Reasons to backpack around Australia on your Gap Year

Backpacking around Australia has been a gap year favourite for decades - and rightly so. There's so much for backpackers to enjoy in Australia, from world-famous beaches, stunning wildlife, and a laid-back vibe (check out our best Australia itinerary here)

Australia is a great place to start your backpacking adventure if you want to backpack around Asia after. Our recommendation is to go there for Christmas, why not? Enjoy Christmas in the sunshine. Arrive in Melbourne or Sydney and then work your way all the way to Cape Tribulation at the top or vice versa. New Year's Eve in Sydney is always a special moment. From there you can fly easily and cheaply to and around Asia. Alternatively, you go straight to New Zealand, tour the islands then fly over to Australia to Melbourne or Sydney then work your way up. We get why they are so special. You definitely want to be there January, February, March time so you really make the most of their summer

In these countries you are going to see contrasting scenery. In Australia you can go from the desert, to the jungle, to amazing beaches. In New Zealand you’ve got the adventure: white water rafting, skiing, skydiving, bungee jumping. New Zealand and Australia are set up perfectly for the backpacker, they make life easy for the backpacker, from hostels to bus networks. A super easy place to navigate as a gap year traveller.

There are endless reasons to gap year in Australia - here's just a few of them:

It's HUGE

Australia is one heck of a large country and the variation between the different regions will make you feel like you’re backpacking through several countries, as opposed to just one. It’s home to some of the best beaches in the world, and with over 10,000 to explore, your options are hardly limited!

The majority of these beaches are natural, unspoilt and wild, with crystal clear water and waves that are perfect for surfing (always check for any swim warnings and flags before you get in). As well as the beaches, you’ll find rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef near Queensland, mountains a few hours north of Melbourne and Kangaroo Island near Adelaide, which boasts an array of wildlife including koalas, whales and dolphins, as well as kangaroos.

The Locals Are Friendly

One the whole, Australians are a friendly, cheerful bunch, who‘ll be more than happy to help you and make you feel at home in their country. In fact, it's officially the world's seventh friendliest country for tourists according to the World Economic Forum The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015.

If you’re backpacking solo, expect to find locals friendly and approachable, and as Australia is such a gap year/ backpacking hotspot, you're also sure to make friends in your hostels and along the way. You’ll find you get invited along to all sorts of things with them, such as trips to the beach, bar crawls, gigs and sporting events - sweet as!

The Weather Is Blissful

Australia has a moderate climate, with hot, glorious summers and mild winters. There are in fact just a couple of places in the country that ever receive snow and the further north you travel, the warmer it gets.

Because of this, Australians spend a great deal of time outdoors enjoying the sun – whether it’s barbecues in the garden, sports on the beach or drinking outside bars, you’ll find people soaking up the rays at every turn. Bear in mind that the sun here is very strong, so it’s essential to wear plenty of suncream and hats.

You Don’t Have to Learn a New Language

Backpacking is a whole lot easier when you can talk to anyone in your language without worrying that they won’t understand a word you’re saying (and vice versa). Things like asking for directions, checking bus times and ordering meals can be extremely challenging when you don’t know the local lingo.

But fortunately, in Australia, this is one obstacle you won’t have to overcome. There is, however, a great deal of Australian slang, but you’ll undoubtedly pick this up in no time.

It’s Perfect for Onward Travel

Australia is just around the corner from South East Asia, meaning you can check out Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos en route. South East Asia combines brilliantly with Australia, as does of course, New Zealand.

FAQs:

Do I need an visa for Australia? Yes you do. Depending on whether you plan to get a job (working holiday visa), or just travel (tourist visa), then you need to apply for a visa before you travel to Australia.

Where are the best places to backpack in Australia? The East Coast remains the most popular route to travel, but don't discount the rugged West Coast on your adventures. Depending on how long you have to spend in-country will impact your itinerary and route.

How much money do you need for a gap year in Australia? There's no two ways about it, Australia is an expensive country. Expect to spend around £1500 a month.