Arrival & Transport
Flights from Germany
There are no direct flights from Germany to Australia. The journey takes at least 20–24 hours with a stopover, often longer. Three main routes:
The Best Connections
- Via the Middle East (recommended): Emirates (Dubai), Qatar Airways (Doha), Etihad (Abu Dhabi) fly from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, and Berlin. Transfer time 2–4 hours. Total travel time about 20–22 hours. Often the cheapest flights (from 800–1,200 € return).
- Via Southeast Asia: Singapore Airlines (Singapore), Thai Airways (Bangkok), Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong). Total travel time 22–26 hours. Advantage: Stopover in Singapore or Bangkok possible (a few days stopover).
- Via London: Qantas flies the legendary "Kangaroo Route" London–Perth nonstop (17 hours) or London–Sydney via Perth. From Germany, transfer via London — but long total travel time.
Prices & Booking Tips
- Economy Return: 800–1,500 € (depending on season and airline)
- Business Class: from 3,500 € (Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines offer excellent business)
- Early Bird: Book 4–6 months in advance for the best prices
- High Season: December–January (Australian summer) and German school holidays are the most expensive
- Flight Comparison: Google Flights and Skyscanner for price overview, then book directly with the airline
Airports in Australia
- Sydney (SYD): Largest international airport, main hub
- Melbourne (MEL): Second largest, Tullamarine Airport, 25 km from the center
- Brisbane (BNE): Gateway to Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef
- Perth (PER): Western Australia's main airport, direct Qantas flights from London
Tipp
Book a stopover in Dubai, Singapore, or Bangkok for 2–3 days — it breaks up the long journey and you get an additional travel experience almost for free. Many airlines allow stopovers at no extra cost or for a few euros more.
Achtung
The jet lag to Australia is brutal (8–10 hours time difference). Plan the first day after arrival as a rest day. Drink plenty during the flight, avoid alcohol, and try to sleep in the Australian rhythm.
Domestic Flights
Due to the vast distances, domestic flights in Australia are unavoidable — unless you have a lot of time. The good news: domestic flights are often surprisingly affordable.
Airlines
- Qantas: Australia's national airline. Good network, higher prices, but reliable. Frequent flyer program: Qantas Frequent Flyer.
- Jetstar: Qantas subsidiary, low-cost. Cheap base prices from 60 AUD, but luggage extra (from 30 AUD per route). Ideal for short distances.
- Virgin Australia: Good value for money, a middle ground between Qantas and Jetstar.
- Rex (Regional Express): Small routes, also Melbourne–Sydney affordable.
- Bonza: New budget airline for regional routes not served by other airlines.
Important Routes & Flight Times
| Route | Flight Time | From approx. |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney → Melbourne | 1:25 h | 80 AUD |
| Sydney → Cairns | 3:00 h | 120 AUD |
| Melbourne → Uluru | 3:00 h | 150 AUD |
| Sydney → Perth | 5:00 h | 180 AUD |
| Cairns → Sydney | 3:00 h | 120 AUD |
| Brisbane → Whitsundays | 1:30 h | 100 AUD |
Tipp
Book domestic flights 4–8 weeks in advance. Jetstar sale tickets (from 49 AUD) are available regularly — subscribe to the newsletter. For multi-stop routes, a Qantas Multi-City ticket is worthwhile.
Rental Cars & Campervans
A rental car or campervan is the best way to discover Australia — the country is made for road trips. Endless highways, spectacular coastal roads, and the freedom to stop wherever you want.
Rental Cars
- Providers: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Thrifty at all airports. Local providers (East Coast Car Rentals, Apollo) often cheaper.
- Prices: From 40 AUD/day for small cars, from 70 AUD/day for SUVs. High season (Dec–Jan) more expensive.
- Age: Minimum age usually 21 years, under 25 surcharge (about 20–30 AUD/day).
- Insurance: Comprehensive insurance (Excess Reduction) strongly recommended. Deductible otherwise 3,000–6,000 AUD!
- 4WD: Essential for Outback routes, Fraser Island, and Kimberley. From 120 AUD/day.
Campervan — Australia's Classic
Australia and campervans go together like Vegemite and toast. Over 2,500 campsites, many directly on the beach or in national parks.
- Providers: Jucy, Britz, Maui, Apollo, Travellers Autobarn, Wicked Campers (Budget).
- Prices: From 50 AUD/day for a simple van, from 120 AUD/day for a fully equipped motorhome. One-way rentals (Relocation Deals) sometimes from 1 AUD/day!
- Campsites: Powered sites (electricity) from 30–50 AUD/night, unpowered from 20 AUD. Many free "Rest Areas" along the highways (use WikiCamps app!).
- Free Camping: Allowed in many states, but with rules. The app "WikiCamps Australia" shows all legal spots.
Tipp
For backpacker gold: Relocation Deals! Rental companies need to move campervans from one city to another and rent them out almost for free (1–5 AUD/day). Platforms: Transfercar, DriveNow, Imoova. Downside: fixed route and time limit.
Achtung
In Australia, there is LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC! Get used to it at the airport on a quiet parking lot before driving into city traffic. On country roads, watch out for kangaroos and wombats — especially at dusk. Accidents with wildlife are common.
Trains & Long-Distance Buses
Australia does not have a dense rail network like Europe — but it does have some of the most legendary train routes in the world and a good long-distance bus system for budget travelers.
Legendary Train Routes
- The Ghan (Adelaide → Alice Springs → Darwin): 2,979 km through the red heart of Australia in 54 hours. One of the most famous train journeys worldwide. Through endless desert, over the MacDonnell Range, and into the tropical Top End. From 1,599 AUD (Gold Service) or 3,199 AUD (Platinum). Runs weekly.
- Indian Pacific (Sydney → Adelaide → Perth): 4,352 km across the continent in 65 hours — the third-longest railway line in the world. The Nullarbor Plain with the longest straight railway track in the world (478 km without a curve!) is hypnotic. From 1,299 AUD (Gold).
- Spirit of Queensland (Brisbane → Cairns): 1,681 km along the coast in 24 hours. Business-class seats that convert into beds. From 175 AUD (Economy) or 350 AUD (RailBed).
- XPT (Sydney → Melbourne): 11 hours, from 65 AUD. Slower than flying, but scenic and affordable.
Long-Distance Buses
- Greyhound Australia: Largest long-distance bus network, connecting all major cities. Sydney–Melbourne from 65 AUD (12 hours). Hop-on/Hop-off passes for backpackers: Whimit Pass (from 299 AUD for 15 days of unlimited travel).
- Premier Motor Service: Cheaper alternative on the east coast. Sydney–Byron Bay from 75 AUD.
- Murray Coaches, Firefly Express: Regional providers between major cities.
Public Transport in Cities
- Sydney: Opal Card for metro, bus, ferry, light rail. Sunday cap: max. 8.05 AUD for the whole day!
- Melbourne: myki Card for trams, buses, trains. Free Tram Zone in the CBD — free!
- Brisbane: go card for buses, ferries, trains. CityCat ferries are an experience.
- Perth: SmartRider. Free CAT buses in the CBD.
Tipp
The Ghan and Indian-Pacific trains are expensive but unique experiences. Book 6–12 months in advance for the best prices. Off-season (May–September) is cheaper. Alternatively: The Adelaide–Alice Springs route by Greyhound bus as a budget option.
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