Travel is back on the cards again and the East Coast of Australia is welcoming back heaps of travellers from all over the globe again – and to say the last few months has been busy is a bit of an understatement!

So if you’re planning a trip to Australia in 2023 we’ve got a few tips and pieces of advice to help make everything a bit smoother for you, especially if you’re heading to Australia soon!

 

Planning A Trip To Australia In 2023? Our Top Tips!

1) Pre book your main tours (especially if you’re travelling in high season)

The biggest issue many travellers are having at the moment (espeically if you’ve travelling within the next few months) is the fact a lot of tours are booking out weeks in advance.

This is especially true for Fraser Island tours and Whitsunday Sailing tours as they have limited departures per week.

In fact we’re recommending booking them in at least 4-6 weeks in advance where possible – so don’t expect to turn up in Rainbow Beach or Airlie Beach and jump on a trip in the next few days!

Day trips are still a bit more flexible, but getting them locked in at least a week in advance is certainly going to make everything a lot smoother for you.

 

2) Have a realistic budget

One of the biggest mistakes we’re seeing people making at the moment with their planning is expecting to do everything on a shoestring. Unfortunately Australia isn’t as cheap to travel as spots like South East Asia and prices for the 2023 season are certainly not the cheapest they’ve ever been either.

So don’t expect to smash out all the main bucket list ticks on the East Coast, including a private room for a month for $2,000 – it just won’t happen!

As a guide we recommend around $4,000 for a month long East Coast trip – which will include dorm accomodation, most of your meals, bus pass, and the top tours.

 

3) Research your route

Another big mistake people have is not checking out where all the trips and destinations are and ending up with a really muddled route.

Generally speaking if you can start or finish in Cairns, Sydney or Melbourne things will run the smoothest as it’s a nice continuous trip up or down the coast between those spots.

You can link together some other route with internal flights, but a little bit of research on Google Maps can make the flow of your trip much nicer.

 

4) Consider a working holiday visa

Want to really make the most of your time in Australia and top up your travel funds along the way?

Why not come over on a working holiday visa?

You’ll then have up to 24 months to stay, play and enjoy Australia whilst being able to get a job along the way too. So whether you want to work in a cafe, become a dive instructor or maybe even gain some work experience for your chosen career, it’s a great option to look into.

And our Working Holiday Visa Welcome Packages will help kickstart your trip too.

 

5) Try not to rush

And alongside the working holiday visa option, is the advice that if you can help it don’t try and rush your trip.

You’ll have a much more enjoyable experience spending 4-6 weeks in Australia than trying to pack it into 2 weeks, where you’ll spend most of your time on buses between locations rather than soaking up everything Australia is famous for!

We get that some people can’t have the time off or have the budget for a longer trip (which is why we’ve put together an epic 2 week Australia itinerary) but honestly the longer you have, the better the experience!

 

6) Chat to our travel experts (we’re here to help!)

We might be a little bias, but we reckon one of the best things you can do is chat to the team here at RTW Backpackers!

We’ve helped thousands of travellers make the most of their Aussie adventures and we’re here to give you honest, unbiased advice. We know, because we’ve travelled the East Coast heaps of time testing out the best tours and accomodation.

Unlike some big travel companies we’re not driven by commission levels or sales targets – we just want you to have an epic trip!

 

…and the most important thing – Enjoy Yourself!

Yup, the most important thing you can do is make sure you enjoy your trip. Australia is a stunning country, filled with incredible destinations and experiences, so make sure you do it your way and do all the things you’re heading down under to see and do!

 

 

When it comes to travelling around Australia the Greyhound Australia Bus Passes are always a popular choice – great value, flexible and easy to manage via your own online login.

And the new Greyhound Working Holidayer Bus Pass makes things even easier!

So what makes the Working Holidayer super flexible?

Well, whilst most Greyhound Bus Passes are limited by the time frame of the pass, the Working Holidayer offers 30 days of travel within a 3 month time period – making it ideal for those on a working holiday visa who want to stop off en route and top up their travel funds.

Not only that but it comes bundles with $200 worth of travel vouchers for a range of Queensland travel experiences too!

greyhound whimit bus pass australia backpacker east coast travel

 

So what are the key features of the Working Holidayer?

  • 30 Days Travel in 3-months with a $200 discount code to use on Queensland tours and experiences
  • An exclusive pass product available only to Working Holiday Visa Holders
  • One way travel from Melbourne, Canberra, or Sydney to Brisbane.
  • Unlimited travel on Greyhound Australia services in Queensland with a choice of 111 different destinations with our services covering over 6,000 kilometres within the state (that’s roughly the equivalent of three return trips between London and Berlin)
  • The 30 Days of travel are non-consecutive i.e. they can be used at any point within the three months
  • 24/7 access to book a seat on a coach in real time
  • Perfect for those that like to plan, but also those that like to take each day as it comes
  • No cost to change dates or destinations, with no limit on the amount of changes that can be made

So if you’re heading to Australia on the Working Holiday Visa and want the most flexible way to travel along the East Coast the Working Holidayer is a great choice, espeically when paired up with our East Coast Essential Tours Package!

Click here to book your Greyhound Working Holidayer

Airlie Beach is always a firm favourite when it comes to stops along the East Coast of Australia and it’s hard to narrow down the best things to do in Airlie Beach!

Obviously the biggest draw is the world famous Whitsunday Islands, but there’s plenty of other incredible things to do during your stay in Airlie Beach – here are 16 of our favourites…

 

The Best Things to Do in Airlie Beach, Australia | 16 Top Activities

Scenic Flight Over Heart Reef

Price: AUD 265

This flight over the coral formations is an astonishing thing to do during your stay in Airlie Beach. A highlight is a heart-shaped reef best seen from a helicopter or seaplane window. You’ll see numerous white-sand beaches and coral formations while travelling over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Limited to only five passengers, a flight over Heart Reef is an intimate experience you won’t soon forget.

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Price: AUD 279

A scenic cruise past the Whitsundays archipelago takes you 39 nautical miles offshore from Airlie Beach for a fantastic diving experience next to the Great Barrier Reef. The technicolour coral and diverse marine life remind us of the beautiful world beneath the ocean surface. Plus, your fare contributes to the protection of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Don your snorkel and mask and explore the Great Barrier Reef during a group trip. If you prefer scuba diving, you can arrange to spend a longer time beneath the surface.

Go Skydiving

Price: AUD 319

If you have an affinity for adrenaline and extreme sports, you may feel like skydiving in Airlie Beach. The tandem skydives take place from an altitude of 15,000ft and reach speeds of up to 220 kilometres per hour. You’ll maintain freefall for 60 seconds before spending 5-7 minutes making your way to a safe landing. You’ll have a unique view of the land below during this time.

The instructors are qualified, and the experience is incredibly safe. You have nothing to worry about, despite what you may feel before jumping from a moving plane.

Visit Hill Inlet Lookout

Location: Northern end of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island, Australia

Price: AUD 197

Whitehaven Beach has picturesque white sands and calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming. The Hill Inlet Lookout gives you a lovely vantage point from which to admire the shades of blue at this beautiful beach. It is located on Whitsundays Islands and is only accessible by boat and a short 1.3km return hike.

This is one of the most beautiful things to do from Airlie Beach, and thanks to the changing tide, the patterns in the water change daily. Keep an eye out for goannas, and remember to stick to the paths.

Jump on an Overnight Sailing Adventure

Price: AUD 975

A handful of commercial and private charters are available for an exhilarating overnight sailing adventure. You can visit Whitsunday Island and Hill Inlet Lookout during two full days spent on the water. The Whitsunday Getaway is a standout catamaran offering overnight adventures with four private cabins and en suite loos. 

Spending two days snorkelling, exploring, and living at sea is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Chill by the Lagoon Swimming Pool

Price: Free

The Airlie Beach Lagoon is a great swimming pool to cool off in after a walk along the boardwalk. When the ocean is rough or the jellyfish are present in the water, this can be the best place to swim in Airlie Beach.

The pool is 4,300 sqm and has shaded areas nearby, perfect for a lazy day at the oceanside.

Walk on the White Sands of Whitehaven Beach

Price: AUD 125

The sand on Whitehaven Beach is so fine you’ll hear it squeak beneath your feet. It is, however, more interesting as the sand here consists of 98% silica (quartz) and is the reason for the beach’s bright white colour.

Stroll along this seven-kilometre long beach while sinking your feet into the sand and walking through the warm water along the shore. You can reach Whitehaven Beach via ferries, yachts, and power boats that offer day trips from Airlie Beach.

Set Off On A Jetski Safari

Price: AUD 113

A two-hour jet ski experience from Airlie Beach will leave your adrenaline pumping and your diary filled with stories of the coral and marine life. This safari takes you past coves and beaches as you follow your guide to Whitsundays Island. 

While moving across the water surface, you’ll get glimpses of the turtles, whales, and dugongs that call the area home. 

Stroll the Bicentennial Walkway

Price: Free

Stroll along the Bicentennial Walkway, which runs 3.9 km along the coastline and the wharf. It is a comfortable setting in which to exercise, as demonstrated by the many locals who use this path. As mentioned above, it leads to the Airlie Beach lagoon, the perfect place to cool off.

Hike to Honeyeater Lookout

Price: Free

The Honeyeater lookout is a scenic highlight of an 8km round trip from Airlie Beach. While the hike is moderate, it does have steep sections and takes 3 hours. Fortunately, the impressive views towards the harbour make it worth the effort. 

As with all outdoor activities, packing the right gear and water is essential. Remember to check the weather prediction to ensure you hike in pleasant conditions. While sticking to the path, keep an eye out for kookaburras, ospreys, and herons.

