This paper examines the Australian experience of a global transition towards less carbon and petroleum intensive energy sources. First the paper sets out Australia's current energy situation and the current patterns of energy use and dependence. The paper then identifies how Australian urban transport systems are highly oil dependent and describes the social consequences of these patterns. Third, the paper then considers national energy policy and the balance significance of energy exports in shaping this policy. Finally the paper assesses how metropolitan plans responding to energy imperatives and describes recent local government moves to accelerate progress on energy transition issues.