Getting Around Australia

Road Network, Traffic

Car, Campervan

Rental

Purchase

Bus

Major Companies

Two Wheels

Motorcycle

Bicycle

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking in Australia isn’t too difficult overall, though it’s not always risk-free. First, pay attention to where you get dropped off and prefer petrol stations. Additionally, in some areas, there’s very little traffic (stick to main roads), no shade, and water can quickly become scarce. Hitchhiking is theoretically officially banned in the state of Queensland.

In short, it may not be the ideal option (especially for women travellers), and those who enjoy it would do better to look for a ride share with other travellers or locals.

Carpooling

Trains

Boats

Domestic Flights

In Towns

Taxis

Other Means

Metro, tram and bus:

By bicycle:

On foot:

What to Choose for Getting Around?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on the length of your stay and the regions you want to visit. But don’t forget that distances in Australia are often enormous. So, flying remains the best option for those who want to explore the whole country or save time, at least for travelling between major cities.

Otherwise, renting or—if you’re staying a long time—buying a car or campervan can be very worthwhile, especially for groups. Obviously, this mode of transport offers the most freedom, particularly if you want to venture off the beaten track.

For solo travellers, bus passes will be the most economical option, even if some areas (especially national parks) are poorly served by public transport.

Distances Between Cities

Distances (km) between the main cities and tourist spots in the country: