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Travel Australia

G'Day! Cliche? Maybe. Unnecessary? Never. Welcome to the Land Down Under where you can find everything from rolling pastures in green Tasmania , to red dust in the Northern Territory to pristine Coral Reefs in Queensland .

With 6 states and 2 territories to choose from, you're spoiled for choice with Australia travel. With around 20,000kms of coastline to explore, finding the best beaches and marine life around makes that perfect beach selfie oh so easy. Or If you're looking for adventure, why not head for the Great Outdoors as you traverse through the iconic Red Centre and witness wild Kangaroos with a side of majestic sunsets. Tour Ayers Rock and see the magic of the Outback, learning about the fascinating Aboriginal culture and some of Australia's most remote locations. For the city vibes, head to the metropolitan hubs of Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Get your dose of Aussie wildlife at Australia Zoo, Port Lincoln Shark Diving, Kangaroo island and more! Don't worry, we've also got heaps of incredible coastal gems to choose from!  Sail the Whitsundays , drive the Great Ocean Road and snorkel the  Great Barrier Reef ! Do it all right here with Backpackers World Travel! We work hard to bring you the best Australia deals, tours and packages to make your holiday Down Under the very best. 

Fancy customising your own Australia travel? No worries! Drop us a line and work with one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday at your perfect budget. We package the best hostels, iconic locations, and best activities for all the best prices to make your dream holiday a reality. 

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Australia Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 10, 2023

Towering buildings along the Gold Coast in Australia at sunrise

Australia is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It’s known as a major backpacking, camping, road tripping, and diving destination.

Backpacking Australia is considered a “must do” for backpackers. It’s a central highlight on the round-the-world trail. I started coming to Australia in 2008 as a backpacker. It hooked me and, since then, I’ve visited over five times and have crisscrossed the country three times. Every single trip I discover something new about this country to love.

But this isn’t just a country for backpackers. Its huge diversity means every traveler can find something they love here.

Australia is filled with incredible natural beauty: Uluru and the Outback, rainforests and pristine white sand beaches, and of course, the Great Barrier Reef. Sydney’s Harbor Bridge and Opera House are iconic man-made wonders, and Melbourne’s café culture will make you feel like you’re relaxing in Europe . You have surfing, hiking, camping, boating, and a ton of other activities available to you. It makes some of the best wine in the world. Australia has it all.

However, the country’s size and limited transportation options, makes it hard to get around. And it’s not the cheapest place to visit, even if the currency is a tad weak right now.

Fortunately, this extensive Australia travel guide will show you how to save money, plan your trip, and make the most of your time Down Under. Because this country is worth taking the time to explore – and doesn’t need to cost a fortune!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Australia

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in australia.

The famous Bondi Beach on a bright and sunny day enar Sydney, Australia

1. See Sydney

Australia’s largest city has a range of activities to keep you busy. Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge, surf at Bondi Beach, party in King’s Cross, sail across the harbor, visit the Opera House, and take in world-class innovation in Darling Harbor. There’s a ton to see and do here and it’s worth spending a few days here to soak it all in. Other popular beaches nearby include Manly (wide and beautiful), Bronte (small and quiet), Coogee (fun), Palm (chill), and Dee Why (surfing). And, if you’re feeling adventurous, tours that climb the iconic (and massive) harbor bridge cost 250 AUD.

2. Visit Uluru

This beautiful red rock formed over 550 million years ago. Tourists have been visiting the rock since the 1930s and it’s of great spiritual importance to the local Aboriginal peoples. Formerly known as Ayers Rock, the best way to visit is by going as part of a multi-day tour of the area or driving on your own. You’ll be able to walk around the rock, learn about its cultural importance, and watch the rising/setting sun splash against it. Admission is 38 AUD per person and is valid for three days. Note: Climbing on the rock is prohibited.

3. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Don’t miss diving or snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. It’s the largest living organism on Earth, spanning some 344,000 square kilometers (133,000 square miles). The reef is brimming with wildlife, including giant clams, manta rays, sharks, turtles, clown fish, and more! Cairns is the most popular jumping-off point for dive trips to the reef. I was blown away by the abundant wildlife and coral. It did not disappoint! Dive trips start around 230 AUD.

4. Explore Melbourne

Melbourne is much more relaxed than Sydney (and, personally, I like it more). This is the place to relax by the river, walk through the city gardens, eat amazing food, enjoy the art, and party in St. Kilda. It’s a fun, chill city with a youthful vibe and a ton of backpackers.

5. Sail the Whitsundays

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 islands off the central coast of Queensland. They’re one of the most popular destinations in the country. It’s a popular region for sailing trips and since the vast majority of these islands are designated national parks, you’ll find numerous pristine beaches and dive sites here. It’s a postcard-perfect region. Expect to pay between 399-499 AUD per person for a three-day/two-night sailing trip. While expensive, it’s worth doing (I loved my trip).

Other Things to See and Do in Australia

1. explore fraser island.

The world’s largest sand island is a popular spot for camping, swim, hike, and seeing dingoes. You can hire your own 4WD car or take an overnight tour through the island that’s famous for its freshwater lake (and dingoes). The island is beautiful and filled with lakes, hiking paths, and sweeping vistas. Sadly, you can’t go in the water nearby as it’s rough and full of sharks, but there’s plenty of fishing, cool sand dunes, the stunning 75 Mile Beach, and a cool shipwreck for snapping photos. Camping on the island is super cheap too (less than 10 AUD per night!).

2. Visit Cairns

Cairns is Australia’s gateway to northern Queensland. From here you can visit the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, and much more. Cairns is a pretty typical tropical city and life here focuses on taking the time to smell the roses. With so much to see, the city deserves a very long stay. Plan to visit for a week, which should give you enough time to explore the area and allows some downtime by the city’s awesome pool.

3. Wander Brisbane’s South Bank

Brisbane is a “business city.” Unlike Sydney or Melbourne, there isn’t a lot of “culture” here. But it’s a popular stop on the backpacker trail due to its location. Be sure to explore South Bank, which has some nice restaurants and decent pubs. There’s also an educational koala sanctuary here as well as a relaxing botanical gardens.

4. Hike the Daintree

The world’s oldest rainforest (yes, it’s older than the Amazon) offers hikes that range from easy to challenging, with dense jungles, beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and lots of wildlife. Spend a few days hiking around and getting out of touristy Cairns. If you really want to get off the beaten path, head up to Cape Tribulation and enjoy some real peace and quiet (just watch out for jellyfish when you go swimming). There are all kinds of day and multi-day trips available here with two-day guided trips costing around 350 AUD per person.

5. See Perth

Perth is Australia’s west coast capital and is often overlooked by most travelers. It’s expensive to get out there from the east coast (it’s a 5-hour flight from Sydney) so most travelers avoid it. But I love it. In fact, it’s probably my favorite city in all of Australia. Perth feels more like a large town than a city and is the best place to have a “Sunday Session” (an Aussie tradition of drinking on Sunday afternoons). From the beaches, food, and beer (be sure to take a day trip to Freemantle), Perth is just awesome.

6. Explore the Outback

No trip to Australia is complete without a trip to the Outback to see crocodiles, valleys, lakes, and the red desert. Find your own Crocodile Dundee as you explore the Red Center and Western Australia. And be sure to visit some of the places I love: Karijini National Park, the Kimberleys, Kakadu, and Litchfield National Park. The landscapes are stunning and there are all kinds of epic hikes to enjoy.

7. Surf on the Gold Coast

Australia is famous for its surfing, and one of the best places to learn is on the Gold Coast near Brisbane. You’ll find world-class waves, a wide beach, and lots of available lessons. If you don’t like the Gold Coast , there is always Noosa, Byron Bay, Bondi Beach, Perth, and, well, you get the idea. There’s a lot of surfing in Australia! A two-hour group lesson costs around 75 AUD. If you don’t need lessons and just want to surf, you can rent a board for around 60 AUD per day.

8. Take a wine tour

Whether you go down to Margret River, Hunter Valley, or the Barossa Valley, you will have many chances to taste Aussie wine right from the source. Visiting the wine country should be on your list of things to do. If you rent a car, you can stay longer or you can do guided tours from major cities. I think it’s best to base yourself in the area and spend about 3-5 days in each area tasting as much wine as possible. Day tours with Colorful Trips that visit three wineries in the Hunter Valley cost 199 AUD.

9. Admire the Ningaloo Reef

The Great Barrier Reef gets all the hype, but the Ningaloo Reef on the west coast is a far better reef system. Because it’s less developed and attracts fewer tourists, there are actually more fish and wildlife here — you can even swim with whale sharks . Plus, at some points (like at Coral Bay), the reef comes so close to the shore that you can swim right up to it on your own. Half-day trips start around 120-225 AUD per person.

10. Visit Western Australia

The most overlooked area in the country is the west coast. Here you can escape the crowds of the east coast, explore the Outback, see the Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay (one of my favorite spots in the world), Broome, Perth, and the Margaret River. It’s much less developed than the east coast but if you take one piece of advice away from this guide, it should be to visit this part of Australia. It’s the version of the country you picture in your head and is an amazing region for road trips, camping, hiking, and enjoying nature.

11. Tour Tasmania

Despite everyone knowing its name, hardly anyone ever makes it down here. (It’s far from the main tourist trail.) Tasmania has amazing hikes, beautiful bays (Wineglass Bay being the most famous), small towns, and excellent people. It’s just a ferry away from Melbourne too. The island is about the size of Ireland (or West Virginia in the USA) yet it’s home to just under 545,000 people. If you have the time, explore this terribly under-visited part of the country. It’s amazing. The ferry from the mainland costs around 100 AUD each way and takes 9-11 hours.

12. Hike the Blue Mountains

Right outside of Sydney , the Blue Mountains are an awesome place to explore. Over millennia, the ancient sandstone of this national park has been weathered into gorges lined by steep cliffs and separated by narrow ridges. The area is free to visit and you can get there by train, which takes around two hours. Spend the day admiring the magnificent rock formation of the Three Sisters (particularly stunning at sunset and under evening floodlights) and hiking along the paths that offer excellent views of the valley, sheer rock walls, tumbling waterfalls, and magnificent forests. For a guided tour, Get Your Guide offers full-day wildlife-spotting tours for 155 AUD.

13. Learn about pearling in Broome

Broome used to be the largest pearling port in the world. Founded around 1880, pearls were an important commodity used for making cutlery, buttons, and jewelry. By 1900, there were 300 ships here, though the industry fell into decline during World War II (and then, after the war, plastic was invented, which diminished the need for pearls). You can learn all about the region’s rich history at the Pearl Lugger Museum (tours for 30 AUD). If you want a more hands-on experience, Willie Creek Pearls also offers a two-hour boat tour for 129 AUD. You’ll learn about the risks and challenges of the industry while also getting to hold and touch all kinds of valuable pearls.

14. Visit the Kimberley

This area is known for its wilderness, so if you love the outdoors and don’t mind things getting rugged, add this to your itinerary. Located near Broome, this outback region is three times bigger than England that’s filled with stunning gorges, beautiful waterfalls, and a vast desert landscape. It was one of the first areas settled in Australia some 65,000 years ago (Europeans didn’t arrive here in the 1830s). There are all kinds of day trips and hikes here that you can do solo, as well as multi-day guided tours. Expect to pay around 1,200 AUD for a three-day guided excursion. If you’re going solo, popular overnight hikes include Piccaninny Gorge and Lurujarri Dreaming Trail.

15. Explore Kakadu National Park

The enormous Kakadu National Park is a biodiverse nature reserve in Australia’s Northern Territory. It encompasses wetlands and rivers and is home to saltwater crocodiles and flatback turtles, as well as many different bird species. Rock paintings (dating back to prehistory) can be viewed at Nourlangie, Nanguluwur, and Ubirr. You can find a lot of tours departing from Darwin. Be sure to spend at least a night in the park! Three-day tours cost around 735 AUD.

For more information on specific cities in Australia, check out these guides:

  • Alice Springs Travel Guide
  • Brisbane Travel Guide
  • Broome Travel Guide
  • Cairns Travel Guide
  • Fraser Island Travel Guide
  • Gold Coast Travel Guide
  • Melbourne Travel Guide
  • Perth Travel Guide
  • Sydney Travel Guide
  • Whitsunday Islands Travel Guide

Australia Travel Costs

The famous Ayers Rock in Australia, also known as Uluru

Accommodation – Hostels dorms start around 25-30 AUD per night, though they get as high as 40 AUD in the big coastal cities. Private rooms with a double bed and a shared bathroom in hostels range between 65-100 AUD per night, though in larger cities they can be as high as 150 AUD. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities. Only some hostels include breakfast.

For those traveling with a tent, a basic tent plot without electricity starts around 7 AUD, though most are 10-25 AUD per night.

For budget hotels, expect to spend 100-120 AUD per night for a two-star hotel. Amenities usually include TV, Wi-Fi, and AC. Some hotels have a pool.

Airbnb is available around the country with private rooms starting around 40 AUD (though they average closer to 90 AUD). Entire homes/apartments cost at least 140 (though they are usually double or even triple that price so be sure to book early). Expect to pay about 10-20% more in the coastal cities.

Food – Food in Australia is diverse, with each region having its own specialties. While you can find cuisine of all types here, popular traditional choices include BBQ meat (especially sausages), meat pies, fish and chips, seafood, chicken parmigiana (chicken schnitzel topped with tomato sauce, ham, and melted cheese), and, of course, the infamous vegemite on toast.

Food prices vary per region, but generally, you can expect to pay 20-25 AUD for a meal at a casual restaurant. A fast-food combo from somewhere like McDonald’s costs 13-14 AUD while a pizza costs around 16-20 AUD. Chinese, Thai, and Indian food cost 12-20 AUD for a main dish.

If you want to splash out for something more upscale, a expect to pay around 55-70 AUD, including a drink, per person.

A beer is around 8 AUD, latte or cappuccino costs around 5 AUD, and bottled water between 2-3 AUD.

If you cook your own meals, expect to pay around 75-95 AUD per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat.

Backpacking Australia Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Australia for 70 AUD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a cheap hostel, cooking all of your meals, using public transportation to get around, and doing mostly cheap or free activities like hiking and enjoying the beaches. If you camp, you can lower this budget by around 20 AUD per day. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 AUD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 200 AUD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or hostel room, eat out for a couple of meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, bus between cities, and do more paid activities like taking surf lessons or going diving.

On a “luxury” budget of 385 AUD or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or camper van to explore, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in AUD.

Australia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Australia can be a very expensive country to visit. If you aren’t careful, you’ll blow through your entire budget in no time as activities, food, and transportation all adds up fast here. Fortunately, there are lots of ways to save too. Here are some ways to save money when you visit Australia:

  • Drink goon (box wine) – Goon is infamous on the Australian backpacker hostel trail. This cheap box of wine is the best way to drink, get a buzz, and save a lot of money at the same time. Drink this before you go out and save on spending money at the bar.
  • Cook your own meals – The best way to reduce your costs is to cook as many meals as possible. Hostels and Airbnbs usually have kitchens and, while it’s not glamorous, it will save you a ton of money!
  • Car share – Australia is a big country that can be expensive to get around. If you are traveling with friends, it’s smart to buy a used car or campervan (or rent a new one from one of the many rental companies in the country) and split the costs of gas. You can also hitch a ride with other travelers using sites like Gumtree, Jayride, or hostel message boards.
  • Book tours as a package – This country has a lot of exciting activities and tours that eat into any budget. Booking activities together through a hostel or tour agency can get you a discount and save you hundreds of dollars.
  • Work for your room – Many hostels offer travelers the opportunity to work for their accommodation. In exchange for a few hours a day of cleaning, you get a free bed to sleep in. Commitments vary but most hostels ask that you stay for at least a week. Check with the staff when you arrive to see if there are any opportunities available.
  • WWOOF – WWOOFing is a program that allows you to work on organic farms in exchange for free room and board. Everyone I’ve met who stays in the country long-term does it for at least one month. It’s a great way to reduce your expenses and can a deeper look into local life.
  • Stay with a local – Accommodation in Australia is pricey. If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host that will host you for free. It’s the best way to connect with a local and get insider tips and advice.
  • Camp – Camping is very affordable here, with basic tent plots costing as little as 7 AUD per night!
  • Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water in Australia is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle with you to save money and lower your plastic use. LifeStraw makes a bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where To Stay in Australia

I’ve been a backpacker here for ages and have accumulated a long list of places to stay. Here are my suggested places to stay in Australia if you’re looking for a hostel:

  • Base St. Kilda (Melbourne)
  • Space Hotel (Melbourne)
  • Wake Up! (Sydney)
  • YHA Rocks (Sydney)
  • Bunk Brisbane (Brisbane)
  • City Backpackers HQ (Brisbane)
  • Kimberley Travellers Lodge (Broome)
  • The Shiralee Hostel (Perth)
  • Aquarius Backpackers (Byron Bay)
  • Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort Cairns (Cairns)
  • Nomads Noosa (Noosa)
  • Alice Lodge Backpackers (Alice Springs)

How to Get Around Australia

Clear water of a huge wave as someone surfs along the stunning coast of Gold Coast, Australia

Public transportation – All of Australia’s cities have reliable, affordable public bus systems. In the bigger, cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth, you’ll even find subways and tram systems. This is the cheapest way to travel the cities. Fares cost between 2.75-4 AUD.

Many cities offer day passes that include unlimited public transportation for under 10 AUD.

Bus – After driving, this is my favorite transportation option in Australia. On the east coast, this will be your cheapest option too. On the west coast, buses are surprisingly expensive as there are not many people moving up and down that coast and there’s limited competition. However, on the east coast, you can find really cheap bus tickets, especially if you book in advance.

The two main bus companies in Australia are:

  • Greyhound Australia

Greyhound also offers several bus passes. Their Whimit Passes range from 15-120 days of unlimited travel and are perfect for traveling around on a whim (hence the name). They come in 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120-day passes costing 349-729 AUD.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Backpacker Bus – If you want to party with other backpackers as you travel, book a seat on the Magic Bus . This backpacker bus departs with 25 backpackers aged 18-35 for 3-4 weeks of exploring the country’s national parks, camping, bonfires, and non-stop parties and shenanigans.

Trips go from Perth north to Broome or east to Melbourne each month, so you have to time your trip accordingly to line up with the set departure. The itineraries are always flexible so every trip is unique. They try to keep a balance of 50% men and 50% women, as well as a balance of different nationalities, so there is always a diverse group. Prices vary so contact them for departure dates and ticket prices.

Train – Between city trams, commuter trains, and long-distance and trans-continental trains, Australia can be seen extensively by rail. Train lines exist mostly on the east coast with only two other major lines in the country: one goes north/south from Melbourne to Darwin and another east/east from Sydney to Perth.

For reference, Sydney to Canberra takes 5 hours and is 40-50 AUD while the 11-hour trip from Sydney to Melbourne costs over 200 AUD. Sydney to Brisbane takes 14 hours and costs 100-140 AUD.

Beyond the east coast, trains aren’t as plentiful and long-distance trains can be very expensive.

Flying – With Australia spanning over 7,000,000 square kilometers, it takes a long time to get around the country. Flying is one of the most efficient ways to city hop, but it’s not the cheapest. Australia’s major airlines include:

When booked in advance, flights can be very affordable here. Sydney to Melbourne is just 55 AUD and takes 90 minutes while Sydney to Cairns takes 3 hours and costs around 100 AUD each way. To cross the country, flights last around 5 hours. Sydney to Perth, when booked in advance, can cost as little as 150 AUD each way.

When not booked early, however, flights can easily double or triple these prices.

Rideshares – Every hostel has a bulletin board where travelers post rides and websites like Gumtree have active ridesharing sections where people look for cars or riders. I HIGHLY recommend this way of traveling when in the country. CoSeats is another good resource for finding rides.

Car rental – Car rentals start around 40 AUD per day. You don’t need one to explore any of the cities but if you want to travel the country then a car is best. Just remember that they drive on the left here.

For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars

Additionally, you can also purchase a car from backpackers leaving the country or locals selling used cars. You can usually find a used car for under 3,000 AUD. It might seem a lot, but there are always backpackers looking to share rides, which can cut down on our expenses.

When to Go to Australia

Temperatures vary across the country (it’s a huge landmass after all), but generally speaking, average summer temperatures range from 20-37°C (68-99°F). Remember that summer is from December-February here in the southern hemisphere. This is the most popular time to visit so expect big crowds and higher prices.

June-August (winter) is the low season. Prices are lower and there are fewer crowds. The temperature dips as well, hovering around 1°C (52°F) in the south while going as high as 30°C (86°F) in the north.

Spring and fall (March-May and September-October) are the shoulder season and the best time to visit. Crowds aren’t as big and prices aren’t as high and the weather is still enjoyable too, rarely dipping below 17°C (63°F).

Note that October to April is also “jellyfish season,” making waters unsafe for swimming or any other water sport. If you’re planning on enjoying Australia’s coast, this probably isn’t the best time to come. The season lasts from October to April in Northern Australia, and then from November to March elsewhere.

How to Stay Safe in Australia

Australia is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel around. Violent attacks and petty theft are rare here so you’re unlikely to get into trouble.

Most incidents in Australia tend to occur because visitors are not used to the country’s unique climate and wilderness. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen and stay as hydrated as possible. This is especially true if you’re driving through the Outback. There are long, long distances without any towns in sight, so if you break down, you’ll want to be prepared. Always make sure you have enough gas in your vehicle for long drives.

If you’re hiking, make sure you know what to expect ahead of time. Be on the lookout for snakes and spiders. If you’re bitten, seek immediate care.

If you’re swimming, heed the red and yellow flags. Yellow flags indicate swimming conditions may be dangerous; red flags mean the beach is closed.

Mother Nature in Australia is NOT a force to be reckoned with in this country. Don’t be a hero.

Solo female travelers are generally safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone at night intoxicated, etc.). Consult other solo female travel blogs for specific advice.

