How Can I Travel to Queensland?
Queensland boasts an array of attractions – from idyllic tropical islands to World Heritage-listed rainforests. Not forgetting its numerous beaches, captivating wildlife encounters and year-round beautiful weather!
Arriving in Florida can be done via various modes of transport – flights, buses, trains and taxis are just some of the options available. But perhaps the most popular way is to rent a car from someone local.
Flights
Queensland, also known as Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’, offers visitors an incredible range of activities and experiences to enjoy. It boasts the Great Barrier Reef, stunning beaches and lush rainforests as well as vibrant cities.
Travelling to Queensland from the United States can be done in many ways. Some airlines provide direct flights from cities like LAX, San Francisco and Boston directly to Brisbane while Qantas and Virgin Australia operate flights from major Australian cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
From the US, flying to Queensland usually takes around 14h40m. Flights are usually most affordable on Sunday and Wednesday; however, you must book at least 5 weeks ahead for a great deal.
For budget-minded travelers, bus travel to the Sunshine Coast is your best bet. Translink, the state-run transportation network, operates a range of services such as buses, ferries and taxis at affordable rates.
Buses
Brisbane boasts an extensive public transport system, consisting of buses, trains and ferries. To take advantage of these services it’s wise to purchase a Go Card from authorized retailers or online before your journey.
If you’re uncertain how to utilize your Go Card, TransLink provides helpful instructions on their website. Alternatively, pre-paid paper tickets can be purchased at stations and fare machines prior to boarding a bus, train, or ferry service.
Buses offer a fast and efficient way to move around Brisbane. Services operate regularly in the CBD as well as nearby suburbs; some routes also pass through Spring Hill, South Brisbane and West End.
Brisbane City Council manages one of Australia’s largest bus fleets, as well as a ferry network and several trams. You can download timetables for all these services on TransLink website or check them out at a station.
Trains
Traveling to Queensland by train is an ideal way to experience the region. There are various train services available – whether you want a comfortable journey across the country or something more adventurous along less-travelled tracks.
When booking trains in Queensland, it’s essential that you do your due diligence and research the date, class, price and conditions. Doing this will help guarantee that you don’t pay too much and can enjoy the journey as it should be.
You can purchase a Queensland Explorer Pass that grants access to various train services throughout the state. It’s an excellent way to save money while traveling throughout Queensland.
Take the Inlander train from Townsville to Mount Isa for example – this 977km journey takes 21 hours, passing through Charters Towers – an old gold rush town – and over the Great Dividing Range.
Taxis
Taxis are an efficient and convenient way to get around Brisbane and larger Queensland towns. You can book one ahead of time, hail a cab on the street, or catch one from a designated taxi rank.
Taxis are modern vehicles that meet government safety and driver standards. They operate by meter with fares set by the government, and their identification can be seen on their company logos on the doors, taxi light on top and medallion license numbers beginning with ‘T’.
If you’re traveling with a disability or in a wheelchair, wheelchair accessible taxi (WAT) services are available throughout Queensland and many regional centres. These maxi taxis are equipped to carry one mobility scooter and two wheelchairs, making them perfect for all your transport needs.
Taxis in Queensland operate by the meter with fees set by government. You can book them online, at taxi ranks or over the phone; they accept both cash and bank card payments.