Getting Here & Getting Around

Air Travel

Many international airlines offer competitive fares and a variety of flight options to Australia on a regular basis. And getting to this island continent has never been easier - whether from the US and Canada or from the UK, Europe and Asia

Once in Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Blue and a number of smaller regional carriers offer regular and convenient services to regional airports (check with your travel agent for special domestic travel passes which are available for international travellers).

Approximate flying times to Brisbane or Cairns:

Auckland 2 hrs 30 mins Los Angeles 15 hrs 
Bahrain 17 hrs Munich 21 hrs
Buenos Aires 21 hrs Riyadh 17 hrs 30 mins 
Dubai 17 hrs Singapore 7 hrs 30 mins 
Frankfurt 22 hrs Seoul 7 hrs 30 mins 
Hong Kong 8 hrs 30 mins Taipei 7 hrs 15 mins 
Johannesburg 14 hrs 30 mins Tokyo 7 hrs 10 mins 
London 23 hrs 30 mins    

Approximate flying times to Regional Queensland destinations:

Brisbane to:

Sydney, NSW 1 hr 30 mins Mackay 1 hr 25 mins 
Harvey Bay 45 mins Prosperine or Hamilton Island 1 hr 40 mins
Bundaberg 50 mins Townsville 1 hr 55 mins
Gladstone 1 hr 15 mins Cairns 2 hrs 20 mins
Rockhampton 1 hr 25 mins Longreach 2 hrs 20 mins 
 
Road Travel

A diverse network of safe and convenient highways links the State’s major tourist regions.

In Australia, all vehicles travel on the left side of the road. Seatbelts must be worn by drivers and passengers. Strict drink driving laws are enforced.

You need your current driver’s licence to drive in Queensland or an International driver’s licence if your first language is not English. If staying for more than 3 months, you will need to organize a Queensland driver’s licence when you arrive.

Driving regulations: www.transport.qld.gov.au.

For 24 hour up to date road reports: www.racq.com.au.

For suggested driving itineraries throughout Queensland : www.driveqld.com.au.

Rail Travel

Rail travel is a great way to see the vast land and diverse regions of Queensland.

Queensland Rail's long-distance tourist trains include The Queenslander & Sunlander (Brisbane-Cairns); The Spirit of the Tropics (Brisbane-Townsville); Spirit of the Outback (Brisbane-Longreach); Westlander (Brisbane-Charleville); Inlander (Townsville- Mount Isa).

Additional services include the fast Tilt Train service (Brisbane to Cairns), scenic rail services including the Kuranda Rail (Cairns to Kuranda), Gulflander (Normanton-Croydon) and Savannahlander (Cairns to Forsayth).

Airtrain is a direct link from Brisbane's international airport and domestic airports to the city CBD and Gold Coast. Citytrain is the commuter service throughout south-east Queensland.

For further information and useful links, check out our Transport information, and Queensland Rail's journey planner at www.qr.com.au and www.traveltrain.com.au.