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Australia Transportation Guide

City transit, driving, domestic flights — getting around a country-continent.

🚇 City Transit

🚇 Sydney (Opal)

• Trains, buses, ferries, light rail
• Opal card (contactless also accepted)
• Single: AUD $3.73-$6.12
• Weekly cap: $50
• Sunday cap: $2.80 (all-day travel!)
• Airport train: +$16 surcharge

🚊 Melbourne (Myki)

• Trams (free in CBD!), trains, buses
• Myki card
• 2-hour: $5.30 / Daily: $10.60
• World's largest tram network
• Free tram zone in CBD
• Very comprehensive network

☀️ Brisbane (go Card)

• Trains, buses, ferries
• go Card (smartcard)
• Zone-based fares: $3.58+
• Free CityHopper ferry on river
• Cross River Rail (new line 2025)
• Airport Airtrain: $20

🏙️ Other Cities

• Perth: SmartRider — trains + buses + ferries
• Adelaide: Metro card — buses + trams + trains
• Canberra: MyWay — buses + light rail
• Darwin: Tap & Ride — buses only
• Smaller cities are more car-dependent

🚗 Driving

  • Drive on LEFT: Right-hand drive vehicles. Same as UK.
  • Licence: International licence valid 3 months. Must get state licence after. Varies by state.
  • Speed: 50 km/h (suburban), 60-80 (urban), 100-110 km/h (highway). Strictly enforced (cameras).
  • Insurance: CTP (compulsory 3rd party) included in registration. Comprehensive optional: AUD $800-$1,500/yr.
  • Petrol: AUD $1.70-$2.10/litre. Prices cycle weekly (cheapest Tues in some cities). App: Petrol Spy.
  • Tolls: Sydney has extensive toll roads (M2, M5, M7, Harbour Bridge). E-toll/Linkt account needed.
  • Road trips: Essential for Australia. Long distances — carry water, fuel up. Kangaroos on roads at dusk!

✈️ Domestic Flights

  • Qantas: National carrier. Largest domestic network. Frequent Flyer loyalty.
  • Virgin Australia: Second largest. Good sales.
  • Jetstar: Budget carrier (Qantas-owned). Low fares: $50-$150 one-way.
  • REX (Regional Express): Regional + capital city routes. Growing rapidly.
  • Distances: Sydney→Melbourne: 1.5 hrs. Sydney→Perth: 5 hrs. Flying almost essential for interstate.

📖 Explore More

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Cities

Sydney, Melbourne
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Cost of Living

Transport Costs
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Travel

Road Trips
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Visa

Entry Guide