How to travel around Australia

You can travel around Australia by public transport, car, plane, train and ferry.

Travelling by car

You can hire a car in Australia and drive using your foreign driver’s license for up to 3 months. You need to drive on the left side of all Australian roads.

Find a guide for driving in Australia on the Tourism Australia website.

Driving in the outback

The roads in the Australian outback can be rough and not suitable for some vehicles. If you hire a car to drive in the outback, check with the hiring company to see that it’s suitable.

Find out more about planning an outback road trip on the Tourism Australia website.

Travelling by public transport

Australian cities have public transport that you can use.

Find out more about travelling around Australia’s cities on the Tourism Australia website. These links will take you away from myGov.

Travelling by plane

Flying is the best way to cover Australia’s large distances in a short time. Australia has domestic airlines that travel to major and regional cities.

Find out what you can’t take on a plane and how you and your baggage will be screened. These links will take you to the Department of Home Affairs website. 

Other ways to travel

Australia has many train and ferry trips you can choose from. Find out more about these services and getting around Australia on the Tourism Australia website.


Page last updated: 1 November 2023