How to get to Australia without Flying

Posted by Ed
Last updated on Sat, 09/04/2011 - 7:47pm
Description

Travelling to Australia without flying is difficult, expensive, time-consuming, but also one of the most rewarding overland trips imaginable. The total journey time is something like five weeks in total, and in that time you will sit on numerous trains as well as ships. There are a few different ways that this trip can be made, but the quickest utilises the Trans-Siberian Railway as a tool for crossing continental Asia.

Singapore / Indonesia - Australia

The most difficult part of this journey is the leg between Indonesia/Singapore and Australia. The problem is, that there aren't too many good options for travelling between the countries without flying. In fact, there are only three real ways to do it, and that is by cruise liner, cargo ship or on-board a private yacht. If you wish to try any of these options, read the details found in the route details below for more detailed information. 

If you are feeling adventurous, you could head to the harbour and ask around to see if anyone is in a position to carry you on their boat. Darwin in Australia is known to be a good spot to try, as many boats heading our from Australia stop here en route.

Pricing

A journey like this would cost you over £800 (one-way). You would need to book each individual leg separately. The most difficult leg to buy would be the Indonesia - Australia segment. You can find pricing information about this leg through the link below.

The Journey

London - Paris (Eurostar Train)

London - Paris (Eurostar Train)
Mode: Rail
Journey Time: 2hrs 15mins
Price Range: from £69 return

Paris - Berlin - Moscow (Russian Railways Sleeper Train)

Mode: Rail
Journey Time: 46-51hrs
Price Range: from €333 one-way

Moscow - Vladivostok (Rossiya Trans-Siberian Railway)

Moscow - Vladivostok (Rossiya Trans-Siberian Railway)
Mode: Rail
Journey Time: 6 days +
Price Range: £420 - £700