Australia

Means of transport recommended in town

Recommendation

Getting around on your own in Australia can sometimes be difficult because of the lack of public transport. Taxis are used a lot in Australia. They are not difficult to find and they are often the best means of transport, particularly in large cities. Public transport networks are less developed and above all less efficient and punctual than in most European countries. Each Australian State capital has a train/metro network and bus companies (usually well equipped but sometimes getting old). Melbourne has the most extensive tram network in the world. However, Australia remains – like the United States – marked by the culture of the private car.

Maps of urban networks

Sydney tram system map
Brisbane transport system map
Australian Rail Maps

Transportation from Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car rental
Adelaide Intl (ADL)	7 km / 4 miles	USD 20 / 15-20 min	USD 5.20 / 35 min		Available
Brisbane Intl (BNE)	12 km / 7 miles	AUD 30-35 / 25 min	AUD 9 / 20-30 min	AUD 12 / 22 min	Available
Canberra (CBR)	7 km / 5 miles	AUD 18-24 /15-20 min	Available
Melbourne - Essendon (MEB)	11 km / 7 miles	AUD 35 / 15-20 min			Available
Melbourne - Tullamarine Intl (MEL)	23 km / 14 miles	AUD 43-50 / 20-30 min	AUD 15 /20-25 min	Available	Available

Means of transport recommended in the rest of the country

Recommendation

Because of the distances involved, taking a plane is almost inevitable. Since the collapse of the second Australian airline in September 2001, only Quantas, Virgin Blue and a certain number of small independent companies offer domestic flights.
Air transport is excellent but the cost of domestic flights is high. The air network is extensive and there are services between all the main cities. There is a flight almost every hour between the most important cities. There is a rail network but it is not very efficient and it is faster to travel by plane because of the distances involved. Buses are efficient and comfortable.

Rail companies

Sydney urban rail transport
Melbourne urban rail transport

Airlines

You can consult the list of airlines banned within the EU. Look also the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Traveling by yourself

Recommendation

The state of the roads is good, especially around big towns. If, however, you want to venture off the beaten track, in the bush, it is better to do so in a 4X4. Finding fuel is reasonably easy. Fines are heavy for driving offenses and they are doubled over long holiday weekends (double demerits); your license may be withdrawn if you do not wear your seat belt. The Australian authorities have set up a large number of speed cameras along the roads to encourage drivers to observe speed limits (110km/h on motorways). There are many traffic jams in and around Sydney.

Road maps

Autopages

Find an itinerary

WHEREIS

Different forms of tourism

Historical

Australia is made up of six states and each one of them has its particular features:
- Sydney with its historical sites connected with the first European immigrants, as well as with the indigenous people of Australia, the Aborigines. For further information about the city: Sydney
- Melbourne with a large European community such as Greeks and Italians, but also the Chinese population. For further information about Melbourne and Victoria, please visit: Melbourne.

Cultural

Several hundreds of museums and festivals. Sculpture, Paintings, Theater, Concerts, Cinema, Literature, etc.
Sydney : its famous Opera House (Opera House) and the bridge over the bay (Harbour Bridge).
Melbourne is well known for its lively cultural life, with theater, music, fashion and international sporting events.
Over the last few years, Brisbane has developed its cultural and night life (museums, theaters, galleries).
The city of Adelaide is appreciated for its architecture, its modernism and very relaxed life-style. The city has many restaurants, shops and entertainments.
Western Australia : The capital is Perth 3 200 km from Sydney and probably the most isolated capital in the world. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful, modern city with a very pleasant climate and life style and it has kept the atmosphere of a provincial town.

Nature

Australia has a large number of spectacular national parks and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Tasmania is an island south of Victoria, famous for its landscapes, its horticultural products and its wines. The capital is Hobart. There is practically no pollution in the air and waters of Tasmania thanks to there being very little industry there.
Northern Territory : this is the region where much of the land is still uninhabited. The climate varies from tropical in the north to desert and tundra in the south. The most well known tourist attraction in the region is Ayers Rock. There is a wide variety of wildlife such as the great sea water crocodile, the dingo, the wallaby and many different species of birds. Aquatic creatures and reptiles are numerous. Darwin is the main city of the territory (tropical climate).

Religious

Australia is a "young" country but it has a vast number of ancient Aboriginal sites of great religious and mystical significance.

Thermal

There are hot springs in the Northern Territory.

Beach

Australia is the country of beaches par excellence. Its coast is spectacular and offers unlimited possibilities and discoveries. There are some very beautiful beaches not far from the center of Sydney.

Winter sports

The Australian Alps have very pleasant ski resorts but they are expensive, like Thredbo or Perisher.

Outdoor activities

Rambling, surfing, mountain bike, climbing, mountain climbing, rafting, 4x4.

Shopping

Today, especially in Asia, Australia is known to be a great place to shop, in particular for fashion and products seen to be "exotic", and culinary specialties and wine.

Tourism organizations

Tourism Australia

Health and safety

Health precautions

There is no compulsory vaccination. A certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travelers over one year old arriving in Australia within the 6 days following a stay of at least one day and one night in a contaminated country. Asthmatics may also meet difficulties because of the dust and should always have an inhaler to hand.

International hospitals

Sydney Children’s Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred (Sydney), Australian Private Hospitals Association

For further information on sanitary conditions

Government information website

For further information on safety conditions

Emergency Management Australia website

Time difference and climate

Time and time difference

It is %T:%M %A in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney (GMT+10 in winter, GMT+11 in summer)
It is %T:%M %A in Adelaide (GMT+9h30 in winter, GMT+10h30 in summer)
It is %T:%M %A in Perth (GMT+8)

Summer time period

Summer time from October to April.