What are the best ways to travel around Australia?

With its vast size and immense distances between cities, getting around Australia can be a significant undertaking — but it doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, as transit options abound. Plus, it’s one of the very best places on the planet for an extended adventure, whether that’s an epic east coast road trip or an Outback train odyssey.

Related articles:

• Is flying the best way to explore Australia?
• Train travel in Australia: Should you do it?
• How to best explore Australia by bus
• Want to drive around Australia? Here’s how
• How do I get from Sydney to Melbourne?

How can I get around Australia?

You can get anywhere in Australia relatively easily, if not quickly. Because of the vast distances across thinly populated expanses, a smart trip around the country could easily involve planes, trains, buses and cars, with each mode used when it makes the most sense.

Flying
Pros	Cover distances quickly Skip large unpopulated areas Easily explore far-flung parts of Australia
Cons	You miss experiencing everything you fly over You’ll need to arrange local transport at your destination

Read more about exploring Australia by plane here

Train
Pros	Comfortable over longer distances Often scenic Good for exploring metropolitan regions
Cons	Much of Australia lacks train service Outside of the east coast, service is mostly limited to expensive cruise trains Many services are not frequent

Read more about exploring Australia by train here

Bus
Pros	Expansive network Frequent local stops make it easy to explore a route, such as a segment along east coast beach towns Passes can make travel affordable
Cons	Slow and uncomfortable Dozens of operators both public and private make planning a challenge Not always cheaper than flying over long distances

Read more about exploring Australia by bus here

Driving
Pros	Freedom Ability to explore areas with limited or no other transport options Ability to experience some of Australia’s epic road trips Can be economical in the short-term or through ride-sharing services
Cons	Long drives can be taxing and monotonous Petrol and expenses can quickly mount up

Read more about exploring Australia by car here

What about Tasmania?

Located 240km south of mainland Australia, the island state of Tasmania can be reached by air and sea.

Ferry
Spirit of Tasmania ferry runs one to two trips a day from Melbourne to Tasmania Trips take 10 hours Options include booking a cabin for a night sailing and bringing a vehicle
Flying
Australia’s four main airlines offer frequent flights from Melbourne and Sydney at competitive prices

Book your Tasmania hotel here