Australia – the backpacker’s dream vacation spot. With stunningly rugged landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime out of doors actions, weird wildlife and a nation of essentially the most down-to-earth hosts you’re ever prone to meet, it’s simple to see why. However maintain up. Earlier than you begin shopping for cork hats and practising your greatest “G’day mate”, needless to say Australia can also be large and sometimes very distant. Whereas nobody needs to over plan their journey to the land of no worries, our backpacking Australia information is filled with useful ideas, itineraries and proposals from travellers who’ve backpacked round Australia to make your journey down-under as laid-back as potential.
Contents
- The Greatest Time to Go to Australia
- Do I Want a Visa for Australia?
- Travelling round Australia
- The place to Keep in Australia
- Australia Journey Prices
- Greatest locations to go to in Australia
- Australian Meals
- Australian Tradition and Customs
- Is Australia Harmful?
- Australia Journey Recommendation
The very best time to go to Australia
Really helpful by Emily Kammerlohr
The very best time to go to Australia completely relies on what you want. Should you go to throughout the Australian winter, you’ll take pleasure in milder temperatures within the ‘Outback’ (central Australia) and nice whale watching on the east coast. Should you go to throughout the Australian summer season, you’ll get to expertise a quintessential Bondi Christmas and the superb New Yr’s celebration in Sydney Harbour. It’s completely as much as you.
Visiting Australia in spring/summer season
In Australia, spring is from September to November and summer season is from December to February. Should you’re seeking to catch some solar, the Australian summer season makes the PERFECT getaway from the freezing temperatures of the northern hemisphere. Why not spend your winter break working in your tan as a substitute of crowding across the hearth?
Summer time in Australia is like nowhere else. The solar appears to shire eternally and the enjoyable by no means stops. Temperatures in Sydney hover round 25°-30° Celsius, making it the right time to bask within the Bondi solar or catch a couple of waves in Manly. On the alternative coast, Perth‘s climate is simply as superb – boasting practically infinite sunny days with temperatures within the excessive 20’s.
As Australian seashore tradition is such an enormous a part of the nationwide identification, for those who’d wish to surf with the locals in Byron Bay, discover Nemo on the Nice Barrier Reef, or uncover koalas on the sandy trails of Magnetic Island, spring and summer season is the right time so that you can go to the nice land ‘Down Below’.
Visiting Australia in autumn/winter
In Australia, autumn is from March to Could and winter is from June to August. So for those who’re from the northern hemisphere, the Australian winter happens throughout your summer season holidays – at a time when the Australian local weather is comparatively delicate. Australia is such an enormous nation with a lot to see, which means that you simply’ll want at the least a month to 6 weeks to see every thing you’d wish to, if not longer. However you don’t have to take a niche yr to do that. Even for those who’re nonetheless in college, the temperature in Australia throughout the winter makes it the right “summer season trip” vacation spot.
Many individuals assume that the Australian local weather is just too chilly throughout the autumn or winter months, however except you might be south of Sydney, it’s not chilly in any respect. The truth is, with common temperatures within the mid 20’s throughout the winter in northern Queensland, you possibly can sail the Whitsundays, camp on Fraser Island, and discover the Nice Barrier Reef – all with solely a light-weight jacket.
Throughout the winter, the temperature in Sydney hovers within the mid-teens, but it surely’s not unusual for sunny days to succeed in the low 20’s. Perth’s climate is usually very comparable, though at evening the temperature can attain single digits, so it’s greatest to convey some heat pyjamas with you.
When you could spend an evening or two shivering for those who journey the Nice Ocean Street close to Melbourne throughout the winter, you’ll be grateful for the break from the scorching Aussie solar whenever you make the trek to Uluru.
Backpacker visa for Australia
Really helpful by Eline Schreurs
If you wish to go to Australia, you’ll want to use for a selected visa. Fortunately, for each kind of traveller, there’s additionally a kind of visa and for many backpackers the next three kinds of visas a preferred.
The preferred visa for Australia from the UK and Europe (plus many different components of the world) is the Working Vacation visa. This Australian backpacker visa lets you keep and work in Australia for one yr. If you wish to apply, you’ll want to satisfy some entry necessities: you have to be aged 18 – 30 years outdated, find the money for of your personal (round AUD $5,000/ EUR €3,000), should not have a prison convictions and be in good well being (if in case you have travelled for longer than 3 months in a ‘excessive/medium well being danger’ space, you’ll want a hospital to evaluate you). You’re solely allowed to have this visa as soon as in your life with one exception: for those who full 88 days of farm work in your first visa you possibly can apply for a second one. Another kinds of work are additionally allowed for a second-year visa, however farm work is the simplest.
Should you’re not planning to remain this lengthy or for those who don’t need to work whereas backpacking Australia, you can even apply for a vacationer visa. With this visa, you possibly can keep for as much as three months, however there are some restrictions relating to any prison convictions in your personal nation. General, the necessities for this visa are much less strict.
You can too apply for a long-stay vacationer visa. This visa lets you backpack round Australia for as much as a yr, however you’ll not be allowed to work throughout this time. Additionally, you will be required to show that you’ve sufficient cash to journey round Australia with out having to work, as they don’t need folks working illegally on this visa.
There’s additionally the choice of a scholar visa or job-specific visa, however these are tougher to acquire and require a number of further paperwork. I feel the simplest one is the Working Vacation visa because it provides you a lot time and the choice to work for those who run out of cash, which is probably going in Australia.
Travelling round Australia
Really helpful by Eline Schreurs
There are a lot of methods to get round in Australia: you possibly can drive, take the bus and prepare and even fly from one place to a different. Don’t neglect when selecting your kind of transport that Australia is immense.
1. Driving in Australia
Driving in Australia is implausible – you might have all the liberty you need. You may go from one place to a different with out having to consider anything. Driving in Australia with a UK licence is simple as your licence can also be legitimate – they usually drive on the left-hand aspect of the highway too. Should you’re not from a rustic the place they drive on the left, it’s going to take a bit extra time to regulate. However after some time, you get the dangle of it – simply watch out on the roundabouts (which may be tough).
If you resolve to go on a traditional Australian highway journey, a very powerful factor to recollect is: take your time. Driving from Sydney to Melbourne doesn’t look that far on the map, but it surely takes round 10 hours on essentially the most direct route. Nevertheless, I like to recommend you’re taking your time and go for the scenic route alongside the coast, because it’s a bit longer however so lovely.
You also needs to keep away from driving at evening; throughout the day you possibly can at the least see the native wildlife (like kangaroos and koalas) crossing the highway however at evening it’s a lot tougher to react on time. Not solely do you not need to kill one in all these cute animals, however you additionally don’t need to danger your personal life – kangaroos are particularly massive and may trigger some critical injury to your automotive. When you’re driving round Australia, you’ll already see a number of native animals mendacity useless together with the highway so please drive fastidiously.
2. Campervan and automotive rent
There are a lot of choices for driving round Australia: you possibly can lease a automotive and drive between hostels, or you possibly can take a tent and camp on the many campsites. However I feel essentially the most relaxed solution to drive round Australia is to purchase or lease a campervan that you can also sleep in. There are totally different corporations who lease vans like Travellers Autobarn or Depraved Campers.
Should you’re in backpacking Australia for a very long time, it might be a greater concept to purchase a van from different backpackers. In each hostel, you will note advertisements from backpackers promoting their vans or automobiles, however earlier than you conform to a take care of somebody, ensure the automotive will get checked by an impartial mechanic. Most of these vans are all fairly outdated, and also you don’t need to break down in the course of the Outback. Additionally, don’t neglect to purchase automotive insurance coverage – most banks supply some glorious offers for backpackers. The Commonwealth Financial institution, for instance, actually helped me out with all my questions on this.
Lease a automotive with Hostelworld
3. Public transport in Australian cities
Should you’re visiting one of many larger cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, driving shouldn’t be comfy. There’s manner an excessive amount of site visitors and you’ll usually get caught in a site visitors jam. One of the best ways to get round in an enormous metropolis is by public transport. They every have buses, prepare and tram strains inside town and a number of numerous prepare strains that may take you exterior town. The general public transport in Australian cities is implausible: it’s virtually at all times on time, with an choice each 5 minutes and it’s not too costly. Each state makes use of their very own public transport card. For public transport in Melbourne it’s worthwhile to purchase a Myki card and high it up, after which you should use on all of the various kinds of public transport. For Sydney public transport the pre-payment choice is named the Opal card. You should use this card for every thing in Sydney, comparable to ferries, trams, buses, and so forth. Additionally, on Sundays, you solely have to pay a specific amount (like AUD $5) for public transport, and whenever you attain that restrict, you should use the remainder of the day public transportation at no cost. That is significantly fascinating if you wish to go for a day journey to the Blue Mountains or to Manly for instance. You may top-up these playing cards with as a lot cash as you need – however don’t make the error of placing an excessive amount of on it since you can not get it again.
4. Backpacker buses in Australia
The preferred solution to journey round Australia is to take the ‘backpacker’ bus from one place to a different. You may select between two bus corporations: Premier and Greyhound. Probably the most important distinction between the 2 is the worth; Premier is cheaper than Greyhound, however they’ve fewer choices than Greyhound – and on Greyhound you even have Wi-Fi and cellphone charging factors. Nevertheless, each corporations cease at the very same locations, so it’s merely a matter or availability and value.
Each these corporations supply versatile passes, which implies you should buy a go for the entire East Coast (from Melbourne to Cairns) and ‘hop on hop off’ everytime you need. Within the excessive season, it is best to reserve your house on the bus nicely upfront otherwise you’ll danger not having a seat in any respect. When it’s off-season, you’ll nonetheless want to order your seat, however you possibly can usually depart it to the final minute.
You can too purchase totally different passes, comparable to from Sydney to Cairns or Brisbane. So, it actually relies upon the place you might be, the place you need to go to and the way a lot time you might have. A lot of the backpackers begin in Sydney and find yourself in Cairns (making the identical stops in between like Fraser Island and the Whitsundays), however there’s far more to see, so do your analysis before you purchase a go. Chances are you’ll even realise that purchasing a automotive is the higher choice for you. However for those who don’t need the trouble of a automotive and insurance coverage then the backpacker bus is the higher manner so that you can see Australia.
5. Price range airways and trains in Australia
Should you’re in a rush to get between locations, then it’s in all probability higher to fly or catch the prepare. For instance, there’s a sleeper prepare from Sydney to Brisbane that covers the 14-hour journey in a single day. Be warned although, the most affordable ticket is for a seat not a mattress and it’s a fairly uncomfortable solution to sleep. Nevertheless, Australian trains are of a really excessive normal, particularly the interstate XPT trains that run from Sydney.
If the thought of a protracted automotive journey (just like the whopping 19-hour Brisbane to Cairns drive) actually isn’t for you then flying might be the best choice. Australia has a number of funds airways, comparable to Jetstar, Tigerair and Virgin Australia. Should you e book far sufficient upfront, you possibly can usually get a very good value. Alternatively, if which home flights you will have earlier than reserving your worldwide ones, why not pop them on the identical ticket? Qantas do a Walkabout Go which implies you possibly can fly with them in every single place in Australia for a fraction of the worth.
