Everything You Need to Know Before You Hit the Road

Australia is more than just a backpacker destination—it’s a rite of passage. From turquoise beaches and red deserts to buzzing cities and sleepy surf towns, it’s a country built for adventure. But with huge distances, strict immigration rules, and plenty of hidden costs, winging it doesn’t always cut it here.

This expanded step-by-step guide will help you confidently plan, budget, and explore Australia like a seasoned backpacker.

Step 1: Choose Your Travel Style

Before anything, ask:
What kind of backpacker are you?

Surf towns & parties?
Nature, wildlife, hiking?
Off-the-grid campervan freedom?
Slow travel + working holiday combo?
Culture, cities & café life?

This choice will shape your route, budget, transportation, and gear.

Step 2: Pick a Region & Plan a Route (Realistically)

Australia is gigantic—treat it like a continent, not a country.

Popular routes to consider:

East Coast (2–6 weeks): Sydney → Brisbane → Cairns
Great for beaches, nightlife, reef trips, skydiving, and hostels.
West Coast (2–4 weeks): Perth → Broome
For isolation, marine life, and unspoiled nature.
Outback + Red Centre (1–2 weeks): Alice Springs → Uluru
For Aboriginal culture, desert landscapes, and stargazing.
Tasmania (1–2 weeks): Full loop from Hobart
Great hikes, wildlife, and a cozy, cool-climate vibe.
City-Hopping (Flexible): Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide
If you want to mix urban experiences with short escapes.

Use Rome2Rio, WikiCamps, or BackpackerGuide.au for planning distances and transport.

Step 3: Set a Realistic Budget

Australia isn’t cheap—but it doesn’t have to break you.

Rough daily backpacker budget:

Budget: AUD $60–90/day (dorms, pasta, free attractions)
Comfortable: AUD $90–130/day (occasional tour or Airbnb)
Splurge: AUD $150+/day

Tips to stretch your budget:

Use hostel kitchens
Ride shares (via Facebook groups or apps like “Coseats”)
Free walking tours in cities
Book tours last-minute via hostel notice boards
WWOOF or HelpX for free accommodation in exchange for work

Step 4: Apply for Your Visa

All visitors (except New Zealanders) need a visa.

Backpacker visa options:

eVisitor (subclass 651) – Free for many EU citizens (3 months stay)
ETA (subclass 601) – For the U.S., Canada, and others (about AUD $20)
Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) – If you're 18–30 (or 35 for some) and want to travel + work for up to 1 year

Apply only at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to avoid extra fees.

Step 5: Pack Smart (And Light)

Australia’s climate varies a lot. Expect hot coastlines and chilly outback nights.

Essential backpacker packing list:

Light, breathable clothing + 1 fleece or hoodie
Swimwear and rash guard
Sun hat + SPF 50 sunscreen
Hiking shoes or trail runners
Flip-flops (aka thongs in Aussie English)
Compact towel
Universal adapter
Reusable water bottle (tap water is safe!)
Copies of passport, visa, travel insurance
Don’t overpack! You’ll likely buy extra gear once you arrive.

Step 6: Decide How You’ll Get Around

Your three main options:

Campervan rental or purchase – Max freedom, especially in rural areas
Hop-on/hop-off buses – Easy for solo travelers (e.g., Greyhound, Premier)
Budget airlines + rideshares – Good for covering big distances quickly

Want the full road trip dream? Try relocating campervans for as low as $1/day at sites like Imoova or Transfercar.

Step 7: Book the Right Accommodation

Australia’s backpacker scene is built around hostels—but you have options.

Top accommodation types:

Hostels (YHA, Base, Mad Monkey) – Social and cheap
Free/cheap campsites – Found on WikiCamps and CamperMate
Work-stay/volunteer setups – WWOOF, Workaway, HelpX
Farmstays or cabins – Especially in more remote areas

Download Hostelworld, Booking.com, or Airbnb and compare prices early for high season.

Step 8: Eat Cheap, Eat Local

Food is expensive—but you can eat well on a budget.

Budget food hacks:

Shop at ALDI, Coles, or Woolworths
Look for $10 backpacker meals at hostels or pubs
Use Too Good To Go app (some cities) for discounted food
BBQ stations in parks = free hot meals
Farmer’s markets = fresh, local, and cheaper than cafes

And yes, goon (boxed wine) is a budget backpacker rite of passage.

Step 9: Prioritize Health & Safety

Australia is safe—but also wild.

Top tips:

Buy travel insurance that covers adventure activities
Don’t hike alone in remote areas
Tell someone your route if going into the outback
Watch for rips and swim between the flags at beaches
Be careful driving at dusk/dawn (wildlife on roads)

The Aussie sun is brutal. SPF up, every day—even in winter.

Step 10: Stay Connected & Plugged In

Get a local SIM card for cheap data and calls.

Best SIMs for backpackers:

Optus – Best for value and travel bundles
Telstra – Best coverage in remote areas
Vodafone – Budget-friendly in cities

Wi-Fi isn’t always free or fast—especially in rural areas. Use your data.

Step 11: Know Aussie Culture (So You Don’t Look Like a Tourist)

Australians are chill—but also direct. Learn the lingo and don’t take offense to the banter.

Key things to know:

Tipping is not expected
Aussies shorten everything: "arvo" = afternoon, "servo" = gas station
No shoes, no shirt, no worries (unless you’re at a pub)
Be respectful of Aboriginal land and sites
BBQs, beers, and beach days are cultural pillars

Blend in by being laid-back, respectful, and open to new experiences.

Step 12: Make Friends & Find Community

Solo travel doesn’t mean being alone.

Where to meet people:

Hostel common rooms
Local Facebook groups (Backpackers in Australia, Travel Buddies Australia)
Tours (surf lessons, reef dives, day hikes)
Volunteer or work-stay gigs
Backpacker bars and BBQs

If you're solo, consider starting on the East Coast. It's the most social route.

Final Thoughts: Backpacking in Australia is a Journey, Not a Checklist

Australia will challenge and reward you in equal measure. Don’t rush it. Leave space for side trips, detours, long chats, missed buses, and moments that make your trip unforgettable.

The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Backpacking Australia