Transport

Visiting Melbourne

Shivanand Naganur — Fri, 11 Apr 2003 15:13:00 -0400

Can any body suggest me which is the best way to visit near by places around Melbourne??

Car Insurance for backpackers

travellers_autobarn — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:09:45 -0500

Hey all

Just a bit of information for backpackers buying a car in Australia and
who want insurance. Many many travellers come and buy cars here and many
open accounts with Commonwealth bank who try and sell Fully
Comprehensive Car Insurance for travellers. This is a rip off as the
highest level of Insurance that non Australian residents can get is
Third Party Property Insurance. They will happily take your money but
when it comes to making a claim the insurance is invalid as you are a
non-resident.

Just a word of warning really to anyone thinking of buying a car and
needing insurance. I have email proof from Commonwealth bank that the
insurance is for residents only. There is one company who I am aware of
which provide the Third Party Property Insurance tailored especially for
young travellers and backpackers and they are Don Hutton. Travellers
Autobarn use these to arrange insurance for travellers - it is worth
contacting Travellers Autobarn for help and advice as it may save you
some money!

Thanks

Adam

Travel from Perth to Esperance

SUESALMONUK — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:55:50 -0500

I will be traveling from England to Esperance in March/April to visit my daughter. The Skywest flights are really expensive and don't fit in with my Perth arrival/departure times. I have read that there is a TWA coach that goes from Perth to Esperance (about 10hr drive but that's no problem). Does anybody know how far from Perth airport it is to get this coach station? P.S. I'm an elderly lady not a backpacker but some advice would really be appreciated. Oh and has anybody else already traveled to Esperance by coach and if so was it ok?
Thank you

Travelling Australia

Elke — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 13:39:27 -0400

Hi eveybody,

My friend and I will travel through Australia in Novembre for about three weeks. We will arrive in Sydney and plan to visit the great Barrier reef and Ayers Rock. Who can tell me what's the cheapest way to visit these places?

Please let me know!

Elke.

Train Travel in Australia

Evelyn — Sat, 22 Mar 2003 22:09:00 -0500

Has any one used the flexipass or Austrail pass and did it work out as hoped?
Where do you get the Nomad or YHA discount pass?

Is it better to buy the train pass in Aus. or before you leave?

I welcome advice from travellers who have used these passes. Thanks.

Alternative to Wicked Campervan

rocama — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:29:36 -0500

My sister and her boyfriend are intending to take a campervan on a certain leg up the Aussie East Coast - i'm not sure where but around (, Bryon Bay - Airlee Beach area. They were recommended Wicked Camper Vans but along with a lot of bad press and some independent bad reviews the time their an internal flight of theirs arrives (i'm not sure where) but it lands at 4pm, means the regional office where they would collect the wicked campervan from would have to stay open an extra half hour to ensure they were able to pick up the van the day they arrive. Their trip to Australia is a short one and they are on a budget and want to make every day count - they therefore need a van the day they arrive. My sister has been in contact with the company and they are unwilling to help - despite many internet searches it seems there are no alternatives to wicked campervans yet I have read that Wicked do not dominate the budget campervan market and feel there must be an alternative before one leaps into the realms of the non-affordable more high-end, campervans - if anyone can recommend any good companies for them i would be really grateful
Thanks

