Getting around Australia

Australia is so BIG that about 80% of long-distance trips by public transport are made by air. For many years big companies ruled the airways with high prices, recently competition has grown making it easier for the average person and holiday maker to take advantage of flying to save time!! Literally! There are a number of airlines these days including Quantas, Virgin Blue and Jet Star who offer great bargains to travel inside Australia (sometimes cheaper than the fuel for the car).

Few people travel long-distances by train because it is usually the slowest mode of transport and remains rather expensive, connections between cities, states or territories are not as extensive as bus routes. The major interstate services include the famous Ghan for travel between Melbourne and Alice Springs, the Indian Pacific between Sydney and Perth, and the Overland between Melbourne and Adelaide. All of these are run by the Great Southern Railway. The Great South Pacific Express is Australia’s Orient Express, offering stylish train rides between Sydney and Cairns. The Austrail Flexipass offers International travellers 8 days travel, 15 days travel, 22 days travel or 29 days travel within a 6 month period. If your visit to Australia is limited but you want to travel extensively, then the Flexipass is your best bet.

There are several long-distance bus companies but only one true national service, Greyhound Pioneer Australia. Buses are comfortable, but travel between major cities are quite long so it may be best to take the bus by night and sleep through most of the journey. Prices are very reasonable and connections will take you almost anywhere you desire.

Australia’s roads are very good and safe, well sign posted (not like Italy) and not overly crowded. Most travellers group together and rent a hire car or purchase a dodgy VW combie and cruise the Great East Coast or Great Australian Bight. This can be the most fulfilling way to travel, if you have the time, it can also be the most economical way of seeing Australia. Highway 1 circumnavigates the continent staying fairly close to the coast most of the way. Tiredness is one of the biggest causes of road accidents in Australia so make sure you stop at the many picnic areas by the side of the highways and stretch or drink a coffee.