Passes for Down Under

Here are several programs to consider for Australia.

The Austrailpass offered by Railways of Australia is available in first or economy class for consecutive periods of 14, 21, 30, 60 or 90 days.

Based on the current rate of exchange, the 14-day pass costs about $567 U.S. first-class and $347 for economy, with the 21-day pass going for about $711 and $446, respectively.

Deluxe Coachline offers a Koala Pass for 7, 10, 14, 21, 30, 60 and 90 days, about $185 for seven days and $238 for 10 days.

Even better rates--about 30% off the Koala Pass fares--are offered on the Space Pass. However, this pass involves traveling on a standby basis, though seats can be confirmed up to four hours before departure. The Space Pass is issued in the same time periods as the Koala Pass, starting at $131 for seven days and $167 for 10 days.

The Aussie Wanderer Pass provides discount rates for four itineraries around Australia. The pass can be used anywhere on the routes and for up to 12 months. A key restriction is that you can’t repeat a place unless it’s part of the routing.

There are also several directional passes. For example, the 30-day Reef Pass covers the area between Cairns and Brisbane, which includes the Great Barrier Reef. You have to travel in one direction only, without backtracking.

All of the programs are good until Sept. 30.

Pioneer, another Australian motor coach, has Aussiepasses for 7, 10, 15, 21, 30 and 60 days, starting at $176 for the seven-day pass. A Super Aussiepass combines accommodations with the coach passes.

Contact travel agents or Australian Travel Service at (800) 232-2121, Extension 840.

Greyhound Australia has a bus pass starting at $176 for seven days. On the 15-, 21-, 30- and 60-day passes, you can stay up to seven days at a place without this time counting against your pass.

Mount Cook Line of New Zealand offers a 9-, 12-, 18-, 14-, 32- and 45-day Downunder Coach Pass good for travel in both New Zealand and Australia. The nine-day version is $221.

Contact travel agents or Greyhound International at (800) 828-1985.