Traveling around Australia is set to become cheaper and more environmentally friendly to boot, reports reveal.
The new 'Mates Rates' scheme, offered by Greyhound Australia, offers half price travel on one ticket when travelling as pair.
Robert Thomas, the coach company's Australian chief executive officer, explained that the new offer provides young people with one of the best ways to see Australia.
He said: "Mates Rates is a very Australian concept.
"[They] will cover the very popular eastern coastal routes, with only a few minor exceptions."
The added bonus is that traveling by coach produces five times less CO2 emissions than flying by airplane.
Experienced drivers also provide some insider knowledge on destinations for those
backpacking or
gap year travel, Mr Thomas added.
Environmental concerns associated with long-haul flights has been cited as one of the reasons for the lower than expected number of visitors in 2007.
Planning a
backpacking holiday? Search and book online with HostelBookers
