Transport
Australia has a good system of transport (both public and private) which makes getting around easy. Whether you want to travel from Perth to Sydney, or just head down to the beach, there are a variety of transport options.
Getting Around Australia
Bus
Going by bus is a good way to see more of Australia, as you actually have a chance to see the landscape as you travel. The advantage of bus travel is that it is also much more affordable than going on a plane.
There are a number of bus companies that travel all around Australia.
Train
Train travel is another affordable and effective way to see a lot of the countryside. There are plenty of interstate services, such as the Ghan which runs between Melbourne and Alice Springs, the Indian Pacific which travels from Sydney to Perth and vice-versa, and the Overland, which runs between Melbourne and Adelaide. All of these services are run by the Great Southern Railway. Another option is the Great South Pacific Express, an Orient-express style train that provides luxury transport between Cairns and Sydney.
Depending on what kind of ticket you buy, train travel can be expensive or it can be cheap. Either way, it’s a great experience and a good way to see Australia.
Plane
There are plenty of companies offering air transport all around Australia, including Qantas (Australia’s national airline), Virgin Blue, Jetstar and Regional Express (REX), plus a number of smaller regional airlines that fly within set areas.
Qantas
Qantas flies to all major cities in Australia and provide safe, reliable service to a large number of regions and towns.
Virgin Blue
Virgin Blue is a budget airline and flies to a huge number of locations in Australia, including all major cities and many smaller ones.
Jetstar
Jetstar is also a budget airline and flies to all major cities in Australia as well as regional areas.
Regional Express
Regional Express, also known as Rex, are the largest independent regional airline in Australia and fly to a huge number of areas within New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
Other Regional Airlines
There are many other small airlines that provide flights within designated areas and to set destinations.
Tasair flies in and around Tasmania, including Burnie, Devonport, Hobart and King Island.
Sunstate provides flights within Queensland.
Skywest flies all around Western Australia, including Albany, Karratha and Perth.
Macair flies in and around Queensland, including Armidale, Brisbane, Cairns, Cape York, Cloncurry, Hughenden, Julia Creek, Longreach, Mount Isa, Richmond, Tamworth and Townsville.
Eastern Australia Airlines provide flights within New South Wales.
Airnorth flies in and around Northern Australia and the Northern Territory, including Alice Springs, Cairns, Darwin and Broome.
Car
Travelling by car is also a good way to see Australia, especially if you are planning a longer stay or want to go at your own pace. Be warned – Australia is a HUGE country so if you are travelling by car, check the actual distance you plan to go so that you have enough time. A good idea when travelling by car in Australia is car-pooling. This can save you petrol and may be safer than travelling alone, especially if you are going long distances.
There are a few tips to remember when driving in Australia:
- You must drive on the left-hand side of the road and always give way to the right.
- There are strict drink-driving laws in Australia and breaking them can lead to a huge fine or even a jail sentence, so don’t drink and drive.
- Always stick at or below the speed limit, as there are speed cameras along highways and freeways.
- When driving in the outback, always bring at least two spare tires in case of a blowout, and plenty of water in case you break down. Other important things to bring include a radio transmitter in case of a breakdown in a remote area and a first aid kit in case of injury.
- Driving at night can be dangerous as this is the time when animals are more likely to be out on the road. If you see an animal on the road, always brake and dim your lights.
- If a truck attempts to overtake you, always pull over as it is safer.
Car Rental
Renting a car is easy and there are a number of car-hire companies that offer this service. The advantage of renting a car is flexibility and the knowledge that in the unlikely situation that something goes wrong, the car can be replaced or repaired.
Car Purchase
If you are travelling long distances or over a long period of time, it may be cheaper to buy a car and then sell it when you are finished with it.
If you buy a car, it is probably better to get an Australian-made car (like a Ford or a Holden) so that if you break down, spare parts will be easier to find.
There are various other requirements when buying a car in Australia, particularly if you are a traveller. To find out more, watch this space as information will be posted here shortly.
Transport in Major Cities
Getting around within major cities is best done by public transport as it’s frequent, convenient and affordable. Below are listed the main modes of public transport in each major city.
Adelaide
Bus, Tram and Train
Adelaide buses are a good way to get around the city, as they are frequent and reliable. Tickets can be bought on board the bus itself, at a newsagent or the Metro Information Centre.
Trams run between the suburb of Glenelg and Central Adelaide frequently and are a fun way to get around, as most of the carriages are restored old-fashioned ones. Tickets can be bought on board or from a Metro Information Centre.
The train system in Adelaide is fairly frequent and covers five different routes between various suburbs. Tickets can be bought at the train station or from vending machines on board the train.
Brisbane
Bus, Train and Ferry
All methods of public transport in Brisbane can be accessed by one type of ticket, which can be purchased on board buses and at various train stations, ferry wharves, vending machines and ticket agents such as newsagents and convenience stores. Brisbane City can be explored for free on the City Loop Bus.
Canberra
Bus
The bus service in Canberra is fairly reliable and services most parts of the city. Tickets can be bought from the driver on board the bus or from a ticket agency or newsagent.
Darwin
Bus
The bus service in Darwin, Darwinbus, is comprehensive, reliable and affordable. It’s a great way to explore the city. Tickets can be bought on board the bus or from vending machines at the bus interchange. Tickets can also be bought from some newsagents.
Hobart
Bus
The local bus network is run by Metro and timetables and tickets are available from the information centre in the city. Buses service most of the city and surrounding suburbs and run fairly frequently.
Melbourne
Bus, Tram and Train
Melbourne has an excellent transport system. It’s privately owned and all services are integrated, meaning that you can buy one ticket which will allow you to travel on trains, buses and trams even if you transfer from one to the other midway through your journey. Tickets can be purchased from the driver on buses, from vending machines on trams, from train stations and from retailers that have a Met flag on display. All systems are great for getting around the city.
Perth
Bus, Train and Ferry
Buses, trains and ferries are all operated by Transperth and one ticket allows you to travel on any of the forms of transport. Ferries are reliable and a great way to get out on the water without breaking the bank; buses service most of the city and surrounding suburbs frequently and affordably, and trains are quick and easy to catch. There’s also The Free Transit Zone (FTZ) which allows you to travel free between Perth Railway, City West and Claisebrook stations, so exploring the city is a great way to spend a day.
Sydney
Bus, Train and Ferry
Sydney buses service most suburbs in and around the city centre and they are a cheap and reliable way to get around. Likewise trains are a fast way to get around, particularly to suburbs further from the city centre. Ferries are a great way to see the harbour, providing one of the best views in Sydney, but they can be quite expensive as public transport goes, so a bus or a train is usually a cheaper option.
Bus tickets can be bought on board the bus or from a newsagent or transit shop, whereas train tickets can be bought from the train station and ferry tickets from the ferry wharf.