[dracoaus]

Hi all

I'm planning a trip to fly to Adelaide, travel up to Darwin and then fly back to Sydney

As a backpacker i'd like to avoid taking taxis unless im absolutely forced to ... so are there any recommended budget bus companies or other means of transport that operate fairly often:

1. From Adelaide airport -> CBD

2. From Darwin CBD -> Airport

[Mal]

From ADL airport, there is a council subsidised bus. IIRC, it's only a few $ return.

Next best option is a shuttle service at around $10 each way. Taxis' aren't that much more.

From DRW, things might get tricky. The cab fare isn't too much (I think around $15 ... similar to Adelaide really). I believe a bus also operates for around $10 e.w or so (dropping you off in the centre of town)

Some URL's that might help:

Flying with Us - At the Airport - Airport Guide - Darwin Airport (Darwin)
Welcome to the Adelaide Metro Website

[SF&]

Hostels offer free pick ups if u r backpacking

In darwin around town use the arafura shuttle by far the cheapest and best way around town

[dracoaus]

thanks to both of you for the tips

[ethernet]

Darwin shuttle bus is now $11. Hostel bus competition has vanished (boo hiss) but it is said refunded if you stay 3-4 days in some hostels.
Right now the Avis 3 day for $99 special (only 100ks a day) that adds up to $111 odd seems the best deal going (but petrol $1.62 a litre). The 24 Hour United service stations were 10 cents a litre cheaper on Bagot road - use these to top up on the way back - not shell or BP,
The Air Raid Lodge on Cavenagh is $75 twin is the cheapest non hostel I found and stayed at - but you will need to pre-book, and dont expect to get a non-blurred picture on the in room TV's, Otherwise $150 and up elsewhere. Suutable for those who don't feel ashamed of being seen in an RSL club.

Next bet is Value Inn although booked out on lastminute etc, had deals available, but Mitchel St is noisy . Woolworths has worlds longest fast service lines.

You can save a few bucks advance purchasing topendtours.com.au bus trips - Kakadu and Katherine falls are relative trickles, but Litchfield is better.

BTW saw some funny business names - Grumpy Baker, and "Quack Pest Control - where all out patients die". The Naval Musuem had a video which claimed Darwin had pre-warning of the air raid - but this was apparently ignored.

Jetstar DRW to SIN flights are all quite empty at present, and I think Tiger has some $8 deals (plus 190 dollar taxes) to Singabore now,

[Travel Guru]

Adelaide is serviced by public transport buses which depart outside the departures ramp upstairs.

TG

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by ethernet

Woolworths has worlds longest fast service lines.

This needs some research. I thought the Woolworths in Perth CBD has the longest lines.

[vitaminp]

Originally Posted by oz_mark

This needs some research. I thought the Woolworths in Perth CBD has the longest lines.

That is correct. Although on the upside, at the back of the line you can get your deli meats while waiting, then your bread and then vegetables as you slowly reach the registers...

[straitman]

Originally Posted by vitaminp

That is correct. Although on the upside, at the back of the line you can get your deli meats while waiting, then your bread and then vegetables as you slowly reach the registers...

... and probably time to eat half the stuff before the checkout also. Therefore cheaper.

[oz_mark]

Originally Posted by straitman

... and probably time to eat half the stuff before the checkout also. Therefore cheaper.

Maybe next time I am in there I should take a toasted sandwich maker - the line takes you past all the ingredients and you certainly have time to do the cooking!