[Bekski]

Hey guys,

I know hundreds of people ask the same questions and I have read through most of the posts on here already but just wondering if some of you can give me a quick reply to a couple of questions.

Firstly, I'm a lone female travelling around Oz from April til end of August (2005). The first month I'm spending with my boyfriend but then he returns to England, leaving me on my tod We are considering using the Oz experience (i'll be doing the national pass - he will be going from Sydney to Brisbane) - has anyone been on the Oz experience and how is it for people that dont want to join in the 'party bus' reputation it appears to have?

Also mobiles - does anyone know of the best sim card to get out in oz - mainly just need it for texting the uk, as i'll be using a phone card to call home.

I'm sure I had more questions but have now forgotten due to rambling on!

I would love to hear from anyone who has any advice, thanks!

[poppageorge]

Phone cards available all over Oz. no worries there. Cheap rates also. Have you considered hosteling?? Check out great southern rail way pass $500 for 6 months unlimited any direction. A tremendouse buy for out of country back packers so join hostel group to get the membership id card required. Perth is beautiful city. Consider a layover in NZ in your flight plan. Again hostel will be cheapest conveniant way to stay. Just keep your gear to minimum since you can get what you need in Oz cheaper in most cases.You will meet many females and males to chat to and hang around with at the hostels.My daughter did it and loved it.

[Bekski]

Hey, thanks for that, yeah i'm going to Perth as well, that's where I'm flying out of. Wish i could visit NZ, by bro's been out there for the last year (will he ever return?!) but seeing as I have just 4 months to do Oz I want to make the most of it as even that isn't enough time!
I'm planning on hosteling, its just the transport thats not finalised yet. Does the rail just go to the main cities? As i like the idea of the activities and places to go to that the oz experience offers, i'm just abit worried about the other shananagans that appears to go on!

[Tim Uden]

I have travelled on some backpackers buses but haven't had any first hand experience with Oz Experience. With other buses I never felt compelled to go out partying but it was nice to know that there were plenty of drinking partners when I wanted a night on the town.

All the main mobile operators have very good coverage along the east coast and in the major cities, although Telstra has the best coverage in the more remote areas. Based on your itinerary I would go for the mobile company with the cheapest pre-paid plans.

Vodafone and Virgin Mobile have the best value pre-paid deals and most backpackers use Vodafone.

[Tim Uden]

Rail just goes to the main cities and usually there is only one train per day so it certainly isn't as handy as the McCafferty's/Greyhound bus that can have up to eight departures per day.

There is a line running up the east coast as far as Cairns plus trains from Melbourne and Sydney to Adelaide with connecting trains to Darwin and Perth.

Unfortunately there is no national rail pass as different train companies operate in different states. Countrylink and QR have a pass that works in NSW and Queensland and Great Southern Railway have a very good value pass that covers travel from Melbourne and Sydney to Adelaide and onwards to Darwin and Perth. However the Great Southern Railways rail pass doesn't let you travel north from Sydney.

Another option is the Rex Backpacker Pass. For $500 you get one month unlimited flights on Rex Airlines. The catch is that Rex only flies in southeast Australia and the most nothern destination that Rex goes to is Byron Bay. It can be good value when combined with another bus or rail pass though.

[poppageorge]

I purchased the Great Southern railway pass. Plan on i trip per week since the trains are trans country set up. I travelled 14.000km in 3 months. Went to Sydney,Perth, Darwin, Melbourne, Adelaide. Alice springs.Even travelled The Ghan to Darwin and Alice springs.Important to book via phone a week ahead to ensure seat. A follow up call couple days later to make sure booking ok as i got burnt once since leg from Alice not confirmed by the rail agent. still a week extra in Alice was ok since hostel was 100 a week and had a nice pool.Train not good for Brisbane to Cairns side though. That is fly or bus route.Plan on darwin and alice and uhluuru (?)rock (allow 200$ for rock side trip) from Darwin though as that will be your highlight years from now.So good luck

[poppageorge]

On the cross country train rides you get a sleeper lounge seat. Also take your own food and drink ( hide the wine though lol) and spend time in lounge car but no overnight sleeping in that car permitted. I met up with some UK chaps and really had a fun time . Also you save on sleeping costs since you are on the train overnight. Just make beeline for lounge car once ticket has been checked to get nicest seat .Good book is recommended to pass time.