Australia is great for seeing wildlife because it is home to a wide variety of unique and diverse animal species. The country is known for its iconic wildlife, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, which can be easily spotted in their natural …
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backpacking Australia
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Backpacking Australia in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Australia with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Australia
G'day adventurers! Welcome to Australia, a backpacker's haven Down Under. Pros? Dive the Great Barrier Reef, explore vast landscapes, and mingle with friendly locals. Australia offers robust infrastructure and a well-established backpacker scene. However, it can be relatively expensive compared to other destinations. For those seeking diverse ecosystems, cultural richness, and a well-trodden yet ever-enchanting path, Australia stands out as a unique backpacking destination where the outback's vastness and coastal wonders promise an unforgettable journey.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Australia
Wildlife
Beach life
Australia is great for beach life and snorkeling because it boasts some of the most stunning and diverse coastlines in the world. With over 10,000 beaches, there is something for everyone, from iconic surf spots to secluded coves. The crystal-clear …
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Scenery
Australia is known for its diverse and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. The Great Barrier Reef is a must-visit, with its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. The pristine beaches of the Whitsunday …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Australia is vibrant and diverse, attracting thousands of young travelers from around the world. Backpackers flock to Australia for its stunning landscapes, laid-back lifestyle, and unique cultural experiences. The country …
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Mountains
The Blue Mountains in New South Wales are a great place to explore in Australia. With their stunning rock formations, deep gorges, and lush eucalyptus forests, the Blue Mountains offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and …
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Architecture
Australia is home to several ancient ruins and interesting architecture, including the awe-inspiring Uluru, a massive sandstone rock formation in the Northern Territory that holds great cultural and spiritual significance to the local Indigenous …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Australia
- Great Barrier Reef: Dive into the world’s largest coral reef system, home to an incredible variety of marine life and stunning underwater landscapes.
- Sydney Opera House: Visit this iconic architectural masterpiece, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and catch a performance or simply enjoy the stunning views of Sydney Harbour.
- Uluru (Ayers Rock): Witness the breathtaking beauty of this sacred monolith, known for its vibrant colors that change with the shifting sunlight.
- Great Ocean Road: Drive along this scenic coastal route, offering stunning views of the rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations.
- Kakadu National Park: Immerse yourself in the ancient Aboriginal culture and explore the diverse landscapes of this World Heritage-listed park, home to unique wildlife and stunning waterfalls.
But Australia offers more...
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Australia
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Australia
The best time to visit Australia for backpacking is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) seasons. These months offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation prices compared to the peak summer season. Additionally, the weather is generally favorable for outdoor activities and exploring the diverse landscapes of Australia.
Risk level: low (0%)Safety advice for Australia
Safety has impact on the way you can travel. Always check the safety of the country you go to and adjust the way you travel to the advice.
AustraliaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Australia sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Australia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Australia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Australia. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Australia may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Australia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Australia, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024