Comprehensive public transportation services Queensland all the way up through the far north and parts of its interior. Don’t underestimate the distances involved; even within the state, many people choose to fly if they want to get from Brisbane to Cairns quickly. If you’ve got the time for a leisurely trip, taking a bus up the coast allows you to stop at fun spots along the way. The major busline is Greyhound Australia (☎13 20 30 or 13 14 99), and the train line is Queensland Rail (☎13 16 17). A popular bus line for those traveling up the coast is Oz Experience, which attracts backpackers almost exclusively and offers affordable passes that allow you to hop on and off wherever you want.(☎02 9213 1766; www.ozexperience.com.) If you have a few friends to chip in for costs, or if you’re traveling with a family, renting a car is an affordable convenience that will provide you with a lot of freedom. All the major car rental agencies have offices in Queensland, as do dozens of cheaper local ones. You’ll need a 4WD to tackle the area from Cooktown north through Cape York and some of the desert roads. It can be expensive, and finding an automatic transmission 4WD is tough. Even with a 4WD, roads in the tropics can be harrowing—and often impassable—during and immediately following the Wet season (Nov.-Apr.). It’s best to call the Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ; ☎13 19 05, roadside service ☎13 11 11) for road conditions. For more information on driving in Australia, see Essentials, .
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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