Getting Around Australia
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Sydney and Melbourne. Rural: Rent a car for Outback exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Sydney to your destination.
Train Travel
Interstate Rail Services
Efficient network connecting major cities like Sydney to Melbourne via NSW TrainLink with frequent services.
Cost: Sydney to Melbourne AUD$90-200, journeys 10-12 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via Transport for NSW app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Discovery Pass offers unlimited travel in NSW for 14 days at AUD$450 (adult) or state equivalents.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, official websites, or apps with instant activation.
Scenic Train Journeys
The Ghan and Indian Pacific connect Australia coast-to-coast, Sydney to Perth via Adelaide.
Booking: Reserve seats months in advance for best prices, discounts up to 30%.
Main Stations: Sydney Central, Melbourne Southern Cross, with connections to regional lines.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Outback and rural areas. Compare rental prices from AUD$50-100/day at Sydney Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (international OK for 3 months), credit card, minimum age 21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the left, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 100 km/h rural, 110 km/h highways.
Tolls: Electronic tags required for Sydney and Melbourne motorways (AUD$5-15/trip).
Priority: Give way to right at roundabouts, trams and buses have priority in cities.
Parking: Metered parking AUD$3-6/hour in cities, free in rural areas.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at AUD$1.80-2.20/liter for petrol, AUD$1.70-2.00 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Sydney during rush hours and around Melbourne.
Urban Transport
Sydney Metro & Light Rail
Extensive network covering the city, single ticket AUD$3-5, day pass AUD$17, weekly cap AUD$50.
Validation: Tap Opal card on readers before/after travel, inspections occasional.
Apps: Opal app for routes, real-time updates, and top-up.
Bike Rentals
CityCycle in Brisbane and similar shares in other cities, AUD$10-20/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across coastal cities, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Ferries
State networks like TransLink (QLD), Public Transport Victoria (VIC), and Opal (NSW) operate comprehensive services.
Tickets: AUD$3-5 per ride, buy via app or use contactless payment.
Coastal Ferries: Iconic Sydney Harbour ferries connecting suburbs, AUD$6-8 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Sydney or Melbourne CBD for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (Dec-Feb) and major festivals like Sydney Festival.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Australia including remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from AUD$10 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone offer prepaid SIMs from AUD$20-40 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for AUD$25, 10GB for AUD$40, unlimited for AUD$50/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (50-200 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Multiple zones: AEST (UTC+10) east coast, ACST (UTC+9:30) central, AWST (UTC+8) west; daylight saving Oct-Apr in some states.
- Airport Transfers: Sydney Airport 8km from city center, train to center AUD$20 (15 min), taxi AUD$50, or book private transfer for AUD$60-100.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (AUD$10-15/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many natural sites have ramps but remote areas vary.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on some trains (small free, large AUD$10), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for AUD$5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Australia
Sydney Airport (SYD) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Sydney Airport (SYD): Primary international gateway, 8km south of city center with train connections.
Melbourne Airport (MEL): Major hub 23km northwest, SkyBus to city AUD$20 (30 min).
Brisbane Airport (BNE): Key Queensland airport with domestic flights, convenient for east coast.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (Dec-Feb) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Perth or Brisbane and taking domestic flight for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Jetstar, Virgin Australia, and Rex serve domestic routes with connections across the country.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee AUD$3-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep AUD$50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Not customary in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.