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| Australia Getting Around
- Internal Travel |
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Air
Australians rely on aviation to get from place
to place, like citizens of smaller countries rely on trains and
buses.
The network of scheduled services extends to more than 150,000 kilometres
(95,000 miles) and covers the whole continent.
Both 1st class and 2nd class service is available, with meals and
hostess service on many routes.
Recent deregulation of Australia’s domestic
airlines means that flights are more competitively priced. Aircraft
can be chartered by pilots who pass a written examination on Australian
air policies and have their licence's validated for private operations
within Australia.
The major domestic airlines
are Jetstar
Airways, Qantas and Virgin
Blue which serve the major
resorts and cities throughout Australia.
In addition, Rex
Regional Express operates throughout New South Wales, South
Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. Air
North operate throughout the Northern Territory, Macair
Airlines operates throughout Queensland, Skywest
operates throughout Western Australia and several small airlines
operate to the islands off Tasmania.
Nearly all the domestic airlines have special deals on or air passes
at greatly reduced prices.
There are many domestic airports and landing strips
throughout Australia, including airports in all capital cities and
regional centres such as Alice Springs, Launceston and Uluru (Ayers
Rock). For further information contact the Tourism Australia (see
contacts section).
Sea & Lake
There is 36,738 kilometres (22,600 miles) of coastline and many
lakes, inland waterways and inlets, all of which can be used for
touring by boat.
There are paddle steamers along the Murray River
to deep sea fishing cruisers along the vast Barrier Reef, and all
are available for charter or passenger booking. Most tour operators
also handle shipping cruises. The Spirit
of Tasmania is an overnight car ferry service linking Melbourne
with Tasmania daily.
Rail
There is over 40,000 kilometres (24,850 miles) of track which covers
Australia. Due to the vastness of the country internal flights are
a preferred option for traveling long distances, particularly as
rail travel can be slow and quite expensive. For further information
on rail transport within the different States, see the individual
State information, or contact Rail
Australia.
2 services span the continent from coast to coast. The twice weekly
Indian Pacific travels 4350 kilometres
(2704 miles) on standard 1435 milimetre (56.5 inch) gauge from Sydney
on the east coast to Perth on the west coast, via Adelaide.
The journey takes 3 days and 3 nights, crossing the Nullarbar Plain
on the famous 478 kilometre (297 mile) stretch of straight track,
the longest in the world. The Ghan travels 2979 kilometres (1891
miles) between Adelaide and Darwin, via Alice Springs. The service
runs weekly in each direction and takes 2 nights. Both trains are
fully air conditioned and soundproofed, with 1st and 2nd class sleeping
cars, bars, a lounge car and good restaurant facilities.
Other express service links (not always daily) from the state capitals
are stated below: |
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The Canberra Monaro Express links Canberra with Sydney in
4 or 5 hours.
The XPT Express runs from Melbourne to Brisbane via Sydney
and Canberra.
The Sunlander and the Queenslander link Brisbane with Cairns
(takes 31 hours).
The Prospector links Perth with Kalgoorlie and this is 1 of
Australia’s fastest trains (takes 6 to 7 hours).
The Spirit of the Outback runs Brisbane to Longreach via Rockhampton.
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There
is also several scenic rail journeys available including the Kuranda
Scenic Railway that links Cairns
with Kuranda via a 34 kilometre (14 mile) climb through tropical
rainforest, the Great South Pacific Express service along the East
Coast from Sydney to Cairns via Brisbane has been temporarily suspended.
Several routes have motor rail facilities. Long distance trains
are air conditioned and have brilliant catering facilities and showers.
Reservations for seats and sleeping berths are essential on all
long distance trains and are accepted up to 6 months in advance.
Luggage allowance: All interstate
rail passengers are allowed 50 kilograms (111 pounds). Medium sized
suitcases and hand luggage can be placed in the passengers’
compartments, but large suitcases must be carried in the guard’s
van and checked in 30 minutes prior to departure.
Sleeping berths: Single and twin apartments are
accessible for a surcharge on most inter capital overnight services.
All ‘Twinettes’ have 2 sleeping berths and wash basin.
Twinettes are available either 1st class or holiday class, the 1st
also offer individual showers. ‘Roomette’ (single compartment)
cars have showers at every end of each car. These are 1st class
only.
Cheap fares: Unlimited travel, valid for 14, 21
and 30 days, with 7 day extensions possible, is available with an
Austrailpass, which must be purchased outside Australia, and can
only be used by non Australian passport holders. Only economy class
passes are available. Each State operator offers its own Austrailpass
scheme.