Whitsunday Great Walk in Conway National Park

Price: Free on foot

The Whitsunday Great Walk is a hiking trail called the Conway Circuit, which covers 27 km from Airlie Beach to the Forestry Road car park inside the Conway National Park. The park extends south from Airlie Beach and offers camping, hikes, mountain biking, and fishing.

Staying in a campervan or tent here is a tranquil experience. The area is the birthplace of the Birri-Gubba Nation, who are the traditional custodians of the land. When visiting, it is important to act respectfully by keeping this area’s cultural and ecological significance in mind.

The outstanding natural diversity is visible in the variety of plant and animal life present. If you are a lucky twitcher, you can tick off two of Australia’s mound-building birds, the Australian brush-turkey and the Orange-footed scrubfowl.

Lions Airlie Beach Markets

Price: Free

This community market is the ideal thing to do in Airlie Beach on a Saturday morning. Starting from 7 am, the food stalls and local craftspeople set up shop along the Airlie Esplanade.

The market is a great place to meet with friends for a coffee and a bite to eat. Things begin to wind down at midday, leaving you plenty of time to tackle other activities.

Private Tuk-Tuk Tour

Price: AUD 30

For a small fee, you can rest your feet while you are guided through Airlie Beach on this pedal-powered tour. The private nature of the tour means you can choose from a variety of options to suit your interests, including a tour focused on food or simply a sunset ride.

From the Port of Airlie to the Coral Sea Marina, your guide will share with you the best things to do in Airlie from a local’s perspective.

Take a Trike Tour of Airlie Beach

Price: AUD 55

You’ll be hard to miss while travelling through town on this custom trike. The shiny chrome, yellow paint, and deep rumble of the engine make this tour a stand-out experience. While cruising around Airlie Beach, your guide will impart knowledge of the area via a Bluetooth headset.

If you enjoyed your trike tour around Airlie Beach, consider the three-hour tour to Cedar Creek Falls in the Conway National Park.

Try Your Hand at Fishing

Price: AUD 165

Whether you are a seasoned angler or you simply want to cast a line to sink into your holiday spirit, Airlie Beach offers excellent areas for fishing. Heading out with a fishing guide will help you navigate where to go, what tackle to use, what bait to bring, and the recreational fishing rules.

While it is possible to bring your rod to attempt fishing from the beach, the added adventure of a boat trip makes a fishing charter worth it. You can expect to catch coral trout, mackerel, and queenfish. Best of all, you can have your catch of the day cooked for you at a local restaurant.

 

Hold on Tight for a Jet Boat Ride

Price: AUD 82

If you don’t mind getting wet, this 30-minute jet boat ride is an adrenaline-pumping way to spend a day in Airlie Beach. Performing 180s, 360s, drifts, and power stops, the captain ensures everyone on board is having bucket loads of fun.

You can expect humorous commentary on this tour as it is less formal. In addition, you’ll receive GoPro photos from the camera on the front of the boat. If you want to bring your camera, make sure it is waterproof. You can lock other belongings in a dry small storage box onboard.

Yup, you read that correctly – Australia will be welcoming back tourists from around the globe from 21st Feb 2022!

After nearly 2 years of closed borders, Australia has been slowly opening up to international travel again – with the latest being select student and work visas.

But, in big news announced on 7th Feb, the Prime Minister announced that from 21st February 2022 the country will be relaxing entry requirements to welcome back travellers on all tourist visas again.

…which is obviously awesome news!

Entry Requirements

As you might expect though, there are some entry requirements for this reopening:

  • Proof of vaccination
  • Completed an Australian Health Declaration online (at least 72 hours prior to flying)
  • Negative, pre departure COVID-19 test
  • A valid visa

You can view the full details on entry requirements for Australia on the official immigration website here.

Where Is On Your Bucket List?

And of course, if you’re keen to head down under with the new announcement, the team at RTW Backpackers is here to help!

Whether you need advice on the best hostels, Fraser Island tours or buses passes, we can help piece together whatever you need to make your dream Australia trip come true!

And of course the bets place to start is our Customer East Coast Australia Planner – a few questions and we can do all the hard work for you!

We’re stoked to be welcoming you all back soon!

If you’re heading along the East Coast of Australia, then a stop in Brisbane is a great way to break up the journey from Northern NSW to Queensland – there are so many awesome things to do in Brisbane.

And it isn’t quite as famous as its counterparts of Sydney and Melbourne, there is still plenty to keep you busy – so we’ve put together the best things to do in Brisbane for every budget.

 

The Best Things To Do in Brisbane | 10 Activities & Attractions For Every Budget

Go Sightseeing on a River Cruise 

Price: From AUD 33

There are many great ways to discover the east coast of Australia. If you’re in Brisbane, don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the city on a river cruise. 

The Brisbane River runs right through the heart of the city, and a cruise down the river is the perfect way to see the city from a different angle. Along the way, you’ll pass many of the city’s landmarks that make up the Brisbane skyline, such as the Story Bridge. 

There are numerous cruises to choose from, like the 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise where you can learn more about Brisbane’s history and hop on and off to explore some of the city’s attractions. 

If you’re looking to enjoy a longer ride, some cruises serve a lavish high tea, lunch, or dinner. 

Hang Out in the South Bank Area 

Price: Various

Wheel of Brisbane: From AUD 19.95

The South Bank Area is the original site of the World Expo that was held in Brisbane in 1988. It is one of the most diverse areas in the city. Here you’ll find plazas and promenades lined with restaurants and excellent shops. 

South Bank is also one of the best areas to cool off on a hot Brisbane day. It’s home to Streets Beach, a man-made lagoon and beach area directly opposite the CBD. You can also take a leisurely stroll under the shade of many trees in the Epicurious Gardens. 

While you’re in South Bank, don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a thrilling ride on the Wheel of Brisbane. This enormous ferris wheel soars above the city, and you’ll get a bird’s eye view over Brisbane.

 

Climb the Story Bridge 

Price: From AUD 99

Built during the Great Depression in the 1930s, the Story Bridge is one of Brisbane’s most iconic landmarks. After the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, the Story Bridge Climb is one of the most popular adrenaline activities in Australia. 

The Story Bridge Climb caters to people of all fitness levels who are 10 years of age and older. The thrilling two-hour climb takes you 80 metres above the Brisbane River. The reward for this nerve-wracking adventure is uninterrupted views of the city. 

Enjoy a Feast of Food at the Eat Street Northshore

Price: The entry fee is $5

If you’re looking to go on a culinary adventure around the world, then Eat Street is the perfect place to start. Just 15 minutes away from the Brisbane CBD, Eat Street has over 70 stalls, including five themed bars, shops, and small restaurants. 

Here you can try cuisine from around the world while enjoying live entertainment. You’ll also find unique food variations like Japanese pizza and a mac ‘n cheeseburger. Eat Street has something for everyone, even the fussiest of eaters. 

Stroll Around the Brisbane Botanic Gardens (Mount Coot-Tha)

Price: Free entry 

The Brisbane Botanic Gardens on Mount Coot-Tha is one of the top subtropical gardens in Queensland. It’s best known for its stunning Tropical Display Dome.

You can enjoy a guided tour of the gardens and learn about its history and the different tropical plants. Alternatively, you can also take a self-guided tour and discover the beautiful Japanese garden and one of the largest collections of Australian rainforest trees in the world. 

If you’re looking to cool off, you can enjoy a picnic under a shady tree or grab a bit at the Botanic Gardens Cafe. 

Visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Price: From AUD 49

Have you ever wanted to cuddle with Australia’s cutest animal? Well, then be sure to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. 

Here you’ll be able to enjoy interactive programmes with these adorable furry creatures and also learn more about them and their environment. While koalas are the star of the show, you’ll also see other Australian animals like dingos, wallabies, and wombats. 

Learn About Local Aboriginal Culture at the Spirits of the Red Sands

Price: From AUD 99

If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal people, you can do so through the exciting Spirit of the Red Sands storytelling experience. 

The Spirits of the Red Sands was launched in 2017 and is the first-of-its-kind experience that gives visitors insight into the history and resilience of the Aboriginal people and the Queensland region. 

You’ll be able to meet the elders of one of the Aboriginal tribes, enjoy a welcoming ceremony, and participate in local customs. If you book an evening experience, you’ll get to enjoy a meal and theatre performance. 

Visit the Museums & Galleries in the Cultural Centre

Price: Free admission

Situated on the banks of the Brisbane River, the Cultural Centre in South Bank is an excellent place for a fun-filled day out. Here you’ll find an extensive collection of museums, galleries and performance venues. 

You can check out the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, where you’ll find world-class exhibitions and displays and even free film screenings. You’ll also find the State Library of Queensland and Queensland Museum & Science Centre. 

If you have time, you can enjoy a comedy show, ballet or opera show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. 

Enjoy a Day Trip to Moreton Island 

Price: From AUD 129

Moreton Island is a short 75-minute ferry ride away from Brisbane and is the perfect place to escape the busy city vibe. 

Here you can lay around on the pristine white sand beaches or snorkel and dive around the island’s crystal clear waters. You can even feed dolphins at the Tangalooma Island Resort. 

Other activities that you can enjoy on the island include sea kayaking, quad biking and whale watching during the short whale season. 

 

Discover Brisbane on a Bicycle 

Price: From $69 

If you’re looking for a scenic way to explore Brisbane, you might enjoy a guided bicycle tour through the city. Discover some of the city’s local gems with a guided, leisurely paced bike tour. 

You’ll get to discover the city from a local’s perspective, learn about Brisbane’s history, and discover some of its cultural attractions. For a truly memorable experience, book the Twilight Tour. 

