Getting around in Australia
Australia is an extremely large country, with points of interest very geographically distant from one another. However, most metropolitan and regional areas can be reached by public transportation. Airlines, trains, and bus networks serve the country well. Despite this, many people, especially those outside of larger cities, prefer the convenience of having their own car over dependence on public transportation.
Airlines
Most major Australian cities are separated by long distances, but can easily be reached by air travel. Australian airlines and airports are modern, efficient, and safe, serving both business and personal travellers. Fares can be competitive, as many airlines fly the same routes as one another and want to compete against each other for the customers. You can often save money on flights by booking online well in advance of your travel, avoiding peak travel times, such as holidays and school vacations, and through participating in airline loyalty programs.
Major Australian airlines for domestic travel include Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, but many international airlines also fly in and out of Australia. Webjet Travel is a great website where you can compare prices for domestic flights around Australia. Flights, depending on distance, can cost anything from AUD 50 return to more costly ones of AUD 800 return. However, due to the sheer size of Australia, flying can be the most efficient way to see all that Australia has to offer.
Train
Australia has about 41,000 kilometres of railways, but the train is not a popular method for long-distance travel, due to its long travel times. However, it is popular with tourists who enjoy long trips by train and have more time to explore the country. You can travel partly by train with trips from Brisbane to Rockhampton, Sydney to Perth, which spans the Australian continent from the Pacific Ocean to the Indian Ocean, or Adelaide to Darwin, which is a 47-hour journey. It is a great way to view the vastness and diversity of Australia and is very comfortable but has hefty prices starting from AUD 3,000 up to AUD 8,000.
In urban areas, commuter rail trains are a great way to get around the city and surrounding towns, offering frequent services and reasonable fares. In most cities, commuters can purchase a transport card, such as Sydney's Opal Card or Melbourne's Myki card, which allows you to save time and pre-pay for your weekly travel.
Bus
Travelling by bus can be a great way to save money, but it can also take extended amounts of time to travel long distances, as buses often stop at different points along the way to their final destination. A return ticket from Melbourne to Sydney will cost around AUD 250 and will take between 12 to 14 hours. Bus tickets can be purchased for individual journeys. Tourists and backpackers might enjoy purchasing a package, which allows unlimited travel for a set duration, where you can 'hop on, hop off' at points of interest. These include Sydney to Cairns hop on hop off, Melbourne to Cairns hop on hop off, and Sydney to Brisbane hop on hop off. Costs start from AUD 149.
Vans and cars
Cars and vans can often be the best way to explore a new area, allowing for freedom to travel and explore at your own pace. Road tripping around Australia in a campervan is an exciting way to see Australia enabling you to cut costs by sleeping in your van. It is common to drive up the east coast, and the west coast is becoming more popular. Be very wary of long distance drives; Melbourne to Sydney is 10 hours in a car, so it's best to give yourself plenty of time to move around.
Cars and vans can be rented from companies throughout Australia. Popular ones include Jucy, Europcar, or Hertz, and you can hire cars or vans from the airport or different locations throughout the city. You can also opt for the "relocation" of a van. This service allows you to rent a vehicle at one location and return it to another. However, this will require booking, at least two weeks before your departure.
You can also purchase your own vehicle. Good sites for buying second-hand cars include Gumtree, Car Sales or even Facebook! If you do buy a car, be wary of the hidden costs with registration, insurance, tolls, and petrol. If you will be commuting to work by train, or are living in a larger city, a car may be unnecessary. However, in more remote areas, a car can be the best way to get around.
Important:
Hitchhiking or accepting rides with strangers is never a good option and is not recommended in Australia.
