There’s around 2.9 million square miles of land in Australia, so you must be asking yourself, how am I going to get around? The main cities are far apart, with many things to see in between, but there are plenty of transport options to suit your budget and the amount of time you have.
Flights
Given the size of the country, flying is a very practical way of travelling long distances and getting around the country as fast as possible. Australian internal flights are now relatively cheap. Regional routes are serviced by smaller airlines, such as Regional Express, and companies such as Virgin Blue offer cheap national flights. Special offers and air passes exist, which offer tourists discounted air travel in Australia. Discounts are also available with YHA or VIP cards. Check out: www.virginblue.com.au www.quantas.com.au www.rex.com.au
Flying with budget airlines is a fast and cheap way of getting from city to city and with the country being so large it makes travel a lot easier! However, Australia offers a lot more than the big cities and a few airports, so do consider travelling overland as well.
Train
Travelling by train is a wonderful and leisurely experience. The vastness of the country means that the train journeys can be over 24 hours! It takes 40 hours to get from Perth to Adelaide, but you will see some spectacular scenery as you glide across the country. If you opt for a reclining seat and not a cabin then the prices won’t break the bank. It’s worth checking out special rail passes that allow you unlimited travel for a certain amount of time. For more information, have a look at: www.railaustralia.com.au www.countrylink.info
Coach & Bus
Travelling by bus is a popular backpacker choice as buses are relatively cheap, regular and they stop at loads of places! You can use an A to B service which will basically transport you directly between two destinations at a reasonable cost. Distances between two cities can be very long, for example, Melbourne to Sydney takes up to15 hours on the bus, so you’ll need a book or two! The alternative to the simple A to B service is the ‘hop on, hop off’ option. Hop on, hop off passes are a fantastic deal as you can stop when and where you like, along the way. These types of passes are especially popular for the trip all the way up the East Coast.
Car & Campervan
For many, travelling by car/campervan is the best way of seeing this country in all its glory! It is the only way to ensure complete freedom on where you want to go, when you want to go and how long you want to stay there. You can travel to a secluded beach in the middle of nowhere and not have to worry about bus times and if you have a campervan you don’t even need to worry about where to sleep! Petrol is much cheaper than in the UK so running costs aren’t too high, although you do always run the risk of breaking down. If you wish to hire a vehicle, there are plenty of rental companies to choose from. Buying a vehicle is also a viable option; just make sure it’s roadworthy (have it checked out before you buy it!).
A good old fashioned roadtrip is an awesome thing to do while you’re in Australia but just take care on your journey - take enough supplies (water, petrol etc.); don’t drink and drive; watch out for the local wildlife, particularly at dusk and at night. Kangaroos have a tendency to head towards car headlights after dark, so watch out for signs at the side of the road! Have a look at our transport section if you are interested in renting/buying a vehicle.
Tours
Don’t fancy organising the transport yourself? Then this is the option for you. Although there are lots of tour companies that offer short (1-3) day tours, you’ll also find plenty on offer that will take you on a longer journey around the country. They are usually good value for money, but do check what’s included in the cost, when you sign up. You can meet a great bunch of friends on a tour of Australia.Take a look at tour companies by clicking here.
