ASIA-PACIFIC ISSUE: ENCHANTMENTS OF THE FAR EAST : Railroad and Bus Pass Available for Australia

Railways of Australia, in conjunction with Greyhound Australia, is offering a “Kangaroo Road ‘n Rail” pass that combines train and bus travel.

The passes, available in either first-class or economy, allow unlimited travel for 14, 21 or 28 days. The 14-day pass costs $432 economy and $685 first-class; a 21-day pass goes for $593 economy and $822 first-class, and a 28-day pass costs $755 and $1,004.

Another option via Railways of Australia is the “Austrailpass,” which offers unlimited rail travel for 14 to 90 days. A two-week economy pass is priced at $344, first-class $573; a three-week pass costs $444 economy, $706 first-class; a monthlong pass is $450 economy, $872 first-class; the 60-day pass goes for $772 and $1,212, and the 90-day pass is $888 and $1,394.

A pass from Bus Australia offers unlimited coach tavel throughout the country. A seven-day pass costs $250; 10 days, $319; 15 days, $403; 21 days, $549; 30 days, $676; 60 days, $1,110, and 90 days, $1,496.

Greyhound Australia has an “Aussie Bus Pass” offering unlimited travel for seven to 120 days. The seven-day version costs $242; 10 days, $307; 15 days, $389; 21 days, $529; 30 days, $651; 60 days, $1,070; 90 days, $1,442, and 120 days, $1,584.

For the duration of the “Aussie Bus Pass,” travelers can also get 20% off half-day city sightseeing tours in Melbourne, Sydney, Alice Springs, Cairns, Darwin and Perth; 50% off a day city tour around Adelaide, and 35% off tours to Ayers Rock.

Greyhound Australia and New Zealand’s Mount Cook Line have a “Down Under Coach Pass” that offers unlimited bus travel in both countries. A nine-day pass costs $248; 12 days, $296; 18 days, $376; 24 days, $472; 32 days, $616, and 45 days, $780.

Discounts from 10% to 20% are also available with the “Down Under” pass to various sightseeing excursions in New Zealand, including glacier flights and harbor cruises.

Any of the passes can be purchased in the United States or Australia. Rates are valid through March 31, 1992.

Contact travel agents or ATS Tours, which represents Railways of Australia and Bus Australia, at (800) 423-2880, or Greyhound Australia at (800) 828-1985.