The place to remain in Australia
Australia is an superior backpacking hub and so naturally enjoys a plethora of wonderful hostels. Take a look at the most effective hostels in Australia right here.
Examine all hostels in Australia
Australia journey prices
Really helpful by Emily Kammerlohr
Australia is pricey – however backpacking Australia on a funds remains to be potential. You don’t have to sacrifice security or consolation within the land ‘Down Below’ to have an impressive journey. It’s typical of backpackers in Australia to check budgets and frustrations concerning the excessive price of residing on this Oceanic paradise, however for those who’re cautious it’s potential to depart Australia with cash left over.
1. Foreign money in Australia
The foreign money in Australia is the Australian Greenback. It’s denoted by the greenback signal “$” similar because the American and Canadian Greenback. Whereas alternate charges can differ every day, as of August 2018, the common conversions are as follows:
American Greenback vs. Australian Greenback:
$1.37 / $1
Euro vs. Australian Greenback:
€1.56 / $1
British Pound Sterling vs. Australian Greenback:
£1.74 / $1
Canadian Greenback vs. Australian Greenback:
$1.05 / $1
2. Price of flights to Australia
The prices of flights to Australia can differ drastically, however a backpacker on a funds ought to at all times maintain their eyes open for gross sales and offers. For instance, sure airways usually have “finish of yr” gross sales or main gross sales round holidays.
One other solution to safe low cost airfare to Australia is by ready for error fares. An error fare is when an airline mistakenly publishes a fare that’s nicely under market value – typically as little as 90% off. The one draw back is that error fares aren’t at all times honoured and usually have restricted dates.
From the UK, it is best to count on to pay a median of AUD $900 to AUD $1,200 for a flight out of London with none particular offers. From Germany, flights are likely to run about AUD $1,400, regardless of the airport or season. From Canada, flights can differ relying on the season and metropolis of departure. For instance, flying from Toronto in September can price roughly AUD $1,500, whereas flying from Vancouver in Could may be AUD $1,300.
From the USA, flight availability and costs differ drastically because the market turns into extra aggressive, with continuous flights from San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles constantly priced underneath AUD $1,000.
3. Backpacking Australia: every day funds
Earlier than setting off to backpack Australia, it is best to take into consideration what experiences you want to splurge on. It is because whereas the day-to-day prices whereas travelling Australia on a funds may be stored comparatively low, experiences comparable to tenting underneath the celebrities at Uluru or crusing the Whitsunday Islands may be costly, relying on the way you select to expertise them.
Should you already know which bucket record objects you might be keen to spend more cash on, you possibly can issue the prices into your unique funds and never fear about blowing by way of all of your money when it’s time to expertise them.
4. Australian hostel prices
In bigger cities like Sydney and Melbourne, a mattress in an 8-person dorm usually goes for roughly AUD $20–$35 an evening, whereas in smaller cities like Cairns or Byron Bay, you possibly can keep cheaper, usually for underneath AUD $20–$25 an evening.
Your every day prices may be diminished considerably by staying a hostel that features breakfast and has free Wi-Fi, as even when the charge to entry these facilities is small (usually lower than AUD $5), if bought each day, they will add up rapidly.
5. Consuming and ingesting
Alcohol is pricey in Australia because of import prices and taxation, so don’t be stunned to see the common metropolis cocktail are available in round AUD $25 or extra. Shopping for your alcohol on the native bottle store (referred to as a “bottle-o” to Aussies) is at all times cheaper than going out. A staple of the Australian backpacking expertise is “goon”, which is a really cheap bagged wine.
A sit-down meal at your common restaurant can price anyplace from AUD $25 -$40 (even for a burger and chips), which is why many backpackers select to buy groceries at supermarkets like Woolworths or Coles and prepare dinner a meal of their hostel as a substitute.
If you’re on an excessive funds (and need to expertise an genuine Aussie deal with) cease by the ironmongery shop Bunnings Warehouse for his or her $1 sausage sizzle each Sunday.
6. Sightseeing
The beauty of Australia is that there are such a lot of great issues to see and do which are utterly free. For instance, while climbing the Harbour Bridge in Sydney is nicely over AUD $200, you might be welcome to stroll throughout it at no cost. Many museums in Sydney and Melbourne are additionally utterly free and you may take within the overwhelming nature of Northern Queensland and the Outback with out paying a cent by way of your personal hikes and scenic drives. See our suggestions for issues to do in Australia under.
Greatest locations to go to in Australia
Really helpful by Eline Schreurs
Australia is likely one of the most superb nations on the earth. Even for those who dwell right here for a yr, you’ll nonetheless wrestle to go to all of the locations which are in your bucket record.
1. Uluru and the Outback
Probably the most well-known landmark in Australia is Uluru. This sacred rock is in the course of the Outback, as Australia’s huge desert inside is named. It takes a few days to get there by automotive and is pricey, however anybody you converse to who has visited it says it’s price it. Most backpackers are drawn to the Outback due to the promise of journey: you’ll drive for days with out encountering anyone else, sleep underneath essentially the most lovely starry sky you’ll ever see and really feel at one with nature the entire time.
E book your hostel in Alice Springs
2. Melbourne and the Nice Ocean Street
Should you’re beginning your journey on Australia’s east coast, then your first cease needs to be Melbourne. Identified for its chilled-out vibes and quite a few hipster bars, there’s a lot extra to this metropolis than locations to drink. Your Melbourne backpacker itinerary ought to embrace Hosier Lane, with essentially the most lovely graffiti you’ll ever see, and structure and e book followers shouldn’t miss the superb State Library of Victoria. If the climate is gorgeous, take a stroll subsequent to the Yarra River and make your manner by way of the Kings Area to the spectacular Shrine of Remembrance warfare memorial. You additionally want to go to Queen Victoria Market, particularly on a Sunday when there’s additionally a number of road musicians and meals stands round. Your hostel may help you prepare a backpacker tour round Melbourne for those who’re keen on a guided expertise of town.
