Coach
Travelling by coach around Australia is a cheap but time consuming option. There are a number of different types of passes to suit any traveller's needs and the bus network is very extensive and will be able to take you pretty much anywhere you might want to go.

Coverage is most extensive in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, but buses also run across to Perth via Kalgoorlie, up to Darwin via Alice Springs, and down the west Coast from Darwin to Perth. Many buses even run deep into the outback offering backpackers a chance to get off the beaten tourist trail using coach services.

Coaches in Australia operate under two company names - Greyhound Pioneer and McCafferty's - but are in fact one company. Bus passes are valid on both bus services and come in a variety of forms from Kilometer passes to set routes with hop-on hop-off freedom.

When you call to book a bus journey make sure to ask which type of bus you'll be travelling on as McCaffery's tend to be more spacious and comfortable than Greyhound. In Western Australia, though, Greyhound is the only option so that ridiculously long trip from Perth to Darwin might be a bit squishy.

The popular east coast of Australia is also served by an extra company called Premier between Cairns and Sydney. This company offers cheaper fares than Greyhound/McCaffery's, but has fewer routes and stopovers and runs fewer buses. The drivers are friendlier than Greyhound/McCafferty's and wear cooler looking socks.

Make sure to book early if school holidays are approaching or on popular routes. Buses along the east coast get packed as Christmas draws near with backpackers trying to get to Sydney or Byron Bay for the festivities. During busy periods the bus companies will run more buses to meet the increased demand, but you still might be out of luck if you book too late. Always remember that having a bus pass does not guarantee you a seat. It must be booked each time you travel!