Spit to Manly Walk, Sydney, NSW © Tourism Australia

What it's like to backpack in Australia

Looking for a new adventure? You’re sure to find it in Australia.

By Leah Dobihal

A backpacking holiday is about possibility. Discover the sacred site of Uluru, walk along white sand beaches or swim alongside gentle whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef. It’s all possible in Australia.

What is a backpacking holiday? What is a backpacker?

Wild Valley Gippsland accommodation, Budgeree, Gippsland, VIC © Visit Victoria

Wild Valley Gippsland accommodation, Budgeree, Gippsland, Victoria

Backpacking has been around for decades, but it’s gained huge popularity as travel has become more accessible and affordable. Backpacking can refer to a range of travel styles, but typically describes budget-conscious holidays. Often, a backpacking holiday will involve shared accommodation like hostels and affordable transportation like buses.

Like backpacking, the definition of a backpacker varies. A backpacker usually describes a traveller embarking on a budget-conscious holiday, but perhaps the most important attribute of a backpacker is the desire to stay longer and explore further. Often, backpackers travel from place to place for months, or even years.

And you don’t necessarily need a backpack to be a backpacker. All you need is an appetite for adventure and the courage to book the ticket.

What do I need for a backpacking holiday in Australia?

Snorkelling, Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island, QLD © James Vodicka

Snorkelling, Great Barrier Reef, Heron Island, Queensland

호주로 배낭 여행을 떠나는 데는 많은 것이 필요하지는 않지만 몇 가지 꼭 챙겨야 할 것들이 있습니다. 그 중 하나가 유효한 비자입니다. 항공편을 예약하기 전에 먼저 적합한 비자를 신청한 후 발급될 때까지 기다려야 합니다. 그래야 호주에 무사히 도착할 수 있습니다.

또한, 여행하는 동안 경비로 쓸 만큼 충분한 자금을 보유하고 있어야 합니다. 관광 비자와 방문 비자 소지자는 호주에서 취업을 하거나 돈을 버는 것이 허용되지 않기 때문에 반드시 입국 전에 자금을 확보해야 합니다. 여행 중에 돈을 벌기 워하는 경우, 대신 워킹홀리데이 비자를 발급 받으면 최대 12개월 동안 호주에서 일도 하고 여행도 할 수 잇습니다.

물론, 열린 마음과 모험심도 배낭 여행객에게 꼭 필요한 것입니다. 호주에는 워낙 독특한 경험의 기회들이 많기 때문에 시드니 하버 브리지 꼭대기에서 바람을 느껴본다거나 색색의 산호초 위를 헤엄치며 스노클링을 해 볼 수도 있고, 고무 보트를 타고 고대 열대우림 속을 헤쳐 지나가는 것도 경험해 볼 수 있습니다.

What can I expect on a backpacking holiday in Australia?

Yeppoon, Queensland

Australia offers a vast range of experiences, so you can expect an unforgettable journey. Enjoy the nightlife of Australia’s most vibrant cities, encounter incredible native wildlife, like koalas and wombats, and connect with nature in ancient landscapes.

In Australia, you can immerse yourself in the world’s oldest living culture, swim with gentle whale sharks or come face to face with a great white shark. Explore urban distilleries and sip on craft beer. Whether you’re strolling down the white sand of a tropical beach or wandering through purple lavender fields, you’ll make amazing memories on a backpacking holiday in Australia.