- Australia is enormous with three time zones
- Australia is the world’s largest island, in fact it’s so big Australia is geographically a continent
- New Zealand is tiny compared to Australia
- Australia and the continental USA are a similar size
- Australia has vast differences in climate, diversity in landscapes and population density
- When planning travel to Australia, deciding where to go is the crucial first step when visiting Australia
The good news is Australia is easy to get around. Here is your guide to travel around Australia. Enjoy the tips on the best way to get to your bucket list destinations.
Create your bucket list, check distances between your international airport arrival hub and the places you want to visit.
Top Adventures and Activities in Australia – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER
If you don’t want to spend time in domestic airports then focus on a region. Australia, similar to North America, is a study in contrast with plenty of things to see and do in the seven states & territories of Australia.
Check out key attractions in QUEENSLAND, NEW SOUTH WALES, VICTORIA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, NORTHERN TERRITORY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA & TASMANIA.
TRAVEL BY RENTAL VEHICLE – AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT OPTION
Australia has a federal network of well maintained highways. Australians are masters at road trips. Aussie’s take advantage of regular road service stops, lookout rest stops and small towns. Take a tip from the locals and plan an awesome regional road trip which, combined with domestic flights, gets you out and about exploring.
You’ll find vehicle rental companies at most airports and city locations. Check out how to hire a car in Australia.
Use public transport in cities and/or hop on & hop off tourist buses. No parking hassles.
THE OUTBACK is remote, challenging with very long distances between attractions. Depending on the route it is relatively easy to navigate with a few tips. Check what the experts say in the Northern Territory …
- You should always check the road conditions daily before travelling. Always drive to your ability.
- During the wet season/tropical summer (November to April) some roads may be closed due to flooding. Do not travel on closed roads. Heavy fines may apply.
- Check road conditions daily during your trip as they can change quickly. Reports on roads are available at www.roadreport.nt.gov.au or by phone on 1800 246 199.
AIRLINES – AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT OPTION
Major airline companies: Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. There are a number of small regional airlines. There are over 600 domestic airports offering easy access to key tourist destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef (Cairns), Uluru (Alice Springs or Uluru). Budget for a domestic flight and your bucket list just got bigger. Flying is a fast, quick and easy option when considering the distances between key destinations.
Sydney International & Domestic Airport has the largest number of passengers. Let’s check out the example of Sydney to add ‘speed’ to your Australian travel connections.
| Sydney to Melbourne (Great Ocean Rd) | 714 km | half day | 1 ½ hours |
| Sydney to Perth (superb SE Asian connection) | 3,904 km | half day | 5 hrs, 10 mins |
| Sydney to Great Barrier Reef (Cairns) | 2,421 km | half day | 3 hrs, 10 mins |
| Sydney to Nitmiluk Katherine Gorge (Northern Territory) | 3,656 km | half day | 3 hrs, 10 mins |
TRAVEL BY TRAIN – AUSTRALIAN TRANSPORT OPTION
TRAIN OPERATORS
Portal to all Australian rail routes:
- Sydney to/from Melbourne/Brisbane/Canberra
- Sydney-Adelaide-Perth, Adelaide-Alice Springs-Darwin, Melbourne-Adelaide
- Brisbane-Townsville-Cairns
- Kalgoorlie-Perth
- V/Line (Victoria regional trains)
- Ferry Melbourne-Tasmania
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have excellent metropolitan tram and/or train services. Smaller towns such as Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) have comprehensive bus service complimenting the intercity train network.
TRAVEL BY PUBLIC LONG DISTANCE BUS SERVICE – AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL OPTION
Australia long distance bus travel is a favourite option for budget conscious travellers with time to spare.. It is slow (due to the sheer distance travelled and the numerous stops in the various small towns) however it is very reliable.. Australia has an excellent bus network and it is very easy to book online.
The major long distance Australian bus operators are comfortable. The buses have air-conditioning, seats with footrests, toilets, smoke free and charging stations (essential in summer), comfortable seats and toilets; all are smoke-free, and some have wi-fi and USB chargers.
The Australian major bus operators are: Greyhound Australia, Firefly Express, Integrity Coach Lines (in Western Australia), Premier Motor Service (NSW) and V/Line in Victoria.
TRAVEL AROUND AN AUSTRALIAN CITY ON A BUS TO KEY VISITOR ATTRACTIONS IN ONE EASY LOOP
Check our travel guides for tips about a city’s public transport options. If there is a HOP ON & HOP OFF bus grab a ticket, it’s a great way to obtain an overview of a city. Your first loop sit tight and listen to the driver/ commentary and absorb the sights and sounds of your destination. The next loop start exploring. Make sure to get the latest deals. Some operators offer discounted family deals as well as senior citizen rates.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours in Australia – BOOK HERE (free cancellation)
LUXURY TRAIN TRAVEL IN AUSTRALIA
Australia does epic luxury rail journeys with ease. The romance of the trails is on many travellers’ bucket list. Relax, absorb the passing scenery from your fine dining experience and chat to new friends in the onboard lounges as you transverse Australia from south to north, from the bottom to the top and circumnavigate the coast.
Top Rail Tours in Australia – BOOK HERE
TRAVEL BY PRIVATE TRANSFER (LIMO SERVICES)
Australia has a fascinating urban culture, with dramatic scenery easily accessed from city locations. A private vehicle and driver (doubling as a tour guide) is a fast and efficient service. Either you indulge in a day of being ferried around or family and friends decide private limo services are a great way to enjoy an Australian wine tour in the Barossa Valley or when visiting the Blue Mountains.
Consider a limo service when:
- Wine tours (drink and drive do not work) and you want to visit a specific winery
- A specific beach or visitor destination
- Got an early flight to catch
- It’s your holiday and a sense of luxury is on your bucket list
If we have accidentally used your photograph without your permission, we are sorry and will remove the photograph as soon as possible. Any use without permission is an oversight… for more information regarding our Terms and Conditions check HERE.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE