Transport of Australia

Transportation is an important part of the infrastructure of the Australian economy, because the country has a huge territory, and the population density is low. Australia is considered the second country in the world in terms of the number of cars per capita. The length of roads per person here is about 3-4 times greater than in other European countries, and if compared with the countries of Asia, then 7-9 times more.

In Australia, there is a left-hand traffic. Seat belts and child car seats are mandatory for use. Drivers should be especially attentive on the track, as in any place, especially in desert areas, animals can run across the road.

Railway transport

Railway communication in Australia is very well developed. The total length of the Australian roads is about 34 thousand kilometers, and 2,5 thousand kilometers is electrified. These lines were built at different intervals. Private railways were formed much faster than state ones and soon occupied a large territory. Construction involved different companies. There was no agreement on the norms of construction, so the track width and composition are different everywhere.

The largest is the Southern Railway. High-speed trains run along this route: Indian Pacific ( Sydney - Adelaide - Perth ), The Ghan ( Adelaide - Alice Springs - Darwin ), The Overland ( Melbourne - Adelaide). The line between Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne via Sydney is operated by Country Link. In the area of ​​Sydney, suburban communications and tourist routes are especially developed. Rail transport in Australia is not cheap, but fast.

Public transport

In Australia bus service is quite common. The bus is the most economical, the most popular, but, unfortunately, the slowest mode of transport. Firms that deal with bus transport are many, especially popular long-distance service flights with a high level of service. On the buses of Australia you can not only travel around the city, but also go round the whole country. Companies create comfortable conditions for tourists by equipping buses with folding seats with air conditioning, video equipment and bathrooms. It is worth noting that travel to a long distance is too expensive.

The subway system in Australia is not so well developed. Several underground stations exist in such large cities as Sydney and Melbourne. A rail transport in Australia, represented by high-speed trams, runs through the streets of Adelaide and Melbourne.

Taxi service and car rental

The most convenient way to travel across the green continent is to travel by car. Almost all cities in Australia you can find comfortable taxis, mostly Toyota, Mercedes and Ford. Especially popular is the Australian air taxi, which is a small helicopter. It allows you to very quickly get to the place and do not waste time in traffic jams. There is also a taxi on the water. Catching a taxi can be in the traditional way: vote on the sidelines or make an application over the phone at any time. The cost of the trip consists of the following amount: $ 2.5 for landing and one dollar for each kilometer. In all cars there are counters, round drivers in the big party. You can pay for the trip in cash or by a plastic card.

In Australia, you can easily rent a car. In all cities of the country, as well as at the airport or at the railway station, there are offices of rental companies. You can rent a car only to people who have reached the age of 21. You can rent a car of any class.

Air and water transport

The main means of communication with the outside world and other territories of Australia remains air transport. By the number of passenger and cargo turnover Australia is among the first places in the world. The message with Australia is supported by 43 international airlines. Large airports are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin, Gold Coast, Canberra and several other cities. According to 2004, there are 448 airports in Australia (with ground and artificial cover). The most famous airline is the "Kuantas", it is also called "Flying Kangaroos". "Kuantas" works in almost all international destinations, and flights are carried out at 145 destinations around the world. Domestic transportation is carried out by private airlines: "Australian Airlines", "East-West", "Ansett Group".

The waterways inside Australia are not particularly important. Due to the periodic fluctuations in water and frequent shallowing of rivers, the ships could not withstand competition with the railway transport. Now on the rivers mostly private ships move. However, foreign trade is still carried out at the expense of maritime transport, but it is mainly a foreign fleet. In Australia, as a public water transport, ferries run. You can ride on a ferry in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, Brisbane and Newcastle .