Australia's Best Mobile Network Test (2025): Telstra vs Optus

Landing in Australia is an incredible feeling. The vast landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities are calling. But before you can post that first kangaroo selfie, you face a critical decision: how do you get online? Choosing the best mobile network in Australia can feel like a gamble. Will your map load in Melbourne’s hidden laneways? Can you video call home from the shores of Bondi Beach?

Forget marketing claims. We wanted real answers. So, we put the ‘big three’ Australian mobile carriers—Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone—to the test. We traveled to Sydney, Melbourne, and Cairns with a fistful of local SIM cards and ran real-world tests to see who truly offers the best coverage and data speed for tourists. We also compared this traditional, often frustrating process with the seamless experience of an eSIM.

Ready to stay connected Down Under without the hassle? Let’s dive in. And if you want to skip the queues and get connected the moment you land, check out Yoho Mobile’s flexible eSIM plans for Australia today.

The Contenders: Australia’s Mobile Network Giants

Before we get to the results, let’s briefly introduce the players. Australia’s mobile landscape is dominated by three major providers, each with a distinct reputation:

• Telstra: Widely regarded as the giant with the most extensive network coverage, especially in rural and remote areas. It often comes with a premium price tag.
• Optus: A strong competitor, known for offering a good balance of coverage, speed, and value, particularly in metropolitan areas.
• Vodafone: Often the most budget-friendly option, with a robust network in major cities but historically less coverage in regional parts of the country.

For a traveler sticking to the main tourist hubs, any of these could work. But as we discovered, performance can vary significantly from one spot to the next.

The Real-World Test: Sydney, Melbourne & Cairns

Our methodology was simple: visit popular tourist spots in each city at different times of the day and run multiple speed tests, check social media loading times, and attempt video calls. We wanted to simulate exactly how a tourist would use their phone.

Sydney: Harbour Views and Beach Crowds

Our first stop was Sydney. In the bustling CBD near Circular Quay, all three networks performed admirably. We saw impressive data speed from all providers, with Telstra having a slight edge. The real test of Telstra vs Optus coverage in Sydney for tourists came at a crowded Bondi Beach on a Sunday afternoon. Here, Optus and Telstra maintained strong, usable 5G connections, while Vodafone’s data speed felt noticeably slower, likely due to network congestion.

• Winner in Sydney: Telstra, for its consistent high performance in both central and crowded locations.

Melbourne: Laneway Cafes and Tram Rides

Next, we explored Melbourne’s famous laneways. Tucked between historic buildings, getting a signal can be tricky. We tested the Vodafone data speed in Melbourne CBD and found it to be surprisingly strong, keeping up with Optus. Telstra remained reliable, but the performance gap wasn’t as wide as in Sydney. While riding the iconic trams, all three networks provided seamless streaming and browsing, making navigation a breeze.

• Winner in Melbourne: A tie between Optus and Telstra, with Vodafone as a very competitive third.

Cairns: Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef

Cairns, the gateway to tropical North Queensland, presents a different challenge. While the city center is well-covered, we wanted to know the best mobile data for travel in Cairns and its surroundings. Here, Telstra’s reputation for regional strength was undeniable. While Optus and Vodafone were perfectly fine within the city itself, as soon as we headed towards more remote beaches north of the city, Telstra’s signal was the only one that remained consistently strong.

• Winner in Cairns: Telstra, by a significant margin for anyone venturing beyond the city limits.

The Old Way vs. The Smart Way: Physical SIM vs. eSIM

While conducting our tests was insightful, the process of acquiring three different physical SIM cards was a painful reminder of old travel hassles. It involved finding a store, waiting in line, dealing with registration paperwork, and physically swapping tiny plastic cards. This is a frustrating start to any holiday.

This is where an Australia eSIM changes the game. Instead of wasting precious vacation time, you can have your data plan ready before you even leave home.

With a Yoho Mobile eSIM, the answer to ‘how to get internet in Australia as a tourist’ is simple: buy online, and activate digitally. For iOS users, it’s even easier—no QR codes to scan, just tap ‘Install’ after purchase and your phone is ready in under a minute. It’s the ultimate travel convenience. You can check if your device is ready for this upgrade on our eSIM compatible device list.

Why Yoho Mobile is Your Ultimate Australian Travel Partner

Based on our tests, you need a reliable network. Yoho Mobile partners with premium local carriers to ensure you get the high-quality coverage you need, without being locked into one provider. But we offer more than just a great signal:

• Flexible Plans: Don’t pay for what you don’t need. Customize your data, duration, and even combine countries to create the perfect plan for your trip. Build your ideal Australia plan here.
• Yoho Care: Ever run out of data at a critical moment? With Yoho Care, you’re never truly disconnected. Even if your high-speed data is used up, we provide a backup connection to keep you online for essential services like maps and messaging. Learn more about this unique feature at About Yoho Care.
• Instant Connectivity: Install your eSIM from the comfort of your home and activate it the moment you land in Australia. Start your adventure without missing a beat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the best mobile network for coverage across all of Australia?
Based on extensive reports and our own targeted tests, Telstra consistently offers the widest and most reliable network coverage, especially if you plan to travel to rural or remote areas outside of the major cities. For most tourists visiting urban centers, Optus is also an excellent and often more affordable choice.

Q: Is it better to get an eSIM or a physical SIM card for Australia?
An eSIM is far more convenient for travelers. You can purchase and install it before your trip, avoiding airport queues and store visits. This means you have data access the second you land. An eSIM also prevents you from losing your primary SIM card and allows you to use dual-SIM functionality, which is a major advantage of the eSIM vs physical SIM card for Australia travel debate.

Q: How much mobile data will I need for a trip to Australia?
This depends on your usage. For a 1-2 week trip involving regular use of maps, social media, and some light streaming, a plan with 5-10GB should be sufficient. If you are a heavy user or will be working remotely, consider 20GB or more. With Yoho Mobile’s flexible plans, you can choose the exact amount you need and easily top up if required.

Q: Can I use my phone from home in Australia?
Yes, as long as your phone is ‘unlocked’ (not tied to your home carrier) and supports the network bands used in Australia, it will work. Most modern smartphones are compatible. Using an eSIM is an easy way to get connected without needing to worry about your home provider’s expensive international roaming costs.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Your Australian Adventure

Our tests confirmed that while Telstra offers the most robust overall coverage, especially in regional areas, Optus and Vodafone are strong contenders within city limits. However, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just about which network was fastest—it was about the entire experience. The traditional method of buying a local tourist SIM card is outdated, time-consuming, and inconvenient.

The clear winner for the modern traveler is an eSIM. It offers unparalleled convenience, allowing you to get online instantly upon arrival. With Yoho Mobile, you not only tap into Australia’s top networks but also gain the flexibility of customized plans and the peace of mind of Yoho Care.

Don’t start your Australian journey in a phone store. Start it the moment you step off the plane. Explore Yoho Mobile’s eSIM plans for Australia and travel smarter.