Getting around Australia
You may have heard Australia is a big country, but did you know, despite its size, it's easy to get around?
Getting around by plane
Flying is the best way to cover Australia’s large distances in a short time. Australia’s domestic airlines – including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Tiger Airways and Rex – serve all state capital cities and many regional cities, making it an easy way to travel between Australia's iconic destinations. Competition between domestic airlines means that some great value fares are available, especially if you book in advance.
Getting around by bus
Coach and bus travel in Australia is comfortable, efficient and reasonably priced. Long-distance coaches generally have air conditioning, reading lights, adjustable seats and free wifi. Australia’s national coach operator, Greyhound, offers hop-on, hop-off passes for popular routes, short trip passes and flexible passes based on the number of kilometres you wish to travel.
Getting around by car
Australia has a vast network of well-maintained roads and some of the most beautiful road trips in the world. Follow Victoria’s Great Ocean Road as it hugs our spectacular southeast coastline or experience Australia’s Red Centre in an epic drive across the desert. You’ll find car rental companies at major airports and central city locations; so hire a car, 4WD, caravan or motorbike and hit the highway.
Getting around by train
Train travel is a convenient, affordable and scenic way to explore Australia. TrainLink runs services between Sydney and the regional centres of New South Wales, and along Australia’s east coast to Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. V-Line trains connect Melbourne with regional hubs in Victoria, Queensland Rail covers Queensland and TransWA crisscrosses through Western Australia.
There are also spectacular rail journeys such as The Ghan and Indian Pacific, which sweep across the continent, offering comfort and a sense of nostalgic romance. The Indian Pacific travels between Sydney and Perth, stopping at Broken Hill, Adelaide and Kalgoorlie; the legendary Ghan travels between Adelaide and Darwin, taking in Australia’s Red Centre and the tropical Top End.
Journey times
Travelling from Sydney
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney - Adelaide | 1412 / 877 | 1.83 | 22 | 25.3 |
| Sydney - Canberra | 286 / 177 | 0.5 | 4.3 | 4 |
| Sydney - Melbourne (inland) | 872 / 542 | 1.1 | 14.3 | 10.25 |
| Sydney - Melbourne (coastal) | 1040 / 645 | 1.41 | - | - |
| Sydney - Perth | 4054 / 2513 | 4.17 | 63.3* | 66.5 |
| Sydney - Darwin | 4210 / 2610 | 4.25 | 69 | 2 |
| Sydney - Hobart | 1589 / 985 | 1.75 | - | - |
*Via Melbourne and Adelaide
Travelling from Canberra
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canberra - Melbourne | 648 / 402 | 1.08 | 9.3 | 8.3 |
Travelling from Melbourne
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melbourne - Adelaide | 731 / 454 | 1.05 | 10 | 12 |
| Melbourne - Hobart | 610 / 378 | 1.3 | - | - |
| Melbourne - Devonport | 307 / 190 | 1.16 | 10.5* | - |
*By ferry
Travelling from Adelaide
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide - Alice Springs | 1533 / 952 | 2.19 | 19 | 20 |
| Adelaide - Perth | 2706 / 1680 | 3.1 | 34 | 38 |
| Adelaide - Darwin | 3021 / 1873 | 3.58 | 41 | 46.45 |
| Adelaide - Brisbane | 2045 / 1270 | 2.3 | 33 | 40 |
Travelling from Perth
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perth - Broome | 2225 / 1378 | 2.5 | 34 | - |
Travelling from Darwin
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darwin - Alice Springs | 1489 / 924 | 2 | 19 | 24.2 |
| Darwin - Kakadu | 200 / 124 | - | 3.3 | - |
Travelling from Alice Springs
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alice Springs - Uluru | 443 / 275 | 0.5 | 6 | - |
Travelling from Cairns
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairns - Sydney | 2695 / 1671 | 2.5 | 48 | 44.3* |
| Cairns - Darwin | 2857 / 1771 | 2.5 | 40 | - |
| Cairns - Brisbane | 1716 / 1065 | 2.05 | 28 | 30 |
*Changing trains in Brisbane
Travelling from Brisbane
| Route | Road (km/miles) |
Air (hrs) |
Coach (hrs) |
Rail (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane - Sydney (coastal) | 965 / 600 | 1.5 | 15 | 14.3 |
| Brisbane - Sydney (inland) | 990 / 614 | 1.5 | 17 | - |
| Brisbane - Melbourne (via Sydney) | 1674 / 1039 | 2.5 | 25 | 25* |
*Overnight in Sydney
Getting around by ferry
The Spirit of Tasmania operates a nightly passenger and vehicle ferry service between Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, and Devonport in Tasmania with extra services during peak periods. SeaLink ferries connect Cape Jervis in South Australia (approximately 108km/67 miles south of Adelaide) and Kangaroo Island several times a day. There are also ferry services in our capital cities, connecting suburbs around Sydney Harbour, on the Swan River in Perth and on the Brisbane River.
Finding your way on foot
In Australia you can tackle some of the longest tracks and trails in the world – impressive journeys of a thousand kilometres (620 miles) or more that can take several weeks to complete. From the Overland Track through Tasmania’s World Heritage-listed wilderness to the Larapinta Trail across the West MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory, these hikes let you discover spectacular landscapes while stretching your legs.
Travelling with a disability
In Australia, airlines, trains, buses and ferries are accessible to people using a wheelchair or mobility device. Australia’s airports provide services for people with disabilities and are able to assist with baggage, getting around the airport and getting on and off the plane. For more information visit the Australia For All, Can Go Everywhere and People With Disability Australia websites.
