[laurarwells]

Hi, any advice on the best things to see and do in Australia. I'm going to be backpacking around Australia for probably around two months next jan-feb (2005!) Any advice much appreciated, thanks!

Firstly, buy yourself a VIP backpackers membership card in the inclusive kit at http://www.vipbackpackers.com (The world's leading backpacker network)A Guide book comes with it as well. Best discounts on accommodations,tours and other activities.

Have fun!

[ 25. January 2004, 16:35: Message edited by: Tiakis ]

[Tim Uden]

A VIP card can get you a lot of discounts, particularly off transport but you can get virtually the same discounts with a YHA/HI hostel card.

Also you should get the BUG Australia guidebook [img]smile.gif[/img] (the 2004 edition will be out in bookshops next month).

I'm not sure what sort of things you would like to see, but the east coast between Sydney and Cairns is by far the most popular backpackers' route. However I prefer the Nigaloo Reef in Western Australia to the Great Barrier Reef (because it is more accessible from the mainland) and Darwin is my favourite city so there are some great places away from the east coast.

There are lots of good value travel passes in Australia and it may be a good idea to combine a couple of passes to make your trip a little more flexible.

For instance Rex Airlines have a brilliant travel pass that gives you one month unlimited flights for $499, but Rex only fly in south eastern Australia so you will want to combine this with an east coast bus or train pass to get up to Cairns or a Great Southern Rail pass if you want to go to Perth or Darwin by train.

What sort of activities are you looking to do in Australia? Sailing, diving, partying, etc.

[laurarwells]

I wouldn't mind trying some diving, well certainly snorkling! I'm considering a sky-dive perhaps, but that depends on the nerves once im there, and definately want to visit the popular things such as Ayers rock. Ive been told that a lot of the backpacke trips the hostels provide are good, but some are a rip-off any advice there?

[PhunkyFeelOne]

As I'm sure Tim will agree, with Australia being the large country as it is, you can be limited in such a short space of time (unless you have a healthy budget for air travel)

Personally, I think that if you want to do a bit of everything, then the north east coast (Syd-Cairns) is best, but allow more time up north (Cairns). Darwin is great, and there are some great day\weekend trips, as well as the trip to the rock (allow at least 3 days return by bus, and 2 days at the rock). Worth if if the budget stretches. And don't underestimate the climb to the top if you choose to climb - it's not for the faint hearted...

In relation to trips by backpacker hostels, check it out when you get there, and go with your gut feeling - particularly in Cairns, there are plenty of options!

If you do get to Cairns, a night in the Daintree in the wet season is unforgettable, the wild-life is amazing.

Hope i've been of some help!

[poppageorge]

Great Southern rail pass( $450) a must. Visit Sydney for 2 days then go over to Adelaide. A day or so there as it is a pretty but not so active city. Then Melbourne for a few days.Visit Capt. Cooks cottage as well as Victoria market. Then over to Perth for a few days. Come back and go up to Alice for a few days so u can visit Ayers rock. Then carry on by rail to Darwin ghan ride a bonus) then visit Kakadu park ( a must). over to Cairns for divi=eing on The great barrier reef ( 100$ for a day trip.Then back to Sydney to go home. Visit the jail while in Sydney as well as botanical gardens. Freemantle while in Perth area for jail visit there.Train rides are in days not hours so take own grub and entertainment for trip.

[foolishgames]

Adelaide is only good for a couple of days IMO, unless you're into the winery scene. I would spend more time in Melbourne and up in Queensland. Perth is very pretty and the outback/Northern Territory is a must for any overseas visitor.

[poppageorge]

Coming so far to Australia and not seeing Ayer's rock or Coober Pedy,Alice,Darwin. is like going to London and not seeing Trafalger square or the Tower of London.The deal on GSR train ticket allows you to see so much of outback for a economical price.Hostel in Alice was $15 a night.
Get real taste of Australian outback there.Opals reasonable also.