The Austrail Flexi-Pass is valid for 8, 15, 22
and 29 days within a 6 month period, although it cannot be used
on the Ghan or the Indian Pacific. The pass only offers economy
class accommodation.
Both the Austrailpass and the Austrail Flexi-Pass must be purchased
outside of Australia. The East Coast Discovery Pass
offers 6 months travel on the eastern coast. An Austrailpass does
not include meal or sleeping berth charges. The passes must be used
within 12 months of purchase.
Representative in the UK
Address: Rail Australia, c/o International Rail Limited, Chase House,
Gilbert Street, Ropley, Hampshire SO24 0BY
Telephone: (0870) 751 5000
Facsimile: (0870) 751 5005
Email address: info@international-rail.com
Website address: www.international-rail.com
Most major tourist attractions can be reached by
train, tickets for multiple destinations can be bought from travel
agents outside Australia.
Road
The traffic drives on the left and road signs are
international in Australia.
The speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour (35 miles
per hour) in cities and towns in most states but 50 kilometres per
hour (31 miles per hour) in Victoria and Western Australia, 50 kilometres
per hour (31 miles per hour) in all suburban areas and 80 to 110
kilometres per hour (50 to 68 miles per hour) on country roads and
highways unless signs indicate otherwise.
Seat belts have to be worn at all times and driving
licence's must be in the driver’s possession when
driving. Driving off major highways in the outback becomes more
difficult between November and February because of summer rain,
as many roads are like dirt tracks. Road travel is easiest between
April and October.
Distances between towns can be significant, and
apart from ensuring that all vehicles are in peak condition, it
is advisable to carry spare water, petrol and equipment.
Travellers are advised to check with local Automobile Associations
before departure in order to acquire up to date information on road
and weather conditions. All cyclists must wear bicycle helmets.
Coach
The major cities are linked by an brilliant national
coach system which is run by Greyhound
Pioneer.
Tasmania also has its own coach service called Tasmanian
Redline Coaches.
There are several other companies operating State and Interstate
services.
The main coach express routes are from : |
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Sydney
to Adelaide, Melbourne (inland) |
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Sydney
to Brisbane |
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Sydney
to Canberra |
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Canberra to Melbourne |
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Melbourne to Adelaide |
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Adelaide to Alice Springs |
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Adelaide to Perth |
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Adelaide to Brisbane |
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Darwin to Alice Springs |
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Darwin to Cairns |
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Darwin to Perth |
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Darwin to Kakadu |
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Alice Springs to Ayers Rock |
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Cairns to Brisbane |
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Brisbane to Sydney (coastal and inland) |
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Brisbane to Melbourne |
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Coach
passes are accessible for travel on a variety of
routes for between 7 days and 1 year, such as the All Australian,
the Sunseeker, the Aussie Reef & Rock, the Coast to Coast etc.
The Aussie Kilometres Pass
allows you to buy your travel in kilometres and then travel in any
direction on the national network to the distance purchased. It
is advised for travellers to purchase these passes before departure
from country of origin.
Coaches are 1 of the cheapest ways to travel around
Australia, as well as 1 of the most comfortable, with big adjustable
seats, air conditioning and on board bathrooms, some also have television
and the latest videos showing.
Taxi
Meter operated taxis
can be found in all major towns and cities. There is a minimum flagfall
charge and then a charge for the distance traveled.
Taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped, however a small additional
payment may be required for luggage and telephone bookings. Some
taxis accept payment by credit card, for further details please
see the individual State entries.
Car hire
Car hire is available at all major airports and major hotels to
those over 21 years old.
Documentation
It is essential for all nationals of countries whose official language
is not English to hold an International Driving
Permit.
International, foreign or national driving permits are generally
valid for 3 months. An International Driving Permit is only valid
in combination with a valid national licence. Permits must be held
at all times while driving.
Urban
Inclusive public transport systems are provided in all the major
towns. The State capitals have suburban rail networks, those in
Melbourne and Sydney being mainly extensive, and trams run in Melbourne
and Adelaide.
Travel times
The following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and
minutes) from Sydney to other main cities in Australia. |
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Air |
Coach |
Rail |
Canberra |
45
minutes |
5
hours |
4
hours |
Adelaide |
1
hour 40 minutes |
22
hours |
25
hours |
Brisbane |
1
hour 20 minutes |
15
hours |
15
hours |
Darwin |
5
hour minutes |
92
hours 50 minutes |
- |
Melbourne |
1
hour 10 minutes |
14
hours |
10
hours |
Perth |
4
hours |
56
hours |
65
hours |
Hobart |
2
hours 5 minutes |
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