If you’re worried about travel scams, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here . There aren’t many in Australia though so I wouldn’t worry too much here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 000 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Australia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. Just enter your departure and arrival destinations and it will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost. It’s one of the best transportation websites out there!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Australia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more information? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Australia travel and continue planning your trip:

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

The 7 Best Hotels in Sydney

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Brisbane: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The 6 Best Hotels in Brisbane

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Melbourne

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

The Best Walking Tours in Sydney

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Melbourne: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

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The ultimate backpackers guide to Australia

Experience the thrill of a lifetime with an awesome backpacking journey through the vast and beautiful landscape of Australia. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring sights and sounds of this amazing country, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

From the stunning natural wonders of Sydney to the vibrant cultural scene in Melbourne , Australia has something for every backpacker seeking an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. So what are you waiting for?

Essential travel tips for backpackers

Exploring the vast and diverse landscapes of Australia through backpacking is truly thrilling! This beautiful country offers a plethora of unique experiences for backpackers of all levels. Whether you prefer pristine beaches or ancient rainforests, vibrant cities or remote outback regions, Australia has something for everyone.

Before embarking on your backpacking adventure in Australia, it’s important to make some essential preparations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.

1. Research the sights and experiences

Take the time to research and become acquainted with Australia’s geography, climate , and various regions. Discover the distinct characteristics of each state and territory, from Queensland’s stunning beaches to the Outback’s rugged landscapes. Learn about Australia’s cultural heritage and indigenous history, which shape its identity. Visit famous landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, Uluru, and the Great Barrier Reef.

2. Make sure you have your visa

If you plan on backpacking in Australia, it’s important to keep in mind that you’ll need to obtain a visa. There are many types of visas when travelling to Australia. For example; Working Holiday Visas (Subclass 417 and 462), for example, allow backpackers to work legally, earn money, and immerse themselves in the Australian way of life. 

  • Check out our detailed Visa guide

3. Make a plan for your journey

To make the most of your backpacking trip in Australia, plan your itinerary beforehand. Determine the length of your trip and the areas you want to visit. From cosmopolitan cities to remote natural wonders, Australia has something for everyone. Investigate well-known destinations such as Sydney , Melbourne , Darwin , and Perth , as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. Australia is huge, consider the distance between locations and transportation options.

4. Pack the essentials

When packing for your Australian adventure, keep in mind the diverse climate and activities you’ll encounter. Pack weather-appropriate clothing, including lightweight and breathable fabrics, because the weather is frequently warm and sunny. To protect yourself from the harsh Australian sun, bring essentials such as comfortable shoes, bathers, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Pack warm layers, a jacket, and insect repellent depending on the time of year and your planned activities. Don’t forget your backpack!

Things to do in Australia

Australia is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers, with a diverse range of exciting activities and unforgettable experiences. There is something for everyone, from exploring breathtaking national parks to diving into the Great Barrier Reef.

Daintree - backpackers australia

National parks and outdoor adventures

Great barrier reef - brisbane backpackers - helicopter aerial

Coastal adventures

Australia’s massive coastline provides endless possibilities for coastal adventures and water sports. Visit Sydney’s world-famous Bondi Beach, catch a wave on the iconic Gold Coast, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Whitsundays. Dive enthusiasts can explore the Great Barrier Reef’s vibrant underwater world, while thrill seekers can try their hand at activities such as skydiving, jet skiing, and paddleboarding along the coast.

Koala sleeping on tree branch - backpackers - koala - backpackers australia - backpackers koala

Encounters with wildlife

Australia is famous for its diverse and unique wildlife. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with native animals, from cuddling koalas and hand-feeding kangaroos in wildlife sanctuaries to spotting crocodiles in the wild. Visit Kangaroo Island to see sea lions basking on the beaches, venture into Queensland’s rainforests to spot colourful birds and elusive platypuses, or take a whale-watching tour to see these marine giants migrate.

Sydney harbour bridge sydney backpackers - backpakcers - sunset in sydney

Cultural and urban exploration

The vibrant cities of Australia offer plenty of cultural and urban experiences. Explore Sydney’s bustling streets and iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Immerse yourself in Melbourne’s thriving arts and food scene, discover Adelaide’s historical charm, or stroll through Brisbane’s lively laneways. Visit museums and art galleries, eat multicultural cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Australia’s urban hubs.

Food and drinks

$20 - $40 aud, accommodation, transportation, $10 - $30 aud, activities and experiences, miscellaneous, $10 - $20 aud, total daily expenses, $70 - $160 aud.

Remember, by carefully managing your expenses, you can make the most of your backpacking adventure in Australia without sacrificing the incredible experiences that await you. With a friendly budget in hand, you’re all set to explore Australia’s stunning landscapes, engage with its vibrant culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!

Budgeting for your trip

We get it. Budgeting isn’t fun, but managing your expenses while embarking on an unforgettable backpacking journey is crucial and could extend your trip even further so, let’s take a realistic approach as we break down the daily costs you might encounter during your adventure in Australia.

Must-see backpacker spots

From stunning natural wonders to vibrant cultural hotspots, we’ve handpicked these gems that should be at the top of your list to ensure an unforgettable experience.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders, must be seen on any trip to Australia. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers snorkelers and scuba divers a rainbow of coral reefs and marine life. Swim with tropical fish and admire the reef’s coral formations. Cairns and Port Douglas offer reef cruises and diving tours to explore this unique ecosystem.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia’s Red Centre is sacred and incredible. Ayers Rock, or Uluru, is an iconic desert monolith. Explore Uluru’s walking trails, see its stunning sunrise and sunset colours, and learn about the Indigenous Anangu people. Kata Tjuta, a group of domed rock formations, offers breathtaking hiking and a chance to experience the spirituality of the Outback.

Whitsunday Islands

The tropical Whitsunday Islands off Queensland should are perfect for relaxation and adventure with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Yacht through the Whitsunday Islands or snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach’s swirling sands are a must-see. Relax, sunbake, and enjoy the Whitsundays in this tranquil paradise.

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The Best Places to Go Backpacking in Australia

Twelve Apostles at sunset

So you’ve arrived in Australia on a one-way ticket with your backpack full of board shorts, your wallet full of (modest) life savings and your heart full of adventure… now what? You’ll find plenty of great things to see and do, as well as a heathy population of budget travel buddies, at these 10 backpacking hot spots around Australia. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Sydney is most backpackers’ first stop Down Under, and from the moment they catch a glimpse of the sparkling harbour out of the plane window, they know exactly why they’ve come to visit. There’s the string of golden beaches that line the coast, especially backpacker precincts Bondi and Coogee in the eastern suburbs and Manly on the Northern Beaches. There’s the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House. There’s the trendy neighbourhoods of the inner-west. There’s the laid-back city wedged between lush parkland and glittering harbour. What’s not to love.

Sydney Harbour

Sydney’s arch rival down south lacks the Harbour City’s weather, beaches and natural beauty — but Melbourne makes up for it with superior nightlife, eateries and coffee scene. Dubbed Australia’s cultural capital and regarded as the most European city in Oz, Melbourne is loaded with treats that budget travellers will love, like the street art near Flinders St station, the alfresco dining in St Kilda, the bohemian Brunswick St in Fitzroy and the bike trails around bayside Brighton.

Great Ocean Road

Twelve Apostles at sunset

No backpacking sojourn is complete without a ripping road trip, and the best strip of bitumen Australia has to offer starts on Melbourne’s doorstep. The Great Ocean Road is 244km of cliff-hugging twists and bends linking Torquay, 90 minutes from Melbourne, with Allansford close to the South Australian border — an unmissable drive taking in windswept beaches, craggy lookouts, lush rainforest and the dramatic 12 Apostles rock formation, made up of limestone pillars towering above the ocean.

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If we’re talking rock formations, we need to mention a lump of sandstone in the centre of the country that’s so famous it’s known simply as ‘The Rock’. Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) is the beating heart of Australia’s Red Centre, a impressive monolith that rises 348m above the ancient outback landscape. Climbing The Rock will be banned from October 2019 but the best views are from the bottom anyway — visit at dawn or dusk to avoid the mid-day heat and see Uluru glow ochre red. A compulsory tick on every Aussie backpacker’s bucket list.

Australia’s tropical capital is a convenient launching pad to explore the natural splendour of the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks… but that’s not the only reason why Darwin is a backpacking haven. Much of the credit has to go to Mitchell St, the strip of bars, eateries, bars, watering holes, hostels, bars and then even more bars in the middle of town. The legendary local newspaper, the NT News, has published the 40 unwritten rules of Mitchell St that “you must memorise to survive a night out on the notorious Darwin party strip”, so study up.

backpacker trips australia

Welcome to another tropical town that mixes world-class natural attractions, some serious partying and busloads of backpackers. Come to Cairns to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and delve into the prehistoric Daintree Rainforest — there are no shortage of tour operators who’ll help you explore them both — then stay for the string of bars and backpacking joints centred on the oceanfront esplanade.

Airlie Beach

2AXX5RC Sailing in the Whitsunday Islands near Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia

At the other end of the North Queensland tropics to Cairns lies Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Of course, jump on a yacht to sail around the white sand isles and the colourful reef, and embrace activities like skydives, scenic flights and scuba dives. But don’t skip spending time in Airlie itself — the palm-fringed lagoon is the focal point of town, surrounded by lively backpacker hostels, bars and relaxed beachfront eateries.

Byron is now home to the rich and famous but it used to just be a backpacker’s favourite pit stop on the well-worn East Coast route between Sydney and Cairns. There’s no denying it’s more upmarket than it used to be, but bohemian Byron is still a hub of travellers, surfers, artists and wannabe hippies hanging out at Australia’s most easterly point. A day trip to stoner capital Nimbin is also a popular option for backpackers.

Don’t be tricked by the name — the surf at Surfers Paradise isn’t nearly as good as other breaks in the area — but the Goldie offers so much more than this glitzy strip of sand. There’s the impossibly gorgeous hinterland, the equally attractive bronze-skinned locals, raucous nightclubs, adrenaline-pumping theme parks and 50-plus kilometres of beaches that span a lot further than Surfers — swimmers will love the calm water at Coolangatta and Currumbin while surfers can hang ten at Main Beach and Burleigh Heads.

Western Australia is a long way to come from the East Coast but it’s more than worth the trek. Many backpackers base themselves in Fremantle — an historic 19th century colonial port that’s been revived in recent years by fashionable bars, boutiques, markets and micro-breweries — and visit the postcard-perfect Cottesloe Beach in Perth and Rottnest Island, just a short ferry off the coast, home of turquoise beaches and the friendly quokka marsupial.

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Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Complete Guide to Backpacking Australia and Travel Itineraries

Growing up I always pictured Australia as a massive country that is barren and remote with a few beaches mixed in. The hit classic Crocodile Dundee left this major impression on an 8-year-old me. If I had to choose a few words to describe Australia, I would have chosen outback, beach, bikini, and surf. To be honest, these preconceived notions did not excite me a lot.

Coming from the US, I expected Australia to have some similarities to our home country. The cities would be full of skyscrapers. The culture would be mostly non-existent and dull. I did expect some differences from the US. There would be no mountains. The food would be bad. What is this Vegemite stuff Aussies rave about? To be honest, Australia wasn’t high on my list of places to visit. However, after years of traveling, we decided it was time to visit the land Down Under.

We spent three months backpacking in Australia. After purchasing a Subaru in Sydney, we hit the road. Visiting every state not called Western Australia, we saw Australia in a whole new light. Not only was it full of surprises, but the beauty was also overwhelming and we did not want to leave. All of those preconceived ideas and beliefs were so wrong.

Australia is the perfect place for epic road trips and an awesome backpacking destination. At the end of our trip, if I had to again choose four words to describe Australia, they would be outback, beach, bikini, and surf. But it means so much more to me now. Cheers mates!

Backpacking in Australia: Victoria

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

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Australia Backpacking Guide

Best time to visit australia.

Budget Travel Australia: Victoria

Australia is a massive country that has different climates throughout the year. Depending on the place for travel, planning according to the season is crucial.

North Australia  – The best time to visit Queensland , the Northern Territory, and the northern part of Western Australia are during the winter months between June and September. The north is either tropical or arid. It gets extremely hot in the summer and many areas are prone to tropical storms. Roads in the north can be closed in the summer due to annual flooding.

South Australia  – The best time to visit New South Wales , South Australia, Tasmania , and the southern part of Western Australia is during the summer months between November and April. Believe it or not, Australia does get winter and it even snows in the mountains. Both Melbourne and Sydney get cold in the winter. If traveling during this time, don’t forget a jacket.

Visa to Australia

There are several visa options depending on the intended length of stay, age, and home country. For more information, please refer to the  Australia visa and immigration website  for all their visa options. These are the common visa options for visitors to Australia:

  • Electronic Travel Authority visa:  Available for passport holders from the United States, Canada, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, or South Korea. It costs $20 AUD. Visa holders are eligible for stays up to 3 months, with unlimited entries into Australia for the duration of the visa.  Learn more about the Electronic Travel Authority visa .
  • eVisitor visa:  Available for passport holders from Europe. It is a free visa and is valid for 12 months. Visa holders are eligible for stays up to 3 months, with unlimited entries into Australia for the duration of the visa.  Learn more about the eVisitor visa here.
  • Visitor visa:  With a passport from countries not eligible for an ETA visa or eVisitor visa, a visitor visa will have to be procured. The visa cost ranges from $120 AUD to $1,000 AUD and has options of 3, 6, or 12-month visas.  Learn more about the Visitor visa here .
  • Working Holiday visa:  With a passport from an eligible country and under the age of 31, it is possible to get a one-year visa. This is popular for backpackers looking to work and then travel in Australia.  Learn more about the Working Holiday visa here.

Currency and Banking

The Australian Dollar ($ AUD) is the national currency in Australia. It is historically a strong currency, although it saw some recent declines in 2017. Banks and ATMs are widespread throughout the country. National chains, including ANZ and Westpac, are available in nearly every town. Most ATMs charge a $2 – $3 fee when using another bank card. At the time of writing in August 2018, $1 AUD = $0.74 USD or €0.64.

Transportation in Australia

Budget Australia: Sea Cliff Bridge

Australia is massive in size so determining the right transportation in Australia is critical. For short stays, fly between major cities or rent a vehicle. For longer stays, renting or buying a vehicle is the best option.

Bus Transportation

Bus companies such as  Firefly Express and Greyhound offer direct route services as well as tours. They are flexible with hop-on hop-off packages. Direct bus routes between major cities cost between $75 AUD and $150 AUD. Tours can range from 3 days to 16 days. For example,  Oz Experience  (Greyhound) offers a 13-day tour from Melbourne to Cairns for $1029 AUD.

Domestic Flights

Cheap airlines such as  Jetstar  and  Virgin Australia  fly between major cities for cheap fares as low as $40. Make sure to pay attention to their baggage policies, especially their carry-on weight restrictions. They are known to physically weigh carry-on baggage at check-in and only allow 7 kg.

Check Flight Prices on Skyscanner

Renting a Campervan in Australia

Renting a vehicle makes sense for short and some longer stays in Australia. There are options to rent small vehicles or campervans. Australia has many campgrounds, including free ones throughout the country. Renting a campervan would double as accommodation.

Renting a smaller car would require stays in Airbnb, hostels, hotels, or tent camping. Hire a campervan from  Jucy ,  Hippie Camper , or  Britz  while touring Australia, allowing greater flexibility on an itinerary. Campervans will end up saving money. Campervan rentals cost between $400 and $700 per week depending on the size and quality.

Buying a Car or Campervan in Australia

For those coming to Australia for longer periods, buying a vehicle will likely make sense. Buying a car in Australia is confusing and it is important to understand all the anticipated costs. Try and find a good vehicle that does not become a burden. Don’t buy the cheapest option available, it might not get you very far!

Reliable cars are found on Gumtree, where you can find used vehicles with only one prior owner. On the low-end, a budget between $4,000 – $6,000 is enough for a Subaru station wagon, a converted campervan (people movers), or an older 4×4. Don’t get scared away by a higher price tag just yet. When finished with a road trip, you can sell the car, making this a cheaper option than renting a vehicle. The key is getting the vehicle checked out properly to ensure the mechanics are sound.

Backpacking in Australia

Guide to Backpacking Australia: Tassie

Australia is a backpacker haven. There is a massive backpacker community in Australia whether it is a 2-week road trip, three months, or a year-long excursion on a working visa. Hostels and dorm beds are available throughout the country, and renting or buying a campervan is a good choice to explore all the sights.

There are free campsites all over Australia, so while the costs of food and a dorm room are not as cheap as in other regions of the world, there are ways to reduce costs and make this an affordable backpacking destination. There are useful Facebook groups and community boards for connecting with other backpackers. This is a great way to join others on road trips to share the costs of a car and petrol.

Food in Australia

Backpacking in Australia: New South Wales

Food in Australia is known for its meat pies, fish and chips, and BBQ. A cheap meal in Australia is usually around $10 AUD. This can get you fast food or takeaway. We preferred to cook our own meals while in Australia, buying our groceries from Woolworths/Coles and cooking at our campsite each night. Cooking will save lots of money while traveling in Australia. However, with a higher budget, the restaurants in cities are super delicious.

Example Costs in Australia

Petrol – typically ranges between $1.20 and $1.50 per liter, but can get as expensive as $2.00 in the outback. Beer (6pk) – $18 – $24 Cask wine (goon) – $12 – $18 (2L to 5L depending on quality) Wine (bottle) – $7 – $12 Takeaway – $8 – $15 Coffee – $5 Dorm bed – $25 – $30

Apps for Australia

Guide to Backpacking Australia: Kings Canyon

There are two apps to download before heading to Australia.  Campermate  is a free app that provides information on campsites, things to see, petrol, and lots more.  WikiCamps Australia  is a paid app that has tons of information and user comments. Download the comments so everything is available offline. WikiCamps has an extensive list of campsites and comments to help provide information and suggestions. It is a one-time cost of $7.99 AUD.

The 7 Best Places to Visit in Australia

1. see the islands of queensland.

Budget Australia: Hill Inlet Lookout

Queensland is a popular destination for both backpackers and Aussies during the holidays. There are some pretty amazing places to visit, such as the Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, or the Great Barrier Reef. Whitsunday was one of our favorite places in all of Australia. If you like beach camping this is the place to do it!

Queensland could be a road trip on its own, but we suggest making this part of a bigger trip. While the sights are incredible, with long drives on the highway and fewer coastal sights than expected, it would be great to visit other areas of Australia too. For the top places to visit in Queensland and suggested itineraries, check out our  Queensland guide .

Guide to Backpacking Australia: Point Arkwright

2. Offroad in the Outback

Budget Travel Australia: Uluru

The middle of Australia in most cases is nothing more than barren lands with dusty and flat horizons. Views are as far as the eye can see. And then suddenly out of nowhere, something appears and completely stuns you with its existence. A visit to the Red Center is one of the more memorable places in Australia.

Stops at Kings Canyon, the West MacDonald ranges, Devils Boulders, and the rock formations at the Breakaways Conservation Park were oh, so impressive. The grand finale, Uluru, is a place that no picture can truly capture. It is a spiritual place with amazing beauty that left us speechless.

The Outback is a serious place and takes some planning, but the campfire nights, starry skies, and endless deserts are remarkable. For more information on the top places to visit and suggested itineraries, check out our  Outback survival guide .

Budget Australia: Devils Marbles

3. Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Backpacking in Australia: Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living organism on earth and extends from Bundaberg up to Papua New Guinea. Nearly two million people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year, and you should too. While there is damage to the reef and coral bleaching is occurring at an alarming rate, there is no better time to visit the reef than now. It is still one of the best snorkel and dive locations on earth.

Tours typically originate from Cairns, the most accessible location to the reef. Diving or snorkeling trips to the outer reef are a must! We loved our two days and one-night trip with Coral Sea Dreaming. Read more about our sailing and dive excursion to the  Great Barrier Reef .

Budget Travel Australia: Milne Reef

4. See the Sights on the Great Ocean Road

Guide to Backpacking Australia: Twelve Apostles

The Great Ocean Road is known mostly for the 12 Apostles, but there is so much more to see. This is one of the best road trips in Australia. The coastline has sections of the drive directly along the ocean. Rock formations erupt from the ocean floor creating endless amounts of photo opportunities. The desolate beaches are incredible to explore.

Cape Otway is smack in the middle of the GOR, a nice detour through a rainforest with some of Australia’s best waterfalls. One of our lasting memories was the amazingly cute Koalas that can be seen in the wild. From wildlife, waterfalls, beaches, rock formations, and scenic drives, the Great Ocean Road is one of the best road trips in Australia. Read more about the  Great Ocean Road  and all the top places to stop.

Backpacking in Australia: Loch Ard Gorge

5. Explore New South Wales

Budget Australia: Camel Rock

Millions of people visit New South Wales every year, which isn’t a surprise since Sydney is the largest city and has the largest airport in Australia. Sydney is a cool metropolis with amazing beaches, but venturing away will lead to a very gratifying experience. If there was an award for hidden gems and the least talked  about beaches and rock pools , NSW would be right at the top of the list.

From Royal National Park, Kiama, and the Bombo Headlands, there is so much to explore. Epic views and hiking in the  Blue Mountains  top the list of what to see. With the whitest sand in the world, Jervis Bay is worth the 3-hour drive from Sydney. There are so many reasons to check out New South Wales. Read our guide to the best places to visit in  New South Wales .

Guide to Backpacking Australia: Royal National Park

6. Go Hiking in Tasmania

Budget Travel Australia: Bay of Fires

Often looked at as the redheaded step-sibling of mainland Australia, Tasmania has so much raw beauty and mountainous terrain that cannot be offered anywhere else. We wonder why Aussies seem to dismiss Tasmania as a place to visit. Maybe they are just jealous. Tassie coastlines are some of the best in the country, especially the Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet, and the Bay of Fires.