best kept secret in Australia

jock — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:42:18 -0400

Best kept secret in Australia

I am so wrapped I have to share a well kept secret that saved me hundreds of dollars a week. I come from Scotland and have been touring Australia with my girlfriend. I rented a campervan in Brisbane for 3 weeks and travelled up the coast to Cairns, through Mt Isa to Darwin back through Longreach and back to Brissy. Great trip but the campervan played up a bit cost us a few quid. We were a bit turned off making and unmaking and unloading and loading so we decided to leave the bed made up to save time and energy. We decided to bite the bullet and fly everywhere. We stayed in Brissy for a couple of weeks and we were looking through Gumtree and discovered a thing called a car camper yipee. We don’t have them in Scotland so didn’t really know what they were. I was dead lucky, because we hired one for 3 weeks to do our next trip best trip we’ve ever done. Brisbane to Sydney via coast road to Melbourne to Adelaide ended up in Streaky Bay fishing for 10 days (a fishing story for my grandkids) back up inner road through Canberra and Dubbo. The car camper was absolutely brilliant, automatic very comfortable everything we needed under the bed at the back and the double bed was made up all the time. We could do an easy 500kms per day no problems , with the campervan 200 kms was a long day. I can’t recommend the car camper enough by far the best way to travel, trust the Aussies to come up with this. When we get home we are going to tell all our mates. The best bit is we saved about $1200 in petrol compared to the same milage (12000k) in the campervan. The car camper never missed a beat. We are setting off with car camper to spend Christmas in Perth go up the west coast to Darwin and back to Brisbane see you on the road as I fly past LOL.

Lang may yer lum reek

Dave(jock) the flying scotsman.

Are you a backpacker looking to buy a car? Want free advice???

beko13 — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 07:10:26 -0400

LIVE WEBINAR - FOR FREE!!! Coming to Oz? Thinking of buying a car? Join this interactive FREE webinar and learn everything you need to know about buying/selling cars in Australia...you can even ask questions - FOR FREE!!!

Webinar Dates are-

1st of August: 6am Sydney Time/10pm Berlin Time (July 31st)/ 9pm London Time (July 31st)

8th of August: 7.30pm Sydney Time/11.30am Berlin Time/10.30am London Time

GO TO Travellers Autobarn website AND REGISTER TODAY (limited spaces).

We look forward to seeing and helping you with FREE advice and answering any questions so you can find the perfect car to take you on your adventure around Australia!!!

For those renting a campervan in OZ

Sugar Minott — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 05:53:56 -0500

Greetings all

Well, in the spirit of sharing experiences and advice among fellow travelers I’m writing this post. If you find yourself in the same spot it might give you some ideas on how to handle things or give you peace of mind. This post could really apply to anywhere in the world I suppose.

So this past winter break the wife and I traveled to Australia and toured around in a Backpacker camper van. Everything was fine when we pulled in to drop off the van as we made sure to take extra care to keep things tidy and clean. The girl behind the counter went away to take a look at the van and when she came back asked us if we had been in an accident. Totally catching us off guard we said not likely. We were then shown one of the sliding doors that had a section of rubbed paint/thin scratch about ½ a meter in length and 5 to 10cm in width. Since we had already paid $1400 for the insurance bond and our flight home was leaving in 3 or 4 hours there wasn’t much we could do.

Fast forward the insurance claim process, which took a bit over a month. After this was repaired and that replaced the final bill came to over $1100! They did send us documentation from the actual garage. Too bad it was only an estimate and not the actual bill. A real confidence booster, right.

So the advice part.

1. check out the damaged part with the personnel there
I know this is a common sense one, but at the shop there was no move made by the people there to point out the damaged area with the customer. In fact, the girl there had to stop someone from driving the van away so that I could see exactly what they were talking about.

2. take a picture of the damaged section
It’s like that old cliché of a picture being worth a thousand words. It also adds that element of objectivity to your own claim.

3. get an estimate on your own
This is probably the thing I wish I had done the most. Even if it costs you $50 it could potentially save you 100s. This is something I think you should do regardless of if you think the damage is purely superficial. They don’t see things like that. It’s something that could keep them honest by only fixing the damage caused by you and not the accumulated dents and scratches from others.

So really we feel totally taken advantage of. They had our $1400 and spent it generously. VAMPIRES. Thanks Backpacker camper vans for a crap experience renting a vehicle abroad.
I don’t think there really is much else that can be done about this. I do want to contact an Australian consumer watch group, governmental or otherwise, because we feel extremely done wrong by this. Anybody have any info or leads on this?

OK, enough of the rambling. Have a great trip to OZ.
Peace
Iwan

Train travel from manitoba to california USA?

karls — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:24:30 -0500

i was wondering if anybody knew of any trians that i could take to california anywhere in california but my destination is really Hollywood.

