Transports in Australia

The Department of Transport and Regional Services is the department that deals with transport issues at a federal level.

Public transport
There are many forms of public transport to use in Australia. These vary between states and territories.

Buses
Timetables for buses can often be provided by the driver on request, or by telephoning the bus company. Bus companies are listed in the telephone directory under ‘Bus and coach scheduled services’.

Taxis
Taxis operate 24 hours a day in most parts of Australia. A meter on the dashboard of the taxi shows the fare. Taxi companies are listed in the Yellow Pages telephone directory under ‘Taxi cabs’. Most cities have special taxis available for people using a wheelchair.

Trains
Due to the vast distances between major cities in Australia, trains have always been important for moving freight and passengers. The major cities require passenger trains as an essential component of infrastructure. See the links above to the public transport services for a particular city or state.

Private vehicles
New and second-hand vehicles are advertised for sale in newspapers and magazines and are also available from new car showrooms and second-hand car yards. The purchase price of a car does not usually include the cost of registration, stamp duty and compulsory insurance. These costs usually have to be paid separately by the buyer.

For information about borrowing money to purchase a vehicle, contact your bank or a finance company. Remember to make sure you understand all terms and conditions before you sign any contracts for finance.

In every State and Territory there are motorists’ associations, which provide services, at a cost, such as vehicle inspections for potential buyers of second hand vehicles, touring information, insurance, and road service (in case your vehicle breaks down). Many of their services are available to non-members as well as members, and extend to cover members through sister organisations in other states and territories.

You need a current driver’s license to drive in Australia.

It is important to note that Australian traffic laws, especially regarding the consumption of alcohol, are very strict.