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How do you travel a vast and empty land? Fifth in the Web series, “Escape Down Under,” for those planning an Australian vacation.

Planes, Trains or Automobiles?

Once you are safe and sound Down Under you will have to think seriously about transportation. Australia is the same size as the USA yet without the same superhighways. The people cling to their small cities on the coastline. Getting around the cities is easy enough, most Australian cities have decent public transport.

Sydney and Brisbane – Pedestrian Cities

The only two capital cities that are walk-friendly are Sydney and Brisbane. Melbourne has improved as  a pedestrian city but you still need the trams to travel around. Sydney is a choice place for those who love walks – the other cities require public transport or a car. Australian cities, although small in population, are big in area. Sydney also has a tourist monorail which makes for a charming day out around the Central Business District combined with a pleasant stroll.

Buses

All Australian cities have public bus networks.  A typical ticket costs a few dollars and the system is reliable. Melbourne and Perth have the best public transport. Melbourne favours trains and trams whilst Perth favours light rail and buses. Sydney has a double-deck sightseeing bus that costs $US30, shuttling you around the sights. It is a convenient hop-on and off all day long.

Ferries

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Sydney Harbour is unforgettable by ferry. What a wonderful way to get around and gain a true feel for this fabulous city; highly recommended for travellers. You can visit Manly Beach by ferry and see many parts of Sydney this way. Sydney’s public transport system has cute special deals combining bus, train and ferry for a good day price. A nice way to see Sydney.

Trains

Trains are easy in all the capital cities.  The best trains are in Melbourne. Perth has a brand new metro system with  light trains the flavour. You will easily get around on trains in all the cities except Canberra and Darwin.

Trams

Melbourne is the only city with trams. Perth and Sydney also have light trains ready to be extended. Trams are an old fashioned and elegant way to get around Melbourne, which has a free sightseeing-tram for tourists, around the city centre.

 

Take The Free City Circle Tram Around Melbourne

Planes

Since deregulation of the airlines in Australia a few years ago, this is the transport of choice between Antipodean cities. You can pick up a one-way ticket between cities for as little as $US40, online. You can travel to Darwin from Sydney for as little as $US500, return. The way to go if you  don’t have much time. Consider popping over to New Zealand on a jet. The cost of a ticket to Auckland from Sydney is now about $US300, return.

Virgin Blue Australia Will Take You There Cheap


Cars

Rental cars are the way to go for the independent traveller. There are conditions:

  • You will need a valid credit card that operates in Australia with $1000 cleared funds. Debit/credit card combinations are forbidden for car hire.
  • You will need to be over 25 to drive
  • You will need a valid drivers’ licence, with an International Licence preferred, but not essential
  • You will need to check all details carefully as rental car firms in Australia are unreliable
  • You will have to leave a bond when hiring cars
  • Read the contract very, very carefully before you hire a car Down Under

Camper Vans

The transport of choice around the Outback is the camper-van.  These vans have sleeping bunks and a kitchen, perfect for getting out of the cities.  The current rate for a camper van is about $US5O per day. This is good, as you will not have to pay for accommodation, when travelling around the vast Outback.

Four Wheel Drives

Four wheel drives are available for hire if you intend driving far into the Outback.  However, there is a big catch. You cannot take the rented Four Wheel Drive off sealed roads!  This is an unusual state of affairs so the advice is to purchase your own four wheel drive for an Outback quest. They cost about $US2000, second hand, from the Kings Cross Car Market in Sydney.  That way you will have peace of mind and not worry about losing your bond or any money to a hire company. You can also resell the vehicle when you have finished your vacation Down Under.

Rent a Wicked Camper-van and Save Money On Accommodation


That just about sums it up as far as transport around the Great Southern Land is concerned.  Remember, Australia is hugh - well worth exploring for its’ sweeping skies, parched views and exciting adventures.  Happy Upside Down Tripping!

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