Car Insurance

JACK43 — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 15:48:56 -0400

i WOULD LIKE TO RENT IN AUSTRALIA AND WONDER IF ANYONE CAN TELL ME IF http://www.insurance4carhire.com/index.asp?sessionID=&curID=3&langID=1&refID=100&pID=47
IS A GOOD WAY TO DEAL WITH INSURANCE EXCESS COST?

Travel Cheaply in Style & Comfort!

mudsam — Sat, 08 May 2010 07:58:28 -0400

Why buy a small Campervan when you can get a Motorhome for the same price?

This Amazing 1981 Toyota Coaster has just had a face lift and is ready to go around Australia again! Not a great paint job but it certainly looks clean & tidy now. Starts first time every time and drives extremely well!

* Registered in WA until August 2010 (Can be transferred to a Backpacker without requiring a RWC if left with WA rego)
* To be sold without R.W.C.
* 4 Cyclinder Diesel
* 5 Speed Manual
* Complete engine rebuild within the past 8 years.
* 2 Spare Tyres
* New battery & starter motor
* Oil & Filter Changed recently

This motor home comes with EVERYTHING:

* Full Alpine sound system with 6 speakers, Amp and Bass Box
* Full electric hook-up for when at camping sites
* Electric/Gas Fridge
* Microwave
* TV Antenna (No TV)
* Tents, Gas Stoves, Bedding, Camp Mats, Ground Sheets, Table, Chairs
* Cutlery, Pots, Pans, Plates, Cups
* Gas Bottle
* Full impressive tool kit; Cordless drill, socket/spanner/screwdriver sets
* 2 x 20Lt Jerry Cans
* Electric extension leads
* Juggling Sticks, Binoculars
* Fishing equipment
* Sony Camcorder
* Sand Board
* Maps, Torches/Lanterns etc
* Snorkeling equipment
* 2 x Bikes
* New Curtains & Seat Covers

& to top it off it has a very comfortable KINGSIZE bed in the back or 2 singles.

Ideal for backpackers!

$8,500 or Best Offer! Don't miss out, call Steve now on 0447 127 235 or send me an email....

The Bus is Located in Noosa, Queensland.

Anyone done an Ayers Rock tour?

Tim Uden — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:32:31 -0400

I'm looking for anyone who has done an Uluru tour from Alice Springs. If you've been an Ayers Rock tour (Mulga's, the Rock Tour, Wayoutback, Wayward Bus, Wildway, Emu Run, etc), contact me as I'd like to interview you for a blog post I'm writing.

Going down the Great Ocean Road??

sammyseal19 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 12:12:04 -0500

Hi people,

I'm after some feedback on my new tour business, please search for Ridgee Didge Tour on Facebook, I'm the Great Ocean Road Tour.

As you will read I'm a very small local business, I need your help to get off the ground so to speak.

Cheers,

Sam

ford falcon still for sale in melbourne

carl — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:46:57 -0500

hey

my time here is running off, so i need to sell my car.
I'm selling a 1997 ford falcon 4.0i station wagon
it's six seated, what makes it really comfortable when driving longer distances or if you're more people.
now to the dates:

it has- 235700 km
- vic roads till the 31st of december 2010
-the last service was made at km 233000 and we changed the fan belt
- air conditioning, stereo, racv road assistance

i'm looking for about 2800

the car is in really good conditions, if you're interested call carl at 0412 68 30 45

FOR SALE: TOYOTA Tarago 2.0 Diesel Campervan

stemi — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 04:39:13 -0500

FOR SALE
TOYOTA Tarago 2.0 Diesel
Only in a Camper you can reach all the beautiful spots of Australia!!! You save plenty of money for accommodation!!