Heading out of Melbourne, you shouldn’t miss the iconic highway journey alongside the Nice Ocean Street. This two or three-day journey contains many beautiful seashores and rock formations; essentially the most well-known one is the Twelve Apostles, that are slowly disappearing because of erosion, so that you higher hurry up if you wish to see them.
3. Melbourne to Cairns: backpacking east coast Australia
A lot of the backpackers go for the traditional east coast itinerary when visiting Australia for the primary time, taking in most key locations from Melbourne to Cairns. You may squeeze this entire route in for those who’re solely backpacking Australia for 3 weeks – or take time and stretch it out throughout 3 months. Listed under are among the key landmarks and sights it is best to embrace when doing this traditional Australian backpacking route.
4. Sydney and the Blue Mountains
Should you’re planning on backpacking the east coast of Australia, you’ll undoubtedly cease in Sydney for a couple of days. This full of life and vibrant metropolis has an unbelievable vary of seashores – and, in fact, it’s essential to take a selfie with the Opera Home and spend a day chilling in Hyde Park. You may climb the enduring Sydney Harbour Bridge for those who’re on the lookout for a high-adrenaline journey, however you additionally shouldn’t miss different landmarks like Taronga Zoo, Luna Park, Round Quay and the Rocks and lots of extra.
Should you’re extra into seashores, then you definitely’ll uncover town has a variety of choices. Take the ferry (which I extremely suggest, particularly at evening) and go to Manly and Shelly seashore. Each seashores are superb and the surfy suburb of Manly can also be price a go to. After all, it is best to go to Sydney’s most well-known seashores: Bondi Seaside (as seen on the fact TV collection Bondi Rescue) and Palm Seaside (the setting for TV cleaning soap opera, House and Away). The simplest solution to make new buddies in Sydney is to go to a backpacker bar, comparable to Scary Canary close to Darling Harbour, and begin speaking to different folks. Most of those bars are entwined with hostels, just like the superior Wake Up! hostel bar – so select the suitable one and you should have a bunch of buddies very quickly.
Should you fancy a day journey from Sydney, then you definitely shouldn’t miss the Blue Mountains Nationwide Park. You may go to the breathtaking Three Sisters rock formation and luxuriate in a protracted stroll within the park, to soak up all of the pure magnificence. E book a hostel and keep in a single day – and even for a few days – as one can find so many new and superb issues to do right here.
Take a look at our Sydney information
5. Byron Bay
Should you’re travelling by bus from Sydney, then your subsequent cease will in all probability be Byron Bay. Identified to be somewhat hippie stoner city, its status has grown a lot that individuals say the second you drive into town you grow to be excessive. Possibly it was like this years in the past however now it’s far more of a tourist-friendly vacation spot. It’s nonetheless great and has critical hippy vibes, but it surely’s additionally extra business. Ensure that to go to the lighthouse on the high, it offers you a implausible view.
Unimaginable issues to do in Byron Bay
6. Gold Coast
The subsequent cease is one thing solely totally different: Surfers Paradise. The principle purpose backpackers cease right here is to celebration: be part of a pub crawl your hostel and also you’ll in all probability find yourself in Sin Metropolis, the membership the place the bartenders work of their underwear. However there’s a lot extra to the Gold Coast than partying. Immerse your self within the pure wonders of the areas, such because the very Instagramable sunflower fields in Allora or lush waterfalls at Tallebudgera Valley.
Wonderful issues to do on the Gold Coast
7. Brisbane
Near the Gold Coast is the Queensland state capital, Brisbane. Some individuals are stunned at how totally different it’s to Sydney and Melbourne, with its personal distinctive vibe. Brisbane has essentially the most lovely botanic gardens, the place you possibly can wander round in for hours. Head to the South Financial institution to go to the attractive Gallery of Trendy Artwork and the Nationwide Library, then chill by the river within the sunshine or seize a drink and benefit from the sundown.
If you’re in Brisbane, it’s essential to not neglect to buy groceries. This metropolis has a fantastic and historic centre, with many cool locations and outlets. End up a brand new outfit and go dancing, as a result of there are a number of nice locations to celebration. Brisbane is a vibrant metropolis with an fascinating historical past.
8. Noosa
In any case this partying, it’s time to loosen up a bit once more – and there’s no place higher than Noosa. This little city has essentially the most beautiful seashores. Please cease and keep right here for a few days, benefit from the coastal stroll, take a sundown boat tour, and go kayaking on the Everglades. No matter you do right here, it’s going to be marvellous.
9. Fraser Island and the Whitsundays
Subsequent up in your backpacking route for Australia’s east coast is likely one of the most superb locations in the entire world. Head to the coastal city of Rainbow Seaside to catch the barge to Fraser Island. Not solely is it the world’s largest sand island, can also be is the house to the attractive Lake McKenzie and the glowing Champagne Swimming pools. It additionally an awesome place for recognizing whales and different sea life (together with the occasional dingo). Fraser Island is certainly a magical place; when the solar goes down, head to the seashore along with your towel, lay again and watch the celebrities. It’s essentially the most spectacular factor you’ll ever see.
Your subsequent cease is additional alongside the coast. The little city of Airlie Seaside is one other start line for an iconic Australian attraction: the Whitsunday Islands. E book a tour with a ship (there are numerous choices) and also you’ll end up transported to essentially the most picturesque and pure white seashores and blue ocean. It should really feel such as you’ve ended up on a postcard. Go snorkelling, rent a paddle board or just loosen up.
