Travel Australia

Public transport

Australia’s public transport system is generally safe, and affordable. Travel concessions apply to concession card holders, which include international students. Concession cards are issued by your educational institution. Public transport includes buses, trains, trams, and ferries. Tickets can be purchased from newsagencies, train stations, ferry wharves, onboard buses, and onboard buses, trains and trams.


Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s largest city, and has the largest network of train lines and bus routes, even a ferry.


Bus
Sydney’s bus network extends throughout most metropolitan suburbs. The cost of your fare depends on how many sections your route passes through.


Ferry
There are three kinds of ferries available, regular STA ferries, fast JetCats that go to Manly and RiverCats that traverse the Parramatta River to Parramatta. The ferry system provides the most enjoyable way to travel around the harbour.


Train
Trains are the quicker alternative to buses, and the services run much more frequently. Trains start running at 5:00am and finish at midnight.


Metro Light Rail & Monorail

The Metro Light Rail (or MLR) and Monorail are a good means of transport within the city centre. The monorail circles Darling Harbour and returns back to the city. The Metro Light Rail operates between Central Station and Pymont via Darling Harbour and Chinatown. The MLR operates 24 hours a day. If you need any information on the MLR or the Monorail, you can contact Metro Transport.


Melbourne

Metcards are used to pay public transport fares in Melbourne. Metcards allow you to transfer from one service to another. For information such as timetables, maps and fares, contact Metlink Melbourne


Train

Suburban trains are much faster than buses and trams, and reach the further outskirts of Melbourne’s suburbs. The main terminal is Flinders Street Station. Trains start operating at 5:00am and finish around midnight.


Bus

Buses generally connect with trains and continue to the outer suburbs and areas where trains do not reach. Buses routes include shopping centres, hospitals, universities, schools etc.


Tram

Melbourne’s tram network extends from the city to the inner suburbs. Tram stops are numbered from the city centre outwards. Be cautious of cars and other vehicles when alighting from trams.


Brisbane

Any information on Brisbane’s bus, train and ferry systems you can contact Trans Info.


Boat

Catamarans, known as the CityCat runs every 20 to 30 minutes between 5:30am and 10:30pm, from the University of Queensland in the south west of Brisbane, to Brett’s Wharf in the north east, and back. The Inner City Ferries also operate on the river between North Quay and Mowbray Park.


Bus

The Loop is a free bus service which circles the city area. Buses run every 10 minutes on weekdays between 7am and 6pm. All other buses run approximately every 10 to 20 minutes, except on Sundays. During weekdays, buses start running from 5am to 6pm. On Saturdays, buses start running at 6am and finish at Midnight. Sundays they start running at 5am and finish at 7pm.   


Train

Brisbane’s train network is called the Citytrain and extends from Gympie North in the north (or the Sunshine Coast), to Nerang and Robina in the South (also known as the Gold Coast). There are seven lines, and the main terminals are found on Central, Roma and Brunswick Stations.


Perth

Transperth operates all the public transport in Perth. Passengers can travel anywhere on any form of transport with one ticket.


Boat

Ferries travel from the zoo to the Barrack Street jetty. Ferries depart every half and hour, on the hour from 7am to 7pm daily.


Bus

The CATbus free service loops the city centre area. Services start at 6:50am and finish at 6:20pm. Buses run less frequently on the weekends.  


Train

Transperth also operate the Fastrak train services, running to Armadale, Fremantle, Midland, and Joondalup. The main train terminal leave from Perth train station at Wellington Street.


Adelaide

Adelaide Metro runs Adelaide’s local public transport system. There are four train lines, a tram line and a network of bus routes throughout the suburban areas of Adelaide.


Bus

The Bee line and Cityloop buses are free service, and run a loop around the local city areas.

The Bee line runs from Victoria Square in the centre of the city, to the City West Campus of the University of South Australia. The Cityloop runs from the Central Markets to the train station on North Terrace. Buses run locally throughout the suburbs and liaise with trains at specific times.


Train

Local Metro Adelaide trains run every 15 minutes and operate from Adelaide station on North Terrace, to Noarlunga Centre, Outer Harbor, Gawler, or Belair. Tickets can be purchased on the trains themselves, or at newsagents or train stations.


Tram

The local tram service runs from Moseley Square near Jetty Road Glenelg, all the way to the steps of UniSA, located on North Terrace. New trams have been recently issued, ensuring a comfortable, smooth ride.


Darwin

Bus

The Darwinbus runs from the Citybus interchange on Harry Chan Avenue, operates services all over Darwin. The Tour Tub is a minibus tour business that runs throughout the daytime.  


