Transport in Australia

Australia's two national domestic airlines are Qantas and Ansett Australia. Both operate regular scheduled flights between all capital cities and regional centers throughout Australia. For example, Australia's domestic and regional airlines can fly you from the Outback to the Reef, from an east coast city to a tiny outpost in Western Australia.

Train travel is cheaper than flying but journey times are longer. The Sydney-Brisbane trip takes 13.5 hours while the Sydney-Melbourne takes 10.5 hours. Railways in Australia are state operated and Rail Australia, the federal body, oversees various services. There are three nationwide car rental companies and numerous local ones. The three big companies are Avis, Hertz, and Budget whose rates are just about identical. Smaller companies' rates may be cheaper and also offer special deals, such as weekend and standby rates, but may not offer all the services and extras of major companies. Avis, Hertz, and Budget have offices in almost every town, as well as at airports and rail terminals.

Air Travel

Australia's two national domestic airlines are Qantas and Ansett Australia. Both operate regular scheduled flights between all capital cities and regional centers throughout Australia. For example, Australia's domestic and regional airlines can fly you from the Outback to the Reef, from an east coast city to a tiny outpost in Western Australia. Qantas provides flights from Thailand, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Korea, India, Singapore, and Taiwan. It serves seven Australian gateways, operating one of the world's youngest fleets. Ansett Australia operates 747 and 767 services between Brisbane, Sydney, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Denpasar.

Air New Zealand and United Airlines have regular flights from the USA. The large Asian and European carriers, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines offer many routes and stopovers on the Europe-Asia-Australia run. Canadian travelers can fly Canadian Airlines, which connects with Qantas flights and Hawaii.

Special domestic fares are available for international visitors, so you should usually purchase your local flights when you buy your ticket to Australia.

Each state is serviced by a number of regional airlines, such as Kendell, Oxley, Sunstate, and many more, providing access to country towns and the more remote destinations. All the regional airlines are now operated by and booked through either Ansett Australia or Qantas.

By Car

There are three nationwide car rental companies and numerous local ones. The three big companies are Avis, Hertz, and Budget whose rates are just about identical. Smaller companies' rates may be cheaper and also offer special deals, such as weekend and standby rates, but may not offer all the services and extras of major companies. Avis, Hertz, and Budget have offices in almost every town, as well as at airports and rail terminals. They offer unlimited kilometer rates in the city but when traveling in the Outback, rates are usually per kilometer. Compulsory third party insurance and collision damage waiver is included in car rentals and more comprehensive insurance plans are available for an additional fee.

Four-wheel drive (4WD) cars are expensive but worth considering for safe Outback touring. Camper-vans are also a popular and more luxury way of vehicle traveling but they are usually expensive.

Each state has its own Automobile Association, which will readily supply tourists with excellent maps and literature. The following is a list of automobile associations in specific states.

By Train & Coach

Train travel is cheaper than flying but journey times are longer. The Sydney-Brisbane trip takes 13.5 hours while the Sydney-Melbourne takes 10.5 hours. Railways in Australia are state operated and Rail Australia, the federal body, oversees various services. A staff change at state borders is the only indication most passengers will get of a state-by-state system at work.

The availability of rail travel varies from state to state. State governments accept the responsibility of providing access to most areas. Hence where there is no rail network, such as in Tasmania, there will be an efficient, cheap coach network instead. Queensland, however, has increased its rail services, most of which are aimed at the tourist market.

Taking rail journeys in Australia also gives you the chance to take in some of the country's extraordinary landscapes. For example, the Indian Pacific route takes three days to cover the 4,352km from Sydney to Perth and the 478km crossing of the Nullarbor Plain is the world's longest length of straight railway tract.

Coach travel in Australia is cheap, efficient, and generally safe. The two main operators are Greyhound Pioneer and McCafferty's. Both have a range of passes that greatly reduces the cost of any extended travel. There are many other bus companies in Australia offering a variety of transport and hotel packages that ranges from 3 to 50 days departing regularly from capital cities. Prices ranges from A$60-$85 per day inclusive of coach travel, accommodation, and various day tours or driver 'feature commentary'.