Australia Information
From the time of its creation as a British penal colony, Australia has always been a destination. Today, people flock to the only island continent for different (and more pleasant) reasons: fun, sun, and beautiful beaches make Australia a paradise for backpackers looking to get away from the grind of daily life at home.
Some people take a week out of their schedule to take a whirlwind tour of Sydney and the Gold Coast. Others are in it for the long haul; leaving home and hearth behind in their native country, they set out for Australia planning on spending up to a year Down Under. Though this guide is written for both groups, a substantial portion of it applies mostly to those who probably don’t have a return ticket. In other words, they plan on supporting themselves by working, and therefore must make necessary preparations for visas and employment.
Deciding on a Route
For those backpackers who plan on spending only a month or two on the continent, it’s wise to pick out a specific route. Though this can be altered, it will help you determine which city to fly into, and which city you want to fly out from. For most backpackers, it’s wise to plan this route around the specific things you’re going to Australia to see. Some backpackers make a pilgrimage to Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) a focal point, while others center their journey on the Great Barrier Reef. Either way, deciding on a base of operations will lend some form and structure to your trip.
Another way to organize your trip is to base it around your hobbies and interests. Some people want to spend their entire backpacking vacation on the beach or shopping. Others are more active, and want to experience all of the outdoor opportunities Australia has to offer. For these people, certain areas beckon, including Tasmania, the Reef, and Mount Warning outside of Byron Bay.
Possible Itineraries
For those backpackers with only a month to spend in Australia, the most common route taken is usually from Cairns in the north down to Sydney (or vice versa). Taking this particular path will bring you to essentially every major backpacking hotspot on the East Coast, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, and Byron Bay and Nimbin. Each of these destinations merits at least a few days of exploration, and you’ll also want to spend some time just hanging out on the beach in one of the smaller towns.
For the more adventurous, the Outback beckons. The interior of Australia isn’t for the faint hearted, especially if you plan on heading in solo via campervan or rented car. Backpacker central in this part of Australia are the town of Alice Springs and the monolith at Ayer’s Rock, but bear in mind that there isn’t much else to speak about. It’s not like you’re going to take a turn and never be seen again; just realize that the driving times will be very long, and there won’t be much to look at out the window. If you’re solo, it might not be a bad idea to link up with another backpacker before tackling the interior. Consider checking message boards both in hostels and on the Internet. These can often be a great source of information as well.
Then there’s the West Coast, anchored by the city of Perth. Often overlooked by backpackers, this part of the country still has a ton to offer. For one thing, you may find more of an authentic experience. With fewer backpackers running through the streets, locals are more likely to take a minute to answer your questions and provide a glimpse into daily life.
Budget
Like so many things in life, your trip to Australia will come down to money. There’s no set budget for a trip Down Under. Two backpackers going to the exact same places over the exact same amount of time can spend two completely different amounts. That’s because at every turn, there’s an opportunity to splurge.
For instance, every time you roll into a hostel, you’ll be asked whether you want a single room or a spot in the dorm. Similarly, each night you’ll choose between dinner out or a home cooked meal on the cheap. Perhaps the most serious differences in spending come with deciding on activities. A half an hour skydiving trip can take immediately sheer 20% off your overall budget right off the bat.
One way to offset the expense of traveling is to consider picking up a Holiday Working Visa and putting in some hours at work. Whatever you do, more is certainly not less in this situation. Running out of money can turn into a desperate situation quickly.
What to Bring
Clothing
Before a backpacker can even leave home, he or she must decide what to bring to Australia. This question is a complicated one: it depends on where you plan on spending the majority of your time, and what time of the year you’ll be arriving. After all, winter in June in Melbourne (don’t forget, the seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere!) can get down to below freezing. Backpackers coming from Europe and the United States often fail to realize just how close to Antarctica southern Australia is!
The same goes for the north. Cairns in January is almost unbearably hot, so if you’re planning on spending a significant time in the “tropical zone”, make sure to bring an ample supply of shorts and t-shirts. For guys, board shorts and t-shirts are accepted pretty much anywhere. The dress code is similarly casual for the ladies.
Camping Equipment
Here’s another major decision you’ll have to make before setting off: while the majority of backpackers in Australia don’t bother with camping equipment, it might just be right for your situation. While there is an abundance of hostels throughout the continent, you can often save money by pitching your own tent.
