Australia Airports

For a country of such size, it is no wonder that Australia has a good complement of airports, both international and domestic, as well as many smaller, regional terminals. Australia has a good road network, but with most of the interior and the north of the country being desert, flying is the only feasible transport option for reaching many parts of the country. If you're heading to Australia but are short on time, check out our Guide to Australia, or our 24hr Guide to Sydney.

Budget airlines have taken Australia by storm and travelling great distances between cities such as Sydney and Darwin has never been cheaper. There are literally scores of airports in Australia, including at least one major international airport in each state capital, making all important urban centres easily accessible.

Sydney's Kingsford Smith International Airport is Australia's premier airport, with approximately 30-million passengers arriving and departing from here every year. Located conveniently close to Sydney's city centre, the airport has excellent facilities and boasts four terminals: international, domestic, a Qantas and an express terminal.

The underground Airport Rail Link connects the terminals and the airport with central Sydney and its suburbs. Airport Rail Link stations can be found at all terminals excluding the Express Terminal, while an efficient bus network also serves Kingsford Smith.

Melbourne's Tullamarine International Airport carries about half the traffic of Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport and is an important hub for Victoria and the south of Australia. The airport handles international and domestic flights and is situated about 15 miles northwest of the city. The efficient SkyBus provides city and hotel access, while the Citylink toll road will get you to the city quickly.

Brisbane International Airport is a convenient facility to fly into if you are heading for the Gold Coast or northern New South Wales. The airport is served by about 40 carriers, with an extensive schedule that serves cities across the globe. There is an international and a domestic terminal at the airport, and shuttle buses operate services to the city throughout the day, while the Airtrain Rail Link offers efficient rail transport.