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Back in the day, 50 cents could really take you places – and by places, I’m talking straight to your local bakery for a hot cinnamon doughnut or the school canteen for a Zooper Dooper. These days, that silver dodecagonal coin doesn’t really get you much – unless you’re living in Queensland.
In June, the Queensland Government officially passed legislation locking in permanent 50-cent fares across the state’s entire Translink network. That means future governments can never hike the price of public trains, trams, buses and ferries (excluding Airtrain services). It’s not only a major win for locals, but a huge hack for budget travellers wanting to explore the Sunshine State. Case in point: you can travel all the way from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Moreton Bay for less than a Sydney tourist pays to ride one stop on the train.
Since it was introduced in February 2025, the 50-cent fare cut has saved commuters more than $423 million. Government data reveals upwards of 200 million trips were clocked during the first 12-months alone, marking a 21.6 per cent growth in public transport use.
So, where exactly can those 50-cent coins take you? Queensland’s Translink network covers plenty of the state’s most popular coastal destinations, including Brisbane, the Whitsundays, the Fraser Coast, Townsville and Cairns. For something more off the beaten path, the flat fare also extends to regional bus services across Bundaberg, Gympie, Innisfail, Mackay, Rockhampton and Toowoomba.
While a 50-cent fare won't take you all the way from Brisbane to those regional hubs, once you arrive, their local Translink urban bus networks all cost 50 cents per ride! That means you – and your whole crew – can realistically explore each city for just a few dollars, leaving plenty in your holiday budget for dining and activities. Think whale-watching tours, sunset cruises, theme park adventures and luxury bathhouses.
The savviest travellers can journey all the way from Brisbane to the Gold Coast or Noosa for just 50 cents. Those keen on a Gold Coast getaway can catch the train from Brisbane Central down to Helensvale, then jump on the G:link light rail directly to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach or Southport. For Noosa, hop on the train from Brisbane Central to Nambour or Landsborough, then connect with the local Kinetic bus up to Maroochydore or Noosa Heads.
For something a little off the beaten track, take the Sunshine Coast line train directly from Brisbane Central all the way to Gympie North – the absolute northern tip of the 50-cent commuter rail network. Island hopping is within budget too, thanks to 50-cent ferries across Moreton Bay and 50-cent buses across the bridge to Bribie Island.