By July 2026, full-fare travellers can use eligible contactless bank cards or devices across the major networks in Sydney, Melbourne, South East Queensland and Perth. The universal habit is simple: use one card identity for the entire journey. The local details are where the trip gets interesting.
Four cities, four accents
Sydney rewards one weekly identity
A contactless adult traveller receives the same fare and daily, weekly and weekend benefits as an Adult Opal user. Those benefits follow the payment identity, so changing from plastic card to phone halfway through the week can split the travel history.
Melbourne's old advice changed in 2026
Contactless began on selected train lines, expanded across the train network in June, reached every tram and completed the myki-enabled bus rollout by 26 July. Full-fare travellers can now use a bank card, phone or watch; concession travellers should still use the appropriate myki.
Brisbane makes the longest ride cost fifty cents
Translink accepts contactless on South East Queensland trains, trams, ferries and buses. The network's flat 50-cent journey fare applies whether you use a go card, contactless card or paper ticket, subject to normal transfer rules.
Perth sells convenience and discount separately
Contactless works on Transperth, but it does not automatically reproduce every SmartRider saving. Standard contactless fares apply, while registered SmartRider and Autoload arrangements can receive larger discounts. A short visitor can buy simplicity with a bank-card tap; a longer stay may reward the local card.
One traveller needs one token
A bank card and the same card inside a phone wallet are usually different payment tokens. Each traveller also needs a separate card or device. Keep the chosen method charged and accessible until the final tap, and separate other cards to avoid card clash.