Backpacking Australia
Australia is a great destination for the first time backpacker. The travel industry is huge with backpacking a major part of that. Backpackers hostels and companies offering tours and activities are evident in all but the smallest of places.
With so much mass tourism, you simply cannot move on the east coast of Australia without bumping into more fellow backpackers.
The reason for this is simple. The east coast of Australia has many great things to see such as the Daintree rain forrest, Great barrier reef, Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, the list goes on!
So go and see these sights, they are really worth it! But also try to avoid simply following the crowd, see the real Australia.
For example, drive through the outback, set up camp and then sink a beer in an outback pub or do some agricultural work on a farm stay.
Australia Top Sights
- Uluru (Ayers Rock)
One of Australia's most famous landmarks, Uluru is an immense monolith that dominates the vast sandy plain of Central Australia.
- Kakadu National Park
This World Heritage listed national park is full of unique wildlife, spectacular waterfalls and ancient rock art.
- Fraser Island
The world's largest sand island is best explored by 4wd vehicle, either on a guided tour or self-drive expedition.
- Daintree Rain Forest
Daintree is a unique area up in far north Queensland, offering 1200 sq km of untouched tropical rain forest home to thousands of species of wildlife. This remote wilderness is home to the largest number of endangered species in the world.
- Great Barrier Reef
Made up of over 2800 coral reefs, sea life thrives in these tropical waters off the Queensland coast. Why not learn to dive in this spectacular playground?
Geography
The world’s smallest continent is in fact the world’s 6th largest country. Its 20.4 million population mostly live in coastal regions, within 20km of the coast.
With a coast line of over 25,000 kilometers, there are still miles of unspoiled beaches to be found.
Away from the coast, the interior is typified by cinnamon-red earth and deep blue skies. There are many attractions to tempt backpackers away from the coastal areas, Uluru (Ayers Rock) being the most easily recognizable. Travelling through the outback is an experience in itself.
The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, lies off the coast of Queensland. Extending for 2,000 Km, its one of the natural wonders of the world and can even be seen from space! Scuba diving and snorkelling trips can be arranged with tour operators, it’s an experience not to be forgotten.
Australia is a nature lovers paradise. Native Australian wildlife is unlike wildlife found elsewhere in the world, evolving in isolation over millions of years. Kangaroos, Koalas, Tasmanian Devils and the Platypus are just 4 examples of animals that are endemic to Australia.
Getting Around
Bus Travel
Backpackers have no problem getting around Australia. In particular, the east coast is full of companies and travel agents trying to get you from A to B.
Greyhound Australia (formally McCafferty Greyhound) is Australia's main national coach network, which offers discounted travel passes for backpackers. These passes are valid for up to 6 months and allow you to book journeys as you go by simply calling the day before you wish to travel.
Another option is use a dedicated backpacker bus network, such as Oz Experience. These companies allow you to purchase a pass, allowing you to hop on and off their buses whenever you wish.
I personally don't agree with backpacker bus networks, they just encourage the herd mentality. Backpacking anywhere in the world should be about independent travel, choosing to travel where and when you want and with whom. Certainly not being herded from A to B with the same people, restricted to the company's predefined route and schedule.
Ultimately it's down to yourself to make that choice. However one thing is for certain, it's better to actually go and see what Australia has to offer than to stay at home in your desk job dreaming!
Cheap Flights
With the advent of budget airlines, travelling those long distances is now easier thanks to the wider range of cheap flights that is now available.
Budget Airlines
- JetStar
- Virgin Blue
- Freedom Air