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Transports
in Australia |
Base:
Gold Coast
 Australians love cars and use them to do everything. It is very common for families to own 2 cars. The reasons are: Firstly; it is easy to buy a new car and get the necessary finance to buy it, and secondly, because second hand cars are very affordable and there are many cars around that are over 10 years old which can be bought for about AU$ 3000. Most of these old cars are still in very good running condition. In places like Sydney and Melbourne, there's a very fast and efficient public transport system to get you to and from work. Other smaller cities such as Brisbane and Perth, also have a very good and efficient public transport system, but the time tables have are smaller because of lack of users. It means a longer wait at the bus stop or train station. It is amazing to see by 8:00 AM the amount of cars with only one person inside going to work. Australians prefer the comfort, privacy and accessibility that cars provide, as opposed to public transport. Another
reason, is that the majority of Australians work near to home, and spending around AU$ 2 on fuel to go back and forth from work is cheaper than spending AU$ 4.20 on a round trip bus ticket to do the same. Even with government
subsidized fares, short runs are still cheaper by car. If you come from a country which Australia doesn't have agreements with, you'd better get your International Driving License and check with the Transport Department as to how long you will be allowed to use it for in Australia (usually 6 months depending on the State Traffic department).
Car Rental: There are all kinds of car rental companies in Australia, from the most well known ones to very small husband and wife operated ones. They also have different prices and different quality of vehicles. If you rent your car from one of these traditional, big multinational companies, you can be sure that the cars are new or near new. But smaller companies rent (much more cheaply) 2 or 3 year old cars, also in very good condition but without the brand new car smell! Anyway, you have many options available, from $20 per day to $250. Cheaper prices are offered when you rent for a longer term, for example for longer than one week. A very important thing to ask is if comprehensive insurance is included in the price. Also, ask if you can insure the excess. Excess is an amount that you will have to pay in case some minor incident occurs, for example, a scratch on the paint, or anything under $500 or whatever they tell you it is. By insuring the excess (very little extra)
you can be sure that you will not pay anything back if something happens. If your plans are to hit the road, also ask if the windscreen is insured. If not, you may decide to do an extra insurance or not. A new windscreen for a Van cost me AU$320 last year.
Driving in Australia: is very easy. If you never had right hand side driving experience before, we suggest you do a quick learning course in Australia. It'll take you about 3 hours with a driving school company (something around AU$ 30 per hour). The basic rule is: give way to all traffic approaching from your right. Read more about cars in our buy and sell
cars
page.
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Bicycles: are considered a vehicle in Australia and your have to follow the same rules as a car. The use of a helmet is compulsory and fines are distributed to those not wearing them. Some Australian motorways don't allow bicycles on the road, so you better ask before doing it. In cities, there are plenty of bike lanes covering almost all suburbs and boundaries. A used bicycle costs about AU$ 80-120 while a new one will empty your pocket $180-300. Don't forget to also buy a chain and padlock.
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Taxis: Are very good and they operate mainly by call. In Australia is 's not common to hire taxis on the streets, but in places like Sydney and Melbourne, with luck you will get one. Just look it the Yellow Pages of the city you are in, and give them a call to book a time. Some pubs also have a phone connected directly to taxi companies. The average cost is about AU$ 1.25 per
kilometer, with flag fall about AU$ 2.50 on regular hours and AU$ 3.70 on weekends, holidays and late hours. There are Taxi vans or mini bus' available with capacity for up to 11 passengers. These ones charge 50% extra. Taxis and taxis drivers are of a very good standard, trained and responsible. You are not expected to give tips but if you feel like it, they will be your new best friend!
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Trains: Australia doesn't have a very large train and railway system but it is ok and covers most destinations, both urban and interstate. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have a more developed system with trains attending the airport and downtown. Brisbane also has a service that extends to the Gold Coast, making the 1 hour trip a very pleasant one.
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Campervan: Is one of the best options to travel Australia. Rental starts at AU$150 per day, which is not bad if you are
traveling with more than one person. (you save the hotel cost). Also there are excellent Caravans Parks available to stay in. Campervans have everything you need, such as maps, kitchen, fridge and some have air conditioning and room for up to 6 people to
sleep.
Air Travel in Australia: There are two major players in the market, Qantas and Virgin Blue. Virgin Blue sometimes have very good offers on their website, but no food is given on board. This makes the price very competitive between towns. Australian Airports charge departure tax in the ticket which is about AU$30.
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