Transport and Getting Around Australia
Australia has diverse transportation options varying by city and region. Understanding your options will help you navigate efficiently and cost-effectively.Public Transport by City
Sydney
- Trains: Extensive network covering suburbs and city
- Buses: Comprehensive bus network
- Light Rail: Connects city to inner west and south-east
- Ferries: Scenic harbor crossings
- Metro: New driverless trains in northwest
- Payment: Opal Card (contactless payment also accepted)
- Cost: 8.69 per trip depending on distance
Melbourne
- Trains: Large suburban network with city loop
- Trams: World’s largest tram network (free city circle)
- Buses: Complementary bus services
- Payment: Myki Card
- Free tram zone: Central city area
- Cost: 9.20 per trip depending on zones
Brisbane
- Trains: Suburban network and airport line
- Buses: Extensive bus network including BRT
- CityCat: High-speed catamarans on Brisbane River
- Payment: Go Card
- Cost: 6.83 per trip
Perth
- Trains: Five lines including airport connection
- Buses: Comprehensive network
- CAT Buses: Free city buses
- Payment: SmartRider
- Cost: 5.50 per trip
Adelaide
- Trains: Limited network to outer suburbs
- Buses: Primary public transport
- Trams: Single line to Glenelg
- Payment: Metrocard
- Cost: 5.89 per trip
Driving in Australia
Getting a License
- International visitors: Can drive with international license + permit for 3 months
- International Driving Permit: Required from your home country
- Converting license: Requirements vary by state
- Temporary residents: May need to get local license
Road Rules
- Drive on the left: Right-hand drive vehicles
- Speed limits: 40-110 km/h depending on area
- Give way rules: Different from some countries
- Roundabouts: Give way to traffic already in roundabout
- School zones: 40 km/h during school hours
- Seatbelts: Mandatory for all passengers
Buying/Renting a Car
- Car rental: $30-100+ per day depending on car type
- Major companies: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar
- Buying used: Check REVS register for finance/theft
- Registration: Required in state of residence
- Insurance: Compulsory third party + comprehensive recommended
Fuel and Costs
- Fuel prices: 1.80 per liter (varies by location)
- Registration: $200-600 per year depending on state/car
- Insurance: $500-2000+ per year
- Tolls: Some roads in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
- Parking: $3-8 per hour in city centers
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
Ride-Sharing Apps
- Uber: Most popular, available in all major cities
- Ola: Alternative to Uber, competitive pricing
- DiDi: Available in some cities
- 13cabs: Traditional taxi company with app
- Cost: $15-25 for typical 10km city ride
Traditional Taxis
- Availability: Less common since ride-sharing popularity
- Booking: Phone or taxi ranks
- Payment: Cash or card accepted
- Airport: Designated taxi zones at airports
Inter-City Transport
Domestic Flights
- Airlines: Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Rex
- Cost: $100-400 for domestic flights
- Booking: Compare prices on Skyscanner, Webjet
- Baggage: Check airline policies (some charge for checked bags)
- Routes: All major cities well connected
Long-Distance Buses
- Greyhound: Major operator for long-distance routes
- Cost: Generally cheaper than flying
- Comfort: Limited legroom, longer travel times
- Routes: Connect all major cities and many towns
Train Services
- Limited options: Not as extensive as other countries
- NSW TrainLink: Sydney to regional NSW and Melbourne
- V/Line: Melbourne to regional Victoria
- Queensland Rail: Brisbane to regional Queensland
- The Ghan: Adelaide to Darwin (tourist train)
- Indian Pacific: Sydney to Perth (tourist train)
Car Rental for Road Trips
- One-way rentals: Available but often expensive
- Unlimited km: Usually included for longer rentals
- Insurance: Essential for long-distance travel
- Roadside assistance: RAA, RACV, NRMA membership recommended
Regional and Rural Transport
Limited Public Transport
- Rural areas: Very limited public transport
- School buses: Sometimes available for public use