You’ll get to see the city come to life as the sun sets over the Brisbane River and watch as the city’s skyline starts to take shape. 

After being shut to international arrivals since March 2020, Australias Prime Minister has announced the country will reopen to select visa holders from 1st December 2021!

So what are the key things you need to know and should you start booking your flights?!

Australia Reopens 1st Dec 2021!

In a press conference on 21st Nov 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison outlined the next steps on Australia border policy as the country hit a 85% vaccination rate – which included the news travellers all over the world had been waiting for – Australia will be reopening for tourism!

Amongst the visas no longer need a travel exemption, 3 key visas were included, covering tourism in Australia:

  • Working Holiday Visa (417)
  • Work and Holiday Visa (462)
  • Student Visa (500)

What Else Do You Need To Know?

As with many other parts of the world reopening for tourism, there are a few other things you’ll need to sort before travelling to Australia:

Vaccinations

You’ll need to be fully vaccinated to enter Australia, with a vaccine approved by the TGA

Visa Approval Times

Whilst you might be stoked to book your flight ASAP, you also need to keep in mind that the processing times on these visas is much longer than usual, with the 417 taking around 85 days, or the 462 around 90 days processing time.

…so don’t book your flights quite yet!

Quarantine & State Borders

Currently only New South Wales, Victoria and Australian Capital Territory are quarantine free on arrival, with other states still having mandatory quarantine for up to 2 weeks.

Also, at the moment, there are still restrictions on interstate travel as well – so make sure you keep up to date with those restrictions as you plan your trip too.

 

Pre Travel Checklist

You’ll also need to make sure you have the following documents all sorted before you board your flight:

 

Time To Start Planning!

With travel opening up, nows the perfect time to start planning your working holiday visa in Australia and our team are here to help you out.

Check out our huge range of trips, tours and packages – including our ever popular Melbourne Working Holiday Package and Sydney Working Holiday Visa Package, both of which include everything you need to kickstart your time down under!

We look forward to welcoming to Australia soon!

On the hunt for the best things to do in NSW and make the most of what New South Wales has to offer?

With so many awesome places to explore and heaps of activities to choose from, narrowing it down to our favourite 15 was a tough call – but here are our highlight for any NSW travel plans…

 

The Best Things to Do in NSW, Australia | Top 15 Activities & Attractions

1. Visit the Sydney Opera House 

Location: Sydney

The Sydney Opera House is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world. When planning your Sydney Itinerary, be sure not to miss out on the opportunity to visit this iconic performance theatre. 

You could stand outside and take pictures by the Opera House’s steps. But, if you really want to experience the magic of this building, then taking a tour of it is the best option. The Sydney Opera House offers several daily tours that allow visitors to explore the impressive interior and exterior of the building. 

Price: Tours for adults range between $43 AUD and $295 AUD per person. On the other hand, tours for children start at $21 AUD per person. 

 

2. Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb

Location: Sydney

Seeking an adrenaline rush?  Well, then climbing up the 134 meters (440ft) Sydney Harbour Bridge might just be the thing for you. 

Since 1998, Bridge Climb has been taking visitors on tours of this marvellous bridge and has guided over four million visitors across its arches. Some of these include big-name celebrities like Prince Harry and Oprah Winfrey.

There are various climbing tours available lasting between 2.5 to 3.5 hours and are available at various times of the day. Be prepared to experience 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney. 

Price: Tours start at $304 AUD for adults and $149 AUD for children. 

3.Go Skydiving 

Locations: Byron Bay, Hunter Valley, New Castle, Sydney, Wollongong. 

If you’ve ever wanted to conquer your fear of heights, then there’s no better way of doing it than by leaping out of a plane 15000ft in the air.  

Skydive Australia offers some pretty exhilarating skydiving adventures across some of the best places in Australia. These include the likes of Sydney, New Castle, Wollongong, Hunter Valley, and Byron Bay. 

From the lush vineyards of Hunter Valley to the incredible coastline of Byron Bay, the landscapes of NSW do not disappoint. So, gear up, take a deep breath and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. 

Price: Trips start at $269 AUD per person. 

4.Blue Mountains Trip

Location: From Sydney

The Blue Mountains are a rugged region located 50km (31 miles) west of Sydney. This area is known for its dramatic scenery made up of canyons, waterfalls, rainforests, and valleys. 

The region is home to the Blue Mountains National Park, near the town of Katoomba. The park has amazing panoramic views of Jamison Valley, an abundance of hiking trails, and the Three Sisters (a sacred Aboriginal site). 

You can explore this area on your own with a self-drive tour and stop at the many lookout points and small towns to take in the breathtaking sceneries. 

If you’re looking for a guided tour of the Blue Mountains, you can check out The Coast Warriors Tour. This tour visits some of the area’s top sites like Echo Point and Wentworth Falls.  

Price: The Coast Warriors tour is $99 AUD per person.

5. Learn to Surf 

Location: Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Crescent Head, Seven Mile Beach, Yamba.

If you’ve ever dreamt of learning how to surf, then NSW is one of the most exciting places to learn. Some of the world’s best surfing spots can be found here, including the world-famous Bondi Beach.

Just one day is sufficient for you to learn the basics of surfing. But if you’re looking to perfect your wave riding skills, you can choose a multiday experience with Spot X Surf Camp that will take you from Sydney to Byron Bay. 

Price: One Day surfing lessons start at $69 AUD, and longer surf camps start at $815 AUD.

6.Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk 

Location: Byron Bay

On Australia’s most easterly point sits the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse, offering extensive views across the Pacific Ocean. While there are many activities that you can enjoy at the lighthouse, nothing beats the Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk. 

This 3.7km hike leads you through the lush rainforest and across clifftops and a pristine beach to reach the lighthouse. If you prefer a more leisurely walk, the hiking trail can be accessed at various points and walked in shorter sections. 

Price: Free. However, an $8 AUD per hour parking fee has to be paid at the Cape Byron Conservation Area or Palm Valley car park. 

 

7.Visit Nimbin

Location: Nimbin, day trip from Byron Bay

Nimbin is a colourful village located in the northern areas of NSW, 70km (43 miles) west of Byron Bay. It is known around the world as Australia’s hippie and alternative lifestyle capital and has also been recognised for its environmental initiatives. 

If you’re looking for a place to relax, then Nimbin is the perfect place to rejuvenate and become one with nature as it’s located near five national parks.  

8. Visit a Koala Sanctuary 

Location: One Mile, West Pennant Hills, Port Macquire, and more.

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with one of the cutest animals in the world, then be sure to head over to a koala sanctuary. There are several sanctuaries in NSW that provide a unique opportunity to see these indigenous Australian animals in their natural habitat. 

One sanctuary you can visit is the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, which takes care of sick, injured, and orphaned koalas and supports their rehabilitation and conservation in the wild. 

Price: $25 AUD for adults, $14 AUD for children (children under three enter for free), and $82 AUD for a family pass (two adults and two children). 

9. Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk

Location: Sydney

One of the best things to do in Sydney is the Bondi to Coogee Beach Walk, a 6km walk along the city’s eastern suburbs. 

The walk features stunning views, beaches, parks, cliffs, rock pools, and much more. In total, there are 15 places of interest where you can stop to admire your surroundings or learn about Sydney’s history. 

You can also stop for a swim at one of the beaches or grab a bite at one of the nearby cafes or restaurants. 

Price: Free, but it will cost you $2.49 AUD to purchase the Bondi to Coogee Map and about $8 AUD per hour for parking. 

10. Explore Lord Howe Island

Location: 700km northeast of Sydney

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a beautiful private island, then consider taking a trip to Lord Howe Island, which sits just off the coast of NSW in the Tasman Sea. 

The Island is every nature lover’s dream with an abundance of colourful marine life, lush rainforests, and tropical birds. 

There’s plenty to do on the Island too, including snorkelling in the pristine waters of the Lord Howe Island Marine Park, kayaking, and hiking.

Price: The only way to reach Lord Howe is by a two-hour flight from Sydney, which will cost you about $481 AUD for a one-way ticket with QantasLink. 

11. Relax in Yamba

Location: Yamba, NSW

Yamba is a coastal town located at the mouth of the Clarence River on the north coast of NSW. It’s the ideal place for a family holiday at any time of the year, and there’s something to do for everyone. 

From shopping at the farmer’s market to tanning on the beach shores and indulging in fresh seafood, there’s plenty of activities to do in Yamba. 

Price: This Stay and Play in Yamba holiday package starts at $150 AUD.

12.Road Trip up the East Coast

A road trip up the east coast of NSW is always a firm favourite. With over 2000km of coastline, an abundance of national parks, and the coolest cities and towns, you’ll never be bored. Spend your days experiencing thrilling and adventurous activities like surfing, hiking, wine tasting, and even skydiving.

No matter what you’re into, you’ll most certainly find something to do in this friendly state. 

Price: Check out this guide on how much to budget for Australia to get a good idea of how much you can expect to spend. 

 

13. Scuba Diving 

Location: Julian Rocks, Seal Rocks, Jervis Bay, and more. 

NSW has several great diving locations such as the Solitary Islands Marine Park, where you can jump in and discover the area’s marine life. Be sure to keep an eye out for turtles, rays, leopard sharks, and Wobbegongs. 

Price: Scuba diving tours usually start at around $215 AUD. 

14.Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley

Location: 120km (75 miles) north of Sydney

If you’re looking to get a taste of some of the best Australian wine, then look no further than Hunter Valley. The valley is Australia’s oldest wine-growing region dating back to the early 1800s. 