Hiking is plentiful with options ranging from easier day walks to extremely advanced treks in the remote wilderness. Some of the best walks are Cradle Mountain, Frenchmans Cap, Pine Valley, and the Western Arthurs. Tasmania is the place to be in Australia for solitude and incredible nature. Check out our  Tasmania guide  for the top places to visit and the best hikes.

Budget Australia: Bay of Fires

7. Get off the Beaten Path in Western Australia

Backpacking in Australia: Sugarloaf Rock

By far, the most remote and unique landscapes in Australia belong to Western Australia. It is home to only 2.5 million people but with 2.6 million sq kilometers to explore. Western Australia would be in the top 10 in size if it were its own country. It offers a different vibe and experience for touring Australia.

Driving is extremely long, but the highlights make up for the long distances. It is important to have a proper car, gear, and time to visit Western Australia. Known for the best beaches in Australia, one of the best reefs in the world, and massive canyons, Western Australia has tons to offer. Some of the highlights are Margaret River, the Kimberleys, Broome, Karajini, snorkeling or diving at the Ningaloo Reef, Purnululu, Rottnest Island, William Bay National Park, and Esperance among many others!

Should You Go to Australia?

Budget Travel Australia: Lake Oberon

Absolutely! Australia has so much diversity and natural beauty that it could take decades to truly explore every nook and corner of this massive country. It’s best to visit for at least two to three weeks and pick a smaller area to explore more in-depth. While it is common to think it is possible to rush through Australia and see the entire country, the driving distances are very long and take a toll. With that said, below are some suggested itineraries based on the length of stay.

Suggested Itineraries & Road Trips for Australia

1-week road trip options in australia.

Budget Australia: Whitsundays

  • Visit the Sydney attractions, explore the coastline in Royal National Park and hike in the Blue Mountains.
  • Drink coffee and check out the graffiti in Melbourne before an epic Great Ocean Road trip.
  • Fly to Alice Springs and visit the best of the Outback: Uluru, Macdonald Ranges, and Kings Canyon.
  • Road trip from Brisbane to Airlie Beach visiting Fraser Island and the Whitsundays.

2-Week Road Trip Options in Australia

Guide to Backpacking Australia: Tasmania

  • Check out the Sydney attractions and drive down the coast to the Great Ocean Road visiting Royal National Park, Jervis Bay, Bombo Headlands, Melbourne, and the GOR.
  • Explore Melbourne and then a road trip to the Great Ocean Road followed by a few days hiking in the Grampians and finish off visiting wine country in Adelaide.
  • Road trip from Brisbane to Cairns with stops at Noosa, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, Wallaman Falls, the waterfall circuit, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Daintree Rainforest.
  • Explore all the best sights of the Outback around Alice Springs (Uluru, West Mcdonald Range, and Kings Canyon) and then drive up to Darwin to explore the parks in Northern NT.
  • Visit the top sights in Tasmania from the Tasman Peninsula, Freycinet, Bay of Fires, Cradle Mountain, Mount Field, and a multi-day hike.

One-Month Itinerary Options for Australia

Backpacking in Australia: Kiama

  • Drive from Sydney to Cairns visiting New South Wales and Queensland.
  • Explore two weeks in Queensland and drive to Adelaide with two weeks in the Outback.
  • Venture out west driving from Perth to Darwin.
  • See all the best sights of Tasmania from the two-week trip, plus add on several epic multi-day treks, such as Mount Anne, Western Arthurs, Frenchmans Cap, the Overland Track, or Pine Valley.

that’s it – have a wonderful time exploring Australia!

Planning a trip to Australia? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

Australia Travel Guide by Lonely Planet

About the Author:

Yana and Timon

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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Backpacking Australia – Everything You Need To Know Before You Go (2023 Update)

Planning on backpacking Australia? Here’s everything you need to know about East Coast Australia so you can make the most of it!

Backpacking Australia is a right of passage for backpackers – the Sydney to Cairns route is one of the most popular travel trails in the world – and with  over 2,400km to cover there’s a lot of things to take into account when planning a trip there!

So if you’re busy planning your backpacking Australia trip here’s everything you need to know – click on the links for more in depth posts and to check out some of the trips and tours I recommend!

Backpacking Australia – Everything You Need To Know

Sydney to cairns or cairns to sydney.

One of the most common questions I get asked about the East Coast of Australia is which way around should you travel – Sydney to Cairns or Cairns to Sydney?

Well to be honest there are a few main things you should keep in mind when planning which way around to travel the East Coast of Australia;

  • Time of year
  • Travel time
  • Onward travels
  • Key dates/events

1. Time of Year

I’m guessing you’re heading to Australia to make the best of the sunshine and beaches, so you’ll want to be following the best of the weather!

Despite what you think that Aussie winter (May > August) can get quite cold down in spots like Sydney and Melbourne, so ideally you’ll want to hit those up in the warmest months you’re there.

So if you land in March I’d say start at the bottom and work up, whereas if you land in August you’ll be best off starting in Cairns and working your way down as the southern parts of the country warm up

2. Travel Time

Along with the time of year you’re travelling the amount of time you’re spending on the East Coast will play a part too.

If you’ve only got 2 weeks then it’s not going to make a huge difference which way around you go weather wise.

One the other hand if you have 3-4 months then it’s going to play a big part as the weather will definitely be changing a lot, so keep that in mind alongside your time of year.

3. Onward Travel

I know you’re planning Australia at the moment, but where are you heading next? It’s worth looking into onward flights as Cairns and Sydney offer different options, airlines and routes.

If you’re flying into Australia on a return ticket you can also do what’s call and open jaw flight – where you fly into one destination and out of another on the same ticket. It’s worth comparing that with a standard return to see if it saves you any money (both ways around) and that might decide your trip for you.

With this its worth keeping in mind low cost airlines like JetStar and Virgin Australia offer cheap flight between Sydney and Cairns so it may also be worth flying between the two for your onward flight as well depending on the prices.

4. Key Dates/Events

Big dates like NYE in Sydney, festivals like Bluesfest in Byron Bay or a birthday might also impact where you start your trip. There’s no point starting in Cairns on Dec 20th if you want to be in Sydney for New Year is there?

Grab a calendar and mark in key dates you want to be places and you could quickly find it decides where you should start your Aussie adventure.

The Best Places To Visit

So what are the best places to visit in Australia along the Sydney to Cairns route? Well here are some of my favourites that you should definitely fit into your plans:

  • Rainbow Beach
  • Fraser Island
  • Airlie Beach
  • Magnetic Island
  • Mission Beach
  • Cape Tribulation

…oh and Melbourne if you’re extending your trip to include that as well, which is well worth it!

Check out my full East Coast destination guide here for more info

The Best Way To Travel When Backpacking Australia?

With such a huge distance to cover figuring out the best way to travel in Australia for your style and of course budget can be tricky.

Here’s a quick rundown of the most popular options for those backpacking Australia;

1. Greyhound Australia Bus – this is the most popular option, with their hop on and hop off passes ideal for those on a set route. Currently they’re running either the WHIMit Passes (ideal for longer trips and those looking to make full use of the extensive bus network) or the East Coast Passes (perfect for trips of up to 30 days between Melbourne and Cairns).

2. Premier Bus – the cheaper alternative to the Greyhound the main difference is the fact Premier only have one departure per day. They do however have a few more options on passes, so it’s worth checking them out.

Click here for more info and to book your Greyhound, Premier or Stray Australia Passes

4. Campervan Hire – I loved campervanning around Australia and there are a huge range of campervan hire option to choose from. This can get pricey if you’re travelling for a long time though or in peak season.

Click here for cheap campervan hire in Australia

5. Buy a car/campervan – for those with a bit more cash or staying in Australia for longer buying a car or campervan is also something worth considering.

Check out my full rundown of the best ways to travel Australia here for more info

Where to Stay?

Australia has the full array of accommodation options and you’re pretty spoilt for choice for where to stay when you’re backpacking  Australia, but here are 3 of the most popular options;

The mainstay of backpackers and budget travellers there’s everything from huge 16 bed dorm rooms to more flashpacker style hostels, certainly the most popular option for most people backpacking Australia.

Some of my top Australia hostel picks include;

  • WakeUp! Sydney
  • The Surf House, Byron Bay
  • Aquarius Byron Bay
  • Byron Bay YHA
  • Flashpackers, Noosa
  • Nomads Airlie Beach
  • Nomads Magnetic Island (formerly Base)
  • Bungalow Bay YHA, Magnetic Island
  • Gilligans, Cairns

With such a huge tourism industry there’s also a huge array of hotels to choose from all over Australia – again for every style and budget.

Click here to check out Booking.com and the options available.

If you’re looking for something a little bit different or to meet some locals along the way there’s thousands of Air B n B properties across Australia to choose from as well.

Whether you want a to rent a whole house for a few days or stay with a local family Air B n B is a great shout for travelling Australia.

Plus click here to save $39 on your first Air Bn B booking!

Download my Ultimate Guide to Australia for heaps more hostel recommendations

How Long Should It Take Backpacking Australia?

Another one of the big questions I get asked is how long should you take to backpacking Australia?

My honest answer is as long as you can afford!

There are over 2,400kms between the two so you dont want to rush it – you’ll spend more time looking out of the window from a bus than enjoying Australia!

You can do it in 2 weeks if you really wanted, but personally 4 weeks is the minimum I’d recommend if you want to hit up all the main destinations and do overnight trips at both Fraser Island and Whitsundays.

Even then you’ll need to have a pretty fixed itinerary.

6 weeks is perfect as it gives you some extra time to play around with and relax. Anything more than that…well happy days you can be a bit more flexible with your plans.

Check out my full guide to How Long To Spend On The East Coast of Australia for more info and some sample itineraries.

How Much Will It Cost?

Along with when, how, and how long is how much will it all cost you?

This will vary heaps from person to person depending on all the other factors as well as what activities you want to fit in.

But as an estimate for a 4 week trip from Sydney to Cairns you’ll need around $4,136AUD – this would then include all your hostels, meals, main activities and bus pass

If you stay for longer obviously your main cost will spread out, reducing your daily spend quite a lot.

Check out my How Much To Budget For Australia post for a more detailed breakdown of all the costs so you can figure out your own personal budget.

What’s There To Do?

Why should you travel from Sydney to Cairns? What is there to do? Well the East Coast trail has some of the best things to do in Australia – here are some of the main activities you’ll want to add to your bucket list;

  • Sydney Opera House
  • Bondi Beach
  • Blue Mountains
  • Learn to surf (Byron Bay is my top pick!)
  • Kayaking with dolphins (again, Byron Bay!)
  • Skydiving ( go for Mission Beach )
  • Noosa Everglades
  • Fraser Island ( check out the best Fraser Island tours here )
  • Whitsunday Islands ( check out the best Whitsundays tours here )
  • White water rafting
  • Cairns waterfalls
  • Learn to scuba dive ( Divers Den in Cairns or Byron Dive Centre )
  • The Great Barrier Reef (again Divers Den is an epic day trip for snorkelling or intro dives )

So When Are You Going?!

Phew, that’s a lot of info to take in hey? Hopefully it’s helped you get started on your trip backpacking Australia and pointed you in the right direction for some extra info to make things even easier!

And if you’d like me to personally help you plan your Australia adventure check out my Custom East Coast Trip Planner – where I’ll put together a custom itinerary for you and hook you up with some exclusive travel discounts too!

Either way, I know you’ll have an epic time travelling in Australia and whether you head there for a year long working holiday visa or a quick trip on a bigger trip I know it’ll leave you stoked for more.

So enjoy it!

Are you planning on backpacking Australia?

Anything else you’d like to know, related posts.

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Travelling Around Australia – The Greyhound Australia Bus Pass Guide

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The Best Hostels In Byron Bay (2023 Update)

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Australia Is Opening Up From 1st Dec 2021!

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I never made it to Byron Bay but always wanted to. I remember at IGA there was always a great section with healthy foods, and they almost always came out of Byron Bay.

I’ve never been to Western Australia and always wanted to. Brisbane was my favourite place. Loved that city. So beautiful and and so nice to cycle around. I rode my bicycle an entire year when I was in Australia.

My boyfriend did Sydney – Cairns in January 2017 in a campervan and had a wonderful time! His only complaint was that it was way too hot – they couldn’t do much in the afternoons, especially once they got up to Queensland. Worth considfering, but still a must-do!

Yeah northern Queensland can get pretty humid, especially in a Campervan! Glad he enjoyed it though!

My Girlfriend is from Australia, even I got to know about few of above mentioned things from her. But is very glad that you gave the whole view about Australia at once. THANK YOU!!

Great and very informative blog posted here. Thanks for sharing such an amazing blog with us.

I can’t wait till people are able to do this again. Travelling Australia is something so special.

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Discover Down Under: your guide for backpacking Australia

Hostelworld Blog | Posted on September 26, 2018 |

Language Specific Image

Australia – the backpacker’s dream destination. With stunningly rugged landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime outdoor activities, bizarre wildlife and a nation of the most down-to-earth hosts you’re ever likely to meet, it’s easy to see why. But hold up.  Before you start buying cork hats and practising your best “G’day mate”, keep in mind that Australia is also massive and occasionally very remote. While no one wants to over plan their trip to the land of no worries, our backpacking Australia guide is packed with helpful tips, itineraries and recommendations from travellers who have backpacked around Australia to make your trip down-under as laid-back as possible.

  • The Best Time to Visit Australia
  • Do I Need a Visa for Australia?

Travelling around Australia

  • Where to Stay in Australia
  • Australia Travel Costs

Best places to visit in Australia

  • Australian Food
  • Australian  Culture and Customs
  • Is Australia Dangerous?
  • Australia Travel Advice

The best time to visit Australia

Recommended by Emily Kammerlohr

The best time to visit Australia totally depends on what you like. If you visit during the Australian winter, you’ll enjoy milder temperatures in the ‘Outback’ (central Australia) and great whale watching on the east coast. If you visit during the Australian summer, you’ll get to experience a quintessential Bondi Christmas and the amazing New Year’s party in Sydney Harbour. It’s totally up to you.

Visiting Australia in spring/summer

In Australia, spring is from September to November and summer is from December to February. If you’re looking to catch some sun, the Australian summer makes the PERFECT getaway from the freezing temperatures of the northern hemisphere. Why not spend your winter break working on your tan instead of crowding around the fire?

Summer in Australia is like nowhere else. The sun seems to shire eternally and the fun never stops. Temperatures in Sydney hover around 25°-30° Celsius, making it the perfect time to bask in the Bondi sun or catch a few waves in Manly . On the opposite coast, Perth ‘s weather is just as amazing – boasting nearly infinite sunny days with temperatures in the high 20’s.

As Australian beach culture is such a big part of the national identity, if you’d like to surf with the locals in Byron Bay , find Nemo on the Great Barrier Reef, or discover koalas on the sandy trails of Magnetic Island, spring and summer is the perfect time for you to visit the great land ‘Down Under’.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw summer in Australia ice cream

Visiting Australia in autumn/winter

In Australia, autumn is from March to May and winter is from June to August. So if you’re from the northern hemisphere, the Australian winter occurs during your summer holidays – at a time when the Australian climate is relatively mild. Australia is such a big country with so much to see, meaning that you’ll need at least a month to six weeks to see everything you’d like to, if not longer. But you don’t need to take a gap year to do this. Even if you’re still in university, the temperature in Australia during the winter makes it the perfect “summer vacation” destination.

Many people think that the Australian climate is too cold during the autumn or winter months, but unless you are south of Sydney, it’s not cold at all. In fact, with average temperatures in the mid 20’s during the winter in northern Queensland , you can sail the Whitsundays , camp on Fraser Island, and explore the Great Barrier Reef – all with only a light jacket.

During the winter, the temperature in Sydney hovers in the mid-teens, but it’s not uncommon for sunny days to reach the low 20’s. Perth’s weather is often very similar, although at night the temperature can reach single digits, so it’s best to bring some warm pyjamas with you.

While you may spend a night or two shivering if you travel the Great Ocean Road near Melbourne during the winter, you will be thankful for the break from the scorching Aussie sun when you make the trek to Uluru.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw winter in Australia - teepee

Backpacker visa for Australia

Recommended by Eline Schreurs

If you want to visit Australia, you’ll need to apply for a specific visa. Thankfully, for every type of traveller, there’s also a type of visa and for most backpackers the following three types of visas a popular.

The most popular visa for Australia from the UK and Europe (plus many other parts of the world) is the Working Holiday visa. This Australian backpacker visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for one year. If you want to apply, you’ll need to meet some entry requirements: you must be aged 18 – 30 years old, have enough money of your own (around AUD $5,000/ EUR   € 3,000), must not have a criminal convictions and be in good health (if you have travelled for longer than 3 months in a ‘high/medium health risk’ area, you’ll need a hospital to assess you). You’re only allowed to have this visa once in your life with one exception: if you complete 88 days of farm work on your first visa you can apply for a second one. Some other types of work are also allowed for a second-year visa, but farm work is the easiest.

If you’re not planning to stay this long or if you don’t want to work while backpacking Australia, you can also apply for a tourist visa. With this visa, you can stay for up to three months, but there are some restrictions regarding any criminal convictions in your own country. Overall, the requirements for this visa are less strict.

You can also apply for a long-stay tourist visa. This visa enables you to backpack around Australia for up to a year, but you will not be allowed to work during this time. You will also be required to prove that you have enough money to travel around Australia without having to work, as they do not want people working illegally on this visa.

There is also the option of a student visa or job-specific visa, but these are more difficult to obtain and require a lot of extra paperwork. I think the easiest one is the Working Holiday visa as it gives you so much time and the option to work if you run out of money, which is likely in Australia.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw koala in the road

There are many ways to get around in Australia: you can drive, take the bus and train or even fly from one place to another. Don’t forget when choosing your type of transport that Australia is immense.

1. Driving in Australia

Driving in Australia is fantastic – you have all the freedom you want. You can go from one place to another without having to think about anything else. Driving in Australia with a UK licence is easy as your licence is also valid – and they drive on the left-hand side of the road too. If you’re not from a country where they drive on the left, it’s going to take a bit more time to adjust. But after a while, you get the hang of it – just be careful at the roundabouts (which can be tricky).

When you decide to go on a classic Australian road trip , the most important thing to remember is: take your time. Driving from Sydney to Melbourne does not look that far on the map, but it takes around 10 hours on the most direct route. However, I recommend you take your time and go for the scenic route along the coast, as it’s a bit longer but so beautiful.

You should also avoid driving at night; during the day you can at least see the native wildlife (like kangaroos and koalas) crossing the road but at night it’s much harder to react on time. Not only do you not want to kill one of these cute animals, but you also don’t want to risk your own life – kangaroos are especially big and can cause some serious damage to your car. While you’re driving around Australia, you will already see a lot of native animals lying dead at the side of the road so please drive carefully.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw driving in Australia

2. Campervan and car hire

There are many options for driving around Australia: you can rent a car and drive between hostels, or you can take a tent and camp at the many campsites. But I think the most relaxed way to drive around Australia is to buy or rent a campervan that you also can sleep in. There are different companies who rent vans like Travellers Autobarn or Wicked Campers .

If you’re in backpacking Australia for a long time, it may be a better idea to buy a van from other backpackers. In every hostel, you will see ads from backpackers selling their vans or cars, but before you agree to a deal with someone, make sure the car gets checked by an independent mechanic. Most of those vans are all pretty old, and you don’t want to break down in the middle of the Outback. Also, don’t forget to buy car insurance – most banks offer some excellent deals for backpackers. The Commonwealth Bank, for example, really helped me out with all my questions about this.

Rent a car with Hostelworld

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw van hire

3. Public transport in Australian cities

If you’re visiting one of the bigger cities like Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane , driving is not comfortable. There’s way too much traffic and you will often get stuck in a traffic jam. The best way to get around in a big city is by public transport. They each have buses, train and tram lines inside the city and a lot of various train lines that can take you outside the city. The public transport in Australian cities is fantastic: it’s almost always on time, with an option every 5 minutes and it is not too expensive. Every state uses their own public transport card. For public transport in Melbourne you need to buy a Myki card and top it up, and then you can use on all the different types of public transport. For Sydney public transport the pre-payment option is called the Opal card. You can use this card for everything in Sydney, such as ferries, trams, buses, etc. Also, on Sundays, you only need to pay a certain amount (like AUD $5) for public transport, and when you reach that limit, you can use the rest of the day public transportation for free. This is particularly interesting if you want to go for a day trip to the Blue Mountains or to Manly for example. You can top-up these cards with as much money as you want – but don’t make the mistake of putting too much on it because you cannot get it back.

4. Backpacker buses in Australia

The most popular way to travel around Australia is to take the ‘backpacker’ bus from one place to another. You can choose between two bus companies: Premier and Greyhound . The most significant difference between the two is the price; Premier is cheaper than Greyhound, but they have fewer options than Greyhound – and on Greyhound you also have Wi-Fi and phone charging points. However, both companies stop at the exact same places, so it’s simply a matter or availability and price.

Both these companies offer flexible passes, which means you can buy a pass for the whole East Coast (from Melbourne to Cairns ) and ‘hop on hop off’ whenever you want. In the high season, you should reserve your place on the bus well in advance or you’ll risk not having a seat at all.  When it’s low season, you’ll still need to reserve your seat, but you can often leave it to the last minute.

You can also buy different passes, such as from Sydney to Cairns or Brisbane. So, it really depends where you are, where you want to go to and how much time you have. Most of the backpackers start in Sydney and end up in Cairns (making the same stops in between like Fraser Island and the Whitsundays ), but there’s much more to see, so do your research before you buy a pass. You may even realise that buying a car is the better option for you. But if you don’t want the hassle of a car and insurance then the backpacker bus is the better way for you to see Australia.

5. Budget airlines and trains in Australia

If you’re in a hurry to get between destinations, then it’s probably better to fly or catch the train. For example, there’s a sleeper train from Sydney to Brisbane that covers the 14-hour journey overnight. Be warned though, the cheapest ticket is for a seat not a bed and it’s a pretty uncomfortable way to sleep. However, Australian trains are of a very high standard, especially the interstate XPT trains that run from Sydney.

