Australia is a backpacker’s paradise, offering a wide variety of experiences for all types of travelers—whether you’re looking for adventure, culture, nature, or the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers. With its vast landscape, vibrant cities, and outdoor experiences, traveling around Australia on a backpacker’s budget is both doable and rewarding. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring Australia as a backpacker.
1. Planning Your Trip: How to Get Around
Backpacking Routes:
Australia is a massive country, so planning your route is crucial. The most popular backpacker routes tend to follow the eastern and southern coasts, but there are many options depending on your interests and time. Here are a few ideas:
- East Coast: From Sydney to Cairns, the east coast is a backpacker’s dream, offering beaches, national parks, vibrant cities, and the Great Barrier Reef.
- The Outback: For a more rugged experience, head inland to explore the Red Centre (Alice Springs, Uluru) and the Northern Territory.
- The West Coast: Head to Perth and up to Broome, offering a laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and stunning national parks.
Transport Options:
- Greyhound Bus: The Greyhound Australia bus network is one of the most popular options for backpackers, offering hop-on, hop-off tickets for flexible travel across Australia.
- Train: The XPT Train (Sydney to Melbourne) and The Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin) are iconic, though not as flexible as buses.
- Car Rentals and Campervans: Renting a car or a campervan is an excellent option for travelers who want to explore at their own pace, particularly for road trips along the east coast or to reach remote destinations. Companies like Wicked Campers or JUCY offer affordable campervans for backpackers.
- Domestic Flights: Australia’s internal flights are affordable, especially if you book in advance. Look for deals with airlines like Jetstar, Virgin Australia, or Qantas.
2. Budget Accommodation: Where to Stay
Hostels:
Australia is famous for its backpacker-friendly hostels, offering budget accommodations in almost every major city and tourist destination. Most hostels provide dormitory rooms, private rooms, kitchens, and social spaces for travelers to meet others. Popular chains include:
- Nomads
- YHA (Youth Hostels Australia)
- Base Backpackers
- Hostelworld: A great platform to book hostels.
Camping and Free Campsites:
Australia has a range of national parks and beaches where camping is a popular activity. Many campsites offer stunning locations and are very affordable. The National Parks have official campsites, and there are also free campsites scattered throughout the country, especially in remote areas. You can find these on CamperMate or WikiCamps apps.
Farm Stays and Work Exchange:
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, consider staying on farms or volunteering for food and accommodation through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) or HelpX. You’ll work a few hours a day in exchange for lodging and meals, giving you a chance to meet locals and experience rural life.
3. Work While You Travel: Earning Money on the Go
Work & Holiday Visa:
If you’re from a country that has a working holiday visa agreement with Australia (e.g., UK, Canada, USA, and many European countries), you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). This allows you to work while traveling around the country for up to one year (and up to two years if you complete farm work in rural areas).
Popular Backpacker Jobs:
- Hospitality & Bar Work: Australia’s busy cafe and restaurant culture offers lots of short-term jobs, especially in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
- Farm Work: Fruit picking, working on cattle stations, and other farm-related jobs are popular for backpackers and can help extend your stay in Australia through the second-year working holiday visa.
- Tourism & Retail: Work as a tour guide, hostel staff, or in shops that cater to tourists.
- Construction & Laboring: If you’re strong and fit, there are plenty of laboring jobs in construction or on farms.
Online Jobs:
If you’re tech-savvy or skilled in areas like writing, design, or programming, you can take up remote work and travel simultaneously. Websites like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr are excellent platforms to find online gigs.
4. Must-Visit Destinations for Backpackers
1. Sydney (New South Wales)
- Iconic Sites: Visit the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Bondi Beach.
- Backpacker Vibe: Sydney has a lively backpacker scene, with bars, beachside cafes, and excellent nightlife. Don’t miss the famous Bondi to Coogee walk.
2. Byron Bay (New South Wales)
- A laid-back coastal town known for surfing, yoga, and bohemian vibes.
- Perfect for: Relaxing on the beach, attending music festivals, and eco-friendly activities.
3. Cairns & Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)
- Scuba Dive or Snorkel: Explore the Great Barrier Reef with day trips to Green Island, Fitzroy Island, or Whitsunday Islands.
- Rainforest: Take a trip to the Daintree Rainforest and enjoy the scenic Kuranda Railway.
4. Melbourne (Victoria)
- A hub of arts, culture, and food, known for its coffee scene and laneways.
- Street Art: Wander around Hosier Lane to discover some of the best street art in the world.
5. The Outback & Uluru (Northern Territory)
- Uluru: This sacred rock formation is the heart of Australia’s Red Centre. Experience it during sunrise and sunset for spectacular views.
- Alice Springs: A great place to discover the cultural history and beauty of the Outback.
6. Fraser Island (Queensland)
- The world’s largest sand island, offering 4×4 adventures, freshwater lakes, and beautiful beaches.
- Lake McKenzie: A must-see freshwater lake surrounded by stunning beaches.
7. Tasmania
- Hobart: Visit the lively Salamanca Market and explore the MONA (Museum of Old and New Art).
- Cradle Mountain: A hiker’s paradise with stunning views, wildlife, and challenging trails.
8. The Whitsundays (Queensland)
- Sailing: Embark on a sailing trip to explore the beautiful islands and beaches of the Whitsunday Islands.
- Whitehaven Beach: Known for its pure silica sands and turquoise waters.
5. Budget Travel Tips for Backpackers
1. Save on Food:
- Cook Your Own Meals: Most hostels have kitchens, so you can cook your own food, which is significantly cheaper than dining out.
- Markets: Shop for fresh produce at local markets (like Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne or Paddington Markets in Sydney).
- Cheap Eats: Australia has a thriving street food scene. Look for food trucks and affordable eateries offering everything from burgers to Asian food.
2. Free and Low-Cost Activities:
- Beaches: Australia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and they’re all free to visit!
- Hikes: Explore national parks like Grampians National Park or Blue Mountains for amazing hiking opportunities at no cost.
- Museums and Galleries: Many museums in cities like Sydney and Melbourne offer free entry or discounted rates for backpackers.
- Sydney Opera House Tour: Take a free guided tour (book in advance) or simply wander around Circular Quay and The Rocks for free cultural experiences.
3. Stay Connected:
- SIM Cards: Purchase a local SIM card for affordable mobile data and international calls. Optus and Telstra are the two most popular carriers for backpackers.
- Wi-Fi: Most hostels and cafes provide free Wi-Fi, and you can find free public Wi-Fi in some cities.
Conclusion
Australia is a dream destination for backpackers, offering endless opportunities for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With careful planning, a flexible attitude, and a bit of local knowledge, you can travel around Australia affordably while having the time of your life. Whether you’re exploring the Great Barrier Reef, hiking through the Outback, or soaking in the coastal beauty, Australia will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories.
