
Transportation in Australia
Transport to and within Australia is an issue that visitors should research thoroughly, as it will likely consume a reasonably significant amount of their time and money. As such, planning what the “must-see” destinations are is of importance.
Visitors thinking they can visit Sydney, Perth, Uluru (and “the outback”) and the Barrier Reef in a short trip should think again!
That said, with a decent amount of time to spend in Australia (and if you’re coming that far, surely you should stay awhile!) and a well planned trip, there’s no reason you shouldn’t experience all the aspects that make Australia the unique country that it is. Use our Australia Transportation Guide in conjunction with our Australia Country Guide to help you get the most out of your trip.
Australia Transportation Guide
Getting To Australia
Due to the fact that Australia is an isolated island, almost all visitors arrive by air. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are the major international airports. Other options include Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Cairns and Hobart. Australia is well served by flights from Europe, USA and Asia, although the flights tend to be relatively long and expensive. Bookings should be made well in advance, as many flights are heavily booked.
International departure tax is US$19. This tax is usually included with the price of the airline ticket.
Airlines Flying Into Australia Include:
- Air Canada: www.aircanada.com
- Air China: http://www.airchina.com/
- Air New Zealand: www.airnz.co.nz
- American Airlines: www.aa.com
- British Airways: www.britishairways.com
- Cathay Pacific: www.cathaypacific.com
- Garuda Indonesia: www.garuda-indonesia.com
- Lufthansa: www.lufthansa.com
- Japan Airlines: www.jal.com/en
- Korean Air: www.koreanair.com
- Malaysia Airlines: www.malaysiaairlines.com
- QANTAS Airways: www.qantas.com.au
- Singapore Airways: www.singaporeair.com/saa
- Thai Airways International: www.thaiairways.com
- United Airlines: www.united.com
- Vietnam Airlines: www.vietnamairlines.com
Getting Around Australia
Air
Due to the vastness and relative emptiness of many parts of Australia, most long distance trips are taken by air. Domestic airlines include:
- QANTAS Airways: www.qantas.com.au
- Virgin Blue: www.virginblue.com.au
Bus
Another way to get around is by long-distance coach. Greyhound Pioneer has routes that cover the entire continent, but be prepared for long trips, especially if you are travelling between major cities.
- Greyhound Pioneer: www.greyhound.com.au
Train
Travelling nationally by rail is not as common as other options, mainly due to the limited national rail infrastructure, the relatively high cost of train travel and the fact that it is often the slowest form of transport. For overnight trips, however, it can be more comfortable than long distance buses.
- Rail Australia: www.railaustralia.com.au
Car
Many travellers who choose to stay in Australia for a reasonable amount of time end up either renting or purchasing a car. Whilst it may be more expensive than catching a few flights or long-distance coaches, the freedom allowed by a car means you are able to visit many more “off-the-beaten-track” destinations.
All major Australian cities are well serviced by the major international car rental companies, including:
- Avis: http://www.avis.com/
- Budget: http://www.budget.com.au/
- Hertz: http://www.hertz.com.au/
- Thrifty: http://www.thrifty.com.au/