If the idea of a long car ride (like the whopping 19-hour Brisbane to Cairns drive) really isn’t for you then flying is probably your best option. Australia has multiple budget airlines, such as Jetstar, Tigerair and Virgin Australia. If you book far enough in advance, you can often get a good price. Alternatively, if you know which domestic flights you will need before booking your international ones, why not pop them on the same ticket? Qantas do a Walkabout Pass which means you can fly with them everywhere in Australia for a fraction of the price.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw flying in Australia

Where to stay in Australia

Australia is an awesome backpacking hub and so naturally enjoys a plethora of amazing hostels. Check out the best hostels in Australia here .

Compare all hostels in Australia

Australia travel costs

Australia is expensive – but backpacking Australia on a budget is still possible. You don’t need to sacrifice safety or comfort in the land ‘Down Under’ to have a magnificent adventure. It’s typical of backpackers in Australia to compare budgets and frustrations about the high cost of living in this Oceanic paradise, but if you’re careful it’s possible to leave Australia with money left over.

1. Currency in Australia

The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar. It’s denoted by the dollar sign “$” same as the American and Canadian Dollar. While exchange rates can vary daily, as of August 2018, the average conversions are as follows:

American Dollar vs. Australian Dollar:

Euro vs. Australian Dollar:

British Pound Sterling vs. Australian Dollar:

Canadian Dollar vs. Australian Dollar:

2. Cost of flights to Australia

The costs of flights to Australia can vary greatly, but a backpacker on a budget should always keep their eyes open for sales and deals. For example, certain airlines often have “end of year” sales or major sales around holidays.

Another way to secure cheap airfare to Australia is by waiting for error fares. An error fare is when an airline mistakenly publishes a fare that is well below market price – sometimes as low as 90% off. The only downside is that error fares are not always honoured and typically have restricted dates.

From the UK, you should expect to pay an average of AUD $900 to AUD $1,200 for a flight out of London without any special deals. From Germany, flights tend to run about AUD $1,400, no matter the airport or season. From Canada, flights can vary depending on the season and city of departure. For example, flying from Toronto in September can cost roughly AUD $1,500, while flying from Vancouver in May can be AUD $1,300.

From the USA, flight availability and prices vary greatly as the market becomes more competitive, with non-stop flights from San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles consistently priced under AUD $1,000.

3. Backpacking Australia: daily budget

Before setting off to backpack Australia, you should think about what experiences you would like to splurge on. This is because while the day-to-day costs while travelling Australia on a budget can be kept relatively low, experiences such as camping under the stars at Uluru or sailing the Whitsunday Islands can be expensive, depending on how you choose to experience them.

If you already know which bucket list items you are willing to spend more money on, you can factor the costs into your original budget and not worry about blowing through all your cash when it is time to experience them.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw baby kangaroo

4. Australian hostel costs

In larger cities like Sydney and Melbourne , a bed in an 8-person dorm typically goes for roughly AUD $20–$35 a night, while in smaller cities like Cairns or Byron Bay , you can stay cheaper, typically for under AUD $20–$25 a night.

Your daily costs can be reduced significantly by staying a hostel that includes breakfast and has free Wi-Fi, as even if the fee to access these amenities is small (often less than AUD $5), if purchased every day, they can add up quickly.

5. Eating and drinking

Alcohol is expensive in Australia due to import costs and taxation, so do not be surprised to see the average city cocktail come in around AUD $25 or more. Buying your alcohol at the local bottle shop (called a “bottle-o” to Aussies) is always cheaper than going out. A staple of the Australian backpacking experience is “goon”, which is a very inexpensive bagged wine.

A sit-down meal at your average restaurant can cost anywhere from AUD $25 -$40 (even for a burger and chips), which is why many backpackers choose to purchase groceries at supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles and cook a meal in their hostel instead.

When you’re on an extreme budget (and want to experience an authentic Aussie treat) stop by the hardware store Bunnings Warehouse for their $1 sausage sizzle every Sunday.

6. Sightseeing

The great thing about Australia is that there are so many wonderful things to see and do that are completely free. For example, whilst climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney is well over AUD $200, you are welcome to walk across it for free. Many museums in Sydney and Melbourne are also completely free and you can take in the overwhelming nature of Northern Queensland and the Outback without paying a cent through your own hikes and scenic drives. See our recommendations for things to do in Australia below.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw reef

Australia is one of the most amazing countries in the world. Even if you live here for a year, you’ll still struggle to visit all the places that are on your bucket list.

1. Uluru and the Outback

The most famous landmark in Australia is Uluru. This sacred rock is in the middle of the Outback, as Australia’s vast desert interior is called. It takes a couple of days to get there by car and is expensive, but anyone you speak to who has visited it says it is worth it. Most backpackers are drawn to the Outback because of the promise of adventure: you’ll drive for days without encountering anybody else, sleep under the most beautiful starry sky you’ll ever see and feel at one with nature the whole time.

Book your hostel in Alice Springs

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw Uluru

2. Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road

If you’re starting your trip on Australia’s east coast, then your first stop should be Melbourne . Known for its chilled-out vibes and numerous hipster bars, there’s so much more to this city than places to drink. Your Melbourne backpacker itinerary should include Hosier Lane, with the most beautiful graffiti you’ll ever see, and architecture and book fans shouldn’t miss the amazing State Library of Victoria. If the weather is lovely, take a walk next to the Yarra River and make your way through the Kings Domain to the impressive Shrine of Remembrance war memorial. You also need to visit Queen Victoria Market, especially on a Sunday when there’s also a lot of street musicians and food stands around. Your hostel can help you arrange a backpacker tour around Melbourne if you’re interested in a guided experience of the city.

Heading out of Melbourne, you shouldn’t miss the iconic road trip along the Great Ocean Road . This two or three-day trip includes many stunning beaches and rock formations; the most famous one is the Twelve Apostles, which are slowly disappearing due to erosion, so you better hurry up if you want to see them.

3. Melbourne to Cairns: backpacking east coast Australia

Most of the backpackers opt for the classic east coast itinerary when visiting Australia for the first time, taking in most key destinations from Melbourne to Cairns . You can squeeze this whole route in if you’re only backpacking Australia for 3 weeks – or take time and stretch it out across 3 months. Listed below are some of the key landmarks and attractions you should include when doing this classic Australian backpacking route.

4. Sydney and the Blue Mountains

If you’re planning on backpacking the east coast of Australia, you will definitely stop in Sydney for a few days. This lively and vibrant city has an incredible range of beaches – and, of course, you must take a selfie with the Opera House and spend an afternoon chilling in Hyde Park. You can climb the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge if you’re looking for a high-adrenaline adventure, but you also shouldn’t miss other landmarks like Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, Circular Quay and the Rocks and many more.

If you’re more into beaches , then you’ll discover the city has a wide range of options. Take the ferry (which I highly recommend, especially at night) and visit Manly and Shelly beach. Both beaches are amazing and the surfy suburb of Manly is also worth a visit. Of course, you should visit Sydney’s most famous beaches: Bondi Beach (as seen on the reality TV series Bondi Rescue ) and Palm Beach (the setting for TV soap opera, Home and Away ). The easiest way to make new friends in Sydney is to go to a backpacker bar , such as Scary Canary near Darling Harbour, and start talking to other people. Most of these bars are entwined with hostels, like the awesome Wake Up! hostel bar – so choose the right one and you will have a bunch of friends in no time.

If you fancy a day trip from Sydney, then you shouldn’t miss the Blue Mountains National Park. You can visit the breathtaking Three Sisters rock formation and enjoy a long walk in the park, to absorb all the natural beauty. Book a hostel and stay overnight – or even for a couple of days – as you will find so many new and amazing things to do here.

Check out our Sydney guide

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw Sydney Harbour Bridge

5. Byron Bay

If you’re travelling by bus from Sydney, then your next stop will probably be Byron Bay . Known to be a little hippie stoner town, its reputation has grown so much that people say the moment you drive into the city you become high. Maybe it was like this years ago but now it’s much more of a tourist-friendly destination. It’s still wonderful and has serious hippy vibes, but it’s also more commercial. Make sure to visit the lighthouse at the top, it will give you a fantastic view.

Incredible things to do in Byron Bay

6. Gold Coast

The next stop is something entirely different: Surfers Paradise . The main reason backpackers stop here is to party: join a pub crawl your hostel and you’ll probably end up in Sin City, the club where the bartenders work in their underwear. But there is so much more to the Gold Coast than partying. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the regions, such as the very Instagramable sunflower fields in Allora or lush waterfalls at Tallebudgera Valley.

Amazing things to do on the Gold Coast

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw Gold Coast

7. Brisbane

Close to the Gold Coast is the Queensland state capital, Brisbane . Some people are surprised at how different it is to Sydney and Melbourne, with its own unique vibe. Brisbane has the most beautiful botanic gardens, where you can wander around in for hours. Head to the South Bank to visit the beautiful Gallery of Modern Art and the National Library, then chill by the river in the sunshine or grab a drink and enjoy the sunset.

When you’re in Brisbane, you must not forget to go shopping.  This city has a beautiful and historical centre, with many cool places and shops. Find yourself a new outfit and go dancing, because there are a lot of great places to party. Brisbane is a vibrant city with an interesting history.

Find a hostel in Brisbane

After all this partying, it is time to relax a bit again – and there’s no place better than Noosa . This little town has the most stunning beaches. Please stop and stay here for a couple of days, enjoy the coastal walk, take a sunset boat tour, and go kayaking on the Everglades. Whatever you do here, it’s going to be marvellous.

Find a hostel in Noosa

9. Fraser Island and the Whitsundays

Next up on your backpacking route for Australia’s east coast is one of the most amazing places in the whole world. Head to the coastal town of Rainbow Beach to catch the barge to Fraser Island. Not only is it the world’s largest sand island, is also is the home to the beautiful Lake McKenzie and the sparkling Champagne Pools. It also a great place for spotting whales and other sea life (along with the occasional dingo). Fraser Island is indeed a magical place; when the sun goes down, head to the beach with your towel, lay back and watch the stars. It’s the most impressive thing you will ever see.

Your next stop is further along the coast. The little town of Airlie Beach is another starting point for an iconic Australian attraction: the Whitsunday Islands. Book a tour with a boat (there are many options) and you’ll find yourself transported to the most picturesque and natural white beaches and blue ocean. It will feel like you’ve ended up on a postcard. Go snorkelling, hire a paddle board or simply relax.

Discover secret things to do in the Whitsundays

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw island car

10. Magnetic Island and Cairns

After the Whitsundays, it’s time for Magnetic Island. To get here, you first have to travel to Townsville ; this city has a range of great hostels, so you can either stop here for a night or head straight to the island to stay at one of the hostels here. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to hire one of the island’s iconic pink hire cars (for some Barbie realness). Drive down to Bungalow Bay Koala Village and pet these cute animals at this beautiful sanctuary. After this head, to the beach for a relaxing afternoon and enjoy the sunset with a box of ‘goon’ and your friends.

By now you’ll almost be in Cairns , but if you want you can make one more to stop when backpacking the east coast of Australia: Mission Beach. This is the place try skydiving if you’re keen – if not, proceed directly to Cairns and its famous Gilligan’s Backpacker Hotel & Resort . This hostel is renowned for its legendary party nights – but don’t miss the amazing day trips you can try from here: the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation plus exploring the beautiful waterfalls around Cairns.

Find your hostel in Cairns

11. Northern and Western Australia backpacking route

Most of the backpackers only travel the east coast on their first trip, but there’s another side to this incredible country. If you want to see the real Australia, you must go to the west coast. It’s rougher with no big cities but it’s different and (in my opinion) more authentic experience of Australia. If you want to drive yourself around the west coast, then I recommend that you rent a 4WD sized car . This is the only way to go to all the cool places – as the west coast has some places that are seriously off-the-beaten-track.

Awesome places to visit in Western Australia

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw Outback

If you want to go from the ‘Top End’ of Australia and head down the west coast, then Darwin is your first stop. It’s one of the biggest cities you’ll experience on this itinerary – and it is boiling there. You’ll find most backpackers in the hostel pool because the sea is full of deadly box jellyfish… and crocodiles. Yup, that’s right, crocodiles. If you happen to like crocodiles, don’t go looking for them on the beach but head to Crocosaurus Cove, an aquarium where you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and feed them.

Find a hostel in Darwin

13. Lake Argyle and National Parks

Once you head across the border into Western Australia , you’ll reach Lake Argyle, which has the most beautiful sunsets. Take a boat trip around the lake and swim with non-dangerous crocodiles. After Lake Argyle, you can drive to Purnululu National Park, which has fantastic rock formations; it’s worth reading up on Indigenous history in this area. After this, drive to King Leopold Range National Park and try one of the walks here or just relax and enjoy the nature.

backpacking Australia - watefall

By now you will arrive in the third biggest town on this backpacker itinerary, Broome . There’s not a lot to see in Broome (it has roughly four streets to the town) but it’s worth stopping for Cable Beach, which has some amazing sunsets. You can even ride a camel on the beach.

Find a hostel in Broome

15. Karijini National Park

The west coast of Australia has some of the most beautiful national parks, including Karijini National Park. The best thing to do here is walk through the big red rock formations – it’s so amazing, you feel like you’re in a movie.

16. Shark Bay

If you like sea animals, then you need to stop at Shark Bay (also known as Monkey Mia ). There’s a show with wild dolphins, where you can learn a lot about their habits and some lucky people can feed the dolphins. There’s also the option of taking a boat tour so you can experience more of the local sea life.

Find a hostel in Monkey Mia

17. Kalbarri National Park

The next national park is also the most famous one on the west coast: Kalbarri National Park. Here you’ll find lots of beautiful walks, but make sure you try one that ends at Nature’s Window – you will never find a better place to capture the sunset for your Instagram. Don’t get scared when I tell you this, but it also featured in the film Wolf Creek.

Find a hostel in Kalbarri

18. Perth and Freemantle

After all this travelling, you’ll finally arrive in Perth . This is the biggest city on the west coast and the most famous attraction here is Kings Park.  You also need to visit Freemantle where there is a charming market – or just stroll around in Perth, go to a nice pub and start chatting with the locals, who are very friendly. You can also do a day trip to the Pinnacles Desert, which is filled with incredible (and funny) rock formations.

Free things to do in Perth

Australian food

Recommended by Zuleika Conte

If you think of Australian food, the first thing that probably comes to mind is ‘throwing a shrimp on the barbie’, along with some sausages and an extremely well-done steak – then washing it down with a couple (dozen) Fosters. This is not an entirely unfair representation of traditional Australian food, but it’s not entirely fair either. Firstly, Australians call them prawns not shrimp and, while steak may once have been preferred at a charcoal-like consistency, the ones I came across on my travels were all beautifully cooked. That Aussies love their beer is undeniably true, but the variety most definitely extends beyond Fosters – especially in the increasingly popular craft beer scene.

The irony is that even though a dozen stereotypes come to mind when imagining Australian cuisine, it’s the exact opposite of being limited to a few culinary clichés. Australian food reflects, unsurprisingly, the incredibly diverse mix of cultures that have at some point made Australia their home – from Indigenous to Asian and Mediterranean, amongst others. Mod Oz – or modern Australian cuisine – is the attempt to fuse all these eclectic influences into something uniquely Australian.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw Australian food

Chefs are increasingly starting to add ‘ bush tucker ‘ (food that’s native to the country and traditionally associated with the Indigenous Australian diet) to their dishes.  Wattleseed, an Indigenous plant that is usually ground and roasted, is popping up in restaurants nationwide and can be found in all sorts of dishes. You can give it a go at Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica restaurant, where it’s served with wallaby (the kangaroo’s smaller cousin) and native currants. It’s not uncommon to see wattleseed, belly pork, kofte and pasta all in one Mod Oz menu, reflecting all the cultural influences that make up Australia’s culinary identity.

But Mod Oz is still mostly limited to the larger cities and – even then – to trendier restaurants. Equally Australian and culturally-influenced is the suburban food scene of service station meat pies and pub food.  Classics like meat pies and fish and chips trace a British heritage whilst dishes like “ chicken parm ” – a staple Aussie pub menu item – to Italian immigrants that arrived in the 1950s. Burger joints and steadily-disappearing chicken shops, of course, reflect the ubiquitous influence of the USA.

But even though these foods derive from other countries, the Australians have added their own unique take. Chicken shops would not be the same without the inimitable chicken salt – a uniquely Australian spice mix made up of garlic, onion, paprika and turmeric. Despite the name, it’s traditionally used not on chicken but on deliciously fresh, chunky-cut chips. Another Aussie staple is the “works” burger – a burger that comes with, unsurprisingly, all the works: egg, tomato, lettuce, cheese, the occasional pineapple slice and the one ingredient I’ve only ever seen in an Australian burger, the beloved beetroot.

Some of Australia’s most iconic food consists not of traditional dishes but of beloved ‘made-in-Australia’ brands. Perhaps the reason for this nostalgic – almost patriotic – attachment to brands like Vegemite or Tim-Tams is that, unlike other dishes originating elsewhere, they can’t be claimed by any other nation.  Of course, another reason for the attachment is because they’re good – really, really good.

Like Marmite, you either love or hate Vegemite – a dark-brown, gooey yeast extract with various vegetable and spice additives; I adore the stuff. It’s said that it takes tourists some getting used to (and that may be true), but it’s also true that it has to be applied exactly right: white, sliced bread – perfectly toasted until it’s just golden-brown and very slightly soft in the middle; a generous scrape of the best butter you can find; and finally a thin layer (as they say – a little goes a long way) of the good stuff. Consume with a hot cup of tea and I challenge anyone not to love it.

The criticality of correct consumption goes for other brand-foods too. Take Tim-Tams : the best way to eat them is said to be to diagonally bite off each end, place one bitten end in your mouth, dip the other in a hot drink and then suck, using the Tim Tam as a straw. As the liquid is pulled through, the biscuit will start to disintegrate into a gooey, chocolatey mess. This is the point at which you want to pop the whole thing into your mouth before it melts completely. Timing is everything.

The only way to experience Australian cuisine is to experience it all in its right context: refuel with flat whites and sourdough toast with smashed avocado at a ubiquitous hipster café in the morning, lunch at an Asian-fusion restaurant, and finish up with a guilty meat pie and ketchup from the service station after a night out sinking schooners at the pub.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw Australian cafe

Australian culture and customs

1. australian people.

If you’ve seen Crocodile Dundee , you’ll know all Australians are tanned and blonde, shave with knives and wrestle crocodiles in their spare time. Alright, so you know this is all nonsense (I hope) but the movie gets it right when it comes to how laid-back, friendly and unpretentious Aussies are. If there’s anything Australians dislike (and they’re generally pretty tolerant), it’s being too big for your boots. Don’t be surprised if your new mate tells you they like your new haircut and then follows it up with “did you get run over by a lawnmower?”. It probably means they really like you and, besides, they make fun of themselves too.

A better starting point for insight into Aussie culture is the cult movie The Castle : the story of a family’s fight to save their home – even though it stands on a toxic landfill next to an airport runway because it’s a ‘home, not a house’. Using the ‘bloody law of common sense’ they fight for their castle with everything they’ve got – which is a lot of love and good humour. Based on my time living in Australia with what I now consider my second family, this is the perfect reflection of Australian priorities, where relationships come before everything else. There’s even an Aussie word for it – mateship.

2. Australian greetings

Meeting an Aussie is usually pretty casual. A handshake and a smile are enough. While ‘G’day’ might not be quite as overused as people imagine, a ‘how ya doing’, or ‘how ya going, mate?’ is by no means rare. Ex-cricketer Dennis Lillee is famous for having greeted the Queen with a cheerful, ‘G’day, how ya going?’. Aussies generally prefer to call people by their first names, sometimes even at formal or business events. Really, other than being friendly and down-to-earth, there aren’t many strict rules when it comes to Aussie etiquette.

3. Australian lifestyle

95% of Australians live on the coast and are never very far from the nearest the beach, even in the cities. This combined with the generally glorious weather means that the Aussie beach lifestyle is very much real. While people’s busy schedules might prevent them from hanging out at the beach in their togs (swimsuits) quite as often as soap operas like Home and Away would have you believe, there’s definitely a shared love of the outdoors. This translates to a pretty active lifestyle. Swimming, surfing, cricket and football are hugely popular past-times. And when people aren’t taking part in sports, they’re following them on TV. Football finals are eagerly awaited for weeks, while long summer days are devoted to the cricket.

When they’re not having a ‘barbie’ (BBQ) at the beach, you might find people at the local pub. In Oz, the pub isn’t just a place to go drinking, but a place to hang out with family and friends, listen to music, play the pokies (poker machines) or take part in the daily raffle.

Slightly more of a newcomer is the thriving Australian café culture, which extends not just to delicious lattes and flat whites but to the wider ritual of brunch – usually featuring sourdough toast, organic eggs and avocados in one of many forms. Coffee in Australia is not about refuelling with a quick espresso, it’s part of a laid-back lifestyle – that’s taken very seriously. In Bondi , I was asked whether I wanted my coffee in ‘paper or ceramic?’ My confusion must have been as plain as the marble decor – ‘to have in or take away?’ Ten minutes later I had my Ethiopian-bean coffee, brewed in a contraption that looked like it had come off the set of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory . It turns out Ethiopian bean tastes quite bitter – when I asked, “Could I get some sugar, please?”, I was informed: “We don’t serve sugar in this establishment”. The Oompa-Loompas would be horrified.

Backpacking Australia @exploreshaw Kangaroo

4. Australian traditions, holidays and festivals

Aside from the major religious holidays at Christmas and Easter, Australia has tons of holidays and festivals they celebrate throughout the year that reflect different aspects of its diverse cultural heritage.

Australia Day (26th January) is the official national holiday of Australia. Traditionally celebrated with a ‘barbie’, cricket-watching, and of course plenty of cold beer. It is also quite a controversial day and in most major cities you will come across protests against ‘Invasion Day’, drawing attention to the impact that white settlement has had on the Indigenous population of Australia since 1788.

