Australia is a vast country: its surface area is comparable to that of Europe. Whether you're staying in a city or planning a road trip across the country, understanding Australia's transport options is essential for young people on a Working Holiday Visa .
In this article, we explain how to get around efficiently, the most suitable means for backpackers, the steps to take if you want to drive, and the good tips to know before hitting the road.
Major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth have a good public transport : buses, trams, light rail, commuter trains...
🎫 Each city has its own rechargeable card system (Opal in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, Go Card in Brisbane…). These cards are essential for traveling at reduced prices.
💡 Good to know : As a Working Holiday Visa holder, you do not have access to student discounts, but you can sometimes benefit from "concession" rates depending on the State.
🔹 VVT Tip : When you arrive, VisaVacancesTravail.be will help you get acquainted with the transport system in your arrival city and help you choose the most suitable card or pass.
✈️ For long distances (e.g., Melbourne > Cairns), flying is often the fastest and sometimes even the cheapest , especially if you book in advance.
🛫 Companies to know:
Jetstar : a low-cost carrier very popular with backpackers
Virgin Australia
Qantas (often more expensive)
💡 There are also domestic flights to more remote destinations (Alice Springs, Darwin…).
The Australian rail network is limited, but there are some legendary lines:
The Ghan (Adelaide → Darwin)
Indian Pacific (Sydney → Perth)
Great Southern (Brisbane → Adelaide)
🚆 These trains offer a unique tourist experience , but they remain expensive. Not very practical for frequent travel.
Long-distance buses remain an economical and widely used option for Working Holiday Visa holders.
🚌 Main networks:
Greyhound : comfortable buses, Wi-Fi, unlimited passes
Premier Motor Service : a cheaper alternative
Integrity Coach Lines (West Coast)
💡 Flexible (hop-on/hop-off) passes allow you to travel between several cities at your own pace. Our job assistance partner also organizes self-guided tours of the East Coast, so there's no hassle in arranging accommodation.
🚗 Renting or buying a van/4x4 is a typical backpacker ritual . It's the best way to discover remote areas, travel at your own pace, and save money by sleeping in your vehicle.
🔧 Buying a van? Remember to check:
The Rego (Australian registration)
Mechanical condition (request an inspection report)
Insurance obligations according to the state
🔹 VVT Advice : Our team helps you understand the purchasing process, check essential documents, and choose suitable insurance.
Some key differences to remember:
Left-hand drive
Priority to the right in roundabouts
Roads limited to 100 or 110 km/h outside of towns
Use of turn signals is mandatory, even in parking lots
Checks are frequent, and fines are high. Following the rules is essential for your safety and your budget .
If you wish to drive during your Working Holiday Visa in Australia , it is essential to have:
Your valid Belgian driving licence
And one of the following two documents :
An international driving permit (to be applied for at the local town hall)
Or an official NAATI translation of your Belgian driving licence
💬 Which document should I choose?
An international driving permit is accepted in most Australian states, especially for short stays.
A NAATI translation may be required in some states (such as New South Wales) after 3 months of stay.
🔹 VVT Tip : we can arrange NAATI translation through a partner.
Want to learn more about the procedures, insurance, or organizing your departure? Check out our complete guide to the Working Holiday Visa in Australia to leave well-prepared.
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
Cities marked with an asterisk (*) are eligible for Job Assistance
