5 Essential Tips for Backpacking in Australia
There's a good reason why Australia has become one of the world's favourite backpacking destinations. Known for its sheer vastness, diverse landscapes, stunning beaches, magical sunsets and exotic wildlife, Australia presents one of the most unique backpacking experiences of all.
Nonetheless, if you're thinking of making a trip down under, you'll no doubt have plenty of questions on your mind to such an extent that planning your trip can sometimes be a little overwhelming. However, the following tips will help you get started on the right track instead having your trip descend into chaos the moment you land:
1. Have a Realistic Itinerary
At almost 8 million square kilometres, Australia is only 20% smaller than the whole of Europe from the western coast of Portugal to Russia's Ural Mountains. In other words, it's absolutely huge, so you can forget about seeing the Great Barrier Reef, Ayer's Rock and Tasmania all in the space of a couple of weeks. For example, it takes over 5 hours just to fly across the country and some 40 hours to drive.
The first thing you'll want to establish is a realistic itinerary that gives some space for delay while also giving you plenty of time to see a shortlist of places you can realistically expect to explore within your given timeframe.
2. Get a YHA Membership
Australians love backpacking and travelling in general, so it stands to reasons that the YHA is popular there. Before you set off, you should make sure to get a YHA membership card, since it will entitle you to a lot of discounts when you're there. These discounts don't just apply to hostels either; they also apply to hundreds of other discounts on things such as rental cars, airport parking, tours, online and offline shopping and entertainment venues.
Many tour companies, for example, have exclusive special offers to YHA members while others offer 10% or more off all of their tours. Visit yha.com.au for a full list of discounts available across the country.
3. Get Your Documents in Order
Contrary to popular belief, all visitors need a visa to enter Australia, unless they have either an Australian or New Zealand password. The last thing you want to happen is to be sent all the way back home because you didn't have your documents in order! Fortunately, getting a tourist visa is a cheap, quick and easy process, and you can even do everything online at border.gov.au.
If you plan to work in Australia, take up a voluntary position or simply stay for longer as a tourist, you can also obtain the necessary visa online at this website. By applying for a tourist visa direct from the Department of Immigration & Border Protection, you can also avoid paying any fees.
4. Rent a Campervan
There are few better ways to enjoy all that Australia has to offer than by renting a campervan for a week or more. Being such a popular touring option in the country, there are numerous choices available, ranging from two- to six-berth campervans. You'll also get the best value for money, particularly if you are travelling with a partner or with a family and would rather not stay in backpackers' hostels or cheap hotels.
Best of all, you'll have complete freedom to plan your trip and explore any of the near 20,000 miles of Australian coastline. If you're really lusting after adventure, you can even hire a 4WD campervan for getting off the beaten track.
5. Don't Forget about Health and Safety
Only a fool would go to Australia with the intention of getting off the beaten track without proper preparation. With vast swathes of the country being incredibly remote, you need to be prepared for the worst, particularly if you're planning to get far from the cities.
While Australia is perhaps best known for its plethora of deadly wildlife, that will usually be the least of your concerns if you find yourself getting stranded in the middle of nowhere due to your vehicle breaking down. Certain parts of the country can also get extremely hot during the day and very cold at night. Be sure to bring plenty of water, rations and suitable clothes if you're going into the bush.
Final Words
Given its enormous size and wilderness, Australia presents both challenges and opportunities to even the most experienced among backpackers. As such, a trip down under can go badly wrong if you're not suitably prepared. Nonetheless, by planning your itinerary carefully and having some realistic expectations, you'll be able to enjoy the experience of a lifetime.