Quick Answers
How big is Australia?
It is the world’s sixth-largest country, at nearly 7.7 million square kilometres, so distances are long.
What is the best way to travel between cities?
Flying. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia connect the capitals and many regional centres, and booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead gets the best fares.
Can I hire a car?
Yes. Roads are good on major routes, and Australians drive on the left.
“Australia is vast beyond imagining — and getting from one wonder to the next is part of the adventure itself.”
How to Get Around Australia — Your Complete Transport Guide
Australia is the world’s sixth-largest country by area, covering nearly 7.7 million square kilometres. Understanding how to move around it efficiently and choosing the right transport for each leg of your journey, can make the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one. Fortunately, Australia has excellent options at every price point, from budget-friendly long-distance buses to scenic train journeys, short domestic flights and the ultimate freedom of a road trip across the Outback.
Flying Between Cities
For journeys between major cities or across the continent, flying is by far the most practical option. Australia has a competitive domestic aviation market, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Rex operate extensive networks connecting capital cities and many regional centres. Booking in advance (especially 6-8 weeks ahead) secures the best fares. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Hobart and Cairns are all well connected. For travellers covering multiple destinations, a multi-city booking or an airpass may offer better value than individual one-way fares.
Road Tripping — The Great Australian Drive
Hiring a car and driving is how many of Australia’s greatest experiences are reached, and the country’s road infrastructure is excellent on major routes. The Pacific Highway links Sydney and Brisbane through coastal NSW and Queensland. The Great Ocean Road remains one of the world’s finest drives. The Stuart Highway runs from Adelaide to Darwin through the heart of the continent, an epic Outback journey for the adventurous. Campervans and motorhomes are enormously popular, offering freedom and flexibility with accommodation built in. For longer road trips, check tyre condition, carry extra water and fuel, and plan around distances carefully, petrol stations can be hundreds of kilometres apart in remote areas.
Trains, Buses and Getting Around Cities
Australia has several iconic long-distance train journeys that are travel experiences in themselves: The Indian Pacific runs from Sydney to Perth in three days; The Ghan travels from Adelaide to Darwin through the red centre; The Overland connects Melbourne and Adelaide. For shorter journeys, interstate coaches (Greyhound, Firefly) are economical and reliable. Within Australia’s major cities, public transport is generally excellent, Sydney’s trains and buses, Melbourne’s trams, Brisbane’s CityCat ferries and Perth’s rail network all make city exploration easy and affordable without a car.
A Hot Getaways destination. Where Care is Our Compass.
Travel Kindly
At Hot Getaways, care is our compass — and a little kindness makes every journey better. When you visit Australia, we gently ask you to:
- Care for the land and sea — tread lightly, take your rubbish with you, and help keep Australia’s wild places pristine.
- Respect the wildlife — admire our unique animals from a distance, never feed them, and give them room to be wild.
- Support local — choosing local operators, cafés and guides helps this beautiful place thrive.
- Honour Country — we travel on the traditional lands and sea Country of Australia’s First Peoples, with gratitude and respect to the Traditional Custodians past and present.
- Be kind to each other — a smile, a little patience and a helping hand make the day lovelier for everyone.
Small acts of care add up to something wonderful. Thank you for travelling kindly.
