Distance! Distance! Distance! Australia may be an island nation but it is a vast country to travel around. Here's a few tips on the modes of transport Down Under.

Aussies are used to traveling long distances but tourists are often shocked to discover that Ayers Rock is not on the outskirts of Sydney.

Plane

The quickest and fastest way to travel between the major cities is by plane. The cheapest airlines are Jet Star (a subsidiary of Qantas) and Virgin Blue. Both offer daily Internet specials on flights. There are many Internet cafes in Australia so you can book them when you get there, otherwise call the airline direct.

Bus

Traveling by bus is an option but ohh what an option. If you travel by Greyhound in the United States then maybe you'll like it. The one hour plane flight between Sydney and Brisbane equals 16 hours on a bus. So pack some stamina.

Train

The train is a somewhat strange mode of travel in Australia, thanks to the different States being unable to compromise over width size of the rail line. Therefore a train trip between Sydney and the Gold Coast means the last leg of the trip is on a bus.

Car
Like America this is the preferred mode of transport for Aussies. Look for Internet deals on hiring a car. Petrol is more expensive than the US and also dispensed in liters. Although with the US to Aussie dollar exchange rate you probably won't even notice.

Don't forget to practice driving around the car park before you hit the road as everything is left hand drive. Also you may get a traffic ticket in some states for turning on a red light. Also remember the speed limit is in kilometers.

Taxi's are quite expensive and can be difficult to get at busy times during the night. If you need to go a long distance, especially to airports check to see if there is a shuttle available.

Hitch-hiking
Probably for the adventurous. Many Australians are reluctant to pick up hitch-hikers now especially with the state of the mental health system. A few years ago, some tourist backpackers were murdered. The killer was caught but you have been warned.

But no matter what mode of travel you choose. It's a beautiful country to visit and a destination you shouldn't miss.

Learn more about this author, Belinda Youlten.
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