Hunter Valley is known for producing Semillon and Shiraz and boasts more than 150 cellars. Most of them have restaurants where you can enjoy exquisite cuisine expertly paired with local wines. 

Price: This Hunter Valley wine tasting tour starts at $85 AUD per person. 

 

15. Whale Watching

Location: Sydney and Byron Bay

Whale watching season in Australia lasts from June to November with tours running daily. 

Along with spotting whales, you’ll also get to see dolphins and other marine life. On some tours, you’ll also get a hydrophone to listen to the whales. If you’re lucking enough, you might even catch a Humpback whale breaching.

There are 38 vantage points around Sydney where you can spot these majestic animals. The Cape Byron Lighthouse in Byron Bay is a popular spot to catch a glimpse of them. 

Price: Whale-watching tours start at $69 AUD. 

 

 

What’s top of your best things to do in NSW?

What are you most looking forward to?

 

Byron Bay is one of those spots in Australia that you have to hit up and for those road tripping along the coast there are plenty of Byron Bay campsites to choose from.

So if you’re travelling around Australia in a campervan or car here’s your guide to the best Byron Bay campsites for all styles and budgets…

The Best Byron Bay Campsites

Quick overview

Our top pick = Glen Villa Resort

Cheapest option = Arts Factory Lodge and Belongil Fields

Closest to the beach = Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park or Reflections Holiday Park

Best Location = First Sun Holiday Park

Best for backpackers = Arts Factory Lodge

Biggest range of facilities = Discovery Parks Byron Bay

 

Broken Head Campsite

Distance from Byron town centre = 8.6km

Camping Pitches from: $34

Powered Campervan pitches from: $39

The furthest campsite from Byron Bay town itself, Broken Head is about a 15 minute drive out of town, but I’ve included it on the list as it’s an awesome option for those who dont want to be based in the Bay, or another great stop just before you hit Byron Bay

Situated on the stunning beach of Broken Head you’ll be a short stroll from the sand and waves here – which include both a beach break and point break.

It’s a beautiful place to chill out for a few nights, soak up the nature of Broken Head Nature Reserve as well as enjoying some scenic coastal walks and beach time!

Facilities Include; 

  • Undercover BBQ areas
  • Laundry
  • Small on site shop
  • Amenities block

 

Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park

Distance from Byron town centre = 6.1km

Camping Pitches from: $40

Powered Campervan pitches from: $40

Situated in the suburb of Suffolk Park, this Byron Bay campsite puts you about a 10 min drive from the centre of town. However Suffolk Park itself has all the facilities you’ll need – including bars, shops and a few restaurants.

Suffolk Beachfront Holiday Park is exactly that – beachfront! With it’s own private access to the beach you can enjoy some epic time on the sand and for surfers there are plenty of fun peaks to enjoy across this long stretch of coast.

In fact you can head out and walk right all the way to Broken Head or left all the way up to Tallows and the Byron Lighthouse!

Another great option for those who dont want to be directly in Byron Bay but still want all the beach vibes.

Facilities include:

  • Modern camp kitchen
  • Free BBQs
  • Undercover dining area
  • Laundry
  • Free wifi
  • Snack shop
  • Bodyboard hire

 

Red Devils Camping

Distance from Byron town centre = 3.3km

Camping Pitches from: $

Powered Campervan pitches from: $

Just a 5 minute drive into the centre of town Red Devil Campground it actually part of the rugby club.

To be honest out of all the options on the list value wise this isn’t the best as facilities are limited and the setup is pretty basic.

For a few extra dollars a night you can get a much better setup at a Bryon Bay campsite in the centre of town!

Facilities include;

  • Amenities block

 

Ingenia Holiday Park

Distance from Byron town centre = 3.8km

Camping Pitches from: $30

Powered Campervan pitches from: $30

A great value option packed with facilities, Ingenia Holiday Park is just a 5 minute drive into the centre of Byron Bay and even has a public bus stop right opposite it so you can easily explore everything Byron has to offer.

The campsite itself boats everything from a large swimming pool to kids playground, wellness centre and even a skate ramp – making it ideal for everyone from families to backpackers.

A short 5 minute walk from the main campsite (which offers both powered and unpowered sites and even en suite pitches) is Tallow Beach – miles of sand to explore and as you would expect from the area heaps of fun surf spots too.

Facilities include:

  • Swimming pool
  • On site cafe/restaurant
  • Wellness centre
  • Pool table
  • Moden camp kitchens
  • Bike hire
  • Kids playground
  • Skate ramp
  • Basketball court
  • TV room
  • Free wifi

Discovery Parks Byron Bay

Distance from Byron town centre = 2.5km

Camping Pitches from: $22

Powered Campervan pitches from: $37

A favourite amongst a range of travellers – from families to backpackers – Discovery Parks Byron Bay comes with one of the biggest rage of facilities of all the Byron Bay campsites on the list.

Obviously the big draw for travellers with families is the waterpark and swimming pool facilities, and to be honest anywhere with a pool t escape the Aussie heat is going to be a good option!

It’s slightly out of town (roughly the same distance as Red Devils and Ingenia is on the other side of Byron) but there’s a nice chilled cycle path and walkway, with Belongil Beach only a short walk from the campsite as well.

Facilities include:

  • BBQs
  • Kids facilities
  • Bouncing pillow
  • Swimming pool
  • Waterpark
  • Wifi
  • Camp kitchen
  • Restaurant

Glenn Villa Resort – **Our Top Pick**

Distance from Byron town centre = 350m

Camping Pitches from: $35

Powered Campervan pitches from: $45

Out of all the Byron Bay campsites this is the one we’d personally recommend.

Situated slap in the centre of town it’s about 100m from the central bus stop, restaurants, bars and shops – with the beach just a 5-10 minute walk depending on which Byron Bay beach you want to chill at.

It’s also one of the most chilled campsites we’ve stayed in Byron too and despite the central location you’ll get a solid nights sleep here.

Also make sure you ask about the weekly rates which work out great value.

Facilities include;

  • Swimming pool
  • Camp kitchen
  • BBQs
  • Free wifi
  • Laundry

 

First Sun Holiday Park

Distance from Byron town centre = 50m

Camping Pitches from: $50

Powered Campervan pitches from: $58

If you’re looking for the campsite closest to the action you then First Sun Holiday Park wins out for most central location, it back onto one of the main strips in Byron with restaurants, shops and bars, as well as just being around the corner from the Byron Beach Hotel – one of the most popular bars and music venues in town.

But as an added sweetener it also has direct access to the beach too – with The Wreck just in front.

As with most of the campsites in town you’ll be within easy reach of numerous surf spots, but the punchy lefts and rights of the Wreck (named after the iconic shipwreck which juts out of the water) is the closest.

It’s not the cheapest, but you are paying for that location.

Facilities include;

  • Free wifi
  • 2 camp kitchens
  • BBQs
  • Snack shop
  • Night security

 

Reflections Holiday Park

Distance from Byron town centre = 1km

Camping Pitches from: $60

Powered Campervan pitches from: $68

Although this is one of the most expensive options when it comes to Byron Bay campsites the location is pretty spot on – and the site runs straight onto Clarkes Beach.

Surfers will be stoked as they’re in walking distances of the Pass – a world famous right hand point break, as well as numerous beach breaks along Main Beach, The Wreck and of course out front at Clarkes too.

You’ll be an easy 5 minute walk into the main town of Byron – either via the beach or pathways – so an array of bars, restaurants and shops are easily within reach.

Facilities include:

  • BBQs
  • Camp kitchen
  • Kids facilities
  • Laundry
  • Wifi

 

Belongil Fields

Distance from Byron town centre = 2.7km

Camping Pitches from: $30

Powered Campervan pitches from: $35

The original festival site of Bluesfest and Splendour in the Grass, Belongil Fields is just opposite Discovery Parks and is one of the most budget friendly options, especially for those travelling solo as there are discounts for single pitch occupancy.

To be honest the price reflect the facilities and it’s pretty basic overall, so you get what you pay for, but worth mentioning for those who are looking to base themselves in Byron but want to keep accommodation costs down.

Facilities include;

  • Camp kitchen
  • BBQs (paid)
  • Laundry

 

Arts Factory Lodge

Distance from Byron town centre = 1km

Camping Pitches from: $18

Campervan pitches from: $18

Ok so this is a slight curveball in the Byron Bay campsites list as the Arts Factory is actually a hostel not a campsite!

That being said though they do have a campground within the hostel grounds and those with camper vans can rent a parking space to stay the night – which also gives you access to all the hostel facilities too.

Nicknamed “The Jungle” the in-house campground is definitely a bit rough around the edges with some long term residents pimping out their setup with full double beds, gazebos and more!

A great option for backpackers wanting to be social but also on a bit of a budget – spaces are limited (max 40) so it’s best to call and book in advance – also they do cap the length of stay during peak periods so keep that in mind too.

Facilities include;

  • Swimming pool
  • Tour desk
  • Bike hire
  • Surfboard hire
  • Kitchen
  • Fire pit
  • Brewery and bar
  • Cinema

Have you stayed at any Byron Bay campsites?

Which would you recommend?

Figuring out the best places to visit in New Zealand can be a tough decision – the land of the long white cloud is packed full of incredible destinations, so fitting them all into your itinerary can be a squeeze!

But these 10 stops should definitely feature in your Kiwi adventure – from epic beach spots to adrenaline filled towns…

10 Of The Best Places To Visit In New Zealand

North Island

Cape Reinga

Lets kick things off with a trip to the most Northern part of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. Not only is the trip up a beautiful drive, with lots of awesome pit stops en-route, but Cape Reinga itself is filled with stunning natural beauty.