Taxi

Taxi buses are a popular way to get around in Darwin. The two main bus services are Arafura Shuttle and Unique minibuses.


Hobart

Bus
All tickets are one way and the cost depends upon the distance traveled. The bus network is run by Metro. The main post office on the corner of Macquarie and Elizabeth Streets is the Metro information desk. Here you can find information on timetables and bus services.


Canberra

Bus
Canberra’s public transport provider is called the ACT Internal Omnibus Network (or ACTION). The main Civic bus interchange is along Alinga Street, East Row and Mort Street in the city centre. The information kiosk can be found on East Row. Visit the ACTION website for information on timetables and route maps.


Personal safety on public transport

Whilst the crime rate in Australia is relatively low compared to other countries, you should exercise extreme caution when commuting on public transport. Keep your bag close to you and never leave it on the ground near your feet. Hold it on your lap. Keep your valuables such as your iPod, wallet, mobile phone, sun glasses, jewelery etc out of sight. If you are traveling at night, sit as close to the driver as possible. If trouble arises the driver can assist you. Take note of the passengers around you. You may have to give a description to the police at a later time.
Try to avoid waiting for trains or buses at stations and terminals. Try to arrive just before the train or bus departs to minimize the amount of time waiting. Some taxis and buses connect with trains at terminals. All train stations and bus terminals have security cameras installed and are regularly patrolled by police and private security patrols.


Interstate travel

Australia is a large country, with a relatively low population. Most of Australia’s capital cities are located around the coastal areas, away from the vast open deserts. The distance traveled between cities is much greater than other continents, such as the small towns and villages of Europe.

The most popular forms of transport are by bus, train, and airlines. Tickets can be purchased online through the travel company’s website, or at the terminal.


Airlines

The nation’s two largest major airlines are Qantas and Virgin Blue. Airplanes fly regularly between all major capital cities and many regional areas. Tickets can be purchased at a travel agent, either by phone, at the travel agent branch or online. Online you can also view the cost of fares and even check flight times before you book.

Regional airlines such as Jetstar and Tiger Airways are a low-cost alternative to the major airlines, and still fly regularly between cities. Rex is another airline which carries passengers to mostly regional areas of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.


Trains and buses

Trains would be the cheaper option to take than airlines. To book a ticket, get in contact with Rail Australia, either by phone, at the train terminal or online. You can find a timetable and a list of fares on the website.

Buses depart from terminals regularly to destinations all over Australia. To purchase a ticket you need to get in contact with the bus company. There is a long list of companies in each state. Choose wisely it could save you money if you shop around first before you book.


Personal vehicle

Once you find accommodation, you may decide to purchase a vehicle to get around locally, such as a bicycle, car or motorcycle.

A reasonable second-hand bicycle can be found cheap from around $200 to $500, depending on the quality and condition of the bicycle. Registration of a bicycle is not needed, but there are laws associated with riding a bike, such as wearing a helmet and lights front and back when riding at night time.

If you purchase a car or motorcycle, you will be responsible for its maintenance, such as registration, fuel, repairs, insurance and mechanical services. Third party insurance is compulsory, which covers the costs of damage done to other cars and property if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident. More comprehensive insurance policies can be taken out, which can cover the cost of fire, theft or damage to your vehicle. The cost of these additional policies will depend on your age, driving record and type of vehicle that you own.

If your stay in our country is less than three months, an international or overseas driver’s license can be used. It is compulsory to carry an English copy of this document with you when driving at all times. If your stay will be loner than three months you will have to apply for an Australian driver’s license.

Seat belts are compulsory for drivers and passengers. For motorcycle riders and pillion passengers, a helmet is compulsory. Fines will be issued if you, or your passengers are caught not wearing either a seatbelt or a helmet. Drivers will also be fined if they are caught using a mobile phone whilst driving. If you need to make or receive a phone call during driving a vehicle, it is suggested that you use a hands free kit, or pull the vehicle over to the side of the road.

The Australian road rules require everyone to drive on the left hand side of the road. Road rules and speed limits apply to all roads, and vary in speed from 25km/h to100km/h.

If you are caught breaking the law, you will be pulled over by a police officer and an on-the-spot fine issued, or a fine will be sent to you in the mail. Infringements may result in a loss of license points. If you lose all points on your license, your license may become suspended, or disqualified. Driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs is a serious offence, and you can possibly be fined or jailed. Random breath testing units and police patrol cars carry breath test units which measure the content of alcohol or drugs in your blood.       

Any questions on road rules, and licenses you can contact the Road Authority in your state or authority.