Public transport

You will probably not have a car in Australia, so you should know how to get around using public transportation. The capital cities all have good public transport facilities. Trains service the suburbs of the larger cities and buses are available in most locations. Melbourne is unique with its large network of trams (trolleys) and there are trams in other cities. Adelaide and Bendigo are examples.

By Air

There are good and frequent air connections between the major capital cities. Qantas is the main airline, but you may find yourself on one of several smaller airlines for domestic flights. Your Australian campus may have a travel office in The Union. STA travel is the most common. You can also call the airlines direct to make a booking.

Tarvel

During semester breaks, you may like to venture beyond the capital cities to experience more of Australia's spectacular natural environment and great physical beauty-national parks, The Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Uluru and the Tasmanian Wilderness.

Mystery tickets

Qantas offers mystery tickets. You can sign up for one of these and at short notice you may get a day trip to some mystery destination. It may be far away or close. The airlines use this as a way of filling empty seats. It can be fun and is quite cheap.

Standby

As on U.S. airlines you can ask for a standby ticket. The same system works in Australia; you do not find out until the last minute if you are on the flight. It is less expensive and an affordable option if you have plenty of time on your hands.

Air passes

Check on the availability of special air passes sold by Australian airlines. Tickets can be bought for a number of flights, and are relatively cheap. Note, however, that these can be bought only in the U.S., and cannot be bought in Australia. It will not be possible for your folks to buy them and send them to you, so you must do this before you leave.

By train

There are fast train connections between all of the capitals (except between Hobart and the mainland). Train tickets are more affordable than air tickets, but you need to have the time for the trip. Melbourne to Sydney is an overnight trip, whereas by air you can cover the distance in little over an hour. For the adventurous and the frugal the train can be a good option.

By bus

Many students travel between the capitals by bus. The interstate bus lines are cheaper than the train, but probably a bit less comfortable. Note also that some bus lines, like Oz Experience, offer long distance tickets with allowances for frequent breaks in travel. This allows you to travel almost the full length of the east coast, stopping off wherever you like and for as long as you want. Some students will fly one way, and take such a bus back the other way. The advantage is that you are in control of where you stay, and you can see lots more of the country and meet many more people.

By car

Australia is such a large country with many things worth seeing very far away from the main cities and highways. Travelling by car can sometimes be the best way to visit out of the way places. Remember, though, that buying a car can be expensive and requires registration and insurance. Petrol (gasoline) costs twice as much as it does in the U.S., so you need to feel confident that you can satisfy the car's thirst. And then there is the problem of selling it when you leave. You may be in a hurry and not have enough time to find a suitable buyer.

By car

Australia is such a large country with many things worth seeing very far away from the main cities and highways. Travelling by car can sometimes be the best way to visit out of the way places. Remember, though, that buying a car can be expensive and requires registration and insurance. Petrol (gasoline) costs twice as much as it does in the U.S., so you need to feel confident that you can satisfy the car's thirst. And then there is the problem of selling it when you leave. You may be in a hurry and not have enough time to find a suitable buyer.

Motorcycles

You must have a license to ride a motorcycle, and you must be over 18. Helmets are mandatory.