Good news!
If you've made the move from a large city, you'll find Adelaide amazingly easy to get around.
The city's grid pattern, wide roads and relatively low traffic density means it really is only 20 minutes from the CBD to the beach or the hills.
To follow are some guidelines and regulations you may need to consider together with some resources relating to getting around Adelaide.
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Driving
Driving is still the most popular form of transport in South Australia (it is regarded as essential in regional SA). Most households have at least one car.
- Vehicles must be registered, meet standards of roadworthiness and be insured.
- The speed limit within the inner urban areas (and around many suburbs) is just 50km/h, keeping conditions sane and safe.
- The maximum speed limit on freeways is 110km/h.
- Traffic violations are dealt with quickly and effectively. Speeding fines are costly and loss of 'demerit points' can result in the loss of licence.
The Department of Transport website has information about applying for a South Australian driver's licence.
Drivers licences
A person who is the holder of a current foreign driver's licence of a particular class may drive a vehicle of that class in South Australia on the foreign driver's licence if:
- they also hold a current International Driving Permit, OR
- the foreign licence is written in English or is accompanied by an English translation of the details on the foreign licence, AND
- the person has not held a current permanent visa under the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958 for more than three months and is not disqualified from driving in South Australia or elsewhere.
After three months in SA, permanent visa holders can only drive on an SA licence.
Students, tourists and persons who are working in South Australia on current temporary visas are permitted to drive on their foreign licences as above only while the foreign licence is current.
If the foreign licence expires, a South Australian driver's licence must be obtained.
For more information, including information on applying for a South Australian driver's licence, visit the Department of Transport website.
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Walking and cycling
Adelaide is a great outdoors city with good paths. Every morning, people can be seen walking to work through the beautiful parklands.
Adelaide has extensive bike paths and cycle lanes (marked on the roads). There are, however, a few things to remember:
- By law, you must wear a helmet at all times when cycling.
- When using bicycle lanes or shared paths, always keep left and give way to pedestrians.
- All bikes must be fitted with a working bell and brakes.
- Front and rear lights are required for riding at night or in hazardous weather conditions. You must be visible from 200 metres.
The Department of Transport website has more information about safety, road rules, and maps.
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Public transport
Adelaide's public transport system is Adelaide Metro. It is a network comprising:
- buses
- trains
- tram (running from Glenelg to the inner CBD)
- O-Bahn (12km of 'guided bus' serving the northeast suburbs; the longest and fastest of its kind in the world!)
These services cover most of the metropolitan area.
The Adelaide Metro website has:
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Parking
Adelaide has the lowest carparking costs of any Australian mainland capital, with 'early bird' parking costing about $10 in the city centre.
The inner CBD is well-supplied with carparks. On-street metered parking is widely available though the closer in to the CBD, the shorter the parking time permitted.
Metered parking during working hours in the CBD usually costs around $1.60/hr.
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Country SA
South Australia benefits from superb freeways and major arterial roads. Traffic volumes are low which means safe and steady traffic flow; road maintenance is regular and efficient.
See above for more information on driving in Adelaide.
Be aware, however, of country road hazards: street lighting is restricted to towns, so regional drivers should be especially wary of wildlife on roads. In some parts of the State, large animals like kangaroos and emus can present significant hazards.
Unsealed minor roads are a fact of life in country SA; keeping speeds low is always a sensible policy.
The state is well serviced by bus companies that connect Adelaide with the major centres. Luxury coaches (many of them with on-board video) are a comfortable and affordable option. Bus SA is a network of different bus companies operating services to many parts of rural SA.
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Train
The famous Ghan railway line operating out of Adelaide services Alice Springs and Darwin. The Overland will take you to Melbourne, the Indian Pacific to Perth.
All are considered to be among the world's great rail journeys. See the Great Southern Rail website for more information.
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Flying
Regional airline Rex serves the major centres around South Australia. Flights are efficient, regular and affordable.
Adelaide International Airport
Adelaide Airport is located just 6km outside the CBD. After being upgraded in 2006 it was voted Australia's best capital city airport.
Australia's domestic airline industry has become increasingly competitive, resulting in more people flying and lower fares. Cheap flights are always advertised.
If you have business interstate, most Australian capitals are within a relatively short flying time. Typical flight times from Adelaide:
- 1 hour 15 minutes to Melbourne
- 1 hour 40 minutes to Canberra
- 1 hour 50 minutes to Sydney
- 2 hours 15 minutes to Brisbane
- 3 hours to Perth
- 3 hours 35 minutes to Darwin
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Links to transport websites
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