There are, of course, airlines; Virgin Blue, JetStar and Qantas are the major carriers, augmented by a number of regional carriers. They are fast, frequent and pretty economical; for those in a hurry or with long distances to cover they represent the best way to move around. Each carrier offers their own unique selling point, but realistically, it is schedule and price that will determine who you use.

Cars and 4WD vehicle are very popular, and represent a fine way to explore. Drive a bit, fly a bit and drive a bit more; take a car for the coast and city driving and a 4WD for those outback experiences and more challenging journeys. Australia's roads are pretty good on the whole, but travelling away from the populated coastal regions really needs a more rugged vehicle. Ask us for details.

The Australian rail system is patchy, but good if it coincides with your needs. There are the iconic train journey like the Ghan, the Queenslander and the Indian Pacific in addition to local and regional routes.

These long-haul, "named" trains are wonderful; land-cruises in comfortable and convivial surroundings offering you the chance to relax and make new friends as you travel through Australia. Ride the rails from Perth across to Sydney, from Adelaide all the way to tropical Darwin or take the Queenslander between Brisbane and Cairns - after all, it is your vacation!

In between airlines and railways there is also the comprehensive Greyhound network. Covering almost the entire country and offering a vast network linking smaller towns and major cities, Australia's coach system is great. Economical, reliable and comprehensive, the coach network can play an important part in your Australian itinerary.

For those wanting to join a group rather then travel independently, there is a wide spectrum of opportunity. Traditional coach tours cover the country, and are available from three to thirty days. A new addition to the touring arsenal are "air tours"; operated by Virgin Blue, these programs use planes in lieu of coaches, and offer a comprehensive network of touring options priced for any budget.

And then, of course, there are cruises. From small ships exploring the reef or the Whitsundays to vessels carrying 100 folk into the remote northern communities, there are many cruise programs to choose from.

Planes, trains, automobiles or ships, there is a product or combination to suit everyone's budget, timeframe and interest.