Yabun Festival (also on 26th January) is one of Australia’s largest indigenous Australian festivals held annually in Sydney . The event features traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances, live music, panel discussions, and market stalls featuring traditional crafts.

Sydney Festival (3 weeks during January) is a major arts festival held in Sydney that attracts about 500,000 people each year. It features hundreds of events from local and international artists and includes theatre, contemporary and classical music, dance, circus, and the visual arts.

Mardi Gras (late Feb/early March) is one of the largest LGBT pride parades in the world and is held annually in Sydney.

Anzac Day (25th April) commemorates Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women. Commemorative services are held nationwide at dawn and marches are held throughout the country’s towns and cities.

Melbourne Cup (first Tuesday of November) is an annual horse race and one of Australia’s most popular social events. For the main race, people dress up in their fanciest clothes and many offices close throughout the country. The event is so popular that the day is an official public holiday in the state of Victoria .

Is Australia dangerous?

It’s not! Well, mostly.

I was SO fearful of coming to Australia because of the snakes – and my phobia of them. I pictured pythons slithering out of my toilet in the night and Australian spiders hiding in my shoes – just lying in wait to attack me.  Yet the Aussies I talked to physically rolled their eyes at me when I said this.

While there are many, many deadly animals on the continent of Australia, the cities here are just as safe as any other major city. However, when you’re in the bush or other more regional areas, using common sense will keep you safe.

Aussies are big jokers – they like to play up the craziness of dangerous Australian animals for the sake of a good chuckle at the expense of tourists. A prime example of this: “Drop Bears”. Are koalas dangerous? Absolutely not, but you might have heard of their demented cousins – Drop Bears. Rabid creatures that hide in trees and “drop” down on to their victims to attack them. Don’t worry, they’re totally a myth, but be sure to play along if an Aussie brings them up for a good laugh.

Remember: the many dangerous Australian animals can be deadly. Keep your wits about you in rural areas, always follow the instructions of your guide, and never provoke an animal. Most injuries, like snakebites or kangaroo scratches, occur when we get a little bit too close to the wildlife.

Australia travel advice

1. be prepared for long journeys.

Australia. Is. Huge. I mean, seriously vast. The bus journey time for the most popular backpacker route from Sydney to Cairns clocks in at just under 50 hours. That’s a long time to play I-Spy. Most buses have power sockets, so make sure to download your favourite tunes or shows. If you get car-sick, stock up on anti-nausea meds. Noise-cancelling headphones and a neck pillow are also your friends.

2. Backpacking Australia alone

Solo travelling is a daunting prospect but, if you’re going to do it anywhere, Australia is the place. As one of the world’s most popular backpacking destinations, everything is geared towards having fun and making it super-easy to meet new people. Most hostels have nightly social events and some buses like the Oz Experience organise a ton of activities like hiking and sightseeing at stops along your route.

3. Watch the weather

Australia means gloriously relentless sunshine, right?  Not quite – a lot of people aren’t aware that the Northern Territory (including Darwin and Kakadu) has an intense rainy season from November to April, while Melbourne is renowned for having ‘four seasons in one day’ (moving from baking heat to bitter winds in the space of a few hours). If you’re travelling to Uluru in the spring, the inescapable Tundra midges are another seasonal quirk to be aware of. The good news is you’ll have an excuse to wear that cork hat and pretend you’re Mick Dundee (or buy a netting hat at the local store).

4. What to pack for Australia

While your inner thermostat may be set to very hot most days, be aware that (depending on the time of year and location) it may get quite cool – especially at night. In the winter, desert temperatures can drop below zero. If you’re travelling south during winter, make sure to pack warm clothes. Otherwise, bring whatever you find most comfortable plus a couple of smarter items. Nightclubs in the cities won’t let you get away with flipflops (called ‘thongs’) – and I probably don’t need to tell you this, but… bring sunscreen. Lots of it. As the locals say – ‘slip,slap,slop’. Other than that, it’s the classic essentials – sunglasses, flashlight (if you don’t have one on your phone), water bottle, basic meds (especially anti-allergens) and, if you can, a battery pack or solar charger.

5. Learn the lingo

OK, this one’s easy. Lesson one – abbreviate everything. Fancy a biscuit? Request a biccy. Got a McDonald’s craving? Ask for the nearest Macca’s. You can do it for almost anything. Afternoon = Arvo. Service station = Servo. Ambulance = Ambo. And so on.

Ordering a beer will probably be your first step over the language barrier, so here goes:

–    a schooner is a big 450ml glass, except in Victoria and Queensland where it’s a pint, and

–    a small glass is called a pot in Victoria and Queensland, a middy in New South Wales and Western Australia, or a handle in the Northern Territory.

Got it? Have another stubby (a small bottle beer) and you’ll figure it out.  Unless you’re in Victoria or Queensland.

6. Vaccinations for Australia

There are no mandatory vaccinations to travel to Australia but where there are mozzies there is a risk. The WHO recommends vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and influenza.

7. Plan a rough itinerary

Don’t checklist travel. When hanging out with other backpackers telling stories of all the incredible places they’ve visited, it can be tempting to give into FOMO and try to pack too much in. Equally, you might find a group you really click with and spend more time than you intended in one place. While of course it’s good to stay flexible and open-minded, try to plan at least a rough itinerary of places you really want to prioritise – unless you have all the time in the world. You’ll be upset if you missed out on wild-camping and driving 4x4s on the beach in Fraser Island for one more late night in Brisbane .

8. Work to live

If you’re looking to work while you travel, you can check out the usual places ( Gumtree , Indeed , Seek ) and some specific to backpackers (like the Backpacker Job Board ). For casual labour, there are plenty of opportunities for accommodation and food in exchange for 4-6 hours work, perhaps even in the hostel you’re staying at. The most popular experience is WWOOFing (willing workers on organic farms) but Workaway and HelpX offers similar opportunities. For either type of work, you’ll need a working holiday visa, which is valid for 12 months and allows you to work for each employer for a maximum of 6 months. Make sure that if you get a work visa that you also apply for a TFN, otherwise 45% of your income will be automatically deducted for tax! You can do this online provided you have ID and can provide an Australian address.

How and where to find backpacking jobs in Australia

backpacking Australia - palm trees

9. Australian tax for backpackers

If you apply for the working visa, be aware that Australia recently introduced a tax on working holidaymakers (backpackers) of 15% on the first AUD $37,000 of earnings. Cheer up, at least they reduced the visa application fee by AUD $50! More good news – once you’ve been in Australia for 6 months you can claim tax back on overpaid tax. This happens for several reasons but you’re probably more interested in the fact that the average amount received back is AUD $2,600. To claim, you’ll need ID, your Tax File Number, and your payslips from each employer. Filing a return is obligatory and must be done before the end of the tax year on June 30th.

Once you’ve left Australia, you can also apply to get your super payment back if you earned over AUD $450 a month. These don’t come out of your wages but are payments paid by your employer towards your pension, and since you’re obviously not retiring in Australia, you can claim these back! If you can’t find your documents or find the process too confusing, you can use an authorised agent like Taxback.com to file your return – they have an awesome website and make the whole process super-easy.

10. Australian sim card

The cheapest option for calls, texts and data in Australia is to bring your own unlocked phone from home and buy a SIM-only pre-paid plan. This way you won’t be locked into a contract and the plans are simple, cheap and convenient. If you don’t have an unlocked phone, you can buy a new one and a SIM card, but this is more expensive. Stick to pay as you go, and you can keep track of your spending.

Most phone shops can sell you a SIM and register and activate it for you provided you have photo ID.  Then just top-up online or at the supermarket, post office or most gas stations. You may have to look for specific retailers for the smaller phone companies.

Of course, before you choose which plan to buy, you’ll have to choose your network. There are three mobile networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. While these tend to be the most expensive, there are smaller, alternative carriers called MVNO’s which buy network connectivity from them at wholesale rates. This means they can offer you a much better deal.

Currently, Telstra has the best reputation for service and connectivity, especially when travelling to rural areas. The most popular MVNO connected to Telstra is Boost – which for backpackers seems to offer the best compromise between price and connectivity. If that’s not your priority, and you’re more interested in data or international calls, for example, ask at the phone store about the best options for you.

📷 All images by Emma Shaw (unless stated otherwise)

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Australia is the home to ULTIMATE Adventure! Fall in love with our iconic Great Barrier Reef, Visit the Famous Sydney Opera House, Experience the Majestic Australian Outback, Explore the Vibrant Laneways of Melbourne city and more!  Whether you are thinking about taking a Gap Year, Working Holiday, Short or Extended break, our range of Australian Tour Packages, Short Adventures, Guided Tours and Work and Travel Programs are sure to give you an ULTIMATE Experience. #MYULTIMATEMOMENT.

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Australia is the home to ULTIMATE Adventure! Fall in love with our iconic Great Barrier Reef, Visit the Famous Sydney Opera House, Experience the Majestic Australian Outback, Explore the Vibrant Laneways of Melbourne city and more!  Whether you are thinking about taking a Gap Year, Working Holiday, Short or Extended break, our range of Australian Tour Packages, Short Adventures, Guided Tours and Work and Travel Programs are sure to give you an ULTIMATE experience. #MYULTIMATEMOMENT.

Australia Tour Packages UltimateOz Gap Year Group Tour

//  This trip is the ULTIMATE way to start your gap year in Australia! Your first week in Sydney is jam packed with activities and inclusions. We’ll arrange everything you need to start your gap year so you can relax and settle into life Down Under with ease. You’ll experience all this with a group of new mates and a fun, experienced guide. This is one of our original and best selling Australia Tour Packages.

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// Looking for an epic week down under? We’ll introduce you to the amazing city of Sydney; from Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach and the Blue Mountains, we’ll show you all of the best spots! Explore the city, cruise Sydney harbour on our private catamaran, surf some waves in sunny Bondi, escape to the bush for a day & party the night away! And even better, you’ll be doing this all with a group of new mates!

UltimateTravelAustraliaPackagesMelbourne-Adventure

// Welcome to our ULTIMATE Melbourne adventure. Kick off your gap year exploring the city’s best landmarks and the Great Ocean Road! This Gap Year arrival package and group tour is jam packed with information, activities and inclusions.

Australia Tour Packages East Coast Highlights

// Discover all the iconic highlights of the Australian East Coast with our Ultimate East Coast: Highlights tour. This fast-paced adventure will lead you to bohemian beach towns, world heritage sites, iconic surf beaches, pristine landscapes and the Great Barrier Reef! If you’re looking to make new mates and discover the best of the Aussie East Coast,  then Ultimate East Coast: Highlights is for you.

Australia Tour Packages East Coast Explorer 5 Week Tour

// Get ready for an epic guided group adventure exploring the very best of the Australian East Coast on the Ultimate East Coast: Explorer package from Sydney to Cairns. Discover amazing Aussie locations, have heaps of fun, create unforgettable memories and make friends for life! This is an Original ULTIMATE tour and one of the most popular Australia Tour Packages that we offer.

Australia Tour Packages East Coast Explorer 6 Week Tour

// From Sydney to Cairns, we’ll explore the best of Australia’s East Coast in an epic 6 week East Coast Australia Tour. From Sydney’s city vibes to the surf culture of Bondi Beach, we’ll experience everything this amazing city has to offer before starting our Ultimate East Coast adventure! Chill in Byron Bay, explore Fraser Island by 4×4, sail the Whitsundays, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and everything in between – we’ll check everything off your Aussie bucket list!

Australia tour packages East-Coast-Melbourne-to-Cairns

// From Melbourne to Cairns, we’ll explore the best of Australia’s East Coast plus an ULTIMATE week in Australia’s culture hub – Melbourne. This epic adventure combines our long running East Coast Explorer plus Sydney tour with an additional week in Melbourne.

AustraliaTourPackagesOz-Essentials-Syd-to-Cairns

// Our East Coast Essentials package is your best value 25 Day Itinerary! Flexibility is key with this package, as you can choose your preferred dates to start your itinerary and choose your own activities and adventures. Your accommodation and transport is included and set travelling north from Sydney to Cairns,

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// Our East Coast Essentials Cairns to Sydney package is your best value 25 Day Itinerary. Start in Cairns and end your itinerary in Sydney. The Flexibility of this package let’s you choose your own activities and experiences. Your accommodation and transport is included in this package

AustraliaTourPackagesOz Adventure Package

// Our OZ Adventure Package is a self guided 28 day adventure package showcasing the best East Coast stops from Sydney to Cairns, including Fraser Island, the Whitsundays and the stunning Great Barrier Reef. You’ll also stop off along the way at some unique hidden gems including Airlie Beach and Magnetic Island!

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// With our Fully Flexible East Coast Adventure packages, you choose where you go, how long you stay, and what you do.  Choose to travel between 10 and 60 days and get the freedom to travel and explore destinations during that period in the the way you want to!

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// The Ultimate East Coast Australia Reefs & Beaches  Group tour. This fast paced small group tour travels from Sydney to Cairns and ticks off all the Bucket List stops and activities along Australia’s East Coast. Explore Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays and Cairns over 15 unforgettable Days.

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// Our  Working Holiday Short Arrival Packages are ideal for those embarking on a Gap Year or Working Holiday into Australia. Arrive in to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, or Cairns. Job Support and your Gap Year Essentials included.

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// This 5-day progressive surf course includes surfing lessons every day and is designed for beginners. You’ll be taught everything you need to know – paddling, standing up, dropping into waves and riding across them. Tour departs from Sydney most Mondays throughout the year. Learn to surf downunder!

GREAT BARRIER REEF

// There is no better place in the world to learn to dive than the Great Barrier Reef in Australia! Gain your PADI diving certification during our 5D/4N trip which includes 2 nights on a live-aboard vessel! Includes all your accommodation, meals whilst on the live-aboard, all equipment and theory / pool lessons! This trip is open-dated so you can travel when it suits you!

Australia Tour Packages Whitsunday Sailing

// See the best of the Whitsundays including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Hike up the iconic Hill Inlet for spectacular views over Whitehaven beach and spend 2 night under the stars on our boat with unrivaled facilities.

Australia Tour Packages Fraser Island Adventure

// On our 3-day, 2-night Fraser Island Adventure we’ll take you to the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, send you floating down Eli Creek and walk you into Pile Valley’s ancient rainforest. Camp along the beach and spend your days exploring this incredible island – get the unique Fraser Island experience, all while driving in your own 4×4!

Australia Tour Packages Red Centre Australia Tour

// Experience the Australian Outback on this iconic Red Centre tour. Visit the sacred sites of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, sleep in an Aussie swag under the stars and learn about Aboriginal history and current day Aboriginal culture.

Australia Tour Packages Topend Australia Tour

// This Top End Australia adventure is the Ultimate way to explore the Northern Territory. Discover the iconic Kakadu, Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge and the Devils Marbles on this 6-Day Traditional Camping group tour from Darwin to Alice Springs.

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// Welcome to Sydney! Our Meet Me package will showcase the best of Sydney, Blue Mountains and Bondi! Great for Working Holiday Visas Australia

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// Explore additional stops along the East Coast on the 3 week East Coast Escapade tour from Sydney to Cairns. Explore Sydney, Port Stephens, Port Macquarie, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Cairns and more!

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// Welcome to Perth, Western Australia! From vibrant cities that blend the old and new to idyllic island playgrounds, this group tour is jam-packed with fun! Discover Perth, Fremantle, Rottnest Island and more!

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// Are you ready for an Epic Australia Adventure Tour? Join us on our NEW 24 night tour experiencing the best of the East Coast and see the Australian Outback on an epic camping adventure. Start in Cairns, ends in Uluru.

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backpacker trips australia

12 tips for backpacking Australia

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

  • roughguides.com
  • tips-for-backpacking-australia

written by Ros Walford

updated 6.11.2020

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Backpacking Australia will almost certainly exceed your expectations. It’s not just that the places you’ll see will be more stunning than you had imagined – from the open, red-tinged landscapes and rich rainforests inland to the immaculate, golden shores. It’s that the country is geared up for good times, whether it’s getting active outdoors in that almost endless sunshine, enjoying the exceptional café culture or getting swept up by the atmosphere at a sporting event.

1. Plan a rough itinerary

2. plan where to go when, 3. pick accommodation to suit your needs, 4. choose transport to suit your needs, 5. be savvy about safety, 6. don’t be spooked by dangerous animals, 8. don’t dismiss anywhere, 9. learn the lingo, 10. look for freebies, 11. work to pay your way, 12. don’t hold back.

Here are 12 useful things to know before your first trip.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Australia, created by local experts

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

12 days  / from 1565 USD

Explore Western Australia from Perth to Broome

Western Australia is the country's largest state, covering more than a third of Australia. This self drive itinerary allows you to explore sunny Perth, stunning national parks and waterfalls, the remote wild west outback, empty beaches and much more.

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

16 days  / from 2065 USD

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory

Explore South Australia and the Northern Territory on this self-drive adventure. Start in Adelaide and make your way over the Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, and Alice Springs to the Kakadu National Park and ultimately Darwin.

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

23 days  / from 4150 USD

Cross Western Australia to Darwin

Western Australia offers wonderfully remote outback experiences: from spectacular national parks to sandy deserts, pristine beaches to working cattle stations. This itinerary allows you to explore the way from Perth to Darwin in depth and at your own pace, in your own rental car.

Classic Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

14 days  / from 10070 USD

Classic Australia - Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast

Explore the best of Australia's cities and nature! From Sydney and Melbourne's urban charm to the scenic wonders of the Great Ocean Road, Cairns' reef adventures, to the lush rainforests of Kuranda. End with nature's embrace at Burleigh Head and Lamington National Parks on the Gold Coast.

The Best of Australia

10 days  / from 6900 USD

The Best of Australia

Discover Australia's allure through this tour! You'll witness Sydney's iconic landmarks and explore the beauty of the Blue Mountains. Dive into Cairns' reef and rainforest wonders before marveling at the breathtaking beauty of the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne.

Spontaneity is one of the best things about backpacking, but in Australia it pays to have at least a rough itinerary , as it’s easy to underestimate how long it takes to get around this vast country. Spending longer than planned pottering around South Australia’s wine country – fun though it is – might mean you have to sacrifice that eagerly awaited trip to extraordinary Uluru or exploring the billabongs of Kakudu.

Three weeks is the absolute minimum to “do” the East Coast by land: Sydney to Cairns via the broad beaches of Byron Bay and the Gold Coast, self-driving the length of Fraser Island (the largest sand island in the world), sailing the gorgeous Whitsundays , diving at the Great Barrier Reef and trekking in Daintree, the oldest tropical rainforest on earth. So to see the rest of Australia, you’ll need to fly or have much more time.

Bridge and water, Melbourne at night, Australia

At any time of year, Australia is a great place to visit but it can get unbelievably hot, as well as surprisingly chilly and rainy, depending on where you go. Avoid travelling north during the “build-up” – the unbearably sticky weeks before the wet season rains bring cooler temperatures (November–March).

It’s far better to spend time in the more temperate south during these months, for example driving the Great Ocean Road or on a hiking trip in the Blue Mountains. The winter is generally a lot quieter so it’s a lovely time to see the country.

Read our guide to the best things to do in Australia , it will help you plan your Australian holiday.

For solo travellers, Australia is a breeze. Staying in hostels is the best way to meet people, and staff can help you orientate yourself and make travel arrangements, while other backpackers are an invaluable source of information.

Whilst not to everyone’s taste, “party hostels” provide social events to break the ice, but you can also find rural retreats, city hipster hangouts, and most have private rooms if you’re a couple or dorms don’t suit.

Airbnb is a popular alternative while campsites are usually well-equipped with kitchens, toilets and the ubiquitous barbecue.

bus-o-bahn-track-adelaide-australia-shutterstock_26234782

Bus traveling at high speeds on the O-bahn Track, Adelaide © Cloudia Spinner /Shutterstock

Without doubt the easiest way to cover the great distances around Oz is to fly, but travelling by bus allows you to see more and is cheaper. Gaze out of the window on a long journey and be mesmerised by the changing landscape: the rust-coloured bush where kangaroos bound alongside, swaying grasslands, blue-tinged mountains, and occasional tiny settlements flashing past.

Greyhound buses offer hop-on hop-off travel passes, and the Oz Experience – the party backpacker equivalent – provides excursions along the way. If you want more freedom, hire a car or camper van, pack a tent or bivvy bag and camp out under the stars.

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Maui Island, Hawaii, seen from above

Throughout Australia, be prepared for summer heat waves when forest fires are a frequent danger. The arid interior is a hostile environment so take the necessary precautions if you plan to drive – breaking down here is no joke. Like in big cities anywhere in the world, be streetwise – watch your valuables and let family and friends know where you are going.

Australia has more than its fair share of scary critters but don’t get paranoid – the risks are actually very low: more people die each year from bee stings than from encounters with snakes, sharks, dingoes, saltwater crocodiles or jellyfish.

Spider bites are rarely fatal thanks to the availability of anti-venom. That said, do take simple precautions: redback spiders hide in sheltered places so always check under toilet seats, especially in outside lavatories.

Reduce the risk of encountering a shark by swimming between the flags on patrolled beaches, and don’t swim in estuaries, rivers or mangroves where saltwater crocodiles like to hang out. When hiking in the bush, wear protective footwear to avoid snake bites.

pinnacles-desert-nambung-national-park-australia-shutterstock_726882121

© Kevin Khoo/Shutterstock

The Rough Guides to Australia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

The Rough Guide to Australia

Most visitors to Australia follow the well-trodden path up the East Coast. While it’s undoubtedly a highlight, the Ningaloo Reef on the remote West Coast is equally spectacular and, unlike the Great Barrier Reef, it comes right into the shore.

At Coral Bay, you can wade out through turquoise water to the reef or take a glass-bottomed boat and watch an exhilarating frenzy of fish at feeding time. When you’re done snorkelling or diving, see the reef from a biplane or speed on quad bikes along a glimmering white beach.

