The most popular way to travel within Australia is by air. Because of its massive size, many travelers prefer to take short, in-country flights between the far-flung major cities. The country also has a railroad system and a highway system for travel around the country. Bus companies in Australia do business for travelers and Australian citizens who wish to travel overland without the burden of driving.
Because of Australia's considerable size, many short-term travelers choose to focus on a small region to make their trip manageable. With a week or two, travelers can experience in-depth a portion of the country. For longer-term travelers, it is possible to explore more of the country. Keep in mind that while driving sounds like an adventurous way to see the landscape, it is incredibly time-consuming. To drive from Brisbane to Perth, for example, requires driving more than 3,000 miles across often-unoccupied country. A flight for the same itinerary takes just under six hours.
When traveling in Australia, consider travel times between destinations and be sure to factor it into your overall plan. If your trip will be short, consider focusing on one or two regions. Be sure also to obtain your visa in advance; all travelers to the country are required to have a visa, and it can take time to process.
Australia covers an area of almost three million square miles. It is at the same time the largest country and smallest continent, and offers a variety of geographic features. Most of more than 20 million inhabitants live on the coastline, and the highway network follows those concentrations. The rest of the country is connected by air and by several rail networks. Many areas of the country are accessible only by small plane.
In some of Australia's interior locations, including the notorious Northern Territories, extensive unpopulated stretches can cause danger to drivers. Car troubles in the middle of an empty region present serious problems, so be sure to consider these eventualities when driving. Travelers should exercise caution in remote towns; because of the difficulty of overseeing such regions, their populations tend toward self-governance.
