Getting Around Australia
Buses
Travel by bus or coach in Australia is comfortable, easy and economical. Coaches generally have air-conditioning, reading lights, adjustable seats and videos. There are two national coach companies providing a nationwide service, traveling to all mainland states, large cities and towns. With more than 1,000 schedules services every week, it is easy to explore Australia by bus.
Taxis
Taxis are widely available in all major cities and towns.
Car Hire
Car hire is easy to organize and driving enjoyable along the wide open roads. Due to the huge scale of the country be aware that driving times can be very long – to drive from Sydney to Perth it is an estimated time of 56 hours if driving non-stop!!! Rental cars are available at all major airports or central city locations and resorts. Rent anything from a sports car, four-wheel drive or a luxury motorhome.
Driving
Driving is on the left. Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads and highways and some of the most beautiful road touring in the world. International visitors may drive in Australia on a valid overseas driver’s licence for the same class of vehicle. An international driver’s permit is not sufficient by itself and must be accompanied by a valid driver’s permit.
Trains
Rail travel is an excellent way to see more of Australia’s countryside. Touring by train is easy and affordable with a range of flexible rail passes offered to travellers. Some of the best journeys are: the Indian Pacific which travels the width of Australia from Sydney to Perth, a journey of three days and nights. The Ghan which travels from Adelaide up to Darwin or the Sunlander which follows the coast between Brisbane and Cairns. Each city also has its own fast and reliable local rail network.
Boats
The beauty of being the largest island on earth is that options for cruising, sailing and boating are endless. Australia has more than 35,000 kilometres of coastline and countless harbours, rivers and lakes. Take a Sydney harbour cruise or simply the ferry across the harbour to the northern beaches. At the Great Barrier Reef take your choice of ferries to the islands or hire your own yacht. Travel between Tasmania and the mainland by ferry, or take a paddle-steamer on the Murray River.
