Getting Around

Frequently asked questions

What airlines fly internally within Australia?
There are several airlines that provide services between destinations within Australia. These include Qantas Airways, Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways and Tigerair. There are also many airlines that exclusively serve regional Australia.

Where can I find information on travelling by rail, as well as timetable information for The Ghan and Indian Pacific train journeys?
Refer to the Travelling by Rail fact sheet for more information. You might also find some great information on various websites, details of which can be found in the useful websites section of this site.  Great Southern Rail operate The Indian Pacificand The Ghan train journeys and their website has comprehensive timetable and service information.

How far from Alice Springs is Uluru/Ayers Rock?
This is a longer journey than many realise. The drive itself takes  4 to 5 hours, preferably longer so your customers can stop to take in some of the sights along the way. Another popular way to take this journey to allow a few days and include Kings Canyon in the itinerary. The Red Centre Way itinerary has more information. 

What itinerary can I suggest for my customers that would like to explore The Kimberley region between Broome and Darwin?
The journey through The Kimberley is known as one of Australia's greatest four-wheel drive adventures. The route follows the Gibb River Road, and is usually open only during the dry season. The Gibb River Road suggested itinerary has a route that you could recommend to your customers.

How can my customers travel to Tasmania?
Visitors to Tasmania can fly or take the ferry. Hobart and Launceston are the major air gateways, and are only around 60 minutes from Melbourne or 90 minutes from Sydney. The Spirit of Tasmania is an overnight ferry departing from Melbourne, and arriving in the northern Tasmanian city of Devonport. The crossing of Bass Strait takes approximately 12 hours.

Where can I find more information on travelling around Australia by coach or bus?
Travelling by coach is an economical way of travelling around Australia. The Travelling by Coachfact sheet has more information on coach travel as well as coach passes.

How long does it take to fly between Sydney and Perth?
The flight between Sydney and Perth takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours. 

Is it possible to fly to the Whitsunday islands?
The Whitsunday region can be accessed by flying directly on to one of the islands - Hamilton Island - from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Cairns. Ferry transfers to the mainland or other islands meet every flight. Also, Whitsunday Coast Airport is found on the mainland near the town of Proserpine and can be accessed from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Can I drive in regional areas between dusk and dawn (i.e. in the dark)?
Dusk to dawn is when some of our wildlife are at their most active. Driving on outback and some regional roads during these times is dangerous as it is very easy to hit animals such as kangaroos and in some areas roaming cattle. Drivers who are on the roads during these times may not be covered by insurance. The Driving in Australia fact sheet has more information.

Where can I find information on walking trails in Australia?
There are many walking trails to be found across Australia. The Great Walks of Australia is an exclusive collection of the best multi-day walks Australia has to offer. These guided walking experiences cover some Australia's most iconic landscapes.