Backpacking Tips for Australia
- 1). Determine how long you are able to stay for based on your own time commitments and budget. If you can only stay for one to two weeks, you won’t be able to see much outside of Sydney. One to three months provides enough time to see the eastern coast of Australia and the Northern Territory. A lot of backpackers stay for more than three months; they get to see all the country in their own time, while taking odd jobs along the way.
- 2). Pack plenty of layers. Even if you go to Australia in summer time, you may find yourself camping or visiting one of the cooler regions, like the Blue Mountains, so remember to pack a few warm clothes as well.
- 3). If this is a working holiday, make sure you get your work visas sorted out before you enter the country--otherwise you will have to go to New Zealand and apply for a visa from there. Make sure you have plenty of extra money on hand, even if you plan to work there, for those times when you will be in-between work. The best places to find temp work will be in the bigger cities like Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
- 4). Decide what kind of travel arrangements your time and budget will allow. Australia is an enormous country, so if you don’t have a lot of time, the best way to get around is via budget airlines such as Jetstar. If you have time but are low on money, consider buying a cheap car. Look for ads at your local hostels.
- 5). Get the right kind of travel insurance. If you plan to do any kind of extreme sports like diving or abseiling, which Australia is popular for, you will want to make sure that the insurance that you choose will cover you in those instances.
- 6). Make the effort to meet other backpackers. While it may be easier to be the introvert, meeting new people is all part of the backpacker experience. Talk to the people in your dorm, maybe you can all go exploring together.
- 7). Consider getting a sim card for your mobile phone in Australia. This will help you to keep in touch with people you meet there, as well as at home. For international calls, check at the newsagents for international phone cards.
