In becomes more and more obvious to me that going to Australia and not having a reliable mean of transportation is close to the biggest mistake one can make.
My recent trip to Greece made me realize that public transport has the major drawback of the unpredictable arrival times. Being limited by the first/last bus/subway is frustrating and waiting an night in remote bus stations could get you into trouble (so I've heard).
It's generally accepted that Logistics are really important, no matter what you do.
So, maybe a car will be too expensive to buy/rent once I get to Oz?
A bicycle is way up on my things-to-buy-there list. (as it's slower than a car and it would give me a chance to see the views, get properly aquintanted with the neighborhood)
Yeah, and I'd buy a GPS before the car (maybe use it on the bike a little)
As a general conclusion, owning a vehicle (car, bicycle, moped, bike, horse, whatever you like and can afford) that would make getting from point A to point B hassle-free is a must for anyone that wants to have an easy life getting around.
Edit: Under the new light shed by Rod on this matter I'll just buy a cheap bicycle and will probably already have a phone with incorporated GPS. This is the best cheap alternative and will probably keep me satisfied after my arrival.
Cheers,
treaz
6 years ago
Posts
Transportation systems in Australia are great. Most of the time are on time (98.99%) and you really don't need a car (I can tell, I have being without it for 8 or 9 months now :P).
ReplyDeleteA regular car cost around a$25,000. A motorbike 5,000ish and a bicycle from a$125 up to a$8,000 (yeah, kind of the same used by lance armstrong).
Some cell phones comes with GPS included and works really smooth.
I know about the phones that come with incorporated gps (there's quite a few of them).
ReplyDeleteBut what about the battery drain? Using the gps will consume it faster. That would leave you without communication and without gps (practically lost, although I must admit that could be fun).
Rod? How much have you traveled in the city outskirts since you got there?
It drains the battery, yes... But once again, if you are using the GPS in the city outskirts is highly probable you are not walking... Syndey is really big.
ReplyDeleteRelated to my visits to other zones... Yes, I have being trying to know a little bit more of parks/cities/beaches and mountains. Everything that is train/bus reachable (that means, many places).
Obviously there are locations where car or your own transportation is necessary; but to get to that moment you will need to spend quite some time getting to know the city.
Cheers