Our minds immediately jump to road trips and rented vans when we imagine vacationing in Australia. However, you shouldn't let not having a car prevent you from having a fantastic time in Australia. The extensive public transportation system of planes, trains, and buses, as well as the pedestrian-friendly layout of many major cities, make it possible to see and do a great deal without ever having to get behind the wheel. But where do I even begin? Australia is too large to see in its entirety in one trip, with or without a car, so we've compiled this comprehensive guide to the best of what the country has to offer for those without wheels.
Australia is a land of incredible diversity and breathtaking scenery. There are bustling cities, vast sand islands, ancient rainforests, and the Great Barrier Reef to discover along the coast. Exploring the Outback's red-dirt deserts and mountainous national parks is the pinnacle of adventure vacations. When you factor in Australia's easygoing vibe and warm welcome, it's easy to see why it's at the top of so many people's "must-see" lists. Get inspired to go on adventures by consulting our guide to the best tourist destinations in Australia.
Exploring Australia without a car
In the Land Down Under without Wheels? Sure thing! With our help, you can visit Australia's top attractions without renting a car. Getting around is easiest in major cities served by multiple modes of public transportation. To see everything, simply walk or take the public transportation system around once you arrive. But even if you're a nature lover and want a vacation full of excitement, you don't need a car to see a lot of it.
Here's a pro tip: when exploring a new city, leave your bags at the hotel. If you're visiting a new city, we recommend using Stasher so that you can enjoy your time there without worrying about where to store your belongings. Stasher is a global service that allows you to leave your bags at stores and hotels without worrying about them. Each bag is insured for up to $1,000 for a daily fee of $10. Stasher makes it easy to travel to places like Brisbane and Melbourne and the other cities mentioned in the article.
Exploring Sydney
You won't need a car to get to Sydney from anywhere in the world thanks to the city's convenient public transportation options. Sydney, one of Australia's cultural capitals, is a destination worthy of at least a few days of your time. Taking a ferry across the harbour is one of the best things to do in Sydney and a great way to see the city. There are nine main routes that will take you through the city and each one will offer a unique perspective on landmarks like the Sydney Opera House. You can choose the most convenient starting location for you, as the rides depart from various spots in and around the harbour.
Sydney's Botanical Gardens are a popular place for both locals and visitors to unwind in the city's greenery. The National Pass Track in the Blue Mountains is a great alternative to the urban landscape of Sydney, and can be reached by train. For some sun and surf, hop on a train and you'll arrive at Bondi Beach, just steps from the Pacific Ocean. A day trip from Sydney can easily include the 4km Bondi to Bronte coastal walk, which offers spectacular ocean vistas. When visiting Sydney, it's best to go in the spring (September–December) or fall (March–May), when the weather is pleasant but not as hot as summer.
If you can't just hop in the car and go, it's a good idea to put some thought into your route. If you want to save money on plane tickets, one tip is to plan your trip so that you fly during the week instead of the weekend.
Melbourne without a car
Melbourne, like Sydney, is an international hub that can be reached by air, rail, or bus. Without a car, you'll be able to enjoy Melbourne's excellent tram system and the city's pedestrian-friendly layout. The Free Walking Tour and the Sunday Markets in St. Kilda are two of Melbourne's most popular attractions. The residents and visitors of Melbourne's seaside suburb of St. Kilda enjoy the area's relaxed atmosphere and friendly community. We highly recommend the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) if you're looking for some culture during your time in Melbourne.
Obviously, a visit to Melbourne is not complete without sampling some of the city's renowned coffee. Any true Aussie will tell you that you can have brunch whenever you want, along with a nice hot Flat White, because it is the best meal of the day. Industry Beans and Market Lane Coffee are two of the best coffee shops in the area, and Proud Mary on Oxford Street serves up a delicious brunch.