And of course you’ll need to get that perfect selfie in front of the lighthouse overlooking the Cape before driving down the beach highway!

Raglan

If you’re looking for beach vibes and more importantly surfing, then Raglan is going to be high up on your list of best places to visit in New Zealand.

About 3 hours drive South of Auckland, Raglan is a small, sleepy surfing town – but the waves here have a big reputation. Score pumping Manu Bay and it’ll be some of the best waves of your life!

Wellington

The capital of New Zealand is also known as the windy city – but there’s plenty going on in Wellington besides the gusty breezes!

Take a cable car up to the scenic view points, get involved in the bustling nightlife or visit the famous Te Papa Museum.

Tongariro National Park

New Zealand is famed for its natural beauty and Tongariro National Park is up the amongst the best places to visit in New Zealand to soak it up.

Make sure you have your hiking gear at the ready and do one of New Zealands most popular day hikes across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – which is well worth the early start.

Hahei

Get your spade at the ready for a trip to Hahei and the famous Hot Water Beach! At low tide you can head down onto the sand and dig your own natural hot tub – as the holes on the beach fill up with water heated by the arwas geo-thermal activitity.

Careful though – it can get pretty toasty, so get ready for a dip in the ocean to cool down.

A greta overnight stop, Hahei is also a great base for a Cathedral Cove kayaking tour – the perfect way to take in this epic coastline and visit one of New Zealand many famous movie locations.

 

South Island

Queenstown

Now when it comes to the title of the best places to visit in New Zealand, we’re going to say that Queenstown is one of the front runners for the title! Not only does Queenstown have some gorgeous alpine backdrops and the expansive beauty of the Queenstown Lake – but it’s also the adrenaline capital of NZ.

Bungy jumping, gorge swings, skydiving, skiing and white water rafting are all on offer in Queenstown and it’s certainly one of the stops you’ll want an extended stay in!

Kaikoura

Hands up who loves dolphins! Well if you do (and seriously who doesn’t?!) then a stop in Kaikoura is a must. This town is famous for dolphin and whale watching tours – well you can easily find yourself surrounded by a super pod of over 300 dolphins!

If you’re super lucky sperm whales and orcas also frequent the area too – so keep your eyes peeled.

For the best experience the dolphin swim tour is well worth bracing the cold waters – so have your GoPro ready to capture it all.

Milford Sound

As well as being one fo the best places to visit in New Zealand, a day trip to Milford Sound or even and overnight adventure always sits amongst the list of best tours to do in New Zealand too.

Home to cascading waterfalls, wild seals and some of the most breathtaking natural beauty has to offer – this is another stop that everyone will love.

Franz Josef

One of the best ways to appreciate the snow capped beauty of New Zealand is to get right in amongst it – and Franz Josef is the spot to head for that. The Glacier Hiking tours here are one of the top things to do in New Zealand and combined with a helicopter flight up to the icy landscape it’s two bucket list items in one!

Squeeze through awe inspiring ice caves and tunnels before heading back down to the towns geo-thermal pools to warm up.

Wanaka

Just across the mountain range from Queenstown, Wanaka is a place to kick back and relax. The sprawling lake that forms the centre of the town has it’s own world famous Insta spot too – in the form of “that Wanaka Tree”.

But when you’re not hashtaging the towns attractions, take a relaxing hike or use it as a base for an epic ski trip during the winter season.

 

 

Which stop is top of your best places to visit in New Zealand?

Anywhere else you’d add to the list?

Heading up North and looking for the best things to do in Cairns?

Well you’re spoilt for choice!

This popular town in Northern Queensland is best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but there’s heaps of other epic things to see and do in the area too – so make sure you pencil in plenty of time to tick all of these off your bucket list…

8 Of The Best Things To Do In Cairns

1. Snorkel or Dive The Great Barrier Reef

Without a doubt, one of the best things to do in Cairns has to be spending a day on the Great Barrier Reef – it’s one of the most visited natural wonders in the world and should be high up on everyones Australia bucket list!

Cairns has the biggest choice for Barrier Reef tours too – so whether you’re looking for a relaxing family day out, a bit more fun and party with a backpacker crew or want to go all out with an overnight dive boat there’s plenty to choose from.

You’ll have an epic experience whether your snorkel or scuba dive – but if you’ve never tried diving before then it’s also a great opportunity to do an Intro dive and go find Nemo!

Check out our full range of Great Barrier Reef tours here

cairns package deal australia great barrier reef east coast backpacker

 

2. Complete your Open Water Dive Course

And with such an epic reef system right on the doorstep why not go all out and complete your dive course in Cairns?

Whether you’re just starting out with your open water dive course, want to further your dive education or go pro with your Divemaster course, Cairns is the spot to head to!

Choose from a budget option with day trips out to the reef or treat yourself to one including an overnight liveaboard on the reef for a once in a lifetime experience!

Book your open water dive course here

 

3. Scenic Flight

With the epic Atherton Tablelands behind the city and the reef in front – a scenic flight is one of the best ways to take in all the natural beauty of Cairns and beyond.

From a taster 15 minute scenic flight right through to an hour long that takes in the coastline up to Cape Tribulation and over the reef there’s an option for every budget.

You can also combine it with your day trip to the reef too – with the popular Snorkel & Helicopter package combining a helicopter flight out to the reef and day of snorkelling!

down under cruise and dive barrier reef scenic flight day trip cairns australia

 

4. Bungy Jump

Time to get your adrenaline on the go now with Australias only bungjy jump! Run by the inventors of the bungy – AJ Hackett – the Cairns bungy jump is over water, s you can choose a refreshing head dip on your way down!

If it fits into your schedule their legendary Sunday Sessions combine discounted bungy jumps with pumping tunes and happy hour drinks – an epic day out for sure!

 

5. Do The Cairns Waterfall Loop

Behind Cairns is the stunning Atherton Tablelands, which is also home to the Cairns Waterfall loop. An epic drive that packs in heaps of amazing landscapes and waterfalls too.

You’ll even get to recreate the famous Loreal hair flick advert – which is also the waterfall that Peter Andre filmed his “Mysterious Girl” music video at too!

Choose to self drive with a small group or jump on one of our Cairns Waterfall tours for heaps of fun with travellers from all over the world.

cape tribulation day tour trip uncle brians cairns australia

 

6. Relax on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

Fancy something a bit more chilled? Well the Kuranda Scenic Railway is one of the best things to do in Cairns.

You’ll wind through the valleys, deep into the rainforest, learning heaps about the history of the building of the railway, before spending a relaxing afternoon in the town of Kuranda. You can even combine it with the Skyrail too – giving you spectacular views across the rainforest canopy.

 

7. Party The Night Away!

When it comes to travelling the East Coast of Australia, Cairns is generally either the start or finish point for most peoples Australia adventures – which means the nightlife in Cairns is pumping!

Dance the night away at the famous Gilligans backpacker bar and club (which also has a hostel if you want to be in amongst it!) or get up on the tables at the equally famous Woolshed…or explore heaps of other late night spots around town!

 

8. Bounce Up To Cape Tribulation

Okay, so admittedly this isn’t in Cairn itself – but if you’re short on time a day trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation is an easy way to fit Cape Trib into your itinerary.

The only place on the planet where two world heritage sites meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – it’s one of the most stunning places in the whole of Australia.

Packed with waterfalls, wildlife and rainforest a trip up to Cape Tribulation (and quick stop en route in Port Douglas) is well worth fitting into your Cairns portion of the trip

cape tribulation day tour cairns australia queensland adventure company

 

What’s top of your best things to do in Cairns?

Check out all our Cairns tour here!

With the whole Corona Virus causing interstate borders to be shut for the last few months we’re excited to announce that Fraser Island Tours Resume 11th July!

So what are the details?

Fraser Island Tours Resume 11th July!

After months of closure and the Queensland, New South Wales border being shut for the last few months, Fraser Island tours have unfortunately been on hold.

But following the announcement of the Queensland border reopening on July 10th the first Fraser Island tours will start departing again from July 11th!

Whoop whoop!

At the moment the main options for overnight tours will be the Nomads Fraser Island 2 day, 1 night option, departing every Wednesday and Saturday with both a camping and hostel dorm option available.

Click here for more info and to book your spot!

Pippies Fraser Island Tour (our personal favourite!) is also starting up again from July 24th – departing every Friday

Click here for more info and to book your spot!

These tours will strictly adhere to all the COVID health and safety precautions and as a result numbers are strictly limited.

Fingers crossed more options open up soon – but chat to our travel experts/drop us a WhatsApp or email for all the latest availability for Fraser Island and beyond.

For now though we’re stoked to see that Australia is starting to open up again and we’re looking forward to helping you piece together your perfect Aussie adventure!

Trying to figure out the best Rainbow Beach camping options for your trip to this epic spot in Queensland?

Looking for an epic option to stay before and after your Fraser Island tour?

From free options to campgrounds with all the latest facilities – here’s everything you need to know about heading to Rainbow Beach…

 

The Rainbow Beach Camping Guide

Best time to visit Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach is located in Queensland, Australia, and you can visit any time of the year and experience decent weather all year round.

The summer months between December and February will bring you temperatures between 21C and 35C (70F-102F), and the winter months between June and August produce temperatures between 10C and 22C (50F-72F). When you visit may depend on if you enjoy cooler or warmer temperatures.

Whether you are camping, exploring, or hanging out on the beach, visiting Rainbow Beach in the summer months is an excellent choice. While the temperature is hot, the bush and coastal climate, not to mention the beautiful ocean, can provide welcome shade and areas to cool off.

 

Top things to do in Rainbow Beach

The adventures you can have in Rainbow Beach are plentiful. Whether you enjoy adventures on land or water, there are many activities to choose from.

