10 Reasons to Go Backpacking In Australia

If you know anyone who has visited Australia, ask them how their trip was. It is a safe bet that they had a fantastic time. How can such a bold claim be made? Simply, Australia has a reputation for one of the most positive visitor experience destinations for a whole variety of reasons. It is a country full of world-class beaches, adrenaline-pumping experiences, modern and vibrant city life, and is commonly known as the king of memorable road trips. 

You’ve no doubt seen plenty of adventure films or read exciting books based in Australia, full of adventure and excitement. In a case of life imitating art, Australia is a great place to exercise your adventurous spirit, and the best way to do so is to experience it all is by backpacking. Backpacking trips are a unique experience, one that shifts your perspective on the true value of freedom of travel. Many first time travelers have returned from their Australian experience with eyes wide open and minds liberated from preconceptions about the life of living out of a backpack. 

So why does one return so revitalized from the Aussie-trek? Perhaps it is due to Australia’s fitting appeal to a backpacking lifestyle. There is just so much to explore on the giant country continent, with locales that vary vastly from beaches, forests, and desserts, that all compile to a truly adventurous experience for roaming souls curious to learn about this mythical country.

Here are just 10 compelling reasons to take a backpacking swing through Australia:

I. Getting Around Is Easy

Considering the size of the country you might be surprised to find out that it's one of the easier places to travel around. Not only is there ample transportation such as trains, buses, and ferries available, you can even rent vans that are equipped with generators. These can keep your appliances running as you travel from one place to another. Domestic flights in Australia are very inexpensive. This allows for an easy, quick, and cost-effective way to travel around the country to see all there is to see. 

II. Diverse, Modern, And Vibrant Cities

Major Australian cities are known worldwide for their rich culture and vibrant city life. Australia’s premier city is unquestionably Sydney. It is home to the infamous Bondi Beach, the Sydney Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge. If you are looking for Australia’s cultural epicenter for arts, cultural festivities, and major sporting events, Melbourne is the place that is a must-visit destination. Perth is known for its idyllic climate, being an area of nearly perpetual sunshine, beautiful beaches, and national parks. 

III. The King of Road Trips

Australia is especially appealing for all the wondrous sights you can see while you travel throughout the country. Rather than opting for a bus ride, consider renting a car and experience Australia on your own terms. There is the “Big Lap” which loosely connects around 10 major Australian cities, including seven of the island state’s regional capitals, while taking the travelers through small coastal towns, rainforests, parts of the dusty outback, remote waterholes and gorgeous beaches, all on the way of circumnavigating the nation. The Great Ocean Road stretches for over 240 km along the coastline that stretches from Torquay to Victoria and contains some of the most breathtaking views one’s eyes could see. You can cruise the quiet and stunningly beautiful East Coast of the country through Tasmania from Hobart to the Bay of Fires. These and many other unforgettable road trips can be experienced only in Australia. 

IV. Many Available Hostels

One of the key experiences associated with backpacking treks in the near vagabond lifestyle of moving through locales, staying at different places, while meeting, and sharing travel stories with fellow backpackers. This is one of the reasons Australia is so appealing to backpacking travelers. The country hosts ample hostels (thousands, in fact), some located in parts that are quite remote. Most of these organize daily activities for their tenants including barbecue night outings, bar crawls, day trips excursions, and even pool competitions.

V. Over The Top Hospitality

One of Australia’s main appeals is the friendliness and hospitality of the country’s locals. You would be hard-pressed to have an experience with an unfriendly Australian native. Of course, there are bad apples no matter where you go, but Australians express pride in their country by being welcoming and very approachable to visitors. It's very common to hear “G’day mate” and “no worries!” if a local assisted you in some form or fashion.

VI. Beaches And Epic Surf Culture

As an island nation surrounded by multiple oceans, there is no lack of beautiful beaches. The glorious Pacific on Australia’s Eastern side is especially known for its breathtaking beaches. Not surprisingly, this appeals to many surfing enthusiasts from all over the world who come to experience Australia’s rich surfing culture. 

VII. Amazing Wildlife

Australia truly stands out when it comes to being the global spot for some of the most unique and remarkable creatures in the world. Many of these animals can only be found in Australia. Australia is host to the most marsupial species in the world (around 250 different kinds). By comparison, South American has less than half of that, while North America only has 1 known (opossum). Many Australian animals can only be found and seen on the Australian continent in the wild. Kangaroos are pretty widely seen, but other wildlife unique to the country include koalas, wombats, dingoes, emus, Tasmanian devils, wallabies, and many others. 

VIII. National Parks

Karijini National Park, Western Australia,

Australia is rife with national parks. There are so many in fact, that you would unlikely be able to visit them all. As the climate and culture in Australia vary by region, so do their national parks. The country’s parks range from the stunning Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to the mountain park at Cradle Mountain to the dessert variety of Uluru-Kata Tjuta. Whatever intrigues you, you can find it here. 

IX. Parties, Beer, Goon, And Barbies

Australians are a gregarious people and they love their food and drink. Specifically, they enjoy their ‘barbies’ and their beer. A barbecue can be found at almost any park in the country, generally with some happy Aussies around it enjoying some barbecued eats. Australians like to have people over for barbecues often, and as friendly and inviting as the people tend to be, don’t be surprised if you are invited to partake in the ‘barbie’ festivities and be treated to some beer or some goon. Goon is a type of wine, legendary in backpacker circles. If you are backpacking in Australia, you are sure to encounter a goon party somewhere along the way. After drinking it, you will likely encounter some massive headaches too.

X. Many Fellow Backpackers

If you are backpacking in Australia, rest assured you are never alone. The country is perpetually hosting many backpackers who make their way around the continent in search of excitement, adventure, and life-altering experiences. You are sure to run into other backpackers and establish instant bonds with people from all over the world who are there for similar reasons to those that you have come to backpack across Australia for.

If it’s a backpacking adventure you seek, full of gorgeous sights, trips to new locales, first-time-ever experiences, and adventure, Australia checks off all the boxes on the list. You can count on a great time and an experience you can tell your friends, family, and grand kids about one day. So abandon your hesitations, push aside your fears, and stuff up that backpack. Come find out why most backpacking adventurers revere Australia as such a grand, prime adventure destination!