West MacDonnell Ranges, Northern Territory
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
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.
Whether you want to challenge yourself, break out of your comfort zone or completely reinvent yourself - you have the freedom to be anyone you want. Not only do you have the freedom of a fresh start, but also the experiences to create your dream adventure.
You could start with a stroll through Melbourne’s colourful laneways, or climb to the top of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Seek out something totally unique in one of Australia’s national parks, which play host to rare rock formations and tumbling waterfalls. You’re free to do it all, leaving your responsibilities behind.
Whether you’re relaxing on the beach with resident kangaroos or finding yourself in Australia’s spiritual centre of Uluru, you’ll enjoy an exhilarating sense of independence and freedom.
Lifelong friends
Wilson Outlook, Brisbane, Queensland
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.
Making friends along the way also means unexpected adventure. If you’ve kept your itinerary flexible, you can adjust your plans to join others on an unforgettable trip to Rottnest Island, where you’ll find a colony of smiling quokkas, or to the Kimberley, an isolated outback frontier with secluded spots to explore.
There are several ways to make friends on the road. A bus tour or excursion is a great place to start, or simply stop by a bar in one of Australia’s backpacker precincts. Hostels are another hot spot. Hang out in the kitchen, bar or communal space and strike up a conversation. You never know, you could be chatting with a friend for life.
Self-discovery
Main Range Track, Kosciuszko National Park, New South Wales
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
Byron Bay Beach Hostel, Byron Bay, New South Wales
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.
Not only will these abilities help you navigate a new country, but they’ll also impress employers back home. You can even add your experiences to your CV. Your new skills will boost your confidence and efficiency, making you stand out from your peers.
Incredible experiences
Swimming with sea lions, Baird Bay, Eyre Peninsula, South 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.
With abundant native wildlife, Australia boasts amazing animal encounters. You can float with gentle, giant whale sharks off Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef or swim with sea lions on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula. Watch kangaroos hop through green fields and koalas snooze in eucalyptus treetops.
Test your bravery with adrenaline-inducing tours, or sit back on the white sand of Australia’s most beautiful beaches. Wherever you are, there’s sure to be an adventure close by.
Amazing memories
Almonta Beach, Coffin Bay National Park, South Australia
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.