• Good condition, recently serviced (new oil-filter, fuel-filter and air-filter, oil changed, new windscreen, new
tie rod ends)
• Reliable van (travelling for 9 months without ANY problems)
• 2 Seats / build in bed / and lots of space for luggage
• Manual
• Diesel (low in fuel: 8 litres on 100 km)
• Registration until 04/2010 (WA)
• Airconditioning, Sport Steering Wheel, Alu Tires (15x6,5J)
• Radio / CD/ MP3 (new speakers)
• Bullbar, Spot lights

Included:
• double bed with mattress, curtains, mosquito net
• fan (plug in cigarette lighter)
• camping equipment (gas cooker/4kg gas incl. lantern, camping chairs+table, tarp incl. poles)
• Complete cooking equipment: pans, plates, cups etc.
• Tools, 4 storage boxes, Esky
• 220 V power converter (plug in cigarette lighter) for recharging a laptop, batteries, camera etc.
• roof racks for surfboards etc.

PRICE ONLY: $3,800 ONO

The car is for sale in: SYDNEY / NSW / Australia

CONTACT STEPHAN AND MIRIAM 0405257887
(WE SPEAK ENGLISH AND GERMAN)

melbourne: ford falcon for sale

carl — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 04:34:58 -0500

I'm selling a 1997 ford falcon 4.0i station wagon
it's six seated, what makes it really comfortable when driving longer distances or if you're more people.
now to the dates:

it has- 235700 km
- vic roads till the 31st of december 2010
-the last service was made at km 233000 and we changed the fan belt
- air conditioning, stereo, racv road assistance

the car is in really good conditions, if you're interested call carl at 0412 68 30 45

Ford Falcon Futura for sale

Ford Falcon for sale — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 05:44:50 -0500

Make: Ford
Model: Falcon Futura, 4.0
Manufactured year: 1999
Registration number: AR92VI
Registered in: NSW
Registration expires: 7 months
Approx KMs at time of advertising: 280,000

This is a very nice car. It has automatic transmission, air condition, central lock and cruise control. It comes with road side assistance, which expires in October 2010.

Backpacker gear included:
- CD-player
- 3-person tent
- Single air-matress
- Double air-matress
- Electric air-pump
- 3 camping chairs
- Towing rope
- Gas cooking set with 1 pot
- Crockery
- Fm-transmitter
- 20 liter fuel can

Contact Julie:
0429610117
+4523364737

Explore Australia with 4WD Camper !!!

Realia — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 07:39:33 -0500

For anybody, who wish to explore Australia with a 4WD camper!! The cheapest and best way to do it: visit nolimitscampers website

Melbourne Toyota Camry Wagon for sale

fgra — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:24:01 -0500

Toyota Camry Wagon, 1989

just 231,000 km, cheap economical & reliable car,
perfect for exploriang Australia (low fuel consumption), reasonable overall condition, sold without RWC

A$ 1,600

Contact:
Florian
Mobile: 0449 115 635
Email: fg.mails(at)gmx.de

Perth 4x4 Nissan Pathfinder available $3500

alanwildes — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 06:34:33 -0500

Road trip ready-camp gear available too
Recently Serviced (November)
Two New Spare Tires + Spare Belts and Hoses
Roof Rack + Ratchet straps
Jump Starter/Compressor +Tool Kit + Jerry Can (Petrol)

Call Alan on 0449 268 267....need to sell asap flights booked to Sydney!!

Jetstar Vs Virgin: The War Begins

PhunkyFeelOne — Thu, 04 Mar 2004 02:32:00 -0500

As of this week, tickets went on sale for a new budget airline here in Australia, www.jetstar.com.au (owned by QANTAS), to compete with the current budget carrier Virgin Blue www.virginblue.com.au

Both offer the same prices on the same destinations, but here are some important things to consider for those not familiar with Melbourne:

1. Jetstar fly the Sydney and Brisbane flights from a second airport called Avalon, which is a fair distance away from the city. Advice from a Melbournian would be if you are flying into or out of Melbourne from Sydney or Brisbane, choose Virgin, as they fly these flights into Tullamarine (the main airport). BUT...

2. There is a bus called Skybus (www.skybus.com.au) that runs to and from each airport to the city. Price is A$13 for a one-way trip from either airport. Best way to get between the city and the airport. Luggage restrictions apply at times.

3. The prices are pretty good from an Australian standard, as low as $59 Sydney to Melbourne one way. Now it's cheaper to fly on the east coast than bus\train.