Uncover secret issues to do within the Whitsundays
10. Magnetic Island and Cairns
After the Whitsundays, it’s time for Magnetic Island. To get right here, you first should journey to Townsville; this metropolis has a variety of nice hostels, so you possibly can both cease right here for an evening or head straight to the island to remain at one of many hostels right here. When you’re right here, don’t miss the prospect to rent one of many island’s iconic pink rent automobiles (for some Barbie realness). Drive all the way down to Bungalow Bay Koala Village and pet these cute animals at this lovely sanctuary. After this head, to the seashore for a calming afternoon and benefit from the sundown with a field of ‘goon’ and your pals.
By now you’ll virtually be in Cairns, however if you would like you may make another to cease when backpacking the east coast of Australia: Mission Seaside. That is the place strive skydiving for those who’re eager – if not, proceed on to Cairns and its well-known Gilligan’s Backpacker Lodge & Resort. This hostel is famend for its legendary celebration nights – however don’t miss the superb day journeys you possibly can strive from right here: the Nice Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation plus exploring the attractive waterfalls round Cairns.
Discover your hostel in Cairns
11. Northern and Western Australia backpacking route
A lot of the backpackers solely journey the east coast on their first journey, however there’s one other aspect to this unbelievable nation. If you wish to see the actual Australia, it’s essential to go to the west coast. It’s rougher with no massive cities but it surely’s totally different and (for my part) extra genuine expertise of Australia. If you wish to drive your self across the west coast, then I like to recommend that you simply lease a 4WD sized automotive. That is the one solution to go to all of the cool locations – because the west coast has some locations which are critically off-the-beaten-track.
Superior locations to go to in Western Australia
12. Darwin
If you wish to go from the ‘High Finish’ of Australia and head down the west coast, then Darwin is your first cease. It’s one of many greatest cities you’ll expertise on this itinerary – and it’s boiling there. You’ll discover most backpackers within the hostel pool as a result of the ocean is stuffed with lethal field jellyfish… and crocodiles. Yup, that’s proper, crocodiles. Should you occur to love crocodiles, don’t go on the lookout for them on the seashore however head to Crocosaurus Cove, an aquarium the place you’ll have the chance to rise up shut and feed them.
13. Lake Argyle and Nationwide Parks
When you head throughout the border into Western Australia, you’ll attain Lake Argyle, which has essentially the most lovely sunsets. Take a ship journey across the lake and swim with non-dangerous crocodiles. After Lake Argyle, you possibly can drive to Purnululu Nationwide Park, which has implausible rock formations; it’s price studying up on Indigenous historical past on this space. After this, drive to King Leopold Vary Nationwide Park and check out one of many walks right here or simply loosen up and benefit from the nature.
14. Broome
By now you’ll arrive within the third greatest city on this backpacker itinerary, Broome. There’s not loads to see in Broome (it has roughly 4 streets to the city) but it surely’s price stopping for Cable Seaside, which has some superb sunsets. You may even journey a camel on the seashore.
15. Karijini Nationwide Park
The west coast of Australia has among the most lovely nationwide parks, together with Karijini Nationwide Park. The very best factor to do right here is stroll by way of the massive pink rock formations – it’s so superb, you are feeling such as you’re in a film.
16. Shark Bay
Should you like sea animals, then it’s worthwhile to cease at Shark Bay (also referred to as Monkey Mia). There’s a present with wild dolphins, the place you possibly can be taught loads about their habits and a few fortunate folks can feed the dolphins. There’s additionally the choice of taking a ship tour so you possibly can expertise extra of the native sea life.
Discover a hostel in Monkey Mia
17. Kalbarri Nationwide Park
The subsequent nationwide park can also be essentially the most well-known one on the west coast: Kalbarri Nationwide Park. Right here you’ll discover numerous lovely walks, however be sure to strive one which ends at Nature’s Window – you’ll by no means discover a higher place to seize the sundown to your Instagram. Don’t get scared once I let you know this, but it surely additionally featured within the movie Wolf Creek.
18. Perth and Freemantle
In any case this travelling, you’ll lastly arrive in Perth. That is the most important metropolis on the west coast and essentially the most well-known attraction right here is Kings Park. You additionally want to go to Freemantle the place there’s a charming market – or simply stroll round in Perth, go to a pleasant pub and begin chatting with the locals, who’re very pleasant. You can too do a day journey to the Pinnacles Desert, which is full of unbelievable (and humorous) rock formations.
Australian meals
Really helpful by Zuleika Conte
Should you consider Australian meals, the very first thing that in all probability involves thoughts is ‘throwing a shrimp on the barbie’, together with some sausages and a particularly well-done steak – then washing it down with a pair (dozen) Fosters. This isn’t a completely unfair illustration of conventional Australian meals, but it surely’s not solely truthful both. Firstly, Australians name them prawns not shrimp and, whereas steak could as soon as have been most popular at a charcoal-like consistency, those I got here throughout on my travels have been all fantastically cooked. That Aussies love their beer is undeniably true, however the selection most undoubtedly extends past Fosters – particularly within the more and more standard craft beer scene.
The irony is that regardless that a dozen stereotypes come to thoughts when imagining Australian delicacies, it’s the precise reverse of being restricted to a couple culinary clichés. Australian meals displays, unsurprisingly, the extremely numerous mixture of cultures which have in some unspecified time in the future made Australia their dwelling – from Indigenous to Asian and Mediterranean, amongst others. Mod Oz – or fashionable Australian delicacies – is the try to fuse all these eclectic influences into one thing uniquely Australian.
