Getting around Australia is one of the first things you figure out as a visitor or expat. Taxis, metro lines, buses and the unwritten rules locals follow shape your daily routine more than any guidebook.
In Australia, getting around comes down to a few things: driving distances are real, city public transport varies, and melbourne's free tram zone.
Australia is continental. Sydney to Melbourne is 9 hours by car. Domestic flights (Qantas, Virgin, Jetstar) are essential for intercity travel. Book early for budget fares.
Tip: Driving between cities means hours of empty road. Carry water, check fuel stops, and watch for kangaroos at dawn and dusk — they total cars.
Sydney has Opal card (train, bus, ferry, light rail). Melbourne has Myki (tram, train, bus). Brisbane has Go Card. Each city's system is independent — no national card.
The CBD and Docklands have free tram travel. No need to touch on/off within the zone. Outside it, Myki is mandatory and inspectors are ruthless.