Anear accommodation and food, transportation is undoubtedly one of the most important points in the daily life of the traveler. And if many choose to buy their own vehicle, others prefer to remain free of this responsibility (potential source of mechanical trouble and therefore unexpected high expenses) and entrust their vagrancy to the planes, trains, coaches and ferries that make up the transports In common in Australia.
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Low cost airlines (Low Cost)
TOget from one destination to another in a direct, fast and inexpensive way, there is nothing like jumping in an airplane. Many airlines fulfill this air taxi role in Australia, but those that are most interesting from a budget perspective are of course the low cost airlines: JetStar, Virgin Blue , and Tiger Airways. They serve all state capitals, as well as other major tourist centers such as Cairns or the Gold Coast .
Better yet: if you want to enjoy your year in Australia to visit the surrounding countries, the “low cost” also offer flights to New Zealand , Southeast Asia or Japan!
To get the best rates, you will need to book in advance and choose to fly midweek rather than the weekend. Also consider regularly visiting the websites of these companies, which perpetually offer new special promotions to enter. And if you only leave for a few days, think that flying without luggage in the hold gives you access to unbeatable rates! In the cabin, you will always be entitled to a 7 kg bag, which can be enough for a short getaway.
To help you make your choice, do not hesitate to visit Iwantthatflight.com which is an excellent price comparator on Australian domestic lines.
The Australian rail network
IFthe plane is the fastest and cheapest way to go from one large center to another, the train is a great solution for those who want to take the time to enjoy Landscape, visiting seaside towns and countryside.
Since Australia is a federation of states, there is no national company: no SNCF here, but a multitude of networks managed by so many operators! Of all, it is probably the network of CountryLink , in the eastern half of the country, which is most useful to travelers. This network extends from Melbourne to Brisbane, via Canberra and Sydney, and west to Broken Hill . But its real attractiveness lies not in the level of simple trips, but rather in their system of passenger passengers with unbeatable value for money:
The Discovery Pass is the most flexible pass, as it allows you to travel the entire CountryLink network in both directions as much as you want, as you want. It is valid for periods of 14 days ($ 232) to 6 months ($ 420).
The Queensland Coastal Pass is valid for 1 month ($ 209) or 2 months month ($ 289). Its prices are lower but it allows only to circulate between Brisbane and Cairns.
These passes in your pocket, you will need to continue to book your tickets whenever you want to get on a train. Simply, instead of having to pay your money, you just have to present your pass to be put on the passenger list!
Apart from CountryLink, there are also two legendary lines that cross the continent up and down: the Ghan , which runs from Adelaide to Darwin, and the Indian Pacific, which travels from Sydney to Perth. These trips are surrounded by an aura of myth and glamor that has a price: count minimum $ 700 a ticket to go from one end to the other of one of these lines. Unless, of course … to buy a pass!
The mythical train the Ghan
The Rail Explorer Pass covers the Ghan, Overland and Indian Pacific, and allows you to travel on their networks at will for 2 or 3 months. To acquire this pass, you must prove that you are a tourist: you will be asked for your passport as well as your return plane ticket which proves that you are going to leave Australia. If you meet these two conditions, you can purchase the pass for $ 495 (Red Service category).
Buses, economies combine with Pass
TOcomplete this huge but still not extensive rail network, it is possible to travel by coach. There are two distinctions: the buses of the Australian transit companies that are borrowed by the natives and sell their tickets to the unit; And backpackers’ buses that are based primarily on a pass system, whose atmosphere and stops are especially designed for travelers.
These passes, sold per trip or kilometer , are declined in dozens of variations and sometimes include a few nights of lodging, meals and activities. The offer is more than exhaustive and it is impossible to list all the passes and packs here: to get to know all these possibilities and to understand what the offers contain, you will have to explore the websites of the companies and Do not hesitate to go to their offices to ask questions. For example, the most extensive passes of each operator:
At Greyhound , different passes are offered depending on the route you wish to make (from city to city) or according to the number of kilometers.
At OzExperience , various passes allow to reach Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin.
A third company, Firefly , also offers coach trips between Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, but does not offer a pass system.
Just like trains, buses are not very fast, but you will be able to make stops in many localities that are not otherwise served. OzExperience and Greyhound are operators totally dedicated to the backpacker clientele, they also offer the advantage of being between young people, and allow to easily organize popular activities (courses of surfing, free fall, cruising, hike …) by means of Their partners. These activities are either booked and payable in addition, or included in some of their packages.
Ferries, heading towards the islands!
TOcomplete this presentation of Australian public transport, let’s not forget the ferries! Of course, they are less numerous and take less time than others, but they are nevertheless essential to visit two islands renowned for their beauty: Tasmania and Kangaroo Island . Although it is possible to travel to these islands by air ( JetStar serves Tasmania, while Rex takes care of KI), ferries are the only way to take a vehicle with oneself – an essential point for all Who have chosen to invest in a van or a car.
The ferry to Tasmania, Spirit of Tasmania , leaves Melbourne and arrives in Devonport. The journey lasts from 9H to 11H. Your vehicle will be shipped for $ 87, while the price of your personal ticket will vary depending on season, day of week and availability – count between $ 96 and $ 187 for a single seating position.
The ferry to Kangaroo Island, Sealink , leaves Cape Jervis, south of Adelaide, and arrives at Penneshaw. The crossing takes only 45 minutes, and will cost you $ 97 for your vehicle and $ 36.75 per person. You can save a few meager dollars by booking your way on the internet.
