Traveling in Australia

Personal safety on public transport

Traveling in Australia is a relatively easy and stress-free affair in Australia for the international student. The public transport is comparatively safe and low-cost. However, like people in all developed countries, you should still exercise care and caution as you would at home. So, remember to do things like keep your bag close to you to prevent theft. Be aware where your valuables, such as your wallet, mobile phone or iPod are at all times and keep them out of sight. Also, If you’re traveling at night, try to sit as close as possible to the driver as possible. Be alert to your surroundings and aware of where your fellow passengers. If you find yourself uncomfortable or threatened in any way, tell the driver. Another good travel tip is to avoid staying around train stations or bus stations at night. If you must use public transport at night, try to arrive right before the train or bus to minimise your waiting time. When it comes to using taxis, this is usually a very safe way of getting home late at night. However, you still need exercise caution with your safety and keep alert.


Traveling interstate

If you intend to travel across Australia, there are a number of ways. However, be mindful that Australia is a very large country. It takes 13 hours to travel from Sydney to Melbourne by Bus. So, it might be a good idea to think about flying to your destination for interstate travel. In fact, there are a few low-cost airlines that regularly offer airfares that are cheaper than bus travel. It might be wise to examine their websites first before purchasing a bus ticket.


Airlines

Australia has two major airlines: Qantas and Virgin Blue. You can fly with them between all capital cities and selected regional centres. Also, you can book tickets through a travel agent, via the airline’s website or over the phone. If you can, it’s best to consider as many airlines and travel dates as possible so you get a cheaper flight. If you do your research before you book—you might find a great deal. For example, Australia has several regional airline carriers that offer frequent travel deals, including: Jetstar (a low-cost airline affiliated with Qantas); Tiger Airways (which fly to most Australian capitals and some regional cities); and REX airline (which carries passengers to mostly regional areas in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia).
 

Trains and buses

A good option if you choose to travel outside the city you live in is getting a train. You can find a comprehensive list of train services, fares and timetables at www.railaustralia.com.au. 

Also, for a list of bus operators (and their destinations) operating within Australia visit to www.buslines.com.au.


Your own transport

If you’re an international student that likes their independence and enjoys traveling or sightseeing, then purchasing your own private transport might be a reasonable option for you. For example, you can purchase:

• Second-hand bicycles for about $200.  
• Good secondhand cars for less than $10,000.

However, before you buy a used car, have it inspected by a reputable mechanic to ensure it’s roadworthy. Also, be mindful that if you buy a car, you will be responsible for a number of things including:

• Compulsory to buy third party insurance (this covers damage to other people’s property if you have an accident).
• Registration
• Repairs
• insurance
• Fuel
• Service costs.

It is also wise to take out a more comprehensive insurance policy which will cover costs of damage to your own vehicle. The cost of a comprehensive insurance policy will depend on your driving record, age as well as the type of car you own.

Note that if you’re in Australia for a period of no more than three months, you can drive with your international driver’s licence (or a valid overseas driver’s licence): But you are obligated to carry a translation of your document if it’s not in English. Otherwise, if you’re planning to stay longer than three months, you’ll need an Australian driver’s licence. To obtain this document, you’ll be required to take a test on highway codes and regulations. You’ll need to speak to the RTA in Australia (Road and Traffic Authority) for this licence. They have offices throughout Australia.


When driving in Australia, please be aware of the following road rules and regulations:

• Australians drive on the left side of the road.
• The driver and passenger must wear their seat belts. It is compulsory. Failure to do so will result in a fine if either you or your passengers are caught not wearing one.
• Using your mobile while driving in your car is illegal. You will also be fined if you are caught. If you must make or receive a call, buy a hands-free kit or just pull over to the side of the road.
• The maximum speed limit for residential areas is 50km an hour and 100km an hour on highways (unless signs indicate otherwise).
• Traffic cameras are in use at many intersections. They monitor speeding cars or cars that do not obey traffic light. If you are caught breaking the law a fine will be mailed to you. Furthermore, you may lose points from your licence (and this may lead to losing your licence if you keep disobeying road laws and regulations).
• Australia has very strict rules to prevent drink driving offences.  In fact, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offence. It can be punishable by loss of licence and sometimes jail.
• Random breath testing, (where police randomly stop your vehicle and measure the amount of alcohol you have consumed), is practiced in most Australian states and territories. For information on alcohol limits (visit www.alcoholguidelines.gov.au for more information).

Please contact the Road Authority in your state or territory for more information.

Travel options in Australia


Public transport

Australia has one of the most advanced public transport systems in the world. In fact, its public transport system is comparably safe, fast and affordable. Depending where you live, you have a choice of trains, buses, trams and ferries. To use these services, you can purchase tickets at train stations, ferry wharves, onboard buses and trams or at newsagencies. And there are even some instances where you can travel for free!  Another benefit for international students is being eligible for travel concessions in some states. You can find out if you qualify by asking your institution.

Sydney
Sydney is famous for the Opera House, its Harbour and beautiful white sandy beaches. You can go sight-seeing around town and the coastal shores on one the city’s state-run tourist buses which weave along some of the more scenic parts of this cosmopolitan city. For more information on Sydney’s buses, ferries and trains, you can call 131500.



Bus
If you plan to study in Sydney as an international student, you’ll more than likely be using Sydney’s bus network to travel. This service extends to most suburbs and is reliable. The fare cost depends upon the number of ‘sections’ you pass through. However, you can save costs by purchasing a weekly pass.

Train
Another popular means of transport in Sydney are trains. The city has a vast suburban rail network and offers reliable and frequent services. For long distances, trains are a much faster travel option than buses. This service operates from about 5am to midnight.

