By Betsy Bender
Methods of Transportation in Australia
To make the most of your trip to Australia, you may need to use different methods of transportation to travel around the vast country. Whether your trip is focused on visiting the major cities, taking a walkabout in the outback or diving the Great Barrier Reef, you need to be prepared to travel by air, by land or by sea to reach your destination.
By Car
The majority of highways run along the coasts, and only a few lead into the center of the country. Many remote towns are only accessible via unpaved roads and infrequent public transportation. If you are planning on touring the outback or national parks, you will probably need a four-wheel-drive vehicle. If your driver's license is written in English, you are generally allowed to drive on your existing license for three months without penalty. Most major credit cards cover standard insurance, but you will also need a green card, or International Insurance Certificate, to certify that you have liability insurance that is valid for international travel. Green cards can be obtained at most car rental agencies and also through some travel agents.
If you plan to be in Australia for more than three months and will have a car during your visit, you must have an International Driving Permit and it must be issued in your own country prior to your trip to Australia.
Australians drive on the left-hand side of the road, children under 40 lbs. should ride in a car seat, and it is required by law that seat belts must be worn at all times by everyone riding in a vehicle.
Thrifty Car Rental
Kingmill T/A Thrifty
Level 1
52-60 Kent Road
Mascot NSW 2020
011 (+61) 1300 367 227
www.thrifty.com.au
By Plane
Given Australia's vast expanses, many visitors will take at least one domestic flight during their trip. Air travel between the major cities are the most convenient as well as the most economical, but many flights also serve smaller airports. Regional Express airline specializes in domestic flights. Qantas frequently offers discounts on a multiple-flight Australian vacation packages originating from the United States and also provides numerous flights between major cities.
Qantas Centre
203 Coward Street
Mascot NSW 2020
(800) 227 4500
www.qantas.com.au
By Train
Without a comprehensive railroad system, traveling by train in Australia may be just as expensive as traveling by air. However, a train trip can be a pleasant alternative to flying, as travelers may enjoy comfortable and scenic journeys on some train routes. Rail Australia frequently offers special discounts to tourists but you may need to present a valid foreign passport and a return airline ticket to prove you are an international visitor. Each state operates its own rail service, and a bus trip may be necessary to transfer between services to the next station.
The Rail Australia Alliance
www.railaustralia.com.au
By Bicycle
Designated bike paths are available throughout Australia, and since the country is mainly flat it is easy to travel by bicycle. Although bicycles are theoretically allowed on buses and trains, you may be required to disassemble the bike and pay a flat fee for transportation by bus and you may not be allowed to bring your bike onto a train at all. Due to the difficulty in traveling on public transportation with a bicycle, it may be easier to rent one locally. Be aware that wearing a bicycle helmet is required by law in Australia. Bicycles are also required to obey all traffic laws and signals.
The Bicycle Federation of Australia (BFA)
P.O. Box 499, Civic Square
Canberra, ACT 2608
011 (+61) 02 6249 6761
www.bfa.asn.au
By Ferries
Residents and tourists alike travel from the suburbs into Sydney, Perth or Brisbane via a ferry. Other popular ferry lines include the passenger and vehicle ferry service between Melbourne and Tasmania via the Spirit of Tasmania and the Sealink ferries that transports travelers between South Australia and Kangaroo Island.
Sydney Ferries/Head Office Street Address
Level 9, 37 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
011 (+61) 02 131 500
www.sydneyferries.info
Resources
About the Author:
Betsy Bender is a media consultant with experience in publishing, event management, media relations, digital media and television production. Specializing in entertainment, travel and sports, Bender has worked with high-profile personalities, facilitated publicity campaigns for network television programs and traveled to more than 100 cities in eight countries, including Russia and Australia.
Photo Credits:
by brewbooks, Creative Commons License