Head inland to spend the night at an isolated sheep station, cooking over a campfire as the sun sets over the never-ending ochre landscape.

You can have a good time in the most unlikely places: for example, a stopover at a one-horse town with nothing but a pub and a few bungalows may turn out to be the venue for one of the most surprisingly good nights of your trip. The town probably won’t make it into the guidebooks but finding adventure where you least expect it is one of the best things about backpacking in Australia.

Contrary to expectation, it’s unlikely you’ll hear anyone utter the words “fair dinkum” or “g’day Sheila”. However, there are lots of slang words that will flummox first-time visitors initially. You’ll wear your sunnies (sunglasses), boardies (board shorts) and thongs (flip flops) to the beach and bring an esky (ice cooler) for your barbie (barbecue).

Ordering a beer is one of the hardest linguistic challenges: in most states, a schooner is a large 450ml glass, except in Victoria and Queensland where it’s a pint. The smaller beer glass is called a pot in Victoria and Queensland; a middy in New South Wales and Western Australia; or a handle in the Northern Territory. Confused? Just ask for a stubby (375ml bottled beer), which is the same word everywhere.

Australia, Melbourne, beach huts

Fortunately, you don’t always have to pay to go swimming, surfing, snorkelling or walking. In all the major cities, you can visit the botanic gardens and many museums and galleries for free. There’s no fee to take a tour of Parliament in Canberra or ride Melbourne’s historic City Circle Tram. Festivals around the country offer some free events; one of the most memorable is the Sydney Mardi Gras .

If staying for a while, find out if you are eligible for a working holiday visa at Australia.gov.au. Depending on the type of visa, you could do your usual type of work or see it as a chance to try out something completely different. If you normally work in an office job, why not try out working on a farm or fruit picking?

If you want to do bar or barista work, in most states you’ll need to obtain an RSA certificate, regardless of whether you have experience. If you’re planning to work in a city, bear the seasons in mind. For example, in Sydney, the peak tourist season is December to February so this can be the hardest time to find work, as businesses are quiet during the summer holidays.

There’s information about working in Australia on the Travellers’ Contact Point website (including tips on finding work, tax and opening a bank account).

Something happens to people when they travel around Australia. Normally adrenaline-shy folk find themselves bungee-jumping or throwing themselves out of planes as if it’s completely normal. The active, outdoors approach to life is infectious and you’ll probably want to make the most of each day.

So don’t stop yourself: do all the things that excite you – whether abseiling at Tasmania’s Gordon Dam or dancing all afternoon at a boat party in Sydney Harbour – and see as much of this amazing country as you possibly can.

Explore more of Australia with The Rough Guide to Australia . Compare flights , find tours , book hostels and hotels for your trip, and don’t forget to purchase travel insurance before you go.

Ros Walford

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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Australia

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Australia Tours

Snorkel the great barrier reef, cruise the great ocean road and sail the whitsundays.

East Coast Australia - 21 Days

East Coast Australia - 21 Days

  • Sydney to Cairns
  • Age range: 18 - 35
  • Group size: 24

Ultimate Sydney - 7 Days

Ultimate Sydney - 7 Days

  • Sydney to Sydney
  • Group size: 30

East Coast Australia - 36 Days

East Coast Australia - 36 Days

East Coast Reefs and Beaches - 15 Days

East Coast Reefs and Beaches - 15 Days

  • Group size: 16

Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns - 16 Days

Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns - 16 Days

  • Age range: 18 - 39
  • Group size: 20

Ultimate Australia Working Holiday Arrival Package - 8 Days

Ultimate Australia Working Holiday Arrival Package - 8 Days

East Coast Australia - 43 Days

East Coast Australia - 43 Days

Meet Me Sydney Working Holiday Arrival Package - 7 Days

Meet Me Sydney Working Holiday Arrival Package - 7 Days

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Welcome to the land Down Under, where adventure awaits at every turn. Australia, a vast and diverse continent, is a paradise for explorers, nature enthusiasts, and thrill-seekers alike. With its stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and vibrant cities, Australia is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Join us on a virtual journey as we unveil the wonders of this extraordinary country, perfect for your Australia tours and holidays.

Natural Wonders: Australia boasts some of the world's most breathtaking natural wonders. Explore the iconic Great Barrier Reef, a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with colourful marine life. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Australian Outback, where vast deserts, rugged canyons, and ancient rock formations create a captivating backdrop. Don't miss the majestic Uluru (Ayers Rock), an awe-inspiring monolith that glows with fiery hues at sunrise and sunset.

Wildlife Encounters: Australia is home to an array of unique and fascinating wildlife. Get up close and personal with kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in their natural habitat. Visit Kangaroo Island, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, to spot sea lions, penguins, and a plethora of bird species. Witness the mesmerising spectacle of whale migrations along the coastlines or head to the Daintree Rainforest to meet prehistoric-looking cassowaries and elusive tree-dwelling mammals.

Captivating Cities: Australia's vibrant cities offer a blend of modernity, culture, and laid-back charm. Start your journey in Sydney, where the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge dominate the skyline. Explore Melbourne's thriving arts scene, indulge in world-class dining, and discover hidden laneways filled with eclectic boutiques and cafes. Don't forget to visit Brisbane, the gateway to the sunny Gold Coast and the picturesque Whitsunday Islands.

Indigenous Culture: Discover the rich heritage and ancient traditions of Australia's Indigenous peoples. Learn about their deep connection to the land through immersive cultural experiences. Join a guided tour with Indigenous guides who will share stories, traditional dances, and fascinating insights into their history and customs. Walk in the footsteps of the Aboriginal people at sacred sites like Kakadu National Park and the Kimberley region.

Coastal Splendors: With over 35,000 kilometers of coastline, Australia is a beach lover's paradise. Sink your toes into the powdery white sands of the Whitsunday Islands, where you can snorkel in crystal-clear waters and relax on pristine beaches. Experience the laid-back surf culture of Byron Bay or catch a wave at famous surf breaks along the Gold Coast. For a unique encounter, swim with wild dolphins in Western Australia's stunning Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.

Whether you seek adventure, natural wonders, cultural immersion, or city escapades, Australia offers an incredible array of experiences for every traveler. Embark on our Australia tours and holidays to create memories that will last a lifetime. Let us be your guide as you unlock the beauty and excitement of this remarkable destination.

Book your Australia adventure today and get ready to explore the land of endless possibilities!

What is the best time to visit Australia?

The best time to visit Australia depends on the specific regions you plan to explore and the experiences you're seeking. Due to its vast size, Australia experiences different climates and seasons across its various regions. Here's a general overview of the best times to visit different parts of Australia:

Summer (December to February): This is a popular time to visit Australia, especially for beach destinations and outdoor activities. The northern parts of the country, such as Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy warm and tropical weather during this time. It's also a great time to explore cities like Sydney and Melbourne.

Autumn (March to May): Autumn in Australia offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds. It's a great time to visit destinations like the Margaret River region in Western Australia, the Barossa Valley in South Australia, or the iconic landmarks in the Red Centre, including Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Winter (June to August): Winter in Australia brings cooler temperatures, especially in the southern parts of the country. This is a great time to visit cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, as well as explore the regions of Tasmania. It's also a good time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Kangaroo Island.

Spring (September to November): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Australia, as the landscapes come alive with colourful blooms and wildlife activity. It's an ideal time to visit destinations like the Great Ocean Road, the Blue Mountains, or the national parks in Queensland. The weather is generally pleasant, but it can vary across different regions.

It's important to note that Australia's climate can vary significantly between different states and territories. For example, the tropical regions of Northern Queensland have a wet and dry season, while the southern regions experience a more temperate climate. Therefore, it's advisable to research the specific regions you plan to visit and consider their individual weather patterns when determining the best time for your trip.

Additionally, school holidays and major events can impact the availability of accommodations and increase tourist crowds, so it's worth considering those factors when planning your visit as well.

What are the must see places in Australia?

Australia is a vast country with a wide range of diverse and stunning attractions. Here are some must-see places that showcase the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and iconic landmarks of Australia:

Sydney, New South Wales: Visit the Sydney Opera House, explore the historic Rocks area, stroll along Bondi Beach, and take in the panoramic views from the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Great Barrier Reef, Queensland: Embark on a snorkeling or diving adventure to witness the breathtaking marine life and vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system.

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Northern Territory: Witness the awe-inspiring red monolith of Uluru, a sacred site for Indigenous Australians. Experience the changing colours of the rock at sunrise or sunset.

Great Ocean Road, Victoria: Drive along the stunning coastal route of the Great Ocean Road, featuring dramatic cliffs, the Twelve Apostles rock formations, and beautiful beaches.

Daintree Rainforest, Queensland: Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. Take a guided tour, go on a river cruise, and immerse yourself in the lush wilderness.

Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory: Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Kakadu National Park, home to breathtaking landscapes, Aboriginal rock art sites, and diverse wildlife.

Melbourne, Victoria: Enjoy the vibrant city life of Melbourne, known for its art, food, and coffee culture. Explore the laneways, visit art galleries, and experience the city's lively events and festivals.

Blue Mountains, New South Wales: Venture to the Blue Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the stunning scenery, including the Three Sisters rock formation and scenic lookouts.

Tasmania: Discover the rugged wilderness and natural beauty of Tasmania. Explore the pristine landscapes of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, visit the historic Port Arthur, and indulge in delicious local produce.

Kangaroo Island, South Australia: Encounter unique wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, and sea lions, on Kangaroo Island. Explore stunning coastlines, national parks, and picturesque landscapes.

These are just a few highlights, and there are many more incredible destinations to explore in Australia, depending on your interests and preferences. Whether you're drawn to the cosmopolitan cities, the stunning coastal scenery, or the diverse wildlife, Australia offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.

Do I need a visa to enter Australia?

Yes, most visitors to Australia require a visa to enter the country. The specific visa you need will depend on the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are some common visa types for tourism and short-term visits:

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): This is an electronically stored authorisation for short-term visits, typically for tourism or business purposes. ETAs are available to citizens of eligible countries and can be obtained online. They are valid for multiple entries and allow stays of up to three months per visit.

eVisitor visa: Similar to the ETA, the eVisitor visa is also available to citizens of eligible countries. It can be obtained online and is valid for multiple entries. The eVisitor visa allows for longer stays of up to three, six, or twelve months, depending on the applicant's nationality.

Visitor visa (subclass 600): This visa is suitable for those who do not qualify for an ETA or eVisitor visa. It allows for short-term visits for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business purposes. The Visitor visa has different streams, such as the Tourist stream, Sponsored Family stream, and Business Visitor stream, each with specific requirements and conditions.

It's important to check the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website or consult with your nearest Australian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements based on your citizenship and travel plans. Applying for a visa in advance of your trip is recommended to ensure a smooth entry into Australia.

How long does it take to travel to Australia from the UK?

The duration of a flight from the United Kingdom (UK) to Australia varies depending on factors such as the departure and arrival cities, flight routes, and layovers. Here are some approximate flight times for direct flights from major UK airports to popular Australian cities:

London to Sydney: Direct flights typically take around 21 to 23 hours. Some flights may have layovers, which can extend the total travel time.

London to Melbourne: Direct flights generally take around 21 to 23 hours. Like the Sydney route, there may be flights with layovers that could lengthen the total journey time.

London to Perth: Non-stop flights from London to Perth typically take around 17 to 18 hours.

London to Brisbane: Direct flights from London to Brisbane generally take around 21 to 23 hours, with possible layovers.

London to Cairns: Flights from London to Cairns usually have one or two layovers, and the total travel time can range from 23 to 25 hours or more.

Please note that these are approximate flight durations and can vary depending on factors such as the airline, flight schedule, and any layovers. It's advisable to check with airlines or travel agents for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding flight durations and itineraries.

Is Australia a safe destination?

Australia is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. The country has a stable political system, well-developed infrastructure, and a low crime rate compared to many other countries. However, as with any travel destination, it's always important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when visiting Australia:

Personal Safety: Australia is generally safe for tourists, but it's always wise to take common-sense precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Avoid displaying expensive items and be cautious when using ATMs or carrying cash. Use reputable transportation services and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Natural Hazards: Australia is known for its diverse and sometimes harsh natural environment. Be aware of the potential risks associated with the Australian bush, beaches, and national parks. Follow safety guidelines, obey warning signs, and seek local advice when engaging in outdoor activities.

Sun Protection: Australia has a high level of ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to its location near the equator and the hole in the ozone layer. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing that covers your skin. Stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day.

Wildlife: Australia is home to unique and often fascinating wildlife. While encounters with wildlife can be a highlight of your trip, it's important to remember that some animals can pose risks. Respect their natural habitats, avoid approaching or feeding wild animals, and follow any guidelines provided by wildlife authorities.

Road Safety: If you plan to drive in Australia, familiarize yourself with the local road rules and conditions. Australia has vast distances between cities, and driving long distances can be tiring. Take regular breaks, observe speed limits, and be cautious of wildlife on the roads, particularly in rural areas.

Emergency Services: Australia has efficient emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire departments. In case of an emergency, dial 000 for immediate assistance.

It's always a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances. Stay informed about local conditions and follow any travel advisories issued by your home country's government.

By taking basic precautions and being mindful of your safety, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience exploring all that Australia has to offer.

Do I require any vaccinations to visit Australia?

No specific vaccinations are required to enter Australia unless you have visited or transited through a country with a risk of yellow fever within six days before your arrival. In that case, you may need to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.

However, it is always a good idea to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling to any destination, including Australia. These may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), varicella (chickenpox), and influenza. Vaccination recommendations may vary depending on your age, health condition, and specific travel plans, so it is best to consult with a healthcare professional or travel medicine specialist for personalised advice.

It's also worth considering other factors such as the activities you plan to engage in and the regions you'll be visiting within Australia. For example, if you plan to spend time in rural or remote areas, it may be prudent to discuss vaccinations for diseases like hepatitis A, typhoid, or meningococcal disease.

It's important to note that health recommendations can change, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or refer to official sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the most up-to-date and accurate information on vaccinations for travel to Australia.

What is the local currency in Australia, and can I use credit cards?

The currency of Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD). The currency is denoted by the symbol "$" or "A$". The Australian Dollar is subdivided into 100 cents, and coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as $1 and $2 coins. Banknotes are issued in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

When visiting Australia, it's a good idea to have some local currency on hand for small purchases, public transportation, and other cash transactions. ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) are widely available throughout the country, and major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger establishments. However, it's always a good idea to have some cash for situations where cards may not be accepted or for smaller businesses that may prefer cash.

Currency exchange services can be found at international airports, major cities, and tourist areas. Banks and authorised currency exchange offices offer currency exchange services, but it's advisable to compare exchange rates and fees to ensure you get a favourable rate.

If you plan to use your credit or debit card in Australia, notify your bank or card issuer in advance about your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with card usage.

Overall, accessing and using your money in Australia is typically straightforward, and the country has a well-developed banking and financial system to facilitate currency exchange and transactions.

Is Australia a good destination for solo travellers?

Yes, Australia is a fantastic destination for solo travellers. Here are some reasons why Australia is a great choice for solo adventurers:

Safety: Australia is generally considered a safe country for travellers, including solo travellers. The low crime rate and well-regulated tourism industry contribute to a safe and welcoming environment. However, it's always important to exercise common sense and take necessary precautions, just as you would when traveling alone in any destination.

English Language: English is the primary language spoken in Australia, making communication easier for English-speaking solo travellers. You'll find it convenient to interact with locals, seek information, and navigate your way around the country.

Welcoming and Friendly Locals: Australians are known for their friendly and laid-back nature, which creates a welcoming atmosphere for solo travellers. You're likely to encounter locals who are happy to offer assistance, share recommendations, and engage in conversations, making it easier to connect with people and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Varied Experiences: Australia offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to different interests. Whether you're seeking adventure in the Outback, exploring vibrant cities, or enjoying coastal getaways, there's something for everyone. You can choose to join group tours, participate in outdoor activities, or explore cultural attractions at your own pace.

Hostels and Solo Traveler Facilities: Australia has a well-established backpacking culture, with numerous hostels and accommodations that cater specifically to solo travellers. Staying in hostels can provide opportunities to meet fellow travellers, join group activities, and make new friends along the way. Many hostels organise social events, making it easy to connect with other solo travellers.

Accessibility and Infrastructure: Australia has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, making it easy to navigate and explore the country. Transportation options, including domestic flights, buses, trains, and rental cars, provide convenient access to various destinations. Major cities have efficient public transportation systems, making solo travel within cities hassle-free.

Solo-Friendly Activities: Australia offers plenty of activities that are well-suited for solo travellers. Whether it's exploring national parks, hiking trails, joining wildlife encounters, or indulging in city sightseeing, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy your own company and create memorable experiences.

Remember to plan your itinerary in advance, research the destinations you wish to visit, and consider joining organised tours or activities if you prefer a more structured experience. Always inform someone of your travel plans and take necessary precautions to ensure your safety throughout your solo journey.

Is Australia a good destination for family holidays?

Yes, Australia is an excellent destination for family holidays. Here are several reasons why:

Family-Friendly Attractions: Australia offers a wide range of family-friendly attractions and activities suitable for all ages. From beautiful beaches and wildlife encounters to amusement parks and interactive museums, there are endless options to keep children entertained and engaged.

Natural Wonders: Australia is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems. Families can explore iconic sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Ocean Road, and national parks like Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu. Kids can learn about unique wildlife, discover ancient rainforests, and engage in outdoor adventures.

Safe and Welcoming: Australia is considered a safe destination, making it a comforting choice for family travel. The country has well-regulated tourism facilities, reliable healthcare systems, and family-friendly accommodation options. The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, ensuring a warm welcome for families.

Educational Opportunities: Australia offers educational experiences for children and adults alike. Kids can learn about Aboriginal culture, explore science and interactive exhibits in museums, and discover the rich natural heritage through guided tours and educational programs.

Variety of Accommodation: Australia provides a wide range of family-friendly accommodation options. From hotels and resorts with dedicated facilities for children to holiday homes and apartments with ample space, there are accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets.

Outdoor Adventure: Australia's vast landscape provides opportunities for outdoor adventures that the whole family can enjoy. Families can go hiking, snorkeling, kayaking, or even embark on a camping trip in stunning national parks. There are also family-friendly hiking trails, water parks, and adventure parks catering to different age groups.

Cultural Experiences: Australia's multicultural society offers a chance for families to learn about different cultures and traditions. From vibrant Chinatowns to cultural festivals and events, children can experience diversity firsthand.

Accessibility: Australia has a well-developed infrastructure, making it accessible for families. Major cities have reliable public transportation systems, and domestic flights can connect you to different regions. The country also has family-friendly facilities such as stroller-friendly paths, playgrounds, and kid-friendly dining options.

It's important to plan your itinerary in advance, considering the interests and ages of your children. Check for family discounts, pack appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, and ensure you have travel insurance to cover any unexpected situations. With proper planning, Australia offers an unforgettable and enriching family holiday experience.

Is Australia a good destination for a gap year?

Yes, Australia is a popular destination for a gap year due to its diverse experiences, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here are several reasons why Australia is an excellent choice for a gap year:

Working Holiday Opportunities: Australia offers working holiday visas for young travellers from eligible countries, allowing them to work and travel in the country for an extended period. This provides an opportunity to earn money while experiencing the Australian way of life and exploring the country.

Cultural Exchange: Australia's multicultural society provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange. You can interact with people from different backgrounds, learn about Indigenous cultures, and engage in local traditions and festivals.

Travel and Adventure: Australia is vast and offers a wide range of travel experiences. From the stunning beaches of the East Coast to the rugged Outback and the tropical rainforests of Queensland, there is plenty to explore. You can embark on road trips, hike through national parks, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef, and participate in outdoor adventure activities.

Wildlife and Nature: Australia is home to diverse and unique wildlife. You can encounter kangaroos, koalas, and wombats in their natural habitats. Explore national parks, take wildlife tours, and witness natural wonders such as the Great Ocean Road and the ancient landscapes of the Red Centre.

Volunteer Opportunities: Australia offers various volunteering opportunities across different sectors. You can engage in environmental conservation projects, work with wildlife rehabilitation centres, contribute to community development initiatives, or participate in Indigenous cultural programs.

Personal Growth and Learning: A gap year in Australia allows you to step out of your comfort zone, gain independence, and develop valuable life skills. You can enhance your communication, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities while navigating new experiences and challenges.

Backpacker and Social Scene: Australia has a thriving backpacker culture, making it easy to connect with fellow travellers from around the world. You can stay in backpacker hostels, join group tours and activities, and participate in social events, creating lasting friendships and memorable experiences.

Festivals and Events: Australia hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including music festivals, cultural celebrations, and sporting events. Joining these events adds excitement and allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

It's important to plan your gap year in advance, considering factors such as budget, visa requirements, accommodation, and travel logistics. Research the different regions and activities that align with your interests and goals. Take advantage of the resources available, such as online travel communities and travel agencies specialising in gap year experiences, to help plan your adventure.

What is the food like in Australia?

Australia's food scene is as diverse and dynamic as its multicultural society. From fresh seafood and succulent barbecues to fusion cuisine and artisanal delights, Australia offers a tantalising culinary experience that caters to all tastes. Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure as we explore the flavours of this diverse country.

Fresh Seafood: With a coastline stretching thousands of kilometers, Australia is renowned for its exceptional seafood. Indulge in the catch of the day, including juicy prawns, Moreton Bay bugs, succulent oysters, and the famous Tasmanian salmon. Visit bustling fish markets in Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane to savour the finest and freshest seafood straight from the ocean.

Barbecue Culture: Australians have perfected the art of barbecuing, and it's an integral part of their culinary culture. Join in the fun at a beachside park or in a local's backyard, where you can savour mouthwatering grilled steaks, sausages (known as "snags"), lamb chops, and marinated seafood. Pair it with a side of fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and a dollop of tangy barbecue sauce for the ultimate Aussie feast.

