Top reasons you should travel while you're young
From new friends to lasting memories, embrace the benefits of a backpacking holiday in Australia.
By Leah Dobihal
Backpacking gives you the chance to see the world, but you’ll return home with much more than a few photos. On an adventure in Australia, you’ll learn new skills, meet friendly wildlife, reconnect with nature and experience an incredible sense of freedom.
Here are some of the benefits of backpacking.
Freedom
Nandroya Falls, Wooroonooran National Park, Queensland © Tourism and Events Queensland
Backpacking offers the chance to escape. You board a plane and wave goodbye to your worries, ready to tackle a new adventure. And in Australia, your adventure could take you to places you might not expect.
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Lifelong friends
Wilson Outlook, Brisbane, Queensland © Scott Pass
After you’ve traversed Australia, you’re sure to return home with incredible experiences. But perhaps the most valuable thing you’ll leave with is lifelong friends. Backpacking creates a community of like-minded travellers ready to explore, connect and have fun. You might find yourself sharing a beer - and a few stories - in a craft brewery in Perth, or treading along Broome’s Cable Beach on the back of a camel.
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Self-discovery
Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales © Tourism Snowy Mountains
With so much freedom and independence, backpacking encourages self-discovery. As you navigate a new city, you’ll discover your confidence and ability to face a challenge. As you dive with great white sharks or come face to face with a crocodile, you’ll uncover your courage. For an extra dose of self-reflection, head to Uluru, often considered the spiritual centre of Australia. Here, you’ll gaze upon the mighty monolith and enjoy the peaceful silence of the Aussie outback. No matter where you roam, you’ll return home with a deeper understanding not only of Australia but of yourself.
New skills
Let's Go Surfing, Byron Bay, New South Wales © Tourism Australia
You might think a backpacking holiday is all about days on the beach and nights under the stars. But in addition to the beautiful scenery, Australia also offers new knowledge. During your holiday, you’ll learn marketable skills like time management, budgeting and communication. You’ll negotiate with hostel roommates, improve your social skills and test your limits.
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Incredible experiences
Swimming with manta rays, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia © Tourism Western Australia
It’s no secret that Australia offers some incredible experiences. Your backpacker bucket list might include some of the more iconic activities, like a climb up the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a trip down the Great Ocean Road, but there’s also plenty more to explore.
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Amazing memories
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru, Northern Territory © Tourism NT, Jackson Groves
One of the best things about backpacking is that it offers something outside of the norm. After all, few people can say they’ve snorkelled in the turquoise water of the Whitsundays or witnessed the majestic sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula. By having the courage to do something different, you’ll gain lasting memories that you’ll carry with you long after you leave. Whether you’re hiking through Victoria’s Grampians National Park or snapping a selfie at a pink lake, they’ll be memories that you treasure.