Cooks are more and more beginning to add ‘bush tucker‘ (meals that’s native to the nation and historically related to the Indigenous Australian weight loss plan) to their dishes. Wattleseed, an Indigenous plant that’s normally floor and roasted, is popping up in eating places nationwide and may be present in all kinds of dishes. You can provide it a go at Melbourne’s acclaimed Attica restaurant, the place it’s served with wallaby (the kangaroo’s smaller cousin) and native currants. It’s not unusual to see wattleseed, stomach pork, kofte and pasta multi functional Mod Oz menu, reflecting all of the cultural influences that make up Australia’s culinary identification.
However Mod Oz remains to be largely restricted to the bigger cities and – even then – to trendier eating places. Equally Australian and culturally-influenced is the suburban meals scene of service station meat pies and pub meals. Classics like meat pies and fish and chips hint a British heritage while dishes like “rooster parm” – a staple Aussie pub menu merchandise – to Italian immigrants that arrived within the Nineteen Fifties. Burger joints and steadily-disappearing rooster outlets, in fact, mirror the ever-present affect of the USA.
However regardless that these meals derive from different nations, the Australians have added their very own distinctive take. Rooster outlets wouldn’t be the identical with out the inimitable rooster salt – a uniquely Australian spice combine made up of garlic, onion, paprika and turmeric. Regardless of the title, it’s historically used not on rooster however on deliciously contemporary, chunky-cut chips. One other Aussie staple is the “works” burger – a burger that comes with, unsurprisingly, all of the works: egg, tomato, lettuce, cheese, the occasional pineapple slice and the one ingredient I’ve solely ever seen in an Australian burger, the beloved beetroot.
A few of Australia’s most iconic meals consists not of conventional dishes however of beloved ‘made-in-Australia’ manufacturers. Maybe the explanation for this nostalgic – virtually patriotic – attachment to manufacturers like Vegemite or Tim-Tams is that, in contrast to different dishes originating elsewhere, they will’t be claimed by some other nation. After all, another excuse for the attachment is as a result of they’re good – actually, actually good.
Like Marmite, you both love or hate Vegemite – a dark-brown, gooey yeast extract with numerous vegetable and spice components; I like the stuff. It’s stated that it takes vacationers some getting used to (and which may be true), but it surely’s additionally true that it needs to be utilized precisely proper: white, sliced bread – completely toasted till it’s simply golden-brown and really barely tender within the center; a beneficiant scrape of the most effective butter you’ll find; and eventually a skinny layer (as they are saying – somewhat goes a great distance) of the great things. Eat with a sizzling cup of tea and I problem anybody to not find it irresistible.
The criticality of appropriate consumption goes for different brand-foods too. Take Tim-Tams: the easiest way to eat them is alleged to be to diagonally chew off every finish, place one bitten finish in your mouth, dip the opposite in a sizzling drink after which suck, utilizing the Tim Tam as a straw. Because the liquid is pulled by way of, the biscuit will begin to disintegrate right into a gooey, chocolatey mess. That is the purpose at which you need to pop the entire thing into your mouth earlier than it melts utterly. Timing is every thing.
The one solution to expertise Australian delicacies is to expertise all of it in its proper context: refuel with flat whites and sourdough toast with smashed avocado at a ubiquitous hipster café within the morning, lunch at an Asian-fusion restaurant, and end up with a responsible meat pie and ketchup from the service station after an evening out sinking schooners on the pub.
Australian tradition and customs
Really helpful by Zuleika Conte
1. Australian folks
Should you’ve seen Crocodile Dundee, you’ll know all Australians are tanned and blonde, shave with knives and wrestle crocodiles of their spare time. Alright, so that is all nonsense (I hope) however the film will get it proper in relation to how laid-back, pleasant and unpretentious Aussies are. If there’s something Australians dislike (they usually’re typically fairly tolerant), it’s being too massive to your boots. Don’t be stunned in case your new mate tells you they like your new haircut after which follows it up with “did you get run over by a lawnmower?”. It in all probability means they actually such as you and, apart from, they make enjoyable of themselves too.
A greater start line for perception into Aussie tradition is the cult film The Fort: the story of a household’s combat to save lots of their dwelling – regardless that it stands on a poisonous landfill subsequent to an airport runway as a result of it’s a ‘dwelling, not a home’. Utilizing the ‘bloody regulation of frequent sense’ they combat for his or her citadel with every thing they’ve received – which is a number of love and good humour. Based mostly on my time residing in Australia with what I now take into account my second household, that is the right reflection of Australian priorities, the place relationships come at the beginning else. There’s even an Aussie phrase for it – mateship.
2. Australian greetings
Assembly an Aussie is normally fairly informal. A handshake and a smile are sufficient. Whereas ‘G’day’ may not be fairly as overused as folks think about, a ‘how ya doing’, or ‘how ya going, mate?’ is under no circumstances uncommon. Ex-cricketer Dennis Lillee is known for having greeted the Queen with a cheerful, ‘G’day, how ya going?’. Aussies typically favor to name folks by their first names, typically even at formal or enterprise occasions. Actually, apart from being pleasant and down-to-earth, there aren’t many strict guidelines in relation to Aussie etiquette.
3. Australian way of life
95% of Australians dwell on the coast and are by no means very removed from the closest the seashore, even within the cities. This mixed with the widely wonderful climate signifies that the Aussie seashore way of life may be very a lot actual. Whereas folks’s busy schedules may forestall them from hanging out on the seashore of their togs (swimsuits) fairly as usually as cleaning soap operas like House and Away would have you ever imagine, there’s undoubtedly a shared love of the outside. This interprets to a fairly energetic way of life. Swimming, browsing, cricket and soccer are vastly standard past-times. And when folks aren’t collaborating in sports activities, they’re following them on TV. Soccer finals are eagerly awaited for weeks, whereas lengthy summer season days are dedicated to the cricket.
