Getting to Australia
- Major International Airports: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth (PER).
- Visa: Most tourists need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority, ~20AUD)∗∗or∗∗VisitorVisa(subclass600, 20AUD)∗∗or∗∗VisitorVisa(subclass600, 150 AUD). Apply online via the Australian Government website.
- Customs: Strict biosecurity—declare all food, plants, or animal products to avoid fines.
Getting Around Australia
1. Domestic Flights (Best for Long Distances)
- Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Rex Airlines cover major routes.
- Popular Routes:
- Sydney → Melbourne (1.5 hrs)
- Melbourne → Cairns (3.5 hrs)
- Perth → Sydney (4.5 hrs)
- Budget Tip: Book early for sales (Jetstar often has 50−50−100 AUD one-way deals).
2. Trains (Scenic but Slow & Expensive)
- The Ghan (Adelaide → Alice Springs → Darwin) – 3-day luxury desert journey.
- Indian Pacific (Sydney → Adelaide → Perth) – Cross-continental epic.
- NSW TrainLink / V/Line – Cheaper regional trains (e.g., Sydney to Byron Bay via Casino).
3. Buses (Cheap but Time-Consuming)
- Greyhound Australia – Covers the East Coast (Sydney to Cairns) and some Outback routes.
- Firefly Express / Premier Motor Service – Budget options between Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney.
4. Self-Drive (Best for Flexibility & Road Trips!)
- Left-hand driving! Rent from Hertz, Avis, Britz (for campers).
- Fuel Costs: ~1.80−1.80−2.30 AUD per litre (more expensive in remote areas).
- Must-Do Road Trips:
- Great Ocean Road (VIC) – 12 Apostles, rainforests.
- East Coast (Sydney to Cairns) – Beaches, Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef.
- Red Centre Way (NT) – Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs.
- Gib River Road (WA) – Rugged Outback adventure (4WD only).
5. Public Transport in Cities
- Sydney: Opal Card (trains, buses, ferries).
- Melbourne: Myki Card (trams, trains).
- Brisbane/Perth/Adelaide: Go Card / SmartRider.