Travelers to Victoria often bookend their time in the state's capital, Melbourne, with a drive along the coast's iconic Great Ocean Road. Just because you don't have a car doesn't mean you can't have this experience! From Melbourne, you can take a bus on a regularly scheduled tour or trip along the Great Ocean Road, which is preferable to driving due to the fact that you can focus on the breathtaking scenery instead of the road.
Places That Are Okay To Visit Without A Car
Sydney Opera House, New South Wales
If you say "Sydney, Australia," the first thing most people will think of is the Opera House. This iconic structure, located on Sydney's Bennelong Point, is shaped like either a massive shell or a set of billowing sails, and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scenery is breathtaking. The building is bordered to the south by the Royal Botanic Gardens and surrounded on the other three sides by water.
After winning an international competition for his design, Danish architect Jrn Utzon eventually backed out of the project due to technical and financial difficulties. In 1973, after spending ten times the allotted money, construction was finally finished. Unfortunately, Utzon had already left the country by this time, and never returned to see his magnificent creation. A visit to the Sydney Opera House today can include a performance, meal at one of the restaurants, or tour of the building's most notable features. Numerous performance spaces, rehearsal studios, a concert hall, an art gallery, and a movie theatre are all housed in the complex.
Visiting the Sydney Opera House's interior is interesting, but the building's remarkable design may be better appreciated from afar. Mrs. Macquarie's Chair in the Royal Botanic Gardens is a great vantage point from which to photograph this famous Sydney landmark, as is any harbour cruise or ferry. Although it is undergoing a 10-year, $275-million restoration, the Sydney Opera House will continue to host performances as usual.
Melbourne's Culture, Victoria
Many tourists visiting Australia make a beeline for Melbourne, the country's second-largest city and a cultural mecca. The upscale city on the Yarra River is popular for its museums, theatres, restaurants, and shops, as well as its European atmosphere. It's also a very green place, with green spaces making up nearly a third of the city. Melbourne has a wide variety of cultural attractions. Visit the National Gallery of Victoria, the Arts Centre Melbourne, and Federation Square for some world-class art, theatre, and architecture, respectively.
The Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the Ian Potter Gallery both house exhibits relating to Australian film and television history and culture (ACMI). Looking to reconnect with nature? If you're visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens, be sure to take the Aboriginal Heritage Walk. And if you're interested in sports culture, don't miss a game at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. During the warmer months, cricket reigns supreme, while Australian rules football rules during the cooler months.
Melbourne also has a deep and interesting past. Evidence of this can be found in the city's grand Victorian architecture, built with money from the Gold Rush, and in the city's elegant arcades and Queen Victoria Market, which have served Melburnians for over a century.
Daintree National Park, Queensland
Daintree National Park, in North Queensland, is one of the oldest ecosystems on Earth and a Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Numerous natural features in the area are considered sacred by the indigenous Eastern Kuku Yalanji people who call it home. Mossman Gorge, where clear waters rush over granite boulders, and Cape Tribulation, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Australia, are both included in the park's purview. Here, the white sands of the Coral Sea meet the tropical rainforest. This beautiful coastline is one of the few locations on Earth where two of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems meet.
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Among the most beautiful roads in the world is Great Ocean Road in Australia. The road, constructed during the Great Depression, stretches for 300 kilometres along the rocky south-east coast of Australia, where it winds its way past sheer sea cliffs. It stretches from Torquay, a popular surfing destination, to Allansford, a small town close to Warrnambool.
Port Campbell National Park is a must-see for anyone travelling Australia's Great Ocean Road. The Twelve Apostles, London Bridge, the Arch, and Loch Ard Gorge are all wind- and wave-carved rock formations that can be seen here. These rocky outcrops, buffeted by the waves of the Southern Ocean, resemble jigsaw puzzle pieces from above.
Buses In Australia
Long and low-priced journeys are possible (for instance, 12 hours from Sydney to Melbourne) (from 65 AUD). Greyhound and Firefly are the two major companies in this industry. Buses and coaches nowadays typically have amenities such as climate control, restrooms, TVs, reclining seats, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. Both companies also sell "Hop on Hop off" tickets, which allow passengers to board and exit the bus at any of the designated stops along the route.