Once they’re not having a ‘barbie’ (BBQ) on the seashore, you may discover folks on the native pub. In Oz, the pub isn’t only a place to go ingesting, however a spot to hang around with household and buddies, take heed to music, play the pokies (poker machines) or participate within the every day raffle.
Barely extra of a newcomer is the thriving Australian café tradition, which extends not simply to scrumptious lattes and flat whites however to the broader ritual of brunch – normally that includes sourdough toast, natural eggs and avocados in one in all many varieties. Espresso in Australia shouldn’t be about refuelling with a fast espresso, it’s a part of a laid-back way of life – that’s taken very critically. In Bondi, I used to be requested whether or not I needed my espresso in ‘paper or ceramic?’ My confusion will need to have been as plain because the marble decor – ‘to have in or take away?’ Ten minutes later I had my Ethiopian-bean espresso, brewed in a contraption that seemed prefer it had come off the set of Charlie and the Chocolate Manufacturing unit. It seems Ethiopian bean tastes fairly bitter – once I requested, “Might I get some sugar, please?”, I used to be knowledgeable: “We don’t serve sugar on this institution”. The Oompa-Loompas could be horrified.
4. Australian traditions, holidays and festivals
Apart from the main spiritual holidays at Christmas and Easter, Australia has tons of holidays and festivals they rejoice all year long that mirror totally different features of its numerous cultural heritage.
Australia Day (twenty sixth January) is the official nationwide vacation of Australia. Historically celebrated with a ‘barbie’, cricket-watching, and naturally loads of chilly beer. Additionally it is fairly a controversial day and in most main cities you’ll come throughout protests towards ‘Invasion Day’, drawing consideration to the affect that white settlement has had on the Indigenous inhabitants of Australia since 1788.
Yabun Competition (additionally on twenty sixth January) is one in all Australia’s largest indigenous Australian festivals held yearly in Sydney. The occasion options conventional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural performances, dwell music, panel discussions, and market stalls that includes conventional crafts.
Sydney Competition (3 weeks throughout January) is a serious arts competition held in Sydney that draws about 500,000 folks annually. It options lots of of occasions from native and worldwide artists and contains theatre, up to date and classical music, dance, circus, and the visible arts.
Mardi Gras (late Feb/early March) is likely one of the largest LGBT satisfaction parades on the earth and is held yearly in Sydney.
Anzac Day (twenty fifth April) commemorates Australian and New Zealand servicemen and ladies. Commemorative providers are held nationwide at daybreak and marches are held all through the nation’s cities and cities.
Melbourne Cup (first Tuesday of November) is an annual horse race and one in all Australia’s hottest social occasions. For the primary race, folks costume up of their fanciest garments and lots of places of work shut all through the nation. The occasion is so standard that the day is an official public vacation within the state of Victoria.
Is Australia harmful?
Really helpful by Emily Kammerlohr
It’s not! Nicely, largely.
I used to be SO petrified of coming to Australia due to the snakes – and my phobia of them. I pictured pythons slithering out of my rest room within the evening and Australian spiders hiding in my footwear – simply mendacity in wait to assault me. But the Aussies I talked to bodily rolled their eyes at me once I stated this.
Whereas there are numerous, many lethal animals on the continent of Australia, the cities listed here are simply as protected as some other main metropolis. Nevertheless, whenever you’re within the bush or different extra regional areas, utilizing frequent sense will maintain you protected.
Aussies are massive jokers – they wish to play up the craziness of harmful Australian animals for the sake of a very good chuckle on the expense of vacationers. A chief instance of this: “Drop Bears”. Are koalas harmful? Completely not, however you may need heard of their demented cousins – Drop Bears. Rabid creatures that conceal in bushes and “drop” down on to their victims to assault them. Don’t fear, they’re completely a fantasy, however be sure you play alongside if an Aussie brings them up for a very good chortle.
Keep in mind: the numerous harmful Australian animals may be lethal. Maintain your wits about you in rural areas, at all times observe the directions of your information, and by no means provoke an animal. Most accidents, like snakebites or kangaroo scratches, happen after we get somewhat bit too near the wildlife.
Australia journey recommendation
Really helpful by Zuleika Conte
1. Be ready for lengthy journeys
Australia. Is. Big. I imply, critically huge. The bus journey time for the preferred backpacker route from Sydney to Cairns clocks in at just below 50 hours. That’s a very long time to play I-Spy. Most buses have energy sockets, so ensure to obtain your favorite tunes or reveals. Should you get car-sick, replenish on anti-nausea meds. Noise-cancelling headphones and a neck pillow are additionally your pals.
2. Backpacking Australia alone
Solo travelling is a frightening prospect however, for those who’re going to do it anyplace, Australia is the place. As one of many world’s hottest backpacking locations, every thing is geared in direction of having enjoyable and making it super-easy to satisfy new folks. Most hostels have nightly social occasions and a few buses just like the Oz Expertise organise a ton of actions like mountain climbing and sightseeing at stops alongside your route.
3. Watch the climate
Australia means gloriously relentless sunshine, proper? Not fairly – lots of people aren’t conscious that the Northern Territory (together with Darwin and Kakadu) has an intense wet season from November to April, whereas Melbourne is famend for having ‘4 seasons in at some point’ (shifting from baking warmth to bitter winds within the house of some hours). Should you’re travelling to Uluru within the spring, the inescapable Tundra midges are one other seasonal quirk to concentrate on. The excellent news is you’ll have an excuse to put on that cork hat and faux you’re Mick Dundee (or purchase a netting hat on the native retailer).
