If you’re planning on getting around Australia, you’ll quickly realise there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Your best option depends on your budget, travel style and how much freedom or social life you want on the road.
After travelling and living in Australia for months, I’ve seen all the main options in real life, Greyhound buses, campervans and buying a car, and each one has very different pros and cons.
Greyhound Bus (Easiest & Most Social Option)
The Greyhound bus network is one of the easiest ways of getting around Australia.
If you don’t want to think too much about logistics, this is honestly a great option.
I booked mine through Happy Travels, and they often offer discounts, so it’s worth checking.
Why people love it:
- Very easy system (just book and go)
- Flexible routes across the country
- You choose where to stop and stay
- Perfect for hostel travellers
And the social side is underrated.
It feels like a moving backpacker community. You constantly meet new people, and hostels feel like one big shared experience.
👉 Perfect if you’re solo travelling and want an easy, social way of exploring Australia.
Campervan / Camper Rental (Freedom on the Road)
Renting a campervan is another popular way of getting around Australia.
It’s more expensive, but it gives you complete freedom.
Pros:
- Go wherever you want, whenever you want
- No need to book hostels
- Easy to change your plans
- Perfect for road trips
Cons:
- Much less social
- You miss hostel life and backpacker connections
- Can feel isolated if you’re solo
👉 Best if you already have travel companions or prefer independence over social travel.
Buying a Car (Maximum Freedom, Maximum Stress)
Buying a car is something many backpackers consider.
I saw this closely through a friend I travelled with, and while it gave freedom, it also came with a lot of stress.
Reality check:
- You may need a fixed address to register the car
- Paperwork can be confusing
- Sellers aren’t always fully honest
- Plans can get delayed or messy
- Selling the car later takes time
It’s not always smooth sailing.
In her case:
- Bought for ~4000 AUD
- Sold for ~1000 AUD
So while it offers freedom, it can also be expensive and unpredictable.
Our Little car-buying adventure:
When my friend bought a car in Australia, we quickly realised it wasn’t as easy as expected. Between confusing paperwork, needing a local address, and sellers who weren’t always honest, it became way more stressful than we planned. We even had a ferry to Tasmania booked while still trying to figure everything out, and ended up going through multiple deposits before finally getting a car at the last minute.
In the end, it gave us a lot of freedom, but it definitely came with chaos too.
Want to read the full story? Check out my travel diary from that week, where I share everything that happened.
But there are also real benefits:
- Total independence
- You can sleep in your car (if set up properly)
- Great for road trips (like we did to Tasmania, Great Ocean Road, etc.)
- You can split costs with friends
- Easier access to remote jobs
It can actually be a great option if you’re organised and staying longer.
Other Ways of Getting Around Australia
There are also more flexible or informal options:
- Ride-sharing apps (like Poparide and Coseats)
- Facebook travel groups
- Hostel travel boards
- Meeting people and joining road trips
A lot of backpackers end up forming spontaneous travel groups this way.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to getting around Australia, there is no “best” option, only what fits your travel style.
- Greyhound = easiest + most social
- Campervan = freedom + flexibility
- Car = independence but more responsibility
Most backpackers actually use a combination of these during their trip.
FAQ
What is the cheapest way of getting around Australia?
Greyhound buses are usually the cheapest and easiest option for backpackers.
Is it better to rent a campervan or use buses in Australia?
Campervans give more freedom, but buses are cheaper and more social. It depends on your travel style.
Is buying a car worth it in Australia?
It can be worth it for long-term travel, but it comes with paperwork, stress and resale risk.
Can you travel Australia without a car?
Yes, most backpackers travel without a car using buses, tours and ride-sharing.
What is the best way of getting around Australia as a backpacker?
There is no single best way, Greyhound is easiest, campervans give freedom, and cars give independence.