Ferry
One of the more pleasurable modes of transport is via Sydney’s ferries.  You can cruise the harbour and enjoy the sights as you travel to your education facility. Typically, there are three kinds of ferry: regular STA ferries, fast JetCats (from Manly) and RiverCats (that cruise the Parramatta River to Parramatta).

Metro Light Rail & Monorail
If you travel within the more central parts of Sydney, the Monorail and Metro Light Rail are good transport options. The Monorail circles Darling Harbour and connects it to the city centre. The MLR operates a 24-hour service between Central Station and Pyrmont (via Darling Harbour and Chinatown).

Melbourne
Melbourne is considered Australia’s Arts capital. It’s a wonderful place to study in as it features great amenities, large city libraries, beautiful spacious public gardens, a lively night-life and grand examples of Victorian architecture. With regards to public transport, it offers similar travel options to Sydney. However, it also features a tram service. By purchasing a Metcard, you may travel on all of Melbourne’s public transport links including bus, train and tram services.

Train
For a fast transport option, Melbourne’s suburban trains are a good way to travel. This is the usual method of transport for traveling to the outer suburbs as trams and buses don’t go to all suburbs. The main city station in Melbourne is Flinders St Station. During the week, you can catch a train from 5am to midnight.
 
Bus
For suburbs near the city, buses are the popular way to travel. You’ll find they are useful options to traveling to places such as universities, hospitals, suburban shopping centres and suburbs not reached by other services.

Tram
A unique way to travel in Australia is via Melbourne’s trams service. It covers most parts of the city and inner suburbs and is a fun way to see the sights. There’s also a ‘light rail’ service to some suburbs. A helpful hint when using the tram line is to look out for cars when getting off the (as the tram rail and car lanes overlap at certain sections).

Brisbane
Brisbane city enjoys warm weather (nearly) all year round. For sun lovers, this city’s an ideal place to study for student’s coming from a colder climate! It also places you on the doorstep of some of Australia’s most pristine and world heritage listed sites (like the Daintree Rainforest and The Great Barrier Reef). However, despite its proximity to natural treasures, Brisbane city is large and modern. You’ll find a good public network of bus, train and ferry routes to most suburbs.

Boat
Brisbane’s CityCat catamarans are a fast and reliable way to travel. In fact, they run every 20 to 30 minutes (between 5:50am and 10:30pm) from the University of Queensland in the southwest to Bretts Wharf in the northeast. Another useful option is the Inner City Ferries. They operate between North Quay (near Victoria Bridge) and Mowbray Park.

Bus
The Loop (a free bus service that circles the city area), runs every 10 minutes during the week between 7am and 6pm. Other bus services run every 10 to 20 minutes during business days from 5am till about 6pm.  Most services operate until midnight.

Train
The Citytrain is good way to travel to outer suburbs in Brisbane. It connects suburbs as far as Gympie North (in the Sunshine Coast) to Nerang as well as Robina in the south (for the world famous holiday coastal region called the Gold Coast). All trains stop at the Roma St, Central and Brunswick St stations.


Perth
Perth has developed in recent years to become one of Australia’s premier destinations for international students. Located in Western Australia, this city is surrounded by popular wine regions and wild dolphin tourist attractions. To get around this city, Transperth operates the city’s public buses, trains and ferries network. A single ticket allows travel on all forms of transport.

Train
The train system is called Fastrak in Perth. Its suburban train lines link Armadale, Fremantle, Midland and the northern suburb of Joondalup. Between the Claisebrook and City West train stations, there’s free train travel. All trains depart from Perth train station on Wellington St.

Bus
The CAT bus is a free service that allows you travel throughout the city centre of Perth. Operational between 6:50am to 6:20pm on weekdays, it’s a great way to see the sights of Perth.

Boat
Perth ferries operate every half-hour from 7am to 7pm daily from the Barrack St Jetty to the zoo.

Adelaide
Adelaide is famous for its many Churches. It is a pretty city with lovely public parks. To get around the city, there are a number of ways including: buses, trains and the Glenelg tram. Contact the Adelaide Metro Information Centre for timetables. It also sells tickets for the integrated metropolitan.

Bus
The Bee Line is a bus service that travels in a loop from the Glenelg tram terminus at Victoria Square to the City West campus of the University of South Australia. The City Loop is another great way to see the city. Both the Bee Line and City Loop buses are free.

Train
Suburban trains connect most outlaying suburbs. They depart from Adelaide’s Railway Terminal (located by the casino).

Darwin
Darwin is an inspiring City. It is the doorway to Australia’s monsoon region, spectacular rock formations and ranges.

Bus
The main mode of transport is its bus service called Darwinbus. The City Bus Interchange is located on Harry Chan Ave and runs a comprehensive service from its small depot. There is also the Tour Tub minibus tours which allows visitors to see Darwin’s sights throughout the day. You can jump on and off along the way.

Taxi
Taxis are another method of transport in Darwin. There’s also two taxi bus services—Arafura Shuttle and Unique Minibus.

Hobart
Hobart is the state capital of Tasmania. This region has a diverse and rich social and architectural history. It also is home to stunning mountain ranges (including some world famous trekking routes).
 
Bus
The Metro operates a local bus network. You can find  an information desk dispensing timetables inside the main post office on the corner of Elizabeth and Macquarie Street. Fares depend on the distance traveled.

Canberra
Canberra is the capital of Australia. It is where the political hub of Australia converge half-way between Melbourne and Sydney. It also features a plethora of Museums and Art galleries which showcase Australian arts and international exhibitions.

Bus
The public transport provider in Canberra is the ACT Internal Omnibus Network (ACTION). You can find its Civic Bus Interchanges along Alinga St, East Row and Mort St in the city centre. Just visit their information kiosk (East Row) for free route maps and timetables.