Indigenous Bush Tucker: Australia's Indigenous cuisine offers a unique and authentic culinary experience. Explore the world of bush tucker, where you can sample ingredients like kangaroo, emu, quandong, bush tomatoes, and native herbs and spices. Join a guided tour or visit specialised restaurants to learn about Indigenous cooking techniques and the significance of native ingredients.

Global Fusion: Australia's multiculturalism has resulted in a vibrant fusion of global flavours. Indulge in diverse culinary delights, from Asian street food to Middle Eastern kebabs, Italian pasta, and Greek souvlaki. Visit buzzing food markets, such as Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market or Sydney's Spice Alley, to savour a melting pot of international cuisines.

Artisanal Produce: Australia takes pride in its high-quality, locally sourced produce. Explore farmers' markets and boutique food stores to discover artisanal cheeses, organic fruits and vegetables, handcrafted chocolates, and specialty products like macadamia nuts and Australian truffles. Don't forget to sample the country's world-renowned wines from regions like the Barossa Valley, Margaret River, and the Yarra Valley.

Café Culture: Australians have a deep love for coffee and brunch culture. Explore the charming laneways of Melbourne or the trendy neighbourhoods of Sydney, and you'll find an abundance of cozy cafes serving aromatic, expertly crafted coffees. Pair your coffee with a delicious smashed avocado toast, fluffy pancakes, or a classic bacon and egg roll.

Decadent Desserts: Indulge your sweet tooth with Australia's delectable desserts. Try the famous Lamingtons (sponge cake coated in chocolate and coconut), Pavlova (meringue topped with fresh fruits and cream), or the creamy and rich custard-filled Vanilla Slice. For chocolate lovers, a visit to the renowned Cadbury chocolate factory in Tasmania is a must.

Australia's culinary landscape is a fusion of flavours, drawing inspiration from its multicultural heritage and abundant natural resources. Embark on a culinary journey during your visit, and you'll discover a delicious tapestry of tastes that will leave you craving for more. From local favourites to international cuisine, Australia's food scene will delight your taste buds and create unforgettable dining experiences.

Can I drink the tap water in Australia?

Yes, the tap water in Australia is generally safe to drink in most urban and rural areas. The country has strict regulations and high standards for water quality, ensuring that tap water meets the required health standards. The water supply is treated and monitored regularly to maintain its safety.

However, it's important to note that there may be some regional variations in water quality due to factors such as local infrastructure, source of water, and potential environmental influences. In remote or rural areas, it's advisable to check with the local authorities or residents about the water quality before consuming tap water.

If you have any concerns about the tap water or prefer to have additional peace of mind, you can choose to drink bottled water, which is readily available in supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants throughout Australia. It's important to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather or when engaging in outdoor activities, so having access to safe drinking water is essential.

Additionally, if you're traveling to more remote or outback regions, it's always a good idea to carry a reusable water bottle and fill it with potable water from reliable sources. Campgrounds and national parks usually have designated water points where you can fill your bottles with treated water.

In summary, while tap water is generally safe to drink in Australia, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or residents about the water quality in specific areas. Stay hydrated and choose the option that makes you feel most comfortable, whether it's tap water, bottled water, or filtered water.

What should I pack for a trip to Australia?

When packing for a trip to Australia, it's important to consider the country's diverse climate and the activities you plan to engage in. Here is a list of essential items to pack for your trip:

  • Lightweight and breathable clothing for the warmer regions and seasons.
  • Layered clothing, including a light jacket or sweater, for cooler evenings or if you're visiting southern regions during winter.
  • Swimwear, especially if you plan to visit Australia's beautiful beaches or enjoy water activities.
  • Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for exploring cities and natural attractions.
  • Hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong Australian sun.
  • Travel Documents:
  • Valid passport with at least six months of validity.
  • Visa (if required). Check the specific visa requirements for your country of residence.
  • Printed or electronic copies of travel itineraries, hotel reservations, and any other important documents.
  • Electronics and Adapters:
  • Power adapter suitable for Australian electrical outlets (Type I plug).
  • Mobile phone and charger.
  • Camera or video equipment, if desired.
  • Portable charger or power bank for charging devices on the go.
  • Medications and Personal Care:
  • Prescription medications, sufficient for the duration of your trip.
  • Personal toiletries, including sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary items for your specific needs.
  • Basic first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and any other essential medications.
  • Money and Banking:
  • Australian currency (AUD) in cash for smaller purchases or places that may not accept cards.
  • Debit or credit cards for larger expenses and convenience. Notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.
  • Travel Insurance:
  • Comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Travel Accessories:
  • Lightweight daypack for carrying essentials during day trips or excursions.
  • Travel guidebook or maps to help you navigate and explore your destinations.
  • Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
  • Travel locks for securing your luggage.
  • Travel umbrella or rain jacket, depending on the season and your travel destinations.

Remember to check the weather forecast for your specific travel dates and destinations in Australia, as the climate can vary significantly across the country. Pack accordingly for the expected temperatures and weather conditions.

Lastly, pack with consideration for any specific activities you plan to undertake, such as hiking gear, snorkeling equipment, or specialized clothing for outdoor adventures.

By packing these essentials, you'll be well-prepared for your trip to Australia, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Why book with The Adventure People?

You may be thinking ‘why should I book with The Adventure People?’. Here are just some of the reasons we stand out:

The Best Value

Not only are our prices usually the best in the market but our leading service coupled with the financial protections we offer mean you won’t find better value anywhere else.

Your Dedicated Travel Expert

Our travel team is the best in the business and we’re not just saying that. The moment you make an enquiry we’ll pair you with your own dedicated expert who is on hand to answer your questions, look after your booking and make sure you have a fantastic time.

No Waiting Times

We only have one phone number with no automated services. When you contact us you’re straight through to a member of our team and a human! 

Financial Protection

We are ATOL certified, members of ABTA and run a Trust account for our packages ensuring you’re fully financially protected. 

Flexible Payments

We offer low deposits and monthly payment plans at no extra cost. 

We can add flights to any trip you book with us and we’re happy to help with Round The World tickets!

Accommodation

We work with wonderful accommodation providers and our team can quote almost any hotel in the world at the best prices.

Transfers & Extras

We can easily add airport transfers or extras to any booking. Our team will always quote the best possible price and be able to update your booking.

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What Our Customers Say

' outstanding service '.

Outstanding customer service with a friendly family feel to it. I would highly recommend The Adventure People without hesitation.

Cannot recommend this trip enough!

Had a fantastic time in Nepal. Cannot recommend this trip enough! If you have been thinking of doing it, then just go as you will definitely not be disappointed! The adventure people helped me set this up and I was kept informed of what I needed etc

Fabulous service from the staff

Fabulous service from the staff. They kept us well informed and replied quickly and accurately to every, of the many, queries we had.

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Backpacking in Australia

Embark on an unforgettable adventure and make memories of a lifetime while backpacking throughout Australia.

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Beyond days spent in the sun and nights beneath the stars, backpacking Down Under is surprising and exciting, with new adventures and experiences around every corner. From kangaroos hopping across white sand to the sun setting behind the outback's red rock, you'll never forget the truly special moments that only Australia can offer. If you decide you can't get enough and want to stay a little longer, explore how to  work and play the Aussie way .

Backpacker travel tips

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Home » Oceania » Australia » Sydney

Backpacking Sydney Travel Guide 2024

Recognized as Australia’s most famous city  and  the largest city in Oceania, Sydney is an effortless blend of beach culture and urban life. This metropolitan is the gateway for nearly all visitors in Australia, making it a backpacker’s paradise.

Sydney is home to world-renowned landmarks like the  Opera House  and the  Sydney Harbour Bridge , as well as some of the most gorgeous and famed beaches on the planet.

Culturally diverse, Sydney welcomes people from all walks of life. With a young but rich history, Sydney pays homage to its indigenous people through museums, educational walks, and cultural events.

Anything goes in Sydney, as long as people are happy, healthy, and having fun. Life is truly uncomplicated here. Backpacking  Sydney  will give you an incredible taste for life down under.

Vibrant and spirited, Sydneysiders are quick to identify their city as the party capital of Australia. There is never a shortage of festivals, pubs, clubs, live music venues, or parties to attend.

Open your mind, expand your horizons, and have a blast while backpacking Sydney.

How Much Does Backpacking Sydney Cost?

Where to stay in sydney, top things to do in sydney, backpacking sydney 3-day itinerary, sydney travel guide – extra tips advice, eating and drinking in sydney, final thoughts from this sydney travel guide.

beach waves

Getting here—flying into an isolated country—will be your biggest expense. My recommendation is to sort out visas and flights before you begin to budget your trip.

Sydney, or backpacking Australia in general, can be affordable if you truly travel like a budget backpacker. Allocate your money to the activities you deem most important during your stay. Use our backpacking Sydney travel guide to save wherever you can, like food and accommodation.

Realistically, I would budget at least a minimum of $50 a day to comfortably experience Sydney. You can get by on less, but it’ll be a crusty trip to Sydney, while extra cash is going to have you living it up a lot more.

A Daily Budget in Sydney

The following is a breakdown of items to consider for you Sydney daily budget:

Sydney Budget Backpacking Tips

Bronte, Sydney

Backpacking Sydney is not cheap—let’s get that out of the way! That’s not to say that you need to break the bank to enjoy the city. The following are a few tips to note before you head to Sydney to stay on a backpacker budget.

  • Food:  For those non-foodie, budget backpacker through-and-through types, hit-up Australian supermarkets like Coles and Woolworths, and cook up a storm. Asian grocery stores (Chinese, Indian, Korean, etc.) are usually even cheaper. Markets around the city will also have fresh seafood and produce at reasonable prices. Check out Chinatown for cheap eats, and ask around the neighborhood for inexpensive local restaurants.
  • Drink: There is no shortage of backpacker bars in Sydney. Be on the lookout for backpacker specials at the many hostels. As always, in true Australian fashion: drink goon, save money. Note: Australian tap water is fine to drink, and you can find water fountains everywhere. Take a travel water bottle to refill and save on water purchases. (Always stay hydrated!)
  • Transportation: Get an Opal Card. It is easy—you will need it! Taxis are expensive in Sydney, and rideshare is a better means of getting around. (Use UberPool to share your ride with other travelers for an even cheaper fare.)
  • Free Activities: Luckily, Sydney is loaded with things to do for free! Swim at the beach, admire a coastal sunrise, check out local art at the free museums, stroll along Sydney’s coastal walks, join a free walking tour of the city, hike in the Blue Mountains, or browse the many markets and festivals. It is easy to experience Sydney on a backpacker budget.
  • Budget-friendly Tours:  If you do happen to go on any guided tours, at least make it a tour where you can pay it off in instalments.  Global Work and Travel  have the broke backpacker in mind with this one. You can even choose the amount per instalment! There are loads of tour options to tickle your fancy that include Sydney.
  • Other Backpacker Tips:  Internet is expensive in the land down under. Luckily, McDonald’s (Maccas) always has free WiFi.

Stores close early and sometimes do not open on Sundays. Unbelievably, all shops close at 5 or 6. Thursday is late-night shopping, so expect stores to be open until 9. This seems strange for such a massive city, but it is true, so plan ahead for certain necessities.

BridgeClimb Sydney is a cool attraction if you have the money. However, you can get a view of the Sydney Harbour by simply walking across the bridge for free!

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Why You Should Travel to Sydney with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

grayl geopress filter bottle

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

I’ve broken down 5 of the best areas to stay in Sydney . The following are a select few neighborhoods in Sydney that you could rest your head for the night.

  • Surry Hills: A hip neighborhood and home to many great places to eat and drink. Surry Hills has great public transportation connections.
  • Darlinghurst: Darlinghurst is the heart of Sydney’s gay scene, and home to popular Oxford Street.
  • Kings Cross: Essentially Sydney’s Red Light District, Kings Cross has bars lining its streets. Often called “backpacker central” and home to some of Sydney’s cheapest hostels , Kings Cross comes alive after dark with some of the best nightlife in the city.
  • Bondi: Arguably one of Sydney’s hottest suburbs, Bondi has everything you need for a truly Australian experience. Home to stunning beaches, great coffee, trendy shopping, vibrant nightlife, active people, and the popular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
  • Manly:  One of Sydney locals most favored beaches, Manly has a cool community feel. A lovely 30-minute ferry ride from the city, with incredible views of the Sydney Opera House, is reason enough to make the trip over to Manly.

Sydney is a popular tourist destination, so, naturally, there are many fantastic backpacker hostels scattered throughout the city. I have listed my top 3 favorites below.

Best Backpacker Hostel in Sydney: The Village Surry Hills

Best Backpacker Hostel in Sydney: The Village Surry Hills

As the name says The Village Surry Hills is located in Sydney’s trendiest suburb, Surry Hills. Here you can find some of the hottest cafes, bars, restaurants and live music scenes in the whole city. Close to Central Station and just opposite Prince Alfred Park, The Village Surry Hills provides a relaxed atmosphere and all the amenities any backpacker needs.

Connect with other travelers in the well-designed communal areas, like the cozy TV lounge, massive kitchen and outdoor patio.

Best Party Hostel in Sydney: Mad Monkey Bayswater

Best Party Hostel in Sydney: Mad Monkeys Bayswater

Kings Cross, or “The Cross” as locals say, is a small Sydney district known for its happening nightlife. Naturally, Mad Monkeys Bayswater (in King’s Cross) then tops our list for the best party hostel in the city.

Newly renovated in 2017, this backpacker hostel offers all of the things you could ask for during your stay in Sydney. A notable rooftop bar with BBQ, fast and free WiFi, free tea/coffee/breakfast, and some free nightly meals, are just a few of the perks to be had here.

Mad Monkeys is within walking distance to the CBD and Kings Cross Station. Combine their free organized events and nights out with lots of international travelers looking to make new friends, and you get a great hostel to have some fun or maybe get a little weird!

Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Sydney: Wake Up! Bondi Beach

Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Sydney: Wake Up! Bondi Beach

Solo travelers are doing it right when they choose to stay at Wake Up on Sydney’s most iconic beach!

Panoramic views of Bondi Beach, a furnished rooftop lounge, yoga lessons, coastal walking tours, and free surfboard hire are all awesome extras that Bondi Backpackers offers its guests.

A social atmosphere with chilled beach vibes make this an ideal location to hang with others if you are looking to make friends, but easy enough to get away and relax in the sun if you desire a true solo Aussie escape.

Wake Up has all of the freebies you need from your accommodation, as well as BBQ nights, and it is within walking distance to the beach, shopping, and vibrant nightlife spots.

Best Airbnb in Sydney:  The Mews on Prince Alfred Park – Central Station

Best Airbnb in Sydney: The Mews on Prince Alfred Park – Central Station

There is no cooler place to stay in Sydney than this 19th century converted barn in Surry Hills. In fact, it’s one of the best Airbnbs in Sydney . Enjoy high ceilings, spacious rooms, and modern amenities all in Sydney’s coolest neighbourhood.

Just a short walk to Surry Hills’ trendy bars, restaurants and clubs, you won’t find a more ideally located flat in the city.

backpacker trips australia

With a Sydney City Pass , you can experience the best of Sydney at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

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A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

1. Chill at the Sydney Opera House

Arguably one of the most iconic places to visit in Sydney , the Sydney Opera House is a multi-venue performing arts center. Located in the harbor of Circular Quay, you can catch the train directly from Sydney Airport.

No visit to Australia would be complete without an Instagram photo of this amazing piece of architecture, right!? Keep yourself updated on any events you may like to see inside, and be sure to head down to the Opera Bar for a lovely sunset drink on the water.

Sydney Opera House

2. Discover Sydney Harbour Bridge

Another beautiful place in Australia is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Take a ride over the steel structure and catch views of stunning Sydney.

You can legally climb the southern half of the bridge with Sydney Bridge Climb, however, it is free to walk or bike across. The more frugal option allthe ows opportunity to take-in the glorious harbor, and snap some panoramic shots of the Opera House.

If you are lucky enough to be in Sydney for New Year’s Eve, you do not want to miss the firework show that forms an explosive backdrop of the Harbour Bridge.

For a truly memorable experience, you can even charter your own yacht to take you around Sydney Harbour. With six to eight friends, this experience doesn’t have to break the bank, but it sure will be a memorable day.

Harbour Bridge

3. Spend the Day at Bondi Beach

Sure, I could lump all beaches together as a must-do activity, but with Australia’s endless coastline, I need to be a bit more specific. Bondi Beach is especially relevant, as it is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia.

Bondi is a white-sand, crescent-shaped beach with reliable waves for surfers, and a great spot to hire a surf lesson. Swim or skate around Bondi, grab lunch at a local cafe, or take a dip at the notable  Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club ; there is plenty to do here that make it one step above the rest.

A quick train ride from the city to Bondi Junction , and you can easily catch a bus, Uber, or taxi down to the beachfront.

Had enough of the beach? Sydney has its selection of water parks too!

Bondi Beach

4. Stroll along the Many Coastal Walks

Do not miss an opportunity for a stroll along the popular Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk . This coastal walk stretches from the cliffs of Bondi to Coogee with dramatic scenery and incredible ocean views along the way.

The beaches on the coastal route are well maintained and pristine. Be sure to take a dip in one of the rock pools on your route.

Other incredible coastal walks include the Hermitage Foreshore Track and the  Spit Bridge to Manly Walk . See the “Best Walks in Sydney” section below for more information!

5. Ride the Ferry to Manly Beach

Circular Quay is the location of Sydney’s main ferry terminal. You do not want to miss the 30-minute ferry ride over to Manly. Manly Ferry is a must-do for visitors; it provides a great angle and perspective of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge.

Situated among the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Manly itself is one of the locals’ most favored beaches. Manly exudes Aussie surf vibes and it has a lovely promenade, wide beach, many restaurants, shops, and a happening nightlife.

Manly, Sydney

6. Unearth the Rocks

Essentially, t he Rocks is the birthplace of modern Sydney, as it was here that British settlers first landed. The historic precinct has quite a colorful past.

Unfold the story of The Rock’s evolution, from cobbled laneways full of rowdy sailors, soldiers, convicts, and gangs, into the modern precinct it is today. Amble the foreshore, drink at Australia’s oldest pubs, browse the popular markets, enjoy the myriad of cafes, join the Rocks Walking Tour to take a step back in time, and visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia .

7. Mosey around the Royal Botanic Garden

Opened in 1816, the enchanting Royal Botanic Garden sits on the edge of Sydney Harbour, and it is the oldest scientific institution in Australia. The garden is sprawling with thousands of plant specimens, birds, and even cute fruit bats.

Soak up the sun on the garden lawn, as access into the garden is completely free.

Join the Aboriginal Heritage Tour to gain knowledge of the Cadigal people. Tours are guided by Aboriginals, themselves. Learn about the diverse history of the original owners of Sydney. Uncover the gardens by exploring plant uses and try bush food.

Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair —an exposed sandstone cutout of rock in the shape of a bench—is also cool to check out. The chair was hand carved by convicts in 1810, and it makes a nice lookout point to gaze at the harbor.

8. Familiarize Yourself with Unique Animals at Taronga Zoo

A 12-minute ferry ride from Circular Quay, Taronga Zoo  is a not-for-profit organization that supports wildlife conservation.

Taronga Zoo provides another place to score excellent views of Sydney Harbour, but the real treat is the chance to see native wildlife, as well as, exotic animals.

Highlights include animal feedings, encounters, and the nocturnal platypus habitat. Who wouldn’t love spending the day among the ‘roos?

Taronga Zoo

9. Visit Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour  is just adjacent to the city center and easily accessible by public transportation; it is home to many of Sydney’s attractions and museums.

Paddy’s Market, Aboriginal Centre, the casino, the Sydney Sea Life Aquarium, Wild Life Sydney Zoo, Australian National Maritime Museum, and many other public facilities have roots here. You will find this large pedestrian precinct in the heart of Sydney, neighboring Chinatown, King Street Wharf, and Cockle Bay.

Darling Harbour is often host to large-scale events, so see what is going on during your visit to Sydney.

10. Wander the City

Discover Sydney by simply  wandering the city —it’s free! Many of the museums offer free admission, such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales . Meander the old-time buildings that are open to the public, including the Queen Victoria Building .

Explore the city’s many parks and gardens, like Hyde Park . Uncover interesting suburbs around the city, for instance  Kings Cross . Do not pass-up a stroll around Luna Park;  it may be worth a few bucks to hop-on one of the amusement park’s fun rides.

Admittedly, 3-day itinerary for Sydney is not nearly enough time if you want to see it  all . Hey—that just comes to show that Sydney is bustling full of the things that make a city great!

Obviously, if you are limited on time, you should try to adjust this itinerary to match your personal travel goals. What one backpacker in Sydney deems important may completely differ to another.

I have done my best to break down 3 days in Sydney that maximize the amount of sights you can see in this huge city. This itinerary also works great for a weekend in Sydney.

Need help deciding between Sydney or Melbourne ? Check out our helpful guide.

Day 1 in Sydney

How many hours did you just spend sitting on an airplane? You need to get up and walk around for the day!

Dive right into the good stuff, and head straight to Circular Quay. It is here that you can marvel at the Sydney Opera House in all of its glory. Sip on your very first Australian cocktail at Opera Bar, and grab a seat on the water to take in the views of Sydney Harbour and the Sydney   Harbour Bridge .

Continue onward to The Rocks . Here, you can grab a bite at one of Sydney’s oldest pubs. Walk around the historic neighborhood and browse the open-air markets, before making your way to the Museum of Contemporary Art .

Finally, catch the ferry to Manly Beach . Kick back and enjoy the ride as Sydney’s most iconic landmarks pass you by. Upon arrival to Manly, you can have a stroll around the promenade, and soak-up the sun at the beach. Watch surfers as they catch waves at this popular surf spot.

End your amazing day with a sunset dinner on the water. If you have not had enough fun yet, pop over to Darling Harbour for a night cap… or 3.

