Quick answer: For the east coast trail, a hop-on hop-off bus pass is the simple, cheap option. For freedom — and for reaching farms — a rented van or a second-hand car shared with friends wins. Buying a car means understanding rego, compulsory third-party insurance and roadworthy rules, which are different in every state. For long jumps (Sydney to Perth, Melbourne to Cairns) a domestic flight is often cheaper than the fuel.
Distances first
Australia is roughly the size of Europe or the continental United States with a fraction of the people. Sydney to Cairns is about 2,400 km; Sydney to Perth about 3,900 km. Plan by region, not by “seeing Australia”. Most backpackers do the east coast in one stretch, then fly or drive to a second region.
Buses: the east coast classic
Greyhound and Premier Motor Service run the Sydney–Brisbane–Cairns coast with hop-on hop-off passes valid for months. You book each leg online, stop where you like, and stay as long as you like.
- Best for solo travellers and anyone who does not want to drive.
- Book popular legs (Byron Bay, Noosa, Airlie Beach) a few days ahead in peak season.
- Compare a pass with buying legs individually; sometimes the pass is not cheaper.
- Overnight legs save a hostel night but cost you a decent sleep.
Between the big southern cities (Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide) coaches and trains exist but are slow. Check prices against a flight.
Vans: rent or share
Renting a campervan is the most fun way to travel and often cheaper than hostel plus bus for two or three people, because your accommodation moves with you.
- Travellers Autobarn and JUCY rent backpacker-grade vans (bed, small kitchen, no bathroom) with unlimited kilometres on most plans.
- Motorhome Republic compares many companies at once, useful for one-way trips and for finding relocation deals, where companies pay you a token rate to move a van between cities.
- Check the excess (what you pay if you damage the van), whether it can be reduced, and whether unsealed roads are allowed.
- Free and low-cost campsites are listed in apps like WikiCamps; many towns have free overnight parking for self-contained vans.
Rent for a two- to four-week trip. For longer, buying starts to make sense.
Buying a car: what you need to know
Backpackers buy and sell cars constantly, usually through Facebook groups, Gumtree and hostel noticeboards. Before you hand over cash:
Registration (“rego”). The car must be registered in a state. Rego is paid yearly (or in instalments in some states) and is transferred to you when you buy. If it is unregistered, you cannot legally drive it home. Transfer the rego into your name within the state’s deadline (usually 14 days) or you risk fines and the seller’s problems become yours.
Compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance. This covers injury to people, not damage to cars. In Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, the NT and the ACT it is bundled with rego. In New South Wales you buy the CTP “green slip” separately before you can register. Comprehensive or third-party property insurance is optional but strongly recommended: a minor crash can cost more than the car.
Roadworthy inspection. This is where the states differ most (as of September 2026 — always check the state’s transport authority):
| State | Roadworthy on sale? |
|---|---|
| Victoria | Seller must provide a Roadworthy Certificate (RWC) to transfer registered vehicle |
| Queensland | Seller must provide a Safety Certificate before advertising a registered vehicle |
| New South Wales | No certificate on private sale, but cars over five years need an annual “pink slip” inspection at rego renewal; interstate cars need a “blue slip” |
| South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, NT, ACT | Generally no inspection on private sale of a registered vehicle; check specifics |
Check the car. Pay for a pre-purchase inspection or at least check the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) for finance owing and write-off history, look at the service history, and test-drive it cold.
Selling at the end. Buy a common model (Toyota, Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi) that mechanics in country towns know. Keep every receipt; it makes selling easier.
Driving. Left-hand side. Drink-driving limits are strict. Wildlife on roads at dawn and dusk is a genuine danger — do not drive at night in the country if you can avoid it. Carry water and tell someone your route in remote areas, where there is often no phone coverage — see the SIM guide.
Domestic flights
Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Qantas and Rex fly between all capitals and to Cairns, Hobart, Darwin, Broome and more. For distances over about 1,000 km, flying is usually cheaper and much faster than driving once you count fuel and nights. Book a few weeks ahead, travel with cabin baggage only if you can, and watch for sales.
City transport
Every capital has a tap-on public transport card or accepts contactless bank cards, with daily and weekly caps. In Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane you rarely need a car, and parking is expensive. Save the car for the regions and the 88 days.
Deals we used
- Travellers Autobarn
- JUCY
- Motorhome Republic
What to do next
- Decide your first region and whether you will bus, van or fly.
- Check whether your licence needs an International Driving Permit for the state you will drive in.
- If buying a car, learn the rego and roadworthy rules for that state before you look at listings.
- Budget transport in your first-month plan.
- Ask the community for van and car recommendations by city.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to travel the east coast?
A hop-on hop-off bus pass from Greyhound or Premier is usually cheapest for a solo traveller. For two or more people a shared van or car often works out cheaper and more flexible.
Can I drive in Australia on my home licence?
Generally yes while you are a temporary visitor, if your licence is in English or you carry an official translation or International Driving Permit. Rules and time limits vary by state, so check the transport authority where you are driving.
What is rego?
Registration. Every car must be registered with a state authority, paid yearly or in instalments. In some states rego includes compulsory third-party injury insurance; in NSW you buy the CTP 'green slip' separately.
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to buy a car?
It depends on the state. Victoria and Queensland require the seller to provide one; NSW requires an inspection for older cars at renewal; some states do not require one on a private sale at all. Check the rules for the state where the car is registered.
Is it worth buying a car for the 88 days?
Often yes, because farms are rarely on a bus route. A cheap car shared with two friends is common. Budget for rego, insurance and at least one repair.