Prices (Greyhound):
- Sydney – Cairns: $469
- Melbourne – Cairns: $579
- Adelaide – Alice Springs: from $205
- Darwin – Adelaide: from $439
- Brisbane – Cairns: $365
- Melbourne – Brisbane: $255
- Sydney – Brisbane: $149
Advantages Of Bus Driving In Australia
There are many good reasons to get on the bus:
- Route network: All significant locations in Australia are served by the major national bus companies.
- Convenience: Australian buses frequently have air conditioning and restrooms and are very comfortable.
- Safety: Compared to Europe or Asia, low traffic and straight roads reduce accidents.
- Meeting backpackers: Since many backpackers use buses to get around, you will meet people quickly.
- Cost-effective: You won't need to spend a lot of money on a car, repairs, upkeep, fuel, etc.
Disadvantages Of Bus Driving In Australia
- There are additional drawbacks to bus driving in Australia:
- Less freedom: you must adhere to departure times, and occasionally there are no seats left. Buses are frequently already completely full, especially during the busy season.
- Less freedom: You can only go to stations on the bus. You can't just leave whenever you want to.
Trains In Australia
Australia without car train
On long flights, 2nd class passengers have access to reclining seats and private sleeping compartments. As a general rule, train tickets are more expensive than bus fares. Famous routes include the Indian Pacific (Sydney to Perth), the Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin via Alice Springs), and the Queenslander (Brisbane to Cairns).
Route Overview:
- Indian Pacific: Sydney – Adelaide – Perth
- The Ghan: Adelaide – Alice Springs – Darwin
- Overlander: Melbourne – Adelaide
- XPT: Sydney – Melbourne
- XPT: Sydney – Brisbane
- Xplorer: Sydney – Canberra
- Queensland: Brisbane – Townsville – Cairns
- Rockhampton – Longreach
- Cairns Forsyth
- Kalgoorlie – Perth
- The Great Ocean Road, Melbourne
- Sydney – Perth: from $559
- Melbourne – Adelaide: $79
- Adelaide – Alice Springs: from $279
- Alice Springs – Darwin: from $279
- Adelaide – Darwin: from $549
Domestic Flights
Sydney, Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, and Cairns are just some of the many cities served by regular flights. With such vast distances between metropolises, this is the most feasible mode of transport. Flights, while inexpensive in comparison to other modes of travel, may still be too pricey for a backpacker. Airlines like Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Blue, and Tigerair tend to be the most well-liked options. Flying during the week instead of the weekend is one way to save money on airline tickets.
For example:
- Sydney – Alice Springs: 200 to $450
- Sydney – Cairns: from $150
- Perth – Sydney: 150 to $330
- Sydney – Melbourne: from $75
Conclusion
Down Under without a set of wheels? Our services will allow you to see the best that Australia has to offer without having to spend money on a rental car. Large urban centres with a variety of public transportation options make getting around a breeze. Once you arrive, getting around is as easy as walking or taking the public transportation system. Enjoy the city's greenery and visit one of Australia's cultural centres, Sydney.
To see Sydney's famous sights, hop on a ferry or train and travel across the harbour. With easy access by air, rail, and bus, Melbourne is a global transportation hub. The Great Ocean Road is accessible from Melbourne via bus tour or independent travel. Restoring the Sydney Opera House will take 10 years and $275 million. Today's visitors can take in a show, dine at one of the restaurants, and learn all about the structure's fascinating history and architecture.
The cultural centre of Australia, Melbourne is the country's second largest city. One of the oldest ecosystems on Earth is found in North Queensland's Daintree National Park. The Great Ocean Road winds its way along Australia's rocky south-east coast for a total of 300 kilometres. The tropical rainforest meets the white sands of the Coral Sea. Anyone driving down Australia's Great Ocean Road should stop by Port Campbell National Park.