On the water

Kayaking with dolphins: Take a kayak tour in the ocean waters that are home to hundreds of dolphins, turtles, and other sea creatures.

Surf lessons: While anyone can bring their board and ride the amazing waves of the Queensland coast, you don’t have to know how to surf to enjoy your time on the water. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to surf, this is your chance to have a wonderful experience.

Paddle boarding: If surfing and kayaking aren’t your thing, you can still enjoy some time in the water with stand up paddle boarding. Rent a paddle board for as long as you want, and enjoy the sun, water, sea life, and beautiful scenery.

 

On land

4WD tours: Off-roading can be an exciting adventure that you can do yourself or with your friends and family. There are multiple 4WD tours that take you along the beach and across the sand dunes.

Hiking and walking: The scenery in and around Rainbow Beach is phenomenal, and you can walk the beach, dunes, bush, or over hills and mountains to catch the views of the Queensland coast. If you are up early enough or take an evening stroll, you can catch the sunrise or sunset.

Skydiving: For those who love a thrill, skydiving is here to cater to your needs. For some, a walk on the beach or swim in the water just isn’t enough. Take the plunge over the coast and witness the spectacular views of the colorful sands of Rainbow Beach and its surrounding magnificence.

Horse riding: Whether you are a horse-riding pro or have yet to see a horse this close before, you can take a sunset horse-riding tour and take a calming walk along Rainbow Beach. This horse riding tour is beginner friendly, and the horses are friendly as well.

skydive whitehaven beach whitsundays airlie beach austrlaia backpacker skydive australia

 

Fraser Island From Rainbow Beach

And of course one of the main reasons people head off on a Rainbow Beach camping trip is to hit up one of the best tours on the East Coast – Fraser Island!

The worlds largest sand island is an epic place to explore and there are plenty of Fraser Island tours departing from Rainbow Beach.

Our pick though has to be the 3 day/2 night option with Pippies – which offers great value for money and some awesome camping adventure!

Click here for our full range of Fraser Island tours

 

Free camping spots in and around Rainbow Beach

If you are considering setting up a day camp or camping overnight, here are some free camping spots in and around Rainbow Beach.

Tiaro Memorial Park

Tiaro Memorial Park is a great choice for a free Rainbow Beach camping area, but make sure you get there early in the day if you are visiting during a popular time.

There are about 20 spots on the site, and there are BBQ areas, toilets, drinking water, and convenient lighting around the campgrounds. Kids can play at the nearby park, and pets are allowed, so you can bring your furry friend with you. And if you didn’t bring enough food with you or want to get away from camp for a while, there is a café and other shops nearby.

Petrie Park

Petrie Park is another free Rainbow Beach camping choice that offers campsites near the water and other convenient amenities.

There are a limited number of spots on the site, so like other free campgrounds, you should arrive early enough to claim your spot for the day or overnight. The grounds include toilets, BBQ areas, and are child and pet friendly.

A nice amenity to this campground is being near the water. You can fish from the shore, or you can use the supplied boat ramp to take out your small boat or kayak to enjoy the water or fish with family and friends.

 

Best Rainbow Beach camp sites

Inskip Peninsula Rainbow Beach Camping

The Inskip Peninsula is a great stretch of land that provides four campgrounds to choose from. Each campground offers a variety of amenities and facilities that are tailored to different types of campers.

MV Beagle Camping Area

Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)

Top facilities: Sheltered camping area near the beach, marine park, recreation area, fishing, campfires. Sandy surfaces, tent camping only, generators allowed, non-flush toilets, bins, open area without defined sites.

MV Natone Camping Area

Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)

Top facilities: Secluded camping with shady sheltered areas, non-flush toilets on site, tent camping only, campfires allowed, generators allowed, pets allowed on leash. Fish from the beaches or bring a kayak and explore the area by foot or 4WD vehicle.

MV Sarawak Camping Area

Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)

Top facilities: Largest Inskip camping area with tents, caravans, campervans, and camper trailer camping allowed. Non-flush toilets on site, campfires allowed, generators allowed, and pets allowed on leash. Fish from the beach or relax in the shaded areas of Moreton Bay ash.

SS Dorrigo Camping Area

Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)

Top facilities: Many amenities at this location, with all kinds of camping allowed, including tents, caravans, campervans, camper trailers, and motorhomes. Non-flush toilets on site, campfires allowed, generators allowed, and pets allowed on leash. Choose a camp site with an ocean view or a sheltered area more inland. Fish, walk, and drive to the recreation area and marine park.

Freshwater Camping

Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)

Top facilities: There are 60 sites to choose from at this campground, but you cannot book a specific site – first come, first served. Lots of shade, toilets and hot showers, far enough away from the beach to avoid strong winds, shaded and secluded campsites. Use the recreational day-use area and be one with nature in this popular bush camping area. Tens and camper trailers allowed.

Teewah Beach

Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children) as well as a vehicle access permit (about $30-$35 per week)

Top facilities: You can camp on the beach at this popular campground, and you can enjoy an open area without separately defined sites. Camp in a tent next to your vehicle or in the open, or bring your off-road caravan or camper trailer. Camp on sand or grass. No nearby toilets (bring your own), open fires permitted, low-decibel generators allowed, beach access by 4WD vehicles only.

Harry’s Hut Camping

Price per night: Camping permit ($6.65 per person per night or $26.60 per family per night – two adults and up to six children)

Top facilities: This campground is located in the bush and gives you a woodsy feel. You can reach the camping area by walking, 4WD vehicle, or canoe/kayak/small boat. You can camp in a tent or a camper trailer and camp on sand or grass. There is untreated water, toilets, picnic shelter with tables, day-use area, and canoe landing access points. No open fires or generators allowed, and advance books are required, especially for holiday periods.

 

Where to eat in Rainbow Beach

There are plenty of choices of restaurants and other food places in Rainbow Beach. Here are some favorites among locals and visitors.

Arcobaleno on the Beach: Classic Italian food restaurant with a cozy and casual atmosphere and many choices of pizza and pasta.

Rainbow Beach Pizza: Casual pizzeria with other top-quality Italian favorites, with outdoor seating and a casual dining style with great service.

Brent’s Burgers: Casual burger joint that is very child-friendly and great for larger groups of people. Lots of choices on the menu besides burgers, and some terrific sweet potato chips, onion rings, and other fried goodies.

Café Jilarty at Rainbow: Many styles of food at this café and fancier dishes without a higher price. You can find Greek food, Italian food, breakfast lunch and dinner, coffee, smoothies, chips and salad, and at times you can enjoy free live music.

The Deck: Tapas bar and grill with burgers and fries, and other cooked meals. Very casual and friendly place to eat. Catch a football game on the big screen television and enjoy the beer garden with a view.

 

Heading out on a Rainbow Beach camping trip?

What are you most looking forward to?

If you haven’t travelled long term before, packing can be a bit of a nightmare, especially if you’re heading down under for a whole year to work and travel and putting together your Australia packing list.

What do I take?

What do I leave behind?

I don’t have enough space for this!

will I need that!

I have no doubt all of these thoughts will be running through your head at one point or another during the packing process!

So to help you nail your Australia packing list here are the things I recommend you take to the land down under…

Australia Packing List – What You Need & What You Don’t

What You Think You Need – Half It!

In my experience less is more when it comes to travelling.

A well-used saying about packing is to lay out all your clothes and money on the bed – then take away half the clothes and double the money!

And it’s pretty true!

When I first went to Australia I took a 60+20L rucksack.

It was totally rammed and a nightmare to repack, let alone fit new stuff into! I barely used half the stuff in it, and by the time I’d left Australia 12 months later I’d given heaps of it away or donated it to charity shops.

So here’s what I’d suggest for your Australia packing list, or for any long term travels, really.

The stuff on the list might not seem like enough, but remember: if you REALLY need those extra few t-shirts, dresses or shoes you can always pick up some new stuff in Australia, and by then you’ll be more aware of how much spare space you have in your bag!

 

Clothing

Clothing is obviously the biggest item when it comes to your Australia packing list and will be what takes up the most amount of space too.

Keep it streamline, remember you don’t need pack for every occasion and you can always pick up items along the way too – especially as the seasons change…

  • 7 x t-shirts
  • 2 x boardies
  • 2 x shorts
  • 2 x flannel shirts
  • 1 x jumper
  • 7 x underwear
  • 2 x socks
  • 1 x flipflops (aka thongs!)
  • 1 x closed shoes
  • 1 x trousers
  • Sunglasses

 

Yup, clothing wise I’ve packed pretty light, but remember it’s easier to do washing more often than it is to lug a huge backpack full of stuff around! From a guy’s — and many girls’ — perspective, this should be enough to tick over.

If you do want to pack extras, keep them aside and figure out if you have enough space after your preliminary pack.

 

Electronics

Like it or not technology is now part of the travelling adventure and I’ve no doubt you’ll all be taking some gadgets along for the ride. Again streamline it and if you’re buying new travel gear investing in tech that’s lightweight and compact is the way forward…

  • Phone + charger
  • Laptop + charger
  • Camera + charger
  • Memory card
  • External hard drive
  • Travel plug adaptor

 

Not everyone is going to have a laptop in tow, but I’d suggest taking a hard drive anyway so you can backup your photos along the way and also copy some movies and photos from your travel buddies!

Toiletries

These should be pretty simple…

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Nail clippers
  • Paracetamol/ibuprofen/your painkiller of choice
  • Bodywash (travel size)
  • Towel (travel towels are a good start but you’ll probably buy a proper one

out there!)