Sydney

Day 2 in Sydney

Refreshed and revitalized from your day in the Australian sun, you are all set to conquer day 2 in Sydney at Bondi Beach . Grab the train from the city to Bondi Junction. From this point, hop on a bus and ride down to the beachfront.

Spend your morning swimming in the sea or wading in the natural rock pools. Watch skaters shred at the park, snap some photos of the local street art, or checkout the hip streets for shopping. Get a feel for the funky beach lifestyle at Bondi.

Bondi is known for its waves, so definitely book yourself a surf lesson . If you have not learned yet, Australia is the place to do it! If surfing isn’t your thing, head over to Bondi Icebergs Swimming Club to hang in the pool, have a cocktail, and dine on the balcony overlooking the ocean.

Begin your journey of the eastern beaches with the coastal walk that stretches along the cliffs to Coogee . There are breathtaking views on this route. Watch the waves crash on the cliffs, spot sea life, and stop at all of the divine beaches on the way.

When you finally arrive to Coogee, cool down with a drink at the Coogee Pavilion .

Bondi has endless options for food and drink, so I recommend having dinner at a local restaurant before making your way back into the city. Feeling frisky? There is a happening nightlife in Bondi as well, so go get some drinks with the cuties you met on the beach!

Bondi Beach

Day 3 in Sydney

Since 3 days in Sydney is not a lot of time, dedicate day 3 in Sydney towards things that pique your own interest.

Take the day to hike the Blue Mountains if you enjoy nature and rugged landscapes. Stay overnight in one of the Blue Mountain hostels and explore the region a bit more. It offers some stunning nature and amazing hikes. You’ll also find plenty of yoga retreats in this area.

For those backpackers that enjoy eating and drinking around the world, discover one of Australia’s most prominent wine regions.

Cruise the ferry to Watson’s Bay for more beach time. Appreciate the astonishing views of the city from one of Sydney’s iconic walking tracks that you can catch at the bay.

Visit the animals at Taronga Zoo , Wild Life Sydney Zoo , or  Sea Life Aquarium.

Looking for free things to do in Sydney? Make time in your day to enjoy the Royal Botanic Garden . Have a picnic under the trees while staring out into the harbor. Wander down the famous Oxford Street , gawk at the beautiful Queen Victoria Building (QVB), and stroll around Hyde Park .

Go out with a bang and get wild at the many backpacker bars in Sydney like  Kings Cross . For Sydney on the cheap: drink goon (wine) until you pass out. Don’t worry, you can blow-up the wine bag to make sure you have a nice pillow to rest your head for the night!

Sydney

Day Trips from Sydney

You came all the way to Sydney, so why not wander a little more? If you have more time to spare while backpacking Sydney, then the following are a few day trip recommendations. These may require some planning to get to, as they are not centrally located.

  • Blue Mountains National Park:  One of the best-known Australian national parks and a vast region west of Sydney and part of the Great Dividing Range, the Blue Mountains area makes for a great day trip away from city life. Hire a car or use a tour company that offers transportation to the mountains as it will take about 2 hours to reach. Visit the well-known landmarks like the Three Sisters and Lincoln’s Rock. Explore waterfalls, snap epic photos of the mountains and valleys, and have a BBQ—yum!
  • Hunter Valley: About 2 hours drive north of Sydney is the Hunter Valley wine region. Visit some of its 120 wineries where you can sample wine and cheeses. It is possible to rent a bike and tour the region, especially if you are a backpacker who enjoys the finer things in life—on a finer budget! You can also bushwalk through the Yengo National Park to visit Aboriginal cultural heritage sites.
  • Cockatoo Island —  A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Cockatoo Island is an old convict precinct. Located smack dab in the middle of Sydney Harbour, this is a key cultural site for the city. Discover the island’s history as it evolved from a prison, to a reformatory school, into a major shipyard. Cockatoo Island also hosts many events, so you should keep track of what’s going on during your stay in Sydney

Day Trips from Sydney

Best Walks in Sydney

Sydneysiders have a wealth of choices when it comes to walking tracks. Here are some top picks to explore the city by foot when backpacking Sydney:

Best Walks in Sydney

The following is a breakdown of the basics and everything you need to know before your Sydney trip. Whether you are a first-time backpacker or experienced in the art of travel, it is always nice to have a reference of useful information.

Best Time of Year to Visit Sydney

The Australian continent is in the Southern Hemisphere, so it celebrates its summer from December to March and winter from June to September. New South Wales, the state where Sydney resides, is located in a subtropical zone with hot summers and cool winters.

While there is no wrong time to visit Sydney, there are few things to take note of before you plan your dream backpacking trip in Australia.

Peak season is from Christmas until the end of January. This time coincides with school holidays, hot temperatures, and higher rates on flights and accommodation. However, it is also the time-frame to experience the longest days, Christmas on the beach, one of the greatest New Year’s Eve firework shows on the planet, popular festivals in Sydney , and Australia Day!

Alternatively, a Sydney spring is usually dry and warm; offering pleasant temperatures, smaller crowds, and days full of abundant sunshine.

Best Time of Year to Visit Sydney

Getting In and Out of Sydney

Getting In and Out of Sydney

Sydney’s major transportation hub for international and domestic travel,  Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport , is located approximately 9 km (6 miles) south of the city center. Due to Australia’s geographic location in Oceania, it is likely that you will arrive to the country via airplane.

There are a number of ways to get to-and-from the airport such as car, taxi, rideshare, train, shuttle, rental car, bus, or bike.

Airport Link offers fast and convenient train services that run approximately every 10-minutes. For a mere 13-minute ride to the city, you will need to purchase an Opal Card —Sydney’s ‘tap-on, tap-off’ travel system—before riding.

Especially important to note: the only visitors that do not require a visa prior to arrival in Sydney are Australians and New Zealanders. For information on Australia’s entry requirements, please visit my Backpacking East Coast Australia Travel Guide .

When you’re ready to travel to Sydney, forgo buying tickets at the station and book them online instead! You can now book transport in advance for most of Asia using 12Go and doing so can really save you some stress (and maybe money, too).

While we love flying, driving is another amazing way to travel around Australia. A road trip from Sydney to Melbourne will take around a week (depending on how fast or slow you want to take it), and will provide you with some unbelievable views.

  • Backpacking Melbourne Travel Guide
  • Backpacking Tasmania Travel Guide
  • Backpacking Byron Bay Travel Guide
  • Backpacking Cairns Travel Guide

How to Get Around Sydney

While not necessarily the most convenient, Sydney’s public transport system is more than competent and covers the entire Greater Sydney Region. Getting around areas in the CBD and central areas is easy-peasy and everywhere else is reachable – just expect a few different connections.

You need to buy an  Opal Card   (Sydney’s cashless transit card) before catching any transport. Not only will it net you a discount, but increasingly tickets are also being phased out making an Opal Card a necessity for getting around Sydney. An Opal Card can be purchased or topped up at train stations, news agencies, corner stores, and other retailers.

With an Opal Card in hand, backpacking around Sydney is a breeze:

Sydney has an extensive  rail network  within the city that also covers regional areas. The main hub is  Central Station , which most lines pass through.

Trams (Light Rail)  run between select locations within the city too (with expansions to the network coming soon), and you’ll even find Sydney’s first  Metro Line  in the northwestern suburbs with extended lines also being developed.

Sydney also has an extensive  bus network . Buses are in operation from around 5 am to midnight. Use your Opal Card to tap on-and-off.

Enjoy your travels in Sydney by taking a  ferry . Explore the waterways from around 6 am to midnight. The most popular service is the Manly Ferry, which you can board at the Sydney Harbour.

Driving  within the city center can be time-consuming and expensive to park. However,  car rental  can be handy for accessing Sydney’s outer reaches for day trips.

Taxis  are readily avilable in Sydney, however, they’re EXPENSIVE.  Uber ,  ride-sharing , and  bicycle rental/bike-share  are all popular means of transportation in Sydney.

Australians are laid-back, easy-going, no-stress kind of people. That means public transportation may not be the most reliable. Give yourself plenty of time to get to where you are going, and be prepared to walk a bit.

Australia

Long-Distance Trains from Sydney

The  Indian Pacific is an Australian passenger rail service that connects Sydney with Perth (on the west coast). This is considered to be one of the few truly transcontinental trains in the world and probably the coolest way to travel to Perth .

NSW TrainLink’s XPT and XPLORER link Sydney with Melbourne, Brisbane, and Canberra.

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Get 15% OFF when you book through our link — and support the site you love so dearly 😉

Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

Safety in Sydney

Australia is a safe country with a low crime rate.

Maintain safety in Sydney by packing sun-protective gear for Australia – sunscreen, hats, sunnies, and light clothing – while going out into the Ozzie sun. The sun’s rays are dangerous being ever-so-close to the equator. Drink water and always carry fluids on you. A sure-fire way to destroy your trip is by ending up in the hospital with dehydration symptoms. australia

Swim between the flags on the beach. Oftentimes, shark nets are used on popular beaches for protection. Ocean rescue can easily see you when you are with the crowd if any trouble were to arise.

In addition, no matter how advances you may feel you are at swimming, the sea is a mystical place, so do not think you are stronger than any current. The flags are there for good reason.

Never swim at night in the sea. I was once told, in reference to the crocodile riddled waters of the north, “if you do not see an Australian swimming, you should not get in,” and that can be a good rule of thumb to follow.

Although it may not be common, there is the risk of being bitten by a snake or spider as well as being stung by a jellyfish. Always tell someone the areas you are exploring and try to find a buddy to join if you are headed into the bush.

Extra Travel Tips for Staying Safe in Sydney

  • Check out  Backpacker Safety 101 for tips and tricks to stay safe whilst backpacking.
  • Pick yourself up a backpacker security belt to keep your cash safe on the road.
  • Check out this post for plenty of ideas on ingenious ways to hide your money when travelling.
  • I strongly recommend travelling with a headlamp whilst in Sydney (or anywhere really – every backpacker should have a good head torch!) – check out Will’s post for a breakdown of the best value headlamps to take backpacking.

Travel Insurance for Sydney

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

If there’s one insurance company I trust, it’s World Nomads.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Sydney Accommodation Travel Hacks

Accommodation could put a dent in your wallet while backpacking Sydney. A great way to alleviate that expense is to  work for your hostel room . Many hostels will allow you to work in exchange for a bed. Although this may only be an option if you plan to stay for over a week.

If you’re only visiting for a few days and want to maximise your time and budget, you should think about planning out your Sydney itinerary before you travel.

You could also try:

  • Airbnbs are great if you are traveling with several friends to cut costs.
  • Traveling by Couchsurfing , as always, is amazing if you’re on tight travel budget in Sydney. There are many awesome hosts in town! An added bonus: your local couchsurfing host will likely show you around town and give you insider tips.
  • Caravan parks and campgrounds are definitely a money-saving option near Sydney for those of you touring Australia in a camper van. If you’re looking to hire a camper, check out JUCY Rentals – they are my go-to for EPIC vans at a reasonable price.
  • Networking  can go a long way as well. It is very possible that you have made friends while traveling elsewhere that live in your destination city. Call on a buddy for a place to crash for a few nights.
  • Urban camping is easy given Sydney’s multitude of parks, nature reserves, and random patches of greenery (just be sneaky – it’s not exactly “legal”). To kick it properly Sydney-hobo style, string up your backpacking hammock in Sydney Park … It’s a damn fine park too!

Sydney Accommodation Travel Hacks

Books to Read on Sydney

Below are some excellent books to add to your Sydney reading list!

  • Lonely Planet Sydney (Travel Guide) – Relevant, up-to-date travel information and advice from the world’s leading travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet.
  • Half a World Away in Australia: Travelling in a Land Down Under   – Discover the land down under from someone who has dedicated his life to it. The English born author fell in love with Australia, moved there, and has been discovering and writing about it ever since. This is one of the best books set in Australia, full of fascinating stories, written in a down-to-earth style, and sure to be a hit for anyone intrigued by the land down under.
  • Kings Cross: A Biography – A fascinating account of the history of Kings Cross, one of Australia’s most infamous and misunderstood places.
  • Harp In The South – This Australian classic portrays the life of the Darcy family living in the once slum suburb of Sydney–Surry Hills.
  • Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence  – A book about Australia’s history and its treatment of the Aboriginal peoples. A sad but fascinating read to gain a little insight about Australia’s history.

In Sydney, you can find any cuisine you desire. Restaurants provide an extensive array of local and international food as a result of multiculturalism.

Sydney boasts high-quality seafood attributable to clean ocean environments and bountiful access to water.

Australia has a long developed coffee culture; therefore, Sydneysiders can enjoy a brekky cafe around every corner. Try avo (avocado) on toast. Native fruit is always a great snack or breakfast idea.

For cheap and tasty food, be sure to check-out Sydney’s Chinatown.

Surry Hills has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants within Sydney, priding itself on a diverse range of choices.

If you would like to eat like a local, your diet is going to consist heavily upon meat. Common meals include meat pies, fish and chips, roast dinners, lamb, and Australian bush food.

Have a barbecue anywhere you desire in Sydney, as local council offer barbecues for use by the general public, and your hostel or Airbnb will likely do the same. Drink a few stubbies (beer) and complete your burger with slices of beetroot—it’s the Australian way!

For an authentic Australian experience be sure to try: Kangaroo, Emu, Vegemite, Tim Tams, and Lamingtons. Also, Indomie Instant Migoreng Noodles are the staple of Ozzie uni student’s diet – cheap and tasty!

Eating and Drinking in Sydney

Wine in Sydney

Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of wine and it is produced in every single state. The major varietals of wine in Australia are Shiraz (Syrah to much of the world), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.

New South Wales, in particular, has several wine regions to be discovered. Quite a few of these wine regions fall within driving distance from Sydney, such as Hunter Valley —Australia’s oldest wine growing region—  Mudgee, Southern Highlands, and Orange .

While many may enjoy the finer things in life, even on a budget, the majority of Sydney visitors will stick to  Goon —boxed wine—an Australian staple for backpackers.

Nightlife in Sydney

In an effort to reduce alcohol-fueled violence, the Government of New South Wales introduced Sydney’s infamous lockout laws. While originally totalitarian in nature and near-completely destroying Sydney’s nightlife, things have since relaxed with the laws now only applying to the notorious King’s Cross district. Here you won’t be allowed into a venue after 1.30 A.M. and last drinks are called at 3 A.M.

Nightlife is often concentrated around Kings Cross where you can find many strip joints and sex shops as well as plenty of clubs. However, there are a lot better places in Sydney to get loose.

Australian pubs or ‘hotels’ are popular among students and backpackers. Find some awesome pubs at The Rocks , Coogee , or Bondi .

Oxford Street has gained a reputation as Sydney’s nightclub strip, and the Darlinghurst end of the street has become known as the center of Sydney’s gay community. Every March, Oxford Street hosts the parade for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras festival.

Newtown and the Inner West region also emits awesome party vibes. Here you’re likely to find the best parties in Sydney (that don’t take place beneath the stars to the gentle whispers of heavy psytrance). You’ll also find a good underground scene here: raves, warehouse parties, garage breweries, and no shortage of lovable weirdos.

Sydney is home to some of the best festivals in Australia , and are not to be missed if you’re looking for a good time.

Sydney Travel Guide

Make Money Online Whilst Backpacking Sydney

Traveling in Sydney long-term? Keen to make some cash when you are not exploring the city?

Teaching English online is a great way to earn a consistent income—from anywhere in the world with a good internet connection. Depending on your qualifications (or your motivation to obtain qualifications like a TEFL certificate) you can teach English remotely from your laptop, save some cash for your next adventure, and make a positive impact on the world by improving another person’s language skills! It’s a win-win! Check out this detailed article for everything you need to know to start teaching English online .

In addition to giving you the qualifications to teach English online, TEFL courses open up a huge range of opportunities and you can find teaching work all over the world. To find out more about TEFL courses and how you can teach English around the world, read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad .

Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses with MyTEFL (simply enter the code PACK50), to find out more, please read my in-depth report on teaching English abroad.

Whether you are keen to teach English online or looking to take your teaching game a step further by finding a job teaching English in a foreign country, getting your TEFL certificate is absolutely a step in the right direction.

Volunteering in Sydney

Long term travel is awesome. Giving back is awesome too. For backpackers looking to travel long-term on a budget in Sydney whilst making a real impact on local communities look no further than Worldpackers . Worldpackers is an excellent platform connecting travelers with meaningful volunteer positions throughout the world.

In exchange for a few hours of work each day, your room and board are covered.

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Worldpackers opens the doors for work opportunities in hostels, homestays, NGOs, and eco-projects around the world. We’ve tried and approved them ourselves – check out our Worldpackers in-depth review .

If you’re ready to create a life-changing travel experience and give back to the community, join the Worldpacker community now. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll get a special discount of $10. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

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Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Being a Responsible Backpacker in Sydney

Backpacking in Sydney will bring you ample opportunities to participate in debauchery, and it is very important to have fun, let loose, and get a bit wild at times. Most backpacking trips I have been on across the world have included at least a few mornings where I wake up knowing I went too far.

There are some things that will put you in the category of a straight-up jackass if you do them. Being super loud and obnoxious in a tiny hostel at 3 A.M. is a classic rookie backpacker mistake.

Everyone in the hostel will hate you when you wake them up. Show your fellow travelers respect whilst backpacking in Sydney and anywhere else for that matter!

Check out our post on how to be a responsible backpacker.

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alexandria Zboyovski

Alexandria Zboyovski

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  • British backpacker discussed Aussie 'racism' 
  • READ MORE:  Young Aussie left stunned after racist remark from 'old fart'

A British backpacker working in Australia has claimed racism is a massive problem across the country. 

Archie Hawkins has spent almost a year travelling around the country but was left shocked by the racism towards Indigenous people.

'Racism in Australia is a massive problem,' he said in a video posted to social media last week.

'I ain't gonna sugarcoat this, but when you come to Australia, you do hear a lot of bad things about the Indigenous and Aboriginal people.'

Mr Hawkins said these racist opinions were completely erased once he started working alongside Aboriginal people

'Recently, I've managed to work with a few of them, and, honestly, they're some of the most kind, most sharing people I've ever met in my life,' he said.

'Every time you see them, they'd be so positive, so happy. They're just really good people to be around.

'So, don't judge people by everyone else's opinion on them. You will no doubt hear a lot of racism when you come to Australia. I don't think it's talked about enough.' 

Many agreed with the young man's views.

'It's their country, their home for hundreds of years before us! Great people! They are a national treasure to Australia.'

Another added: 'I completely agree. I was shocked by the level of racism in Oz. Very sad.'

A third said: 'It's so sad as someone that loves to travel. Australia is one place I've always wanted to go, especially as I have family there, but the stories you hear of racism put me off.'

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  4. Backpacking Australia Travel Guide (Tips

    2-Week Travel Itinerary for Australia: Sydney to Adelaide. 1.Sydney, 2.Canberra, 3.Melbourne, 4.Great Ocean Road, 5.Adelaide. See the best of Australia's metropolis cities on this 2-week itinerary around the southeast coast! You could start this itinerary off in either ofthe major cities, Sydney or Melbourne.

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  6. The Ultimate Australian Backpacker Guide

    Investigate well-known destinations such as Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin, and Perth, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. Australia is huge, consider the distance between locations and transportation options. 4. Pack the essentials. When packing for your Australian adventure, keep in mind the diverse climate and activities you'll encounter.

  7. My Pick of The Best Australia Backpacker Tours

    The Best East Coast Australia Tours. East Coast Australia is the most popular Australia backpacker route as it's home to so many iconic sights like the Great Barrier Reef, the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Byron Bay. There's some stunning beaches, national parks, mountains and natural wonders that stretch from Cairns south all the way to Sydney.

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    Noosa is arguably the best place to visit along this beautiful stretch of coastline. Every backpacker to Australia has to visit Fraser Island on a 4×4 tag along tour. If you visit Hervey Bay at the right time of year you'll be able to see the Humpback Whale migration up close. Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island.

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    Darwin. Australia's tropical capital is a convenient launching pad to explore the natural splendour of the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks… but that's not the only reason why Darwin is a backpacking haven. Much of the credit has to go to Mitchell St, the strip of bars, eateries, bars, watering holes, hostels, bars and then even more ...

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    4. Backpacker buses in Australia. The most popular way to travel around Australia is to take the 'backpacker' bus from one place to another. You can choose between two bus companies: Premier and Greyhound. The most significant difference between the two is the price; Premier is cheaper than Greyhound, but they have fewer options than ...

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  18. 12 tips for backpacking Australia

    1. Plan a rough itinerary. Spontaneity is one of the best things about backpacking, but in Australia it pays to have at least a rough itinerary, as it's easy to underestimate how long it takes to get around this vast country.Spending longer than planned pottering around South Australia's wine country - fun though it is - might mean you have to sacrifice that eagerly awaited trip to ...

  19. EPIC Guide to Solo Travel in Australia

    This is a great activity to enjoy solo, but also an easy way to meet other travellers and locals. 5. Take A Bike Tour Through the Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne. Located just south of the busy city of Melbourne, The Mornington Peninsula is a suburban landscape that blends seaside charm with lush vineyards.

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  21. Backpacking in Australia: tips and things to know

    Backpacking in Australia. Embark on an unforgettable adventure and make memories of a lifetime while backpacking throughout Australia. Beyond days spent in the sun and nights beneath the stars, backpacking Down Under is surprising and exciting, with new adventures and experiences around every corner. From kangaroos hopping across white sand to ...

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    Backpacking Sydney Travel Guide 2024. Recognized as Australia's most famous city and the largest city in Oceania, Sydney is an effortless blend of beach culture and urban life. This metropolitan is the gateway for nearly all visitors in Australia, making it a backpacker's paradise. Sydney is home to world-renowned landmarks like the Opera ...

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  24. British backpacker claims there's a 'massive problem' with Australia

    A British backpacker working in Australia has claimed racism is a massive problem across the country. Archie Hawkins has spent almost a year travelling around the country but was left shocked by ...