Bringing this equipment will also open up some great hiking opportunities (especially if you plan on heading to New Zealand after your time in Australia). For example, Tasmania Island off the southern coast of the continent is perfect for spending a week or more under the stars. You’ll want a tent to protect yourself from the mosquitoes; they’re vicious, especially during the summer months. Carrying a stove also means you’ll never have to eat in restaurants.
A sleeping bag also can’t hurt. Even if you plan on sleeping exclusively in hostels, some allow you to unroll your own bag, letting you take the safety and security of your bed at home on the road. It’s also great on busses and trains, especially for those journeys that involve early morning waits in the cold.
Other Miscellaneous Items to Think About
It never hurts to travel with a backpacking first aid kit. Though Australia is most famous for its poisonous snakes and jellyfish, there are the usual scrapes and bruises to think about as well. This first aid kit doesn’t have to be anything extensive, but consider taking along the basics: band aids, ointment, gauze, etc. Don’t forget to bring extra prescription medicine. Though Australian pharmacies generally will stock the same drugs as that of your home country, your insurance may not cover their purchase.
Keep in mind, pretty much anything you’d be able to purchase back home will be available in Australia. Pay attention to the most important backpacking rule, which applies not only in Australia but pretty much everywhere else you might have the opportunity to go: take half the stuff and twice the dollars. You’re going to get pretty tired of carrying that third pair of jeans you never wear after six months of backpacking through Australia, but you can always take extra money back home after your trip is over.
Traveler’s Insurance
This is one of those tricky situations with no right answer. Each backpacker planning a trip to Australia has to decide if Traveler’s Insurance is the right call for their particular situation. This insurance is available from a wide variety of sources including travel agents and booking agencies like the Student Travel Association (popularly referred to as STA). It covers a wide range of possible mishaps, including medical emergency, travel delays, and lost and stolen items. Keep in mind that the application process to claim these benefits can be extremely time-consuming. If you have something stolen, for instance, you’ll need to fill out a police report before even sending in any paperwork.
Visas
Many backpackers thinking of spending a significant amount of time in Australia plan on working to support themselves while in the country. It’s extremely important to check the Australian Department of Immigration before you leave home, because the information given below is VERY general. The Australian government has different arrangements with each country, so make sure you check out what that means for you.
For the purposes of those interested in backpacking Australia, the immigration law is split as follows:
Tourist visa: Backpackers coming from the United States and most European countries are granted a three-month visa to explore Australia. This agreement between you and the Australian government forbids you from performing any kind of paid or unpaid work.
Working Holiday Visa: One of the most popular programs for backpackers looking for legal employment in Australia is the Working Holiday Visa. Designed exclusively for young people (ages 18-30), this document allows the holder to work in Australia for up to twelve months. The Working Holiday Visa isn’t designed for those looking for permanent employment. Instead, its purpose is to allow those traveling through the continent to pick up a little extra cash on the way. To that end, this visa only allows you to work for one employer for six months before switching to another. The WHV isn’t cheap, either. While the tourist visa is free for citizens from most countries, you’ll have to pay for the opportunity to work. The fee averages around two hundred dollars, again depending on what country you hail from. Read more: Australia visa.
Use the links below to find more in depth Australia information.
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Australian Capital Territory
Australia Capital Territory is the smallest state in Australia and is the home of the Australia capital, Canberra.
Canberra |
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New South Wales
New South Wales is a large state with Sydney as the capital, and extends up to Queensland in the north.
Sydney |
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Northern Territory
Northern Territory is in the north of Australia and home of Uluru and the capital being Darwin.
Darwin |
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Queensland
Queensland is in the the north east of Australia, with the state capital Brisbane in south east Queensland.
Brisbane
Cairns |
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South Australia
South Australia has Adelaide as the state capital.
Adelaide |
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Tasmania
Tasmania is an island in the south of Australia with Hobart as the state capital.
Hobart |
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Victoria
Victoria is a well populated state with Melbourne as the state capital.
Melbourne |
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Western Australia
Western Australia is a large state in the west of Australia and has Perth as the state capital.
Perth |
Fraser Island backpacking
