Destination Guide

Top 10 Best Destinations in Australia for Backpacking

Sydney, Australia

From canyons and mountains to deep waters and reefs, white beaches to tropical forests, almost as if tailored to suit people of all travel styles, Australia has it all. Especially friendly for backpackers, Australia is one of the best countries to take a backpacking trip with your friends. Some of the must-visit sites are


1.Sydney

                        

Almost everyone who visits Australia starts with Sydney, and rightfully so. Home to the Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, and the Harbour Bridge, Sydney is the largest city in Australia. For party lovers, you'll find cozy bars, cocktails, and rooftop cafes with jazz floating all around the city through the night. Bondi Beach is a must-visit for surfers, swimmers, and those who just want to watch its cerulean blue waters and rising waves lined by the beautiful white sand glistening in the sun.


2.Uluru

 

                        

Both sacred and stunning, Uluru is a wonder of nature in the outback and is linked to the ancient Aboriginal tribes. The Anangu, World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers a profound cultural value for the local Aboriginal people, where earth and memories dwell as one. The 380-yard monolith gives a grand view at sunset when it changes shade from intense rust to intense red from the sunrays. Backpackers can opt for a self-drive adventure through the Red Centre Way drive, or you can join any of the organized tours for cheap. 


3.   Rottnest Island

 

                          

Home to the iconic quokka colonies, Rottnest Island, is accessible by ferry taken from Fremantle in Perth. These friendly and adorable creatures aren't shy to make their presence known and are always up for the perfect selfie! In addition to that, backpackers are going to find breathtaking beaches and numerous bays, walking trails, and bike tracks. From specific spots on the island, you can also witness humpback whales, dolphins, and even seals floating around. 


4.Tasmania

 

                          

A slightly less populated area, Tasmania is home to small towns, friendly folks, and beautiful sceneries – an ideal place for backpackers. Full of wilderness, one of the best places to experience Tasmania is Cradle mountain, resting near the shores of dove lake, giving a scenic view on both sunrise and sunset. Cradle Mountain, located within the World Heritage-listed Tasmanian Wilderness Area, provides world-class walks, one-of-a-kind wildlife encounters, and a life-changing connection to nature. Other places to visit in Tasmania include Port Arthur, hiking through Freycinet National Park, and walking the Three Capes Track. 


5.Great Barrier Reef

 

                          

Home to the largest coral reef system, the Great Barrier Reef is on the list of every traveler. With packages available to accustom all budgets, this is the perfect place to go snorkeling, swim along with sea turtles or watch colorful coral reefs. Michaelmas Cay is also home to over 23 different seabird species, making it one of the Great Barrier Reef's most important bird sanctuaries. If you wish to wander around the Great Barrier Reef in the budget, you can stay at the Magnetic Island in North Queensland. 


6.Canberra

                         

Canberra, Australia's capital city, is a hive of activity for backpackers despite its small size. Visit Parliament House to learn how the government works and to tour the heritage chambers. The National Gallery of Australia, home to world-class art exhibitions and the world's largest collection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, is well worth a visit. Canberra's Enlighten Festival is the perfect time to wake up to the sight of hot air balloons flying through the sky. Lake Burley Griffin is a popular site for kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing in the city. 


7.Darwin

 

                       

Darwin, Australia's tropical capital, is a great place to start exploring the natural wonders of the Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks... but that's not the only reason it's a backpacker's paradise. Mitchell St, the strip of bars, cafes, hostels, and then even more activities to do in the heart of town, deserves a lot of praise. Another must-do thing for the backpackers is to explore Litchfield National Park. Here you can swim in the crystal clear water holes, spot wildlife and colorful birds, and also enjoy a picnic with your pals.


8.Daintree Rainforest

 

                        

Being 180 million years old, this tropical forest is the oldest in the world. Mossman Gorge, located less than an hour and a half from Cairns and nestled amid the world's oldest tropical rainforest, encourages you to immerse yourself in ancient nature and aboriginal culture. The adventures you'll find within the forest are just as unique as the forest itself, ranging from crocodile spotting to spearfishing. Indulge in the restorative benefits of a luxurious spa, float gently down the river on a raft, and learn from the Kuku Yalanji, the area's traditional caretakers, years of wisdom.


9.Byron Bay

 

                         

The affluent and famous now call Byron home, but it was once merely a backpacker's favorite pit stop on the well-traveled East Coast road between Sydney and Cairns. Byron is still a hub of visitors, surfers, artists, and want-to-be hippies hanging out at Australia's most easterly point, despite being more well-off than it once was. Backpackers can also take a day trip to Nimbin, the stoner capital of Australia.


10.             Kangaroo Island 

 

                         


There is no surprise that Australia is home to exotic wildlife that can be experienced at almost every corner of the country. Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third-largest island in the south of Adelaide, is no exception. Home to a number of national parks, picturesque landscapes, and abundant wildlife, Kangaroo Island should be on your bucket list. Some of the attractions to visit here include Flinders Chase National Park (home to Remarkable Rocks), Seal Bay Conservation Park, Vivonne Bay, and Anson Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, among many others. And the best part about the island is, you can stay here for cheap in a lodge or go camping. 

Australia is filled with incredible natural beauty and is full of life and adventure for those who seek it. With all this and more, it would be a shame for any traveler to miss out on it.