Australia is the world’s largest island and so travelling between cities is going to be a major undertaking. The whole of Europe (and much of the Mediterranean Sea) would fit into Australia. Travelling from Darwin to Perth is further than going from Land’s End to John O’Groats (and back and then to Edinburgh). Even relatively close cities like Brisbane and Sydney are a 900 kilometres from each other.
Locals typically travel within Australia by flying or driving between cities, and cheerfully accept spending ten hours on a car journey. There are also two budget airlines within Australia – Jetstar and Tigerair. These airlines offer flights between state capitals for prices similar to what we pay between European capitals on Easyjet, as well as the big airlines such as Virgin, Qantas and Emirates.
Getting Around in Australia
The country’s major cities and towns have an excellent infrastructure and reliable public transport offering many ways to travel within Australia.
- Taxis: These operate throughout the country and are regulated by various laws in each territory. In major cities and towns, you can hail a taxi on the street or call a taxi company to arrange a pick up or drop off. Uber is licensed in virtually all of Australia and available in major cities.
- Buses: There are efficient and extensive bus networks in all major cities in Australia and it is one of the more affordable ways to commute.
- Trains: Rail transport in Australia is well developed and major lines exist in the various territories. High speed rail is under development in the country. For a readable guide, visit Seat61.com.
- Ferry: There are several ferries that operate in Australia but one of the most popular travel areas is Sydney Harbour.
- Car: Many people drive, but not many drive into the city centers due to traffic congestion and high parking fees.
According to the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, the longest commute times are from trains, not cars.
- Average train commutes: 62 minutes
- Average car commutes: 26 minutes
6 Australian escapes
When you want a day out of the city, Australia delivers.
- Fly over the idyllic Whitsunday islands, a collection of islands 900 kilometres north of Brisbane, on the central coast of Queensland
- Kayak down the Murray River. Australia’s longest river meanders through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. It’s wonderful for fishing, camping, kayaking and all sorts of outdoor adventures.
- Scuba along the Great Barrier Reef off the coast in Cairns and explore the beautiful underwater world.
- Cross the fiery red centre of Australia on The Ghan, a four-day, three-night 3,000km rail journey that takes you from Darwin to Adelaide, cutting through Katherine and Alice Springs.
- Go four-wheel driving through the forests, beaches and swamps of Fraser Island.
- Bike along the beaches of Rottnest Island, just off the coast of Perth, and then head south to the stunning caves of the Margaret River region in Western Australia.