Can You Travel Australia By Bus?

Lily Kerley

February 5th, 2024

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5 minute read

You can absolutely travel across Australia by bus. Not only is it possible, but it is also one of the cheapest travel options for backpackers on a budget.

Australia has plenty of long-distance bus companies, referred to as coaches here, all with unique and expansive route networks that can take you to most states across the country (except to Tasmania of course!). Pretty much, you don’t need to fork out on a rental car or domestic flights to travel around Australia! 

While it is more difficult to find coach services to take you into regional areas and the outback (we recommend opting for a guided tour here, or checking out Greyhound Australia’s destinations), the East Coast is abundantly accessible by busses and coach services. With a variety of Australia-wide and East Coast-specific coach passes that allow unlimited travel along a coastal route, it is the most affordable way to traverse the wonders of this idyllic backpacker destination. 

• How does bus travel work in Australia?
• What are the best coach services to travel Australia?
• Pros & Cons: Should I travel Australia by bus?

How does bus travel work in Australia?

Similar to local public bus services, coaches have a variety of stops in which you can hop on and off so long as you have pre-booked a ticket or unlimited pass. A lot of longer services depart from bus stations in major cities, where there is often a coach support desk. Most long-distance and overnight buses will have in-seat charging and onboard toilets, as well as intermittent meal stops. In short, you won't get stuck on a public or school-like bus on a long journey. Most coaches in Australia are comfortable, spacious and purpose-built.

The frequency of departures depends on the coach service you choose, varying from multiple major city services per day to only certain days of the week. Coach services in Australia have luggage allowances, usually permitting one large suitcase in the undercarriage area and one carry-on bag aboard the bus. Pack like a pro for your next long-haul coach journey with these tried-and-tested essentials to bring on the bus.

What are the best coach services to travel Australia?

If you want to see the WHOLE of Australia (we’re talking about doing the full lap and cutting into the desert), you will be hard-pressed to curate your journey solely by bus. The biggest black spots across coach networks are in the outback, particularly regional Queensland, Western Australia, and New South Wales. The Northern Territory and South Australia have routes that cut across the middle of the country, from Adelaide to Alice Springs to Darwin, however surrounding bus services are sparse. Nevertheless, for travel across the whole country, your best choice would be a national Greyhound Whimit Pass. This golden ticket allows you unlimited travel anywhere on the Greyhound network map (the largest network in the country), in any direction for your selected period of time. If your only form of transport is coach services, you will definitely save money and travel cheaply with a Whimit Pass.

If you’re looking to travel only the East Coast by bus, there are a few more options when it comes to coach services. Both Greyhound and Premier Coaches offer routes along the entire East Coast, from Cairns to Melbourne and beyond! Your existing travel plans and value on certain aspects will determine which coach service to book with, so check out our handy guide to choosing between Greyhound and Premier Coach Services when travelling the East Coast Tours.

Pros & Cons: Should I travel Australia by bus? 

Pros of travelling Australia by bus

• The first and biggest pro of getting around with bus and coach services is that you will save money. Whether you want to do Australia on less than $300 a week or simply want to save your dollars for incredible guided experiences, spend less on your journey and make the magic last longer! 
  
  
• The second best thing about travelling Australia by bus is the flexibility allows, especially if you buy unlimited passes like the Greyhound Whimit or the Premier Value. You don’t have to commit to flights or a rental car, all you need to do is confirm your seat on the next bus, making it the perfect choice if you haven’t planned the who, what or when yet! 
  
  
• The third and most Paolo Coelho-esque perk of coach travel is that you get to enjoy the journey and revel in the in-between travel moments. Get comfy and gaze out at the ever-changing landscape of the “sunburnt” country, as you amble through bush, coastline, rainforest and cities and take it all in. Not to mention, if you’re really going with the flow, hop on and off your bus to discover hidden gems totally off the beaten path! 

Cons of travelling Australia by bus

• One of the most noticeable cons of bus travel in Australia is time. As the sixth largest country in the world, it does take quite a bit of time to drive from place to place. Unlike Europe, where you can enter multiple countries by driving in one day, you can drive for days in Australia and still be in the same state! As such, if you want to cover a lot of miles and tick off key bucket list locations but are limited on time, we recommend domestic flying or renting a car for optimal time management. 
  
  
• Similarly, if you have some really specific destinations on your bucket list, and are set on DIYing your experiences without guided tours, it can be hard to get off-grid without a car. So, if you want to chase waterfalls and find hidden beaches, a car or campervan can come in handy on your next Aussie road trip.

In short, if you have ample time in Australia and want to save money, bus travelling is ideal for you! However, if you’ve got a particular itinerary with spots unavailable to coach networks or want complete travel autonomy, it can get a bit tricky.

Ready to hit the road and see the East Coast?

Check out our range of coach options, hire vehicles and inclusive, tailored itinerary options!