4. To get to Perth\Darwin\Cairns, Virgin or Qantas are your options (ie. Jetstar don't fly there...yet...)

It's good news for independant travellers, make the most of it and see a bit more of Australia!

Backpacker discounts

heath1 — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:24:44 -0500

Hey All,

I have been looking at the trains going all over Australia. The tickets are considerably cheaper if you have student ID/YHA Australia membership/backpacker discount card.
I'm not a student and will be in Oz on a working holiday. I cant YHA membership as im not Australian so that leaves me backpacker discount card. Does anyone know what these are? Are they for if you come to Oz through a UK company?

Thanks.

Sydney - Campervan Available to borrow or buy

FirstBLastB — Wed, 05 Jan 2005 21:29:00 -0500

Hi, we put this page online, it may help some of you looking for a campervan or car whilst in Sydney or in Australia.

http://www.balmainlodge.com.au/directory_sydney_car_hire_rentals.html

Enjoy your travels. :)

campervan NT

jennychic — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:33:54 -0500

if anyone of you is planning a trip to Australia's Outback / nortehrn territory. Get a 4WD or check out campervans to see which vehicle suit your budget, base it according to your needs, number of people coming and your itinerary. If you would be planning an NT trip, consider the weather to see if you would need a totally airconditioned vehicle. Campervanning is the best way to experience NT saves you accommodation and freedom to see the attractions. Come on down to OZ

Prebooking passes

babyboomer — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 09:46:54 -0400

Hi Everyone

this is my first entry and I am hoping someone can add to the information about bus vs. train for me. We are going to be travelling in Oz for three months from end November, starting and ending in Sydney.

i've got the impression there are passes you can get only outside Australia - can anyone tell me which, if any are worth having? This applies to accomodation as well as transport. We wont be doing hostels - too old.

We are poor though, so all advice welcome. Havent done this since 1970. :)

PS I am listed as a junior member .... I don't think so! How do I change it?

Cairns to Alice Springs to Uluru to Darwin to Kakadu to Sydney

Sharonfee — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:14:09 -0400

I really want to see the NT and i am wondering if anyone has any ideas on the best way to see all the sights like uluru, devils marbles etc. We are leaving Cairns at the beginning of Dec 09 and aim to be in Sydney for Christmas as we fly home in Jan. Thanks:)

Perth - melbourne nov/dec melbourne - sydney dec. 4wd

charlottesmith — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 08:02:33 -0400

If anyone needs transport from perth - melbourne in the end of nov 2009 im driving over in my 4wd, should be an awesome roadtrip. it would be great to have some company and someone to share the cost of fuel with.

i will then drive up to sydney around the 6th of Dec, so if anyone needs transport get in touch

748.8

rsgoldrsmoney — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:40:22 -0400

partialnessfascinatingshopandstayedlifeandbluedaffodil

FOR SALE Ford Econovan 1991 - 2.0 Petrol

chullain — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 05:43:52 -0400

We are a german couple and we spent a wonderful time in Australia. Henry has seen a lot of Australia and he was always a great companion, a fast friend and a comfortable home.

Some Details:
- 1991 Ford Econovan
- 305 000 km
- Manual 5 stick shift
- 3 seater
- Rego until 30/01/2010 Queensland
- Unleaded fuel

Included Stuff:
- queen size bed for 2-3 people
- 2 sleeping bags, 2 pillows and 2 blankets
- hanging cabinet (for clothes)
- wall cabinet (for general stuff)
- 3 person tent
- table, 4 chairs and a lot of storage boxes
- portable gas cooking station, grill, 2 gas bottles
- toaster, kettle, double hotplate
- heater
- cooling esky (12V)
- power inverter (230V to 12V) e.g. for esky
- Pans, pots and dishes (all you need)
- electric lamp and battery lamp
- 2 petrol cans (5L) and 20L extra can, 3 water tanks
- tool box (88 parts) + other tools (set)
- many spare parts (leads, coil, spark plugs, etc.)
- extension leads for power
- big road atlas (camps 4) with free camping grounds
- many other maps around Australia

If you are interested in having a look at Henry or taking him for a test drive, call

Arthur 0434 12 05 38