remote stretches of highway. And pay attention to the wildlife signs and don’t treat them as decoration—they’re there for a reason!

Don’t Swerve

It’s instinctive to want to avoid an animal by swerving, but this can be more dangerous than hitting it, especially at speed. If a kangaroo jumps in front of you and there’s no time to brake safely, it's better to slow as much as possible and stay on course. Swerving might send your vehicle off the road, into oncoming traffic, or into a tree.

Keep Your Distance—Even from the Cute Ones

If you see a koala crossing the road or a wombat wandering along the verge, give them plenty of space and wait patiently. These animals often move slowly, and many are protected species. Never attempt to move them yourself. If you hit or find an injured animal, contact local wildlife rescue groups or roadside assistance. Many regions also have 24-hour wildlife hotlines that can send help.

Stay Alert on Remote Roads

On long, quiet drives—especially when it’s just you and the open road—it’s easy to switch to autopilot. But animals can appear suddenly from bushland or farmland. Every so often, turn down your music, open a window, and give yourself a moment to refocus. Breaks help, too, so plan to stop every couple of hours, even just for five minutes.

What to Pack Just in Case

If you're heading into remote areas, it’s worth keeping a few basics on hand in your rental car: a torch, a first aid kit, extra water, and a phone charger. If you’re travelling at night or through known wildlife corridors, consider chatting to local rangers or visitor centres about current animal activity or detours.

The Best Encounters Are the Safe Ones

Spotting Australian wildlife from the safety of your car can be a highlight of any trip, whether it’s a mob of kangaroos at a distance or a curious emu by the roadside. With a bit of awareness and some simple precautions, you can enjoy those moments without incident.

Drive Smart, Stay Safe

Wildlife encounters on the road aren’t rare in Australia, but they don’t have to ruin your trip. With the right habits and a bit of local knowledge, you can avoid most risks and still enjoy everything this country’s landscapes have to offer. Travelling with an Ace rental car gives you the flexibility to explore responsibly and confidently, no matter where the road leads.