4. What to pack for Australia
Whereas your internal thermostat could also be set to highly regarded most days, remember that (relying on the time of yr and placement) it might get fairly cool – particularly at evening. Within the winter, desert temperatures can drop under zero. Should you’re travelling south throughout winter, ensure to pack heat garments. In any other case, convey no matter you discover most comfy plus a few smarter objects. Nightclubs within the cities gained’t allow you to get away with flipflops (referred to as ‘thongs’) – and I in all probability don’t have to let you know this, however… convey sunscreen. Numerous it. Because the locals say – ‘slip,slap,slop’. Aside from that, it’s the traditional necessities – sun shades, flashlight (for those who don’t have one in your cellphone), water bottle, fundamental meds (particularly anti-allergens) and, for those who can, a battery pack or photo voltaic charger.
5. Study the lingo
OK, this one’s simple. Lesson one – abbreviate every thing. Fancy a biscuit? Request a biccy. Acquired a McDonald’s craving? Ask for the closest Macca’s. You are able to do it for nearly something. Afternoon = Arvo. Service station = Servo. Ambulance = Ambo. And so forth.
Ordering a beer will in all probability be your first step over the language barrier, so right here goes:
– a schooner is an enormous 450ml glass, besides in Victoria and Queensland the place it’s a pint, and
– a small glass is named a pot in Victoria and Queensland, a middy in New South Wales and Western Australia, or a deal with within the Northern Territory.
Acquired it? Have one other stubby (a small bottle beer) and also you’ll determine it out. Except you’re in Victoria or Queensland.
6. Vaccinations for Australia
There aren’t any obligatory vaccinations to journey to Australia however the place there are mozzies there’s a danger. The WHO recommends vaccines for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, and influenza.
7. Plan a tough itinerary
Don’t guidelines journey. When hanging out with different backpackers telling tales of all of the unbelievable locations they’ve visited, it may be tempting to provide into FOMO and attempt to pack an excessive amount of in. Equally, you may discover a group you actually click on with and spend extra time than you meant in a single place. Whereas in fact it’s good to remain versatile and open-minded, attempt to plan at the least a tough itinerary of locations you actually need to prioritise – except you might have on a regular basis on the earth. You’ll be upset for those who missed out on wild-camping and driving 4x4s on the seashore in Fraser Island for another late evening in Brisbane.
8. Work to dwell
Should you’re seeking to work when you journey, you possibly can take a look at the same old locations (Gumtree, Certainly, Search) and a few particular to backpackers (just like the Backpacker Job Board). For informal labour, there are many alternatives for lodging and meals in alternate for 4-6 hours work, maybe even within the hostel you’re staying at. The preferred expertise is WWOOFing (keen staff on natural farms) however Workaway and HelpX provides comparable alternatives. For both kind of labor, you’ll want a working vacation visa, which is legitimate for 12 months and lets you work for every employer for a most of 6 months. Ensure that for those who get a piece visa that you simply additionally apply for a TFN, in any other case 45% of your revenue shall be mechanically deducted for tax! You are able to do this on-line offered you might have ID and may present an Australian deal with.
How and the place to seek out backpacking jobs in Australia
9. Australian tax for backpackers
Should you apply for the working visa, remember that Australia lately launched a tax on working holidaymakers (backpackers) of 15% on the primary AUD $37,000 of earnings. Cheer up, at the least they diminished the visa software charge by AUD $50! Extra excellent news – when you’ve been in Australia for six months you possibly can declare tax again on overpaid tax. This occurs for a number of causes however you’re in all probability extra keen on the truth that the common quantity obtained again is AUD $2,600. To assert, you’ll want ID, your Tax File Quantity, and your payslips from every employer. Submitting a return is compulsory and have to be performed earlier than the top of the tax yr on June thirtieth.
When you’ve left Australia, you can even apply to get your tremendous cost again for those who earned over AUD $450 a month. These don’t come out of your wages however are funds paid by your employer in direction of your pension, and because you’re clearly not retiring in Australia, you possibly can declare these again! Should you can’t discover your paperwork or discover the method too complicated, you should use an authorised agent like Taxback.com to file your return – they’ve an superior web site and make the entire course of super-easy.
10. Australian sim card
The most affordable choice for calls, texts and knowledge in Australia is to convey your personal unlocked cellphone from dwelling and purchase a SIM-only pre-paid plan. This fashion you gained’t be locked right into a contract and the plans are easy, low cost and handy. Should you don’t have an unlocked cellphone, you should buy a brand new one and a SIM card, however that is dearer. Persist with pay as you go, and you may maintain observe of your spending.
Most cellphone outlets can promote you a SIM and register and activate it for you offered you might have picture ID. Then simply top-up on-line or on the grocery store, submit workplace or most fuel stations. You could have to search for particular retailers for the smaller cellphone corporations.
After all, earlier than you select which plan to purchase, you’ll have to decide on your community. There are three cell networks in Australia: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone. Whereas these are usually the costliest, there are smaller, different carriers referred to as MVNO’s which purchase community connectivity from them at wholesale charges. This implies they will give you a a lot better deal.
Presently, Telstra has the most effective status for service and connectivity, particularly when travelling to rural areas. The preferred MVNO related to Telstra is Increase – which for backpackers appears to supply the most effective compromise between value and connectivity. If that’s not your precedence, and also you’re extra keen on knowledge or worldwide calls, for instance, ask on the cellphone retailer about the most effective choices for you.
📷 All photographs by Emma Shaw (except acknowledged in any other case)
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