 

…things like shampoo, conditioner and suncream can be bought easily at any supermarket in Australia, so there’s no point dragging it halfway across the world.

Of course, girls, you might have some extras in your makeup bag and what not, but these are the bare minimum essentials I’d recommend everyone pack.

 

Extras

If you find you have some spare space these are some other useful items I’d suggest packing. You could also buy them once you’re out in Oz.

  • Snorkel and mask
  • Multi-plug socket (so you only need one travel plug for multiple devices!)
  • Basic first aid kit

 

What Backpack?

I’ve tested out a heap of backpacks over the last few years and there are a lot of great brands to choose from.

Currently though I’m using the Osprey Farpoint 40+10L and it’s the perfect balance of size, comfort and build.

Admittedly it’s not the cheapest option on the market, but if you’re looking to travel light and with a solid bag it’s a great investment for your travels.

Again the key point with your Australia packing list here is not to fill all the space simply because you have it!

Give yourself some extra empty space for picking things up along the way too – there’s nothing worse than realising you can’t buy that awesome keepsake because you simply dont have enough room!

 

 

Are you heading to Oz soon?

What’s on your Australia packing list?

One of our favourite, off the beaten track spots along the East Coast of Australia has to be Yamba – and there are plenty of things to see and do in Yamba to convince you it’s worth adding into your trip!

From world class waves to dolphins and coastal walks, it’s time to wind down with some chilled out Yamba vibes…

 

Awesome Things To Do In Yamba

Learn To Surf

With Yamba life revolving around the beach one of the most popular things to do in Yamba is to learn to surf! The rolling, sandy bottom beach breaks are one some of the best spots to learn to surf in Australia.

Turners Beach is a favourite, with its sheltered conditions and is the favourite spot of Surf Camp Down Under – who we highly recommend!

Check out our Yamba Surf Packages here

 

Or Push Your Surf Skills

alongside learning to surf, Yamba is a hot spot for experienced surfers too. So if you’re looking for some of the best and most uncrowded spots in Australia you’re in luck!

The breakwater at Turners, open A frames at Pippies or of course the famed point break at Angourie are just 3 of the many spots around town.

All the surf spots in Yamba can handle a solid swell, so be prepared for some pumping surf if the conditions allow!

 

Enjoy A Sunset Sailing Trip

With incredible sunsets, what better spot to enjoy them from than on the water? There are plenty of options for hiring boats in Yamba (the marina is a popular leisure sailing spot) and also a whole array of local, organised tours you can jump on too.

Kick back with a cold beer and keep and eye out for the local dolphins too!

 

Hit The Coastal Walks

If you fancy a stroll then Yamba has some incredible coastal walks you can take advantage of. Whether you want a quick loop from town up to the lighthouse or a full blown day trip out to the point at Angourie, make sure you pack plenty of water, sunscreen and of course you camera too!

 

Go Fishing

With so much epic coastline there’s plenty of scope for an epic day of fishing in Yamba too. Again hire a boat and head out on the open water or enjoy some beach or cliff fishing all around town.

There are a few bait shops and fishing shops as you come into Yamba so stock up for the day and cast out.

 

 

Relax On Some Empty Beaches

Australia is famous for its beaches, but you might find many of them (such as Bondi or Byron Bay) are actually pretty busy. Yamba on the other hadn’t serves up plenty of slices of sand you can enjoy with hardly a sole in sight – especially if you have a car or campervan to explore the local area.

 

Watch The Dolphins

Yamba has a pretty big local dolphin population so make sure you keep an eye out for them whenever you’re near the ocean – especially in the surf! On elf the best places to spot them is around sunset on the breakwater by Turners Beach as they follow the fishing boats!

 

The Best Pub Balcony In Australia?!

If you fancy a cold beer, wine or even a cheeky pub meal then make sure you head up to the Pacific Hotel – which has probably the best pub balcony we’ve ever chilled out on!

With epic views cliff views across Main Beach and the surrounding coastline you’ll be hard pushed for a better afternoon drinking spot!

 

Tackle Shanes Legendary Tour

For backpackers heading to Yamba we’d highly recommend a stay with Shane and Justin at Yamba YHA – who will instantly make you feel like family! And as part of your stay make sure you sign up to Shanes Legendary Tour, we wont divulge much more than that…just trust us!

 

Take A Dip In The Blue and Green Pools

Fancy cooling off? Well the Blue Pools are an awesome spot to head for some freshwater swimming. Both also offer some cliff jumping – but we’d recommend sticking to the small ones at the Green Pools as they’re much safer!

 

Get Some Pics Of The Lighthouse

Although not as impressive as spots like Cape Byron Lighthouse or some on the Great Ocean Road, Yamba Lighthouse is still worth a visit and a good spot to stop when you’re heading along the coast trails too!

 

Got any other things to do in Yamba you’d recommend?

Looking for our current terms & conditions including updated cancellation policies, date changes and travel credit? Find our full terms and conditions here. The Covid-19 updates are at the bottom!

 

UPDATE 1st June 2020:

Internal travel restrictions within Australia (especially within the state you’re currently located) are now relaxing, and many of our suppliers are starting to reopen slowly from 1st June – contact us if you’d like to book any trips or chat about what’s on offer!

 

The Corona Virus pandemic is sweeping across the world at a rapid pace and all over the world peoples travel plans are being affected. So if you’re currently on the road or have an upcoming trip with us we wanted to give you a little bit of advice and assure that our team is on hand to help you out!

 

Can You Still Travel To Australia?

At the moment, in theory yes – Australia is still open for business, however there is now a mandatory isolation period for all arrivals (including Australians) of 14 days. So if you do decide to travel to Australia, you’ll need to be prepared for that.

UPDATE 19TH MARCH 2020:

Australia has now stopped entry for all international travellers (Australian and New Zealand residents not included) from 9pm on 20th March.

 

What About Elsewhere?

At the moment, there are travel restrictions in place for pretty much all destinations, with New Zealand having a mandatory 14 day self-isolation period, Sri Lanka suspending all incoming flights, and Indonesia no longer issuing visas on arrival without health certificates.

The situation is changing daily and even hourly, so always check before you travel and stay up to date with the situation

UPDATE: Many countries are no longer accepting international arrivals (including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and beyond)

 

What if you’re already in Australia?

If you’re already in Australia, pretty much all our suppliers are operating as usual, however they’re taking extra measures to help with safety and many are now running smaller groups as part of this.

As always please call 24 hours before your tours to reconfirm them as things are changing on a daily basis.

UPDATE 1: At the moment all trips and tours are on hold, please contact us to change your dates FOC or to arrange a refund. Hopefully things will clear up soon!

UPDATE 2: Internal travel restrictions within Australia (especially within the state you’re currently located) are now relaxing, and many of our suppliers are starting to reopen slowly from 1st June – contact us if you’d like to book any trips or chat about what’s on offer!

 

What If You Need To Cancel?

We understand that many of our customers who are planning on travelling or who are already travelling (both in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond) are affected by travel restrictions or may want to return home due to the COVID-19/Corona Virus pandemic.

Our team are working hard to make sure that we help you out as much as possible – so if you need to cancel or have any questions, you can email us on hello@rtwbackpackers.com or WhatsApp on +44 740 182 7447 and we’ll be happy to help.

As you can imagine though, we’re getting quite a few requests at the moment so please be patient and we’ll be there for you ASAP!

In the mean time guys, please be safe, look after each other, and take precautions to keep yourselves healthy.

 

From Chris and the RTW Backpackers team

 

 

Last updated: 19th March 2020

Please note things are changing on an hourly basis so check with your government for the latest travel restrictions before/if you decide to travel

On the hunt for the best Great Barrier Reef Tours and not sure what options are out there or how to pick?

We’re not surprised – the Barrier Reef is one of the top bucket list ticks for any Australia trip and there are heaps of options to choose from. Day trips, dive boats, dive courses, scenic flights…a combination of them…it’s all on offer!

So to help you decide which Great Barrier Reef tour is best for you here’s a run down of the options and our personal favourites…

 

The Best Great Barrier Reef Tours – Which Should You Pick?

Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling

From $140

Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tours are by far the most popular ways to see the Barrier Reef – which run out of Cairns daily (weather permitting!) and these are the best choice for those on a limited time frame but also those looking for a budget friendly way to check out the barrier reef too.

Our personal favourite for is a Great Barrier Reef day trip with the Deep Sea Divers Den – with their snorkel package coming in at $140AUD, which is great value for money.

You’ll kick back on their beautiful and spacious boat, enjoy unlimited snorkelling at a variety of dive sites and feast on their lunchtime buffet.

If you’re looking for something even more memorable and have a bit of extra budget to play with then the “Get High & Dive Package” is the way to go.

This epic day trip includes unlimited snorkelling, an introductory scuba dive and even a scenic helicopter flight back to Cairns – it doesn’t get much more action packed than that!

down under cruise and dive barrier reef scenic flight day trip cairns australia

 

Diving The Great Barrier Reef – Day Trips

From $210

For anyone interested in scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef holds heaps of appeal. For experienced divers it’s a huge bucket list tick and it’s also the ideal place to try scuba diving for the first time with an introductory scuba dive.

Again our pick of the bunch is with Deep Sea Divers Den who have a great range of dive moorings to choose from, a friendly crew and even an underwater photographer who’ll help snap your next Facebook profile picture next to Nemo!

Their dive trips include all gear, however we strongly recommend paying the extra for a dive guide – you’ll get even more out of your time underwater.

