As a backpacker, you are defined as a budget traveller. You are more attractive to back packer hostels than expensive hotels, and you are into back packing because you are ready to travel. I have been travelling since i was nineteen, and i understand what it is like to budget travel. I had to stop travelling because i wanted to start a wonderful family. There is one place that i still continue to travel to this day, but not as a backpacker anymore. It is a place where it is so laid back, that i will not be bothered to give you the details about the history and politics of this country. So lets get into it.
Australia is made up 6 main states and 3 mainland territories. There are also another 8 Australian external territories.
1. New South Wales
New South Wales has beaches, busy cities, the outback, and snowy mountains. This is a great place to start a fantastic holiday. The western suburb has the outback, which includes old mining towns and landscapes. In the northern suburbs there is subtropical rainforest that hold rare and endangered species. If you wanted to reach the snowy mountains you can find them at Kosciuszko National Park.
- Sydney:
This city is the capital of New South Wales. It has beautiful harbours, good accommodation and transport. The majority of the population is down to earth, fun and loving. The attitude is very welcoming because most people there are open to answering your questions, so they can point you out into the right direction. The places you should see in Sydney include:
The main two landmarks: The Harbour Bridge & Opera House. To get a nice view of these places, you should take a ferry to Manly, it is way cheaper, or walk across the Harbour Bridge for free.
The Royal Botanical Gardens, this garden has many multiple walk ways and another opportunity to view more of the Harbour.
The Rocks, this place is a very old Sydney neighbourhood. It has historic buildings and with its market there is a personal charm to this place.
During Christmas and New Year, there is the annual celebration of Sydney to Hobart yacht racing. You should catch the best New Years celebrations as well.
Late in February, the every year celebration of Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is held that shows you a colourful parade in Sydney.
The best 'must do' activities in New South Wales:
Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Ride the ferry on Sydney Harbour
Visit Bondi Beach
Learn to surf at Byron Bay
See some actual Kangaroos at Pebbly Beach in Murramang National Park
2. Queensland
This state is popular because of the beaches, Great Barrier Reef and its theme parks. With so many outdoor activities like bungy jumping, paragliding, hiking, whale watching and white water rafting. You could not easily be bored there.
- Brisbane:
This city is the capital of Queensland. This is a desirable place to live in Australia; it is the largest city in Queensland. It is sophisticated in the urban areas, which some people there call it Bris-neyland or Bris-vegas. The places you should see in Brisbane include:
Moreton Bay has around 305 islands. You can bush walk, off-road and sunbathe all on the same day.
North Stadbroke lets you easily catch ferries, take tours or dive to see marine life like whales and dolphins.
The city Botanic Gardens is a good place for a quiet lunch near the river.
Roma street Parklands.
Mt Coot has a tour that you can use to see more of the city and its surrounding islands.
Kangaroo Point Lookout is a place that you will be climbing or abseiling to see its views.
South Banks Parklands is very attractive to many backpackers, because there is an artificial beach that you can swim and relax in.
Queen Street Mall is in easy walking distance and is interesting to do your shopping in. Check out the small china town as well.
The best 'must do' activities in Queensland:
Club crawl on the Gold Coast
Drive a four wheel drive on Fraser Island
Sail near Whitsunday Islands
White water raft on Tully River
Dive/Snorkel into the Great Barrier Reef
3. Western Australia
This is a large state and it covers a third of Australia. This has a population of over two million people and most of them live in Perth. With it being so spacious, you can travel there and not pass towns for miles. You will just see isolated petrol stations on passing by highways. Some of the places you should see in Western Australia include:
- Perth
This city is the capital of Western Australia. This city has some of Australia's best beaches, nightlife, markets and parks. It is the sunniest capital that has endless outdoor activities to do like fishing, relax on a boat or surf. Some of the places you should see in Perth include:
Kings park, this is a pretty place for a picnic and you can view the city from this point
The Zoo in Perth is excellent and is south of Swan River. You can reach it by ferry.
Fremantle, you can smell the sea air off from the port. There are weekend markets and outdoor cafes to enjoy.
The best 'must do' activities in Western Australia:
Watch the dolphins at Monkey Mia
See a film, under the stars at Broome's Sun Pictures Cinema
Hike in Karijini National Park
Swim with whale-sharks on Ningaloo Reef
Visit Bungle Bungles
Go to Wingaloo Reef to view marine life
4. South Australia
This state is popular for festivals like food and wine. It has great beaches and a great view of the outback. Known as a wine state, it has produced 70% of Australias best wine. Some of the places you should see in Western Australia include:
- Adelaide
This city is the capital of South Australia. It prides itself on its live music, arts scene and its historic building heritage, the Festivals at Botanic Park and other places that you should see in Adelaide include:
WOMAdelaide which is an annual world music and dance festival
Bi-annual Adelaide Festival of Ideas
Adelaide Film Festival
The Feast Festival - Gay and Lesbian culture
Adelaide festival of Arts
The best 'must do' activities in Western Australia:
Sleep in an underground hostel in Coober Pedy
Search for kangaroos on Kangaroo Island
Hike in Wilpena Pound
Taste wine in Barossa Valley and Coonawarra wine regions
5. Tasmania
This has no outback; this place has mountains, green hills and raging rivers. Since this is a small island there are a few activities to list that you should do, that i have below:
The best 'must do' activities in Tasmania:
Boat trip on Strathan Macquire Harbour
Get lost in Hobart's Salamanca Place Market
Hike between Cradle Mountain and Lake St Claire
Learn about convicts in the past at Port Arthur
Walk to wine Glass Bay
Visit Tasman Pennisula, to experience what it would be like to be a convict from the past
6. Victoria
This is the smallest state. You can reach particular destinations in a days drive. Some of the places you should see in Western Australia include:
- Melbourne
This city is the capital of Victoria. It has lovely parks and gardens. Melbourne is on the banks of the Yarra River and shores of Port Phillip Bay. It is the second largest city and has around four million people. This city hosts major events like the Australian Formula One Gran Prix, Australian Tennis Open, Australia Football League Grand Final and Melbourne Cup Horse Race. The places you should see in Melbourne include:
Toorak Road and Chapel Street, this has the best shopping and dinning
Carlton has Italian all over it, this place has many pizza and pasta restaurants
Victoria Street has Vietnamese all over it, this has Vietnamese cuisine that is cheap and authentic
St Kilda has the best cake shops. On Fitzroy Street there is a 24 hour night life and on Ackland Street there are cafes and delicacies. There is a theme park called Luna Park and St Kilda beach has a weekend craft market.
Bruiswick Street is a busy place. There are tons of alternative lifestyle shops, second hand clothing stores and fun restaurants.
The best 'must do' activities in Victoria:
Find hidden bars/cafes in the lane ways of Melbourne
See penguins waddle near Phillip Island
If you are a fan of the local show 'Neighbours', take the neighbours tour and then go to a neighbour trivia night
Drive along Great Ocean Road
Visit Ballarat and Bendigo, which are gold mining cities
See the Grampians National Park that has wildlife
Take the time to enjoy my favourite locations, enjoy the laid back community and be free to do it. With my chosen locations, they are inexpensive and you can save a lot by not spending so much. The only thing you need to stress about is, when it will be the next time I come back to Australia going to happen again. Time does fly by when you are there.