The two largest companies in this sector are Greyhound and Firefly. Today's buses and coaches typically come equipped with a variety of comforts, including air conditioning, restrooms, televisions, reclining seats, and even Wi-Fi. During the peak travel times, buses frequently reach capacity. Long-haul 2nd-class flyers enjoy flat beds and individual lighting in their cabins. Even though air travel is relatively cheap compared to other options, it may still be out of a backpacker's price range.
Content Summary
- If you don't have a car, that shouldn't stop you from having a great time in Australia.
- Australia is too big to see in one trip, with or without a car, so we've put together this guide to the best of the best for those who are travelling around the country without a vehicle.
- Australia is home to stunning natural wonders and a rich cultural heritage.
- Explore the world and find new adventures by consulting our list of top Australian travel spots.
- Our services will allow you to see the best that Australia has to offer without having to spend money on a rental car.
- Large urban centres with a variety of public transportation options make getting around a breeze.
- One piece of advice from the locals is to leave your bags at the hotel while you go out and see the sights.
- There is no need to rent a car to visit Sydney because of the city's excellent public transportation system.
- One of the best ways to see the sights of Sydney is by taking a ferry ride across the harbour.
- There's no way to fully appreciate Melbourne without trying some of the local coffee.
- Visitors to Victoria often start and end their trip in Melbourne, the state capital, before or after a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road.
- Locations That Are Car-Free Friendly
- New South Wales's Sydney Opera House
- To most people, the first image that comes to mind when hearing the words "Sydney, Australia" is the Opera House.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Committee has recognised this landmark building on Bennelong Point in Sydney for its significance to the city's history and architecture.
- Enjoy a performance, dine at one of the restaurants, or take a tour of the landmark Sydney Opera House.
- You can learn a lot about the Sydney Opera House and its history by touring its interior, but you may get a better sense of the building's remarkable design by taking in the structure from a distance.
- Cultural activities in Melbourne can be enjoyed by people of all interests.
- A section of Queensland's Daintree Rainforest
- North Queensland's Daintree National Park is home to a plethora of rare flora and fauna and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its inclusion in the Wet Tropics biome.
- Australia's Famous Great Ocean Road
- Great Ocean Road in Australia is widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic drives.
- Anyone driving down Australia's Great Ocean Road should stop by Port Campbell National Park.
- Driving a bus in Australia comes with a number of additional drawbacks:
- Down Under: The Land Down Under Doesn't Have a Car Train
- Comfortable reclining seats and individual sleeping pods are available for those flying economy on overnight flights.
- Rail fare is typically more expensive than bus fare.
- Even though air travel is relatively cheap compared to other options, it may still be too expensive for a backpacker.
- It is possible to save money on plane tickets by taking a trip during the week instead of on the weekend.
FAQs About Cities To Visit Without A Car
Cars are a way of life in Australia (and around the world). In some areas, it's not possible to get by without a car, as everything is a long way away and alternatives are lacking. In other places, everything you need is right down the street, and there are realistic alternatives to owning a car.
You can reach most areas by train, and stations are spread out quite well throughout the city, so you can reach them either by walking or a short bus ride. Trains are also the fastest form of communication in the article, compared with buses, ferry and light rail.
- Ridesharing. Apps like Lyft and Uber have made getting around simpler than ever.
- Public transit. Public transportation systems vary greatly from city to city.
- Car sharing.
- Bicycling.
- Bike-sharing.
- Walking.
- Car rental.
- Taxi.
Do not panic for those who can not or do not want to buy their vehicle! Australia has a large network of public transport, which is also relatively cheap. Travelling by bus or train is fun. We are constantly meeting other travellers and locals. Long bus and train travel offers a great opportunity to meet interesting people and maybe even find fellow travellers for your trip. We will show you how to travel through Australia without your car.