For international travelers holding an AAA membership, understanding how to access services and benefits in Australia is crucial for a smooth and worry-free trip. While “Aaa Travel Offices” might not be the exact terminology used locally, knowing the partner automobile clubs across Australia and the reciprocal agreements in place is your key to unlocking a range of services, from roadside assistance to travel discounts. This guide will walk you through the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) network, detailing each state and territory’s affiliated club and the services available to you as an AAA member.
Australia, despite its vast distances, boasts a well-connected network of automobile clubs that operate under reciprocal agreements with international organizations like AAA. This means your AAA membership from your home country can grant you access to various services offered by these Australian clubs when you are traveling Down Under. Think of these clubs as your “aaa travel offices” in Australia, providing assistance and benefits tailored to motorists and travelers.
To best utilize your AAA membership in Australia, it’s essential to understand which automobile club operates in each region. Here’s a breakdown by state and territory:
Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), your AAA counterpart is NRMA (National Roads and Motorists’ Association).
Office Address: Gungahlin Market Place, 31 Gungahlin Place, Gungahlin ACT 2912
Website: www.mynrma.com.au
Services for AAA Members:
- Roadside Assistance: AAA members are entitled to NRMA’s basic roadside assistance in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. To access this, present your valid AAA membership card and call 13 11 22.
- Thrifty Car Rental Discounts: Enjoy a 15% discount on Thrifty Car Rentals across Australia. Book online at www.thrifty.com.au/memberbenefits.
- NRMA Holiday Parks Discounts: Receive a 10% discount on accommodation at select NRMA Holiday Parks, including popular destinations like Treasure Island (Gold Coast), Darlington Beach, Ocean Beach, and Merimbula Beach. Present your AAA membership card at check-in. More details and booking options are available at nrmaholidayparks.com.au.
New South Wales
Similar to the ACT, NRMA is also the affiliated automobile club in New South Wales (NSW).
Office Address: 9 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Website: www.mynrma.com.au
Services for AAA Members:
The services provided by NRMA to AAA members in New South Wales mirror those in the Australian Capital Territory, encompassing roadside assistance, Thrifty Car Rental discounts, and NRMA Holiday Parks accommodation discounts.
Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory (NT), the partner club is Automobile Association of the Northern Territory (AANT).
Office Address: 79-81 Smith Street, Darwin NT 0800
Website: www.aant.com.au
Services for AAA Members:
- Limited Roadside Assistance: AAA members with a valid home club Road Service product can access AANT’s basic roadside assistance. This includes 24/7 access and free attendance within Metropolitan Adelaide or within 32km of a regional depot for vehicle breakdown assessment.
- Show Your Card & Save Discounts: Benefit from discounts at participating retail partners.
- AANT Member Travel Experiences: Access member-only travel experiences and pricing via the AANT Shop.
- Discounts at AANT Shops: Receive member pricing on maps, guides, and accessories at any AANT Shop.
Queensland
For Queensland (QLD), the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) is your go-to organization.
Office Address: 2649 Logan Road, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113
Website: www.racq.com.au
Services for AAA Members:
RACQ participates in the global discounts program, ensuring AAA members can access a range of benefits. For specific service details, it’s best to visit the RACQ website or contact them directly, referencing your AAA membership.
South Australia
In South Australia (SA), the Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (RAASA), also known as RAA, is the affiliated club.
Office Address: 101 Richmond Road, Mile End South Australia 5031
Website: www.raa.net
Services for AAA Members:
- Breakdown Service: AAA members with valid road service from their home club are entitled to RAA’s basic roadside assistance. This includes 24/7 access, free attendance within Metropolitan Adelaide or 32km of regional depots, and up to 8km free towing in Adelaide or 32km regionally if the vehicle cannot be mobilized. Emergency fuel is available at the member’s expense. For breakdown service, call 13 1111 from anywhere in South Australia.
- Show Your Card & Save Discounts: Access discounts at More For Members partners.
- Travel Services: Utilize domestic and international travel services through RAA Shops, including access to member travel experiences and pricing.
- Discounts at RAA Shops: Get member pricing on maps, guides, and accessories.
Tasmania
For travelers in Tasmania (TAS), the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT) is the relevant organization.
Office Address: Cnr. Patrick & Murray Streets, Hobart, Tasmania 7000
Website: www.ract.com.au
Services for AAA Members:
RACT participates in the global discounts program, offering services to AAA members. For detailed information on specific benefits, checking the RACT website or contacting them directly is recommended.
Victoria
In Victoria (VIC), your AAA partner is the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV).
Office Address: 550 Princes Highway, Noble Park, Victoria 3174
Website: www.racv.com.au
Services for AAA Members:
- Roadside Assistance: AAA members can access basic roadside assistance by calling 13 11 11.
- RACV Resorts Discounts: Enjoy a significant 25% discount on accommodation at RACV Resorts, including locations like Cobram, Inverloch, Cape Schanck, Torquay, Goldfields, Noosa, Royal Pines, and Hobart. Book through www.racv.com.au.
- Holiday Advice: Call 13 13 within Australia for holiday advice.
Western Australia
Lastly, in Western Australia (WA), the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia (RACWA), also known as RAC, is the partner club.
Office Address: 832 Wellington Street, Perth West Perth, Western Australia 6000
Website: www.rac.com.au
Services for AAA Members:
- Basic Roadside Assistance: RAC offers free basic roadside assistance to active AAA members.
- Travel Maps: Access touring and travel maps at the same cost as local members.
- Show Your Card & Save Discounts: Get up to 20% discounts from various entertainment and travel suppliers through the Show Your Card & Save program.
Maximizing Your AAA Membership Benefits in Australia
To make the most of your AAA membership while traveling in Australia:
- Always Carry Your Card: Ensure you have your valid AAA membership card with you to present when requesting services or discounts.
- Check the Websites: Before you travel to a specific state or territory, check the website of the relevant automobile club for the most up-to-date details on reciprocal services and discounts.
- Call for Roadside Assistance: In case of a vehicle breakdown, remember the dedicated phone numbers for roadside assistance in each state, often 13 11 11 or 13 11 22.
- Enquire About Travel Services: Don’t hesitate to ask about travel services, member pricing, and discounts at the physical locations or through the websites of these “aaa travel offices” – the Australian automobile clubs.
By understanding this network of “aaa travel offices” across Australia and the reciprocal agreements in place, you can travel with confidence, knowing that assistance and benefits are readily available thanks to your AAA membership. Enjoy your journey exploring the diverse landscapes of Australia!
