Updated: March 2025
Australia is big. Like, really big. And if you're travelling without a car, it doesn't take long before you hit that wall: buses don't go everywhere, flights are expensive, and let's be honest — hitchhiking can be a bit hit-or-miss.
The solution? Carpooling. Known in Australia as "getting a lift", ridesharing connects travellers with drivers heading in the same direction — often for just a share of the fuel. It's cheap, social, and unlocks parts of the country that public transport will never reach.
In this complete guide to carpooling in Australia, we'll show you:
Let's be honest: buses (like Greyhound or Premier) only take you along the major east coast route. Carpooling lets you go further — to outback towns, regional farm work zones, surf spots, national parks, and local festivals that you'd never reach otherwise.
"I found a ride to a tiny town in Tasmania to look for farm work," says Sophie from France. "Two days later, I had a job and was staying with locals. That trip changed everything for me."
Here's what it might cost you to travel between cities:
💡 Whether you're a driver or passenger, everyone wins. Drivers offset their fuel costs. Passengers avoid overpriced tickets. Plus, no need to stress about rental vans or buying your own car for a short trip.
You're not just splitting fuel — you're sharing a journey. Some of the best stories come from long road trips with strangers who become friends.
"One guy I picked up was a mechanic — he helped me fix my brakes mid-trip," says Liam from the UK. "Another shared his Spotify playlist and we ended up singing together through the whole desert."
Not sure what's the best option for your trip? Here's a practical comparison 👇
Whether you've got wheels or not, here are the best ways to get started with carpooling in Australia:
Backpackers in every major city have WhatsApp chats for ride offers:
Carpooling's awesome — but like anything, it's better when you travel smart:
If you've got a car in Australia — even a beat-up old sedan — you're already in demand. Passengers are always looking for lifts, especially outside the big cities. Post your route on Rooride and you'll likely find travellers ready to split the cost and share the ride.
"I wasn't even planning to post," says Alex from Germany. "But I tried Rooride for my Cairns to Townsville trip and filled all 3 seats in one day. It basically paid for fuel and lunch."
You don't need to be a professional — just a friendly driver who wants to save money, help people out, and maybe meet some cool humans on the road.
Carpooling in Australia is more than just transport — it's a way to connect, to discover, to live the full backpacker experience. Whether you're driving or riding shotgun, every trip becomes a story.
So go on — post your route, join a lift, and see where the road takes you.
With Rooride and a bit of curiosity, you'll never travel the same way again.
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