Useful Links

For Travelling the Outback in Style

Planning a trip around Australia as a retiree or senior? If you’re looking for the best places to stay, must-see attractions, or practical tips to make your journey smoother, you’ll find everything you need here. Our resources have been carefully selected to provide reliable and up-to-date information for your outback adventures, whether you’re interested in South Australia outback tours or tours to Longreach and Winton from Brisbane. 

 

Our essential gear checklists and route planning guides ensure that you’re well-prepared and ready to hit the road without stress. We cover important topics such as vehicle maintenance, safety tips, and packing advice to help retirees fully enjoy their trip through the diverse regions of Australia. Whether you’re exploring the vast outback landscapes of South Australia or heading to Longreach and Winton for an iconic Aussie adventure, our guides provide all the information you need for an incredible experience. 

 

Plus, we’ve added some fun extras to make your adventure even more memorable, such as campfire singalong guides and suggestions for unique stops along the way. With our resources, seniors can plan their dream journey, making the most of Australia’s breathtaking outback and all the hidden treasures it has to offer. 

How to Use This Page

Browse through the categories below to find the information you need for every part of your trip. From tourist information to accommodation options, these links are designed to make your planning process as easy as possible.

Note Checklist

State Based Transport Cards

New South Wales (NSW) – Opal Card

South Australia (SA) – MetroCARD

Northern Territory (NT) – Tap and Ride Card

Victoria (VIC) – Myki Card

Western Australia (WA) – SmartRider

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – MyWay Card

Queensland (QLD) – go Card

Tasmania (TAS) – Greencard

Australian Public Transport Resource

State-by-state Breakdown of What each Seniors Card offers

Australia-Wide – Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card is issued by the Australian government and provides discounts on prescriptions and medical services, but it does not include direct travel benefits. However, the Seniors Card issued by each state offers specific travel perks for local public transport and long-distance services. 

New South Wales (NSW) – NSW Seniors Card and Gold Opal Card

Travel Benefits

  • Free and discounted travel: Seniors Card holders are eligible for the Gold Opal Card, which provides unlimited travel on public transport (buses, trains, ferries, and light rail) for just $2.50 per day.
  • Regional Seniors Travel Card: A $250 pre-paid card for eligible seniors in regional areas to use on fuel, taxi, or travel costs.

How to Claim

NSW Seniors Card Application

Victoria (VIC) – Seniors Card and Free Travel Voucher

Travel Benefits

  • Free Annual Travel Voucher: Victorian Seniors Card holders receive two free travel vouchers each year for economy-class travel on V/Line trains and coaches. 
  • Free Travel Week: During Seniors Week in October, seniors can travel for free on public transport across the state. 

How to Claim

  • Free Travel Vouchers: Vouchers are automatically sent to eligible seniors. More info: Free Travel Vouchers
  • Free Travel Week: Simply present your Seniors Card during the designated week.

VIC Seniors Card Application

Queensland (QLD) – Seniors Card and Concession go Card

Travel Benefits

  • Discounted Public Transport: Queensland Seniors Card holders can apply for a Concession go Card to receive discounted fares on trains, buses, ferries, and trams in South East Queensland. 
  • Free Train Travel: Seniors Card holders can also travel for free on regional rail services after a certain number of paid trips (usually after 8 paid journeys in a calendar month). 

How to Claim

Concession go Card: Apply here: Concession go Card

QLD Seniors Card Application

South Australia (SA) – Seniors Card and MetroCARD

Travel Benefits

  • Free Public Transport: South Australian Seniors Card holders travel for free on Adelaide Metro buses, trains, and trams during off-peak times (9:01am to 3:00pm, all weekend, and public holidays). 

How to Claim

MetroCARD Senior: Apply here for a Senior MetroCARD, which gives free and discounted fares: MetroCARD Senior

SA Seniors Card Application

Western Australia (WA) – WA Seniors Card and SmartRider

Travel Benefits

  • Free Public Transport: WA Seniors Card holders can travel for free on Transperth services (buses, trains, ferries) during off-peak times (9am to 3:30pm and after 7pm on weekdays, and all weekend). 
  • Regional Free Travel: Seniors can also apply for up to 4 free Transwa journeys each year for regional rail and coach services. 

How to Claim

  • SmartRider Card: Seniors can apply for the Seniors SmartRider Card to access free travel: SmartRider Car
  • Free Regional Journeys: Find out how to claim Transwa free journeys here: Free Regional Journeys

WA Seniors Card Application

Tasmania (TAS) – Seniors Card and Greencard

Travel Benefits

  • Free Public Transport: Tasmanian Seniors Card holders can travel for free on public transport during Seniors Week in October. 
  • Discounted Travel: Seniors receive discounted fares on all public transport in Tasmania. 

How to Claim

Simply use your Seniors Card or Greencard when travelling. 

TAS Seniors Card

Northern Territory (NT) – Seniors Card and Tap and Ride

Travel Benefits

Tap and Ride Card: Seniors Card holders can apply for free public transport here: Tap and Ride Card

How to Claim

  • SmartRider Card: Seniors can apply for the Seniors SmartRider Card to access free travel: SmartRider Car
  • Free Regional Journeys: Find out how to claim Transwa free journeys here: Free Regional Journeys

NT Seniors Card Application

Australian Capital Territory (ACT) – Seniors Card and MyWay

Travel Benefits

  • Free Off-Peak Travel: ACT Seniors Card holders can travel for free during off-peak periods (between 9am and 4:30pm, and after 6pm on weekdays, as well as all weekend). 
  • Discounted Travel: Seniors enjoy discounted fares at all other times. 

How to Claim

MyWay Card: Seniors can apply for a Seniors MyWay Card to access these benefits: MyWay Card

ACT Seniors Card Application 

Bonus: Share Your Own Useful Links

Do you have links or has helped you before? We’re always looking for new ideas to add to our resources. Submit your own links or tips, and help your fellow travellers plan their dream outback trips.

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