Since 1966 Murrays Coaches has grown into one of the country's largest coach companies with a world-wide reputation for excellence. We are privileged to be the appointed transport provider for many of Australia's leading organisations.
Innovation is at the heart of our business. Originally a travel agent, Ron Murray diversified through the 80's and 90's with a variety of tourism business including: day tour operations, a pub, sheep stations, cruise companies as well as buses and coaches. This period also saw rapid growth for our business with expansions from Canberra into Sydney, Gold Coast, Cairns and Melbourne. Often, on invitation from existing customers.
Proudly, in 2005 Ron Murray was recognised for his services to the tourism and transport industry by being awarded an Order of Australia.
Today we operate significant business in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Chinchilla. We employ more than 400 staff and our pristine white coaches have become synonymous with quality.
Murrays Coaches was born from a family of travel pioneers. Founder Ron Murray followed in the footsteps of his great-uncle, who guided early tourists in 1910. After studying engineering and accounting, Ron began a journey that would redefine coach travel in Australia.
At just 19, Ron opened a travel agency in Queanbeyan, NSW. This small-town agency was the first milestone in what would become a national coach network.
Ron invested in the local Gundaroo Pub. To boost business, he began transporting guests from Canberra—unwittingly laying the foundation for his future transport empire.
What began with Ron purchasing his father’s school bus soon evolved into much more. Group trips from Canberra to the Gundaroo Pub sparked a legacy of warm hospitality and reliable service. At the same time, the acquisition of Canberra Cruises brought fine dining to Lake Burley Griffin, offering bespoke experiences aboard luxury vessels. Whether by road or water, Murrays was already setting a new standard for Australian travel.
As Canberra’s reputation grew, so did demand for private group tours—especially from Japan. Ron responded by partnering with the Japanese embassy to provide language-specific guides, paving the way for tailored services for international visitors.
New depots opened in Sydney, Canberra, the Gold Coast, Cairns, and Melbourne—often at the request of our loyal customers. Murrays also introduced day tours in Sydney and brought the Super High Deck to Australia through a joint venture with Scania and Austral Pacific Group. These coaches led the industry in safety and innovation—standards we continue to uphold today.
In response to global events and shifting tourism habits, Murrays doubled down on innovation. Our fleet of luxury touring coaches and experienced drivers became the choice of major corporations, schools, sports teams, and government agencies.
Ron Murray was recognised for his services to the tourism and transport industry by being awarded the Order of Australia.
By 2008, the popularity of our Canberra-Sydney express route skyrocketed. With departures every hour from 5am to 10pm (and midnight services), we set the standard for intercity coach travel.
To support corporate clients and regional demand, Murrays launched operations in Queensland. We now run 16 services daily between Brisbane and Toowoomba, with routes extending to Miles and beyond.
The pandemic brought global travel to a standstill. With border closures and halted group travel, our industry faced one of its greatest challenges. But at Murrays, resilience and adaptability led the way.
As restrictions eased, Murrays gradually resumed services, investing in contactless tech, health protocols, and sustainable practices to ensure safe and reliable travel for all.
Murrays proudly trials electric vehicles in Queensland and introduces biofuel buses—part of our broader commitment to sustainability. With strong partnerships and modern initiatives, we’re setting the pace for eco-conscious transport in Australia.
From a humble travel agency to a nationwide coach leader, Murrays continues to evolve. With luxury coaches, strategic depot locations, and unmatched service, we’re more than a transport provider—we’re your partner in the journey.
