There’s something uniquely refreshing about interstate holidays – no passports, no currency exchange, no jet lag – just the open road or a quick flight and a whole new part of the country to explore. While interstate adventures are often more simple than overseas holidays to foreign destinations, that doesn’t mean they’re effortless. Even if you’re just popping over the border, there are still a few key travel tips for interstate holidays that will help you travel with ease and confidence.
Plan around public holidays and school terms
Aussies love to travel domestically, and popular interstate holiday destinations book out quickly during long weekends and school holidays which can lead to higher accommodation costs and crowded attractions. Travelling during off-peak periods not only gets you better deals but also a more relaxed, authentic local experience. Don’t forget that public holidays and school terms differ from state to state, so check online to avoid any unplanned impact on your travel.
Pack for wildly different weather
Australia is big, and weather can vary significantly between states – and even within the same state. Pack layers to ensure you aren’t caught out by a heatwave, rain or chilly evenings when temperatures can drop drastically. Regardless of the destination of your interstate holiday or the time of year, don’t forget to pack sun-safe clothing, a hat and sunscreen – UV levels can be high across the country year-round.
Be prepared to be offline
When travelling interstate in Australia – especially through regional or remote areas – don’t assume you’ll always have mobile reception or internet access. Coverage can drop out entirely in places like the outback, national parks and long stretches of the coast. One of the top travel tips for interstate travel is to download offline maps, travel guides, playlists and any important booking confirmations before you head off. If you’re going fully off-grid, it’s also advisable to let someone know your travel route.
Stay safe and respect local rules and communities
What’s legal in one state might be restricted in another – this includes speed limits, alcohol laws, mobile phone usage and even pet travel rules. Check border rules and travel requirements on state government websites to avoid fines. There are also strict biosecurity laws between states. Know what fruit and vegetables you can and can’t take across borders. If in doubt, dispose of items in the quarantine bins located at major checkpoints or in airports.
Be flexible and go with the flow
One of the best travel tips for interstate travel in Australia? Be open to the unexpected. Even the best planned interstate holidays can unfold in surprising ways. Weather can shift, roads can flood, or you might fall in love with a small town and want to stay an extra night. Where possible, leave a little wiggle room in your schedule. Some of the best travel memories come from unexpected discoveries and spontaneous detours.
Kick off your interstate holidays with Airtrain
Airtrain is your gateway between Brisbane and the rest of the Australia and beyond. We meet 95% of all flights, bypassing the traffic and unexpected delays.
Airtrain is the fast and economical way to travel with tickets starting from $16 per person (based on two adults or more). In only 20 minutes you will travel directly from Brisbane Airport to the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Fully integrated with the Translink network, catching Airtrain means you can easily access other Brisbane trains to or from the suburbs.
The go card is accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane and the Gold Coast. All South East Queensland train stations, including the Domestic and International Airtrain stations at Brisbane Airport, also have the Smart Ticketing system. Simply tap and travel with Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
While interstate adventures are often more simple than overseas holidays to foreign destinations, that doesn’t mean they’re effortless. Even if you’re just popping over the border, there are still a few key travel tips that will help you travel with ease and confidence.
Plan around public holidays and school terms
Aussies love to travel domestically, and popular interstate holiday destinations book out quickly during long weekends and school holidays which can lead to higher accommodation costs and crowded attractions. Travelling during off-peak periods not only gets you better deals but also a more relaxed, authentic local experience. Don’t forget that public holidays and school terms differ from state to state, so check online to avoid any unplanned impact on your travel.
Pack for wildly different weather
Australia is big, and weather can vary significantly between states – and even within the same state. Pack layers to ensure you aren’t caught out by a heatwave, rain or chilly evenings when temperatures can drop drastically. Regardless of the destination of your interstate holiday or the time of year, don’t forget to pack sun-safe clothing, a hat and sunscreen – UV levels can be high across the country year-round.
Be prepared to be offline
When travelling interstate in Australia – especially through regional or remote areas – don’t assume you’ll always have mobile reception or internet access. Coverage can drop out entirely in places like the outback, national parks and long stretches of the coast. One of the top travel tips for interstate travel is to download offline maps, travel guides, playlists and any important booking confirmations before you head off. If you’re going fully off-grid, it’s also advisable to let someone know your travel route.
Stay safe and respect local rules and communities
What’s legal in one state might be restricted in another – this includes speed limits, alcohol laws, mobile phone usage and even pet travel rules. Check border rules and travel requirements on state government websites to avoid fines. There are also strict biosecurity laws between states. Know what fruit and vegetables you can and can’t take across borders. If in doubt, dispose of items in the quarantine bins located at major checkpoints or in airports.
Be flexible and go with the flow
One of the best travel tips for interstate travel in Australia? Be open to the unexpected. Even the best planned interstate holidays can unfold in surprising ways. Weather can shift, roads can flood, or you might fall in love with a small town and want to stay an extra night. Where possible, leave a little wiggle room in your schedule. Some of the best travel memories come from unexpected discoveries and spontaneous detours.
Kick off your interstate holidays with Airtrain
Airtrain is your gateway between Brisbane and the rest of the Australia and beyond. We meet 95% of all flights, bypassing the traffic and unexpected delays.
Airtrain is the fast and economical way to travel with tickets starting from $16 per person (based on two adults or more). In only 20 minutes you will travel directly from Brisbane Airport to the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. Fully integrated with the Translink network, catching Airtrain means you can easily access other Brisbane trains to or from the suburbs.
The go card is accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane and the Gold Coast. All South East Queensland train stations, including the Domestic and International Airtrain stations at Brisbane Airport, also have the Smart Ticketing system. Simply tap and travel with Visa, Mastercard and American Express.