- Community transport: Services for elderly/disabled
Car Essential
- Rural living: Car ownership almost mandatory
- Distances: Long distances between towns
- Fuel planning: Plan fuel stops on long journeys
- Mobile coverage: Can be limited in remote areas
Airport Transport
Sydney Airport
- Train: Airport Link ($20.44 from city)
- Bus: Regular buses and airport shuttles
- Taxi/Uber: $45-65 to city center
- Parking: $8-65 per day depending on location
Melbourne Airport
- Bus: SkyBus ($20 to city)
- Taxi/Uber: $55-75 to city center
- Parking: $8-49 per day
- No train: Train connection planned for future
Brisbane Airport
- Train: AirTrain ($19.50 from city)
- Bus: Various bus services
- Taxi/Uber: $45-55 to city center
- Parking: $8-45 per day
Perth Airport
- Train: Airport Central and T1/T2 stations
- Bus: Connect buses and regular services
- Taxi/Uber: $35-50 to city center
- Parking: $8-35 per day
Cycling
Bike-Friendly Cities
- Melbourne: Extensive bike lane network
- Adelaide: Good cycling infrastructure
- Perth: Improving bike facilities
- Brisbane: Growing bike network
- Sydney: Limited but expanding
Bike Sharing
- Melbourne: Not currently available
- Brisbane: CityCycle bike sharing
- Perth: Some private options
- Adelaide: Limited options
Safety Requirements
- Helmets: Mandatory Australia-wide
- Lights: Required at night
- Reflective gear: Recommended
- Rules: Follow road rules, use bike lanes where available
Walking
Pedestrian-Friendly Areas
- City centers: Generally walkable
- Inner suburbs: Often pedestrian-friendly
- Outer suburbs: Car-dependent design
- Tourist areas: Usually walkable
Safety Tips
- Traffic lights: Wait for green pedestrian signal
- Look right first: Traffic comes from right
- Crossing: Use designated crossings
- Sun protection: Essential in Australia
Transportation Apps
Payment Apps
- Opal (Sydney): Trip planning and payment
- Myki (Melbourne): Balance check and top-up
- Go Card (Brisbane): Trip planning
- SmartRider (Perth): Balance and travel info
General Transport Apps
- Google Maps: Route planning, real-time info
- Citymapper: Available in Sydney and Melbourne
- Moovit: Public transport navigation
- TripView: Sydney public transport info
Ride-Sharing Apps
- Uber: Most comprehensive coverage
- Ola: Alternative option
- 13cabs: Traditional taxi booking
- DiDi: Limited coverage
Tips for Getting Around
Money-Saving Tips
- Off-peak travel: Cheaper public transport rates
- Weekly/monthly passes: Better value for regular users
- Walk short distances: Many destinations are walkable
- Combine transport: Mix walking, cycling, and public transport
- Group ride-sharing: Split costs when traveling together
Planning Your Journey
- Use apps: Real-time information prevents delays
- Allow extra time: Traffic and delays are common
- Check weekend schedules: Reduced services on weekends
- Plan alternatives: Have backup transport options
Safety Considerations
- Late night travel: Limited public transport after midnight
- Personal safety: Stay alert, especially in isolated areas
- Weather impacts: Services may be affected by extreme weather
- Emergency contacts: Keep important numbers handy
Cultural Considerations
- Punctuality: Australians value being on time
- Queue etiquette: Form orderly lines and wait your turn
- Seat etiquette: Offer seats to elderly, pregnant, disabled
- Volume levels: Keep conversations at reasonable levels
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access: Most public transport is accessible
- Hearing/vision assistance: Services available
- Companion cards: Discounts for carers
- Accessible taxis: Available in major cities
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (Dec-Feb)
- Heat impacts: Services may be affected by extreme heat
- Bushfire season: May affect regional transport
- Holiday periods: Reduced services and higher costs
Winter (Jun-Aug)
- Generally mild: Limited weather impact except in mountains
- Reduced daylight: Plan for earlier darkness
- Rain: May affect some services
School Holidays
- Increased traffic: Roads and public transport busier
- Price increases: Higher costs for flights and accommodation
- Advance booking: Essential during peak periods