Australia is a massive country with tons of things to do and see! From sailing around the Whitsundays to diving in the Great Barrier Reef to road-tripping just about anywhere, Australia’s got it all.
Most travelers start in Sydney, home to the famous opera house (selfie sticks at the ready), Bondi Beach, and world-class nightlife. From there you might backpack your way to Melbourne, no slouch in the partying department but also packed with culture, Brisbane on the east coast, which is just a stone’s throw from the surfer’s paradise of the Gold Coast, Adelaide in the south or across the country to Perth in the west. How you get between them is up to you.
Must Read: Road-trip Tips and Hacks
The East coast
The East Coast of Australia, consisting of the states of New South Wales and Queensland, is the most popular place to go backpacking in Australia! The East Coast has some of best infrastructure, greatest thrills and most beautiful places in Australia. No trip to Australia is complete without a stop in this amazing part of the country. Just south of Brisbane lies one of the most iconic cities in Australia – the Gold Coast! Tall skyscrappers on the beach that look as if they are about to jump in the ocean in front. Learn more about Gold Coast attractions.
Travelling the 1500 miles from the ever-enchanting Sydney to Cairns will afford travellers lots of adventurous opportunities. You’ll navigate ancient jungles, go walking in the bush, and (of course) visit some damn fine beaches. Some other highlights of backpacking in the East Coast of Australia include camping on Fraser Island, sailing among the picturesque Whitsunday Islands, and diving at the Great Barrier Reef.
For more details check here for East Coast Top Travel Tips.
You can also check on some cool Whitsundays travel itinerary should you plan to go there.
Byron bay and north coast
Byron Bay – renowned for its sublime beaches, modern boho culture and chilled out vibes, Byron is a backpacker’s hotspot not to be missed. From what is seemingly a small town on the map, Byron attracts flocks of visitors every year and is a dream holiday location for people from all walks of life. Hang out with hippies, designers, surfers, and musicians at one of the many great beaches or open-air pubs, or watch fire twirlers perform on the beach alongside long-haired buskers.
Port Macquarie – Halfway between Sydney and Byron Bay, Port Macquarie is one of the most popular holiday destinations in NSW and is home to plenty of great backpacker hostels. In the summer, you can take advantage of the awesome water sports such as surfing, swimming, scuba diving, and fishing, or simply relax and unwind on the sand.
Ever wondered what a backpacker needs for its trip? Check here for useful gifts for backpackers!
Melbourne to Adelaide
Spending one day in Melbourne is great! How much more a road trip from Melbourne to Adelaide? This route is one of the most popular routes for backpackers looking to find work in Australia. One of the most scenic routes between the two cities would be via the Great Ocean Road, one of the most popular journeys tourists take Down Under. Melbourne itself is an urban metropolis, there are lots of places to visit and things to do in Melbourne, from museums and historic monuments to beautiful parks and nature sanctuaries.
Good to Know!
What You Could Get in Adelaide for $10
Just ensure you set aside a few days and nights so you don’t miss anything! Backpackers can admire Australia’s overwhelming south-east coastline, stopping off at Torquay and Bells Beach – surfers’ paradises – before visiting Lorne and the Twelve Apostles, iconic limestone stacks just off the shore. Whale-watching at Warrnambool is a must-do, while the Naracoorte Caves in South Australia are world-heritage listed.
For more tips, check top day and weekend trips from Melbourne. If you`re traveling on the budget, you should consider these free things to do in Melbourne and don’t miss our guide on a road trip in Australia.
Learn more about Australia`s Great Ocean Road
West coast
Much of Western Australia’s most stunning, eye-popping wilderness costs less than AUD$20 to experience. From a vertigo-inducing cliff overhang platform to a huge outback moonscape, epic turtle-flecked snorkelling and an island-spying infinity pool in the middle of nowhere, there’s plenty to do without it costing the earth.
If ever you’ve wondered what it would be like to walk on the moon, a stroll through the dandelion yellow, limestone spires known as the Pinnacles is as close as you’ll get on Earth. The biggest columns are five metres (16 feet) tall, and about one metre (three feet) wide. About 200,000 years old, they’re hidden within Nambung National Park just outside the coastal town of Cervantes, about 2 1/2 hours drive north of Perth.
One of the most iconic places is Coral bay where you can swim with giant, harmless manta rays. 19 kilometers from Perth is lies a beautiful island – Rotto. This car free island has the most beautiful beaches of white sand and crystal clear sea.
There is much more to Australia than its coastal areas, its inland is one of the most diverse in the world with amazing endemic species. To learn more check Things to do in Alice Springs and central Australia.
Australia is not one of the cheaper countries in the world, but with a careful planning you can have a “budget friendly” backpacking adventure. Make a travel plan, looking for affordable accommodation is essential, use public transportation whenever possible, try to prepare your own food rather than eating outside and you should be able to afford yourself budget friendly adventure!
Consider also: 12 remote and underrated places to visit in Australia
Must Read: Australian Travel Tips — Traveling on a Budget
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