Transport and Driving in Australia

Getting around in Australia can be quite difficult, especially considering the vast distances between major cities.

National public transport networks are limited, and journeys by train and intercity bus are not always the most efficient way to travel. In contrast, domestic flights in Australia are relatively cheap and by far the fastest way to travel between cities.

Although owning a car while living in Australia isn't necessary, having a vehicle offers you greater independence and freedom when it comes to travelling nationally, especially as the country is so dependent on road transport.

Public transport in Australia

Public transport services in Australia are managed by state and territory governments. The Australian government’s website provides region-specific information regarding transport.

Trains

Australia’s rail network is not as well-developed as the systems in parts of Europe and Asia, and there are no high-speed intercity rail services in the country. The historical lack of cooperation between state territories, massive distances, and relatively small population has resulted in a slow and somewhat inefficient rail network.

You will find that flying between major cities in Australia is usually faster and cheaper than taking trains. That said, travelling by train offers a more scenic journey, and it is also a good alternative for getting to regional towns and cities that aren’t serviced regularly by flights.

Buses

The long-distance bus network in Australia is extensive and reaches the more isolated places, such as Canberra and Darwin, that only have bus services. Buses are efficient, and some even feature WiFi and USB charging for mobile devices.

While bus travel in Australia is a cheap way to get around, some long journeys will still be cheaper by plane, so it’s worth checking flight options before buying a bus ticket. In Sydney, there are weekly caps on the maximum amount you pay on fares, regardless of how often you use the public transport system.

Ferries

Four of Australia’s capital cities, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane, operate ferry services that connect commuters to their suburbs and attractions. Although ferries are a slow way to travel, they offer a more scenic route. There are also long-distance ferries like the Spirit of Tasmania that connect far-flung areas of the country.

Useful links

• Australian Government – How to travel around Australia

Taxis in Australia

Taxis are widely available in Australia’s capital cities, with limited services in the rural areas. They can easily be hailed off the street or found at designated taxi ranks. In Melbourne, the taxis can easily be spotted thanks to their yellow, silver, and white colours and clear markings.

As taxis in Australia are regulated, you can clearly see the fare on the meter, making it easy to get around using this mode of transport. Ride-sharing apps like Uber are also hugely popular in the country. People with disabilities can also find several specialised taxi services in major cities across the country. As part of Australia’s commitment to accessibility, it’s also illegal for taxi drivers to refuse to transport service animals.

Useful links

• Silver Top Taxis
• Uber
• Shebah

Domestic flights in Australia

Due to the large distances between the major cities in Australia, flying remains a popular travel option. There are more than 100 commercial airports nationwide. The four domestic airlines are Qantas Domestic, Virgin Australia, Rex, and Jetstar.

To reduce travel expenses, research the cheapest airfares and look for specials. Even the larger airlines have great online deals, and you can almost always find cheap fares on the busiest routes.

Useful links

• Qantas Domestic
• Virgin Australia
• Rex
• Jetstar

Driving in Australia

Once you arrive in Australia, you’ll notice that most expats have a car that allows them to explore the country at their own pace. Australia’s low population density and large size make for long journeys between cities, though.

Australia has a well-maintained system of roads and highways, and signage is generally very clear. The highways between state capitals are excellent, and driving on these roads is a pleasure. Some states also have well-maintained toll roads. On the other hand, if you’re travelling to the rural parts of Australia, you will find these roads are often poorly maintained dirt roads. You should also be aware that cars drive on the left-hand side of the road in Australia.

Driving licences

Licensing regulations and road rules vary from state to state in Australia, and you should familiarise yourself with the rules within a particular territory before relocating. In most cases, expats moving to Australia can drive using a licence from their home country for the first three months before switching to a local licence if their licence is in English.

If your licence doesn’t have your photograph on it, you should carry your passport with you when you’re driving. Those whose driving licences are not in English will need an International Driver’s Permit.

Useful links

• Ausroads – Applying for a licence in Australia or New Zealand