Airlines Australians rely on aviation to get from place to place as inhabitants of smaller countries rely on trains and buses. The network of scheduled services covers the whole continent. First-class and second-class service is available, with meals service on many routes.
Jetstar Airways ,Qantas, Virgin Blue
which serve the major resorts and cities throughout Australia.
Rex Regional Express operate throughout New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria
Air North operate throughout the Northern Territory
Macair Airlines operate throughout Queensland
Skywest operate throughout Western Australia and several small airlines operate to the islands off Tasmania.
Nearly all the domestic airlines operate special deals or air-passes at greatly reduced prices.There are a great number of airports and landing strips throughout the country, including airports in all capital cities and regional centres such as Alice Springs, Launceston and Uluru (Ayers Rock). Sea/River
There are 36,738km (22,600 miles) of coastline as well as lakes, inland waterways and inlets, all of which can be used for touring by boat. From paddle steamers along the Murray River to deep-sea fishing cruisers along the vast Barrier Reef, all are available for charter or passenger booking.
Most tour operators also handle shipping cruises. The Spirit of Tasmania is an overnight car-ferry service linking Melbourne with Tasmania daily.
Rail
Due to the vastness of the country internal flights are a preferred option for travelling long distances, particularly as rail travel can be slow and relatively expensive. For further information on rail transport within the different States contact Rail Australia.
Cheap fares
An Austrailpass offers unlimited travel, valid for 14, 21 and 30 days, with 7 day extensions available. It must be purchased outside Australia, and can only be used by non-Australian passport holders. Only economy-class passes are available. Each State operator offers its own Austrailpass scheme. An Austrailpass does not include meal or sleeping berth charges. The passes must be used within 12 months of issue.
The Austrail Flexi-Pass is valid for 8, 15, 22 and 29 days within a 6-month period, although it cannot be used on the Ghan or the Indian Pacific.Both the Austrailpass and the Austrail Flexi-Pass must be purchased outside of Australia.
The East Coast Discovery Pass offers 6 months’ travel on the eastern coast.
