Travelling with children and concession fares in Australia

In all Australian networks young children travel free with an adult; the age limit is set by each state, and in most places it covers children under school age. Older children and teenagers pay a child or concession fare, which is a reduced fare compared with an adult ticket.

If you use a smart card, a child needs a card with the child fare type; an adult card charges the full fare. In New South Wales, for example, there is a Child/Youth Opal card, in Victoria a child myki and in South East Queensland a child go card. Where contactless bank cards are accepted, they are always charged as adult fares.

Concession fares for seniors, pensioners, students and people with disabilities exist in every state, but they are usually tied to Australian cards, such as a state Seniors Card, a Centrelink concession card or a local student card. Visitors with a foreign senior or student card normally pay the adult fare.

Some networks offer reduced travel for holders of interstate Seniors Cards, and international students studying in Australia may have their own rules depending on the state. Check the operator website before buying a concession product, because travelling on a concession ticket without proof of eligibility leads to a fine.

Most city buses in Australia are low-floor, with a ramp and space for a wheelchair or pram near the front door. Prams can usually be taken on board unfolded when there is room, with priority given to wheelchair users. Trains and modern trams have level or near-level boarding at most stations, while some older trams in Melbourne still have steps.

Priority seats near the doors are for older passengers, pregnant passengers and people with disabilities; give them up when asked.

On many city buses you board at the front door and greet the driver, and on regional buses it is common to signal the bus from the stop by raising your hand. Press the stop button in good time before your stop.

In summer, carry water and sun protection, especially in Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia, where waits at outdoor stops can be hot. Food and drink rules differ between networks; eating on trains and buses is often not allowed, and alcohol is generally banned.