Meet the finalists for for Australia’s ‘Best Transport Provider’ at this year’s Golden Backpack Awards.
Great Southern Rail
Aiming to offer exceptional service on journeys through a rich diversity of Australian landscapes, Great Southern Rail looks to inspire a passion for travel by train. Operating four different trains including the The Ghan and The Overland, the company isn’t just content with getting customers from A to B. The introduction of initiatives such as the Great Southern Rail holiday programme and the introduction of Platinum Service show their commitment to tourism growth. There’s also a firm dedication to revolutionising long-distance train travel, with a hallmark Gold Service offering en suite sleeper accommodation for travellers who like their comfort.
Greyhound Australia
With a catchy tagline of ‘Connecting People With People’, Greyhound Australia puts its 100 years of experience to good use, providing comfortable, hassle-free and affordable coach services to people all over the country. Covering every nook and cranny of Australia, both on the beaten track and off it, the company seeks to help travellers truly experience the beauty the country has to offer. Each coach is driven by an experienced captain with a wealth of knowledge on all things Australia, while travellers can choose to hop on wherever and whenever they like. Every bus is fitted with large, panoramic windows and oversized seats for ultimate comfort, with USB chargers and Wi-Fi connectivity can be found on the company’s newest fleet.
Integrity Coach Lines
As Western Australia’s premier provider from coach travel from Perth to Broome to everywhere in between, Integrity Coach Lines has built up a solid reputation with travellers. Whether you’re after a sunset camel ride on the beach or a snorkel along the Ningaloo Reef, Integrity will take you there in a coach kitted out with TV and DVD facilities, plus air conditioning and handy toilets. You can also take advantage of a number of ticketing options, from express journeys to hop-on hop-off tours. Tickets are available both online and via booking agents across Australia.
Jetstar
As Australia’s low fares carrier, Jetstar now operates across 19 Australian domestic destinations, covering all tourist favourites such as Uluru, Whitsunday Coast and Cairns. The company also flies out internationally, with pit stops in New Zealand and across Asia, Fiji and Hawaii. Unlike other budget airlines, aircrafts are fitted with economy and business class seating, the latter of which including wide leather seats, a personal entertainment system and three-course lunches and dinners. Jetstar don’t just stop there – travellers can also book hotels, cars, insurance and activities through the company enabling an all-round Australian experience.
Premier
Operating a modern fleet of luxury coaches along Australia’s East coast, Premier motor service aims to get you from one place to another in both comfort and style. Coaches are equipped with seatbelts, climate controlled air conditioning, aircraft style recliner seating, panoramic glare-free windows – oh, and a handy on-board washroom and toilet. Entertainment comes in the form of video (if you can tear yourself away from the stunning outdoor scenery, that is).
Queensland Rail
Instilled with a proud history of contributing to the state’s economic, social and regional development, Queensland Rail has developed throughout its 148-year history to meet the region’s changing needs. The company’s major business includes long distance trains and rail holidays. Some 55 million passengers use the outback and coastal services every year, which link Brisbane to places such as Longreach, Charleville and Cairns. Streamline trains run the length of the region’s network, while trains on longer routes are normally fitted with luggage racks and toilet facilities for extra passenger convenience.
Qantas
Think of Qantas and you conjure up the image of the iconic red and white kangaroo logo emblazoned across planes flying all over the world. Founded in the Queensland outback in 1920, Qantas is now Australia’s largest domestic and international airline – and one of its most recognisable brands. Having built up a reputation for excellence in safety and customer service, the airline employs more than 33,000 people, with 93 per cent of them based within Australia. Economy, business and first class seats offer up mod cons to keep travellers entertained, with first class suites featuring a fully flat and wide bed – combined with luxurious pillows and a sheepskin mattress, naturally.
Tigerair
Although based in Singapore, Tigerair flies to more than 50 destinations across Australia and Asia. The company empowers people to explore new destinations and accumulate memorable experiences by offering an increased network of destinations and affordable travel options. In terms of Australia, the airline brings travellers closer to all of the country’s greatest sights, from Perth to Hobart, via Brisbane and Darwin. Providing an all-encompassing travel experience, Tigerair also provides a platform for guests to book hotels, car rentals and travel insurance, as well as complete holiday packages.
Virgin Australia
Part of the world-renowned group headed up by Richard Branson, Virgin Australia entered the Australian aviation market in May 2011. From humble beginnings of just one route and two aircrafts, the company now flies to more than 40 coastal and inland destinations dotted around the country. Aircrafts are now fitted with business class seats, as well as the famous Red in-flight entertainment systems on A330s. Staff are always on hand to help with a swift journey, with premium valet parking plus airport transfers available. When booking with Virgin Australia, you can also take advantage of its range of travel extras, from car hire to tours and activities.
