Thought I'd start this topic given the big differences I've noticed between states for driving, being originally from NZ and having now driven quite some distances around the country.

Still haven't been to WA, NT or Tas, but out of the rest I'd probably rate ACT and NSW as tops, then SA, with Vic and Qld last.

An example - the drive along the Ipswich Hwy from Brisbane to Toowoomba is a nightmare. The speed limit constantly changes between 100, 90, 80 and 60, along terrible, terrible roads. Trying to swerve around all the potholes whilst keeping an eye out for the myriad of speed limit signs which seem to change for no reason, plus also keeping an eye firmly on the speedo in case yet another covert speed camera catches you off guard makes for fairly unpleasant driving.

The constant fear of being snapped by speed cameras is extremely disconcerting, particularly when the tolerance threshold is so low as in Qld and Vic. All well to say "don't speed", but what if a truck in the other lane is blocking the sign saying the speed limit has dropped by 10kmh? You're done.

Same in Melbourne - the artificially-low speed limit on the Hume Fwy entering from the north is so rigidly enforced that all the traffic travels dangerously close behind each other, exactly at the same speed across all lanes. Surely this is more of a hazard than driving a few kms over the limit? Interestingly, in these states I've noticed that drivers are less willing to move left to allow faster traffic to pass by. Must be again due to the "Speed Kills" mentality.

I'd say the ACT is the opposite in terms of driving enjoyment. There seems to be a much more relaxed attitude towards pervasive road "safety" campaigning by the police there, to the point where they're only really visible on the beat. You occasionally come across the speed camera vans, but the huge sign on the roof is visible from a mile away. Maybe it's just a matter of time before this changes, or maybe it's because it's the only place where the police are independent from the government (and therefore less incentive to raise revenue)? Seems to have the best road network from what I've seen so far (less area to cover and more Fed gov funding I suppose).

NSW also has pretty good roads on the whole (until the far north), and drivers generally seem skilled and considerate. Speed cameras are signposted (apart from the new mobile ones). Seen quite a few cars pulled over on the roads, but they were all travelling far above the speed limit.

I like SA's 110kmh speed limit on the majority of highways around the state, even if it's only a 2 lane road. Pity the roads around Adelaide are such poor quality.

What's everyone else's thoughts?