ALTHOUGH SOME TOURISTS may choose the sea route to Australia, most still arrive by air. Air travel is the most popular form of long-distance travel, but there are other ways, each of which offers the opportunity to see something in the country along the way. The national Air Network connects all major cities, while bus routes
The Routes make regular flights to most provincial and rural areas. If you have the time, traveling in Australia is a great choice. Boat trips are the best way for those wishing to visit the islands of Australia, especially Tasmania, but there are regular trips to other islands, such as Rott Nest Island off the coast of Western Australia.
Arrival by air
Australia is served by approximately 50 international airlines. Australian Airline Qantas has a worldwide network and offers most weekly flights both to and from Australia. Qantas is also the main local carrier in Australia. Air New Zealand, Qantas and United Airlines make regular flights from the USA with a large number of stops en route. Most Asian and European carriers, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines offer many routes and stops on the European-Asian-Australian route.
International flights
Flights between Australia and Europe take 22 hours in the air, and with delays you can be on the road for more than 30 hours. A stop in Asia is noteworthy due to its comfort, especially when traveling with children, since it is made on one of the Hawaiian or Pacific Islands for tourists from the United States. Also, when considering flights, take into account the international time difference. Arriving at noon, staying up for the rest of the day and then going to bed according to local time will help you survive the flight delay.
Australia has several international air terminals. Sydney and Melbourne have large airports serving flights around the world. Sydney, the busiest, may be overwhelmed. Melbourne is consistently recognized as one of the best airports in the world for tourists. Hobart has flights from New Zealand during the summer months, while Adelaide operates direct flights to Singapore and flights to Europe via Sydney and Melbourne. Tourists traveling to the West Bank can arrive at a Port serving flights from Africa and Asia and direct flights from the United Kingdom. Darwin, Brisbane and Cairns mainly serve Asia, but there are several communication opportunities from Europe.
The cost of an AIR FLIGHT
FLIGHTS IN AUSTRALIA can be expensive, especially in December, during peak season. From January to April, prices are slightly lower. Outside of the peak season, air lines offer apex fees, which are often 30-40% lower than economic taxes. Many stipulate the time of arrival and departure and penalties for refusal of transportation.
Contact travel agents regarding discounts if you need to fly on an urgent notice, as they regularly receive unpaid tickets from airlines.
UPON ARRIVAL, Immediately before landing in Australia, you will be given customs documents to fill out. Upon arrival, you will be asked to present your documents, including your passport, at the control point. You will also be asked to leave any products. After that, you can take your luggage and, if you have nothing to declare, go straight to the main hall of the airport.
Major airports have the best service, but most have good shops, postal and medical services. You can rent cars and change money at any airports. Taxis and buses run routes to the city center.
Seats for local flights are usually reserved when buying a basic ticket. The airline staff will advise you how to proceed. In Melbourne, local and international services are located in the same terminal. In many places terminals are separate and distances can be long, for example 10 km (6 miles) in Perth. Free buses continuously carry passengers between terminals.
Air travel accounts for the majority of long-distance travel in Australia, and it is by far the most practical way to travel in a country of this size, especially if time is limited. The main domestic air carriers in Australia – Qantas and Virgin Blue – focus on full-scale flights between the states, while the owners of small companies operate flights within the states and to remote territories. The fees may be large, but thanks to discounts in this unregulated and aggressively competitive industry, a situation is created in which you do not have to pay the full price that you provided for when planning your trip in advance. Also, one should not neglect the entertainment of air flights to remote and hard-to-reach places.