For those looking for an introductory scuba dive their crew of experienced and certified instructors will teach you all the basics needed to be safe under the ocean and guide you around. With a max depth of 12m it’s the perfect way to test out if scuba diving is for you and discover some of the amazing marine life that calls this part of Australia home.

cairns package deal australia great barrier reef east coast backpacker

 

Learn To Scuba Dive On The Great Barrier Reef & Cairns

From $599

And of course if scuba diving is something you’re really keen on why not learn to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef and do your open water dive course in Cairns, as well as ticking off a Great Barrier Reef tour?

For those on a tighter budget you can complete your course based out of Cairns which takes 4 days and includes 2 Great Barrier Reef tours, complete with diving.

But if you want to go all out why not combine it with a 1 or 2 night Barrier Reef live aboard and spend a couple of nights on the reef?

Either way you’ll work your way through the theory lessons, written exam and pool skills before putting your knowledge into practice with the open water modules.

On successful completion you’ll be a fully certified open water scuba diver with a world recognised certification!

Yewwwwww!

great barrier reef open water advanced dive course live aboard australia cairns

 

Diving The Great Barrier Reef – Liveaboards

From $560

For those already certified scuba divers and wanting to make the most of their time in Cairns a Great Barrier Reef Dive Liveaboard is the ultimate option – allowing you to squeeze in even more dives and even some night diving too.

Trust us, jumping into the water with a torch and surrounded by reef sharks is something you’ll never forget for all the right reasons!

Sure it’s not the most budget friendly of all the Great Barrier Reef tours on offer, but it’s certainly the way to go if you want to pack in heaps of diving!

If you’re really serious about diving and have the budget then a longer trip out to the Cod Hole and Ribbon Reefs is well worth the splash (pun intended!) where you’ll discover pristine dive sites, less crowds and a whole array of incredible marine life – including the famous Giant Potato Cod.

open water dive course live aboard great barrier reef cairns australia

 

Scenic Flight Over The Great Barrier Reef

From $249

Don’t fancy getting wet or looking for some alternative Great Barrier Reef tours that check out this natural wonder from a different perspective? Well a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef will pack your camera full of incredible photos and give you a whole new appreciation of the vast size of this natural wonder.

From a quick scenic helicopter flight to a a longer scenic aeroplane flight there are a number of options for all time frames and budgets.

Keep your eyes peeled for manta rays cruising along the currents, turtles chilling on the reefs and of course the annual whale migration too.

 

Skydive Over The Great Barrier Reef

From $275

If you like your day trips with a bit more adrenaline then why not take in views across the reef from a skydive at Mission Beach?

Available as a day trip from Cairns or of course from Mission Beach itself, it’s the most popular jump zone in Australia for a reason!

With a guaranteed beach landing and stunning views across the coastline, ocean and reef this is certainly one of our favourite bucket list items that the East Coast has to offer!

tandem skydive mission beach australia cairns

 

Which Great Barrier Reef Tours will you be doing?

So you’ve booked your flights, you’ve got your visa all sorted and you’re super stoked to be visiting Australia for the first time!

You could just land and wing it from there, but trust me when I say that after a long haul flight covering more than a handful of time zones you’ll be in no mood to lug your backpack around whatever city you land in trying to find a place to stay.

So take my advice and prepare a little!

There are a few things that you can sort before you land that will make your arrival heaps smoother and stress free. You want to start your Australian adventure on the right foot and enjoy the first days of your trip.

 

Visiting Australia For The First Time? 5 Helpful Things You’ll Need To Know!

Airport Pickup

The first thing you’re going to need to deal with when you arrive in Oz is the airport, or more specifically how the hell you’re going to leave it!
Some destinations, such as Cairns and Melbourne, have great shuttle bus options that are the cheapest and easiest way to get into the city. Many can drop you at some central accommodation.

Check out the following sites for some more info:

Cairns – Cairns Airport Shuttle Brisbane – Con-X-ion

Byron Bay – Byron Easy Bus Sydney – Airport Connect Melbourne – Sky Bus

Sydney, on the other hand, has a great train service that runs direct from the airport into the centre of the city and it’s super easy and convenient, especially if you’re staying at Wakeup or Sydney Central YHA, which are right opposite!

There’s no need to book in advance and it’ll set you back around $17AUD one way.

RTW travel airport tips

 

Accommodation

Let’s face it: you’re going to be pretty overwhelmed, tired and not functioning at top speed when you land, so you’ll be wanting have a bed lined up pretty fast!

With that in mind it pays to pre-book your accommodation before you land. You’ll get the best rates and hopefully it’ll mean getting your hostel of choice.

But don’t just book one night (unless you have solid plans to bounce the next day).

Book two or more.

There’s no worse feeling than getting woken up on your first full day in Australia at 10am by hostel staff telling your sad jet lagged self it’s time to check out!

We can book a huge range of hostels all across Australia so chat to our travel experts to find the right fit for you – whether that’s partying at Nomads or enjoying a more chilled vibe at YHA.

backpacker hostel accomodaiton australia east coast

 

Travel Passes

If you’re landing in Australia I’m going to assume that you already kind of know where you want to head, or you’re reading this blog to help you figure that out. In which case, good times!

If you figure out your plan of attack before landing you can also get your travel options sorted before you land too, which knocks one thing to worry about off the list and gives you more time to enjoy the Aussie sunshine!

Those opting for the likes of Greyhound Australia, Oz Experience or Stray Australia can book your pass open-dated way before arriving.

If you’re hiring a car or campervan via the likes of Jucy, Travellers Autobarn or Britz, securing your dates before you arrive will mean you get your car/van of choice.

Pre-booking usually saves you a heap of dollar too!

Check out our range of Australia travel passes here

greyhound whimit bus pass australia backpacker east coast travel

 

Phone Networks

If you’re going to be in Australia for a while it can be well worth grabbing a local SIM card if your phone is unlocked. The main phone networks in Australia are Optus, Vodafone, Virgin and Telstra.

I went with Optus, as they gave the best plan on mobile data for my iPhone. I went for the $2 daily bundle, which offered unlimited calls and text within Oz and 500MB of data per day, with the option of an auto bump to 1GB of data for an extra $2.

There are heaps of different pay as you go plans with all the networks, so shop around a bit and find the one that works best for you.

 

If You’re On A Working Holiday Visa

If you’re visiting Australia on a working holiday visa there are a few essentials that you’ll need to sort to kickstart your year working in Oz – some of which can be done before you even touch down, or simply sort them once you’re in Australia.

These include

  • Bank Account (personally I’d recommend Commonwealth for this)
  • Superfund
  • Tax file number
  • SIM Card (see above for my advice on using Optus)
  • A polished CV

 

Arrival Packages

Of course if you don’t fancy booking all this stuff individually, there are a number of companies that offer Australia Arrival Packages, which bundle together everything you’ll need to get started.

Boom, easy as!

Check out the Sydney Arrival Package here

Or the Melbourne Arrival Package here

working holiday visa melbourne package intro welcome to travel backpackert australia work visa

 

Are you visiting Australia soon?

Anything else you’d like to know about?

 

Heading to Australia soon? Well Sydney has to be on your to do list, and our Sydney Backpacker Guide is quick and easy way to discover the best places to stay and what to do in Sydney!

Often mistaken as the capital of Australia (that’s Canberra if you didn’t already know!) Sydney is easily the most famous city in Oz and to be honest I don’t think I really need to sell you on visiting it!

Sydney is also many travellers first tastes of Australia as it’s busy international airport caters for flights worldwide and as a result it’s full of fresh travellers beginning their East Coast Adventure, so it’s the perfect place to meet heaps of new backpacker buddies to explore with.

It’s home to some of the countries most iconic sights too – with the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge topping the list, you can’t travel to Australia and not get a selfie in front of them!

But you knew that already hey?!

Sydney is much more than just those two structures though, as you’d expect from Australias biggest city there are plenty of things to keep you busy.

Whether you’re mingling with Wildlife at Toronga Zoo or Sydney Wildlife Park (the latter is my personal choice between the two) chilling over at Manly or taking a day trip to the gorgeous Blue Mountains as far as cities go Sydney isn’t half bad!

 

The Sydney Backpacker Guide – Where To Stay & What To Do

State = New South Wales

2638km from Cairns

Recommended Stay – At Least 4 nights

 

Xmas And New Year In Sydney

And of course it’s also a hugely popular destination for travellers putting together their xmas and new year plans too – with a beach BBQ on Bondi for xmas day and the world famous Sydney Harbour firework display on new years eve.

Just keep in mind if you are descending on Sydney for this period of the year it totally pays to book early, with many hostels booking out up to 6 months in advance – so don’t leave it too late!

Also if you’re heading up the coast after new year be aware that a flood of travellers will be doing the same so bus departures and the next couple of stops up the coast (most notably Byron Bay) tend to book out quickly too as a result, so plan ahead!

 

Best Things To Do In Sydney

  • Grab a photo of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge
  • New Year at the world famous Harbour firework display
  • Chill on Bondi Beach (bonus points for a xmas BBQ here!)
  • Complete the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk
  • Meet the locals at Sydney Wildlife Park
  • Or head across the water to Toronga Zoo
  • Grab a sunset and amazing views at the Sydney Sky Tower
  • Learn more about this iconic city on the Sydney Hop on, Hop Off Tour Bus
  • Enjoy a cocktail at Darling Harbour
  • Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains

Check out our epic range of Sydney tour here

 

Best Sydney Backpackers Accomodation

  • WakeUp! Sydney Central
  • Sydney Harbour YHA
  • Sydney Central YHA
  • Base Backpackers
  • WakeUp! Bondi

 

Top Bars/Clubs

  • Opera Bar (right by the Opera House, one of the best beer gardens in the world!)
  • Side Bar (underneath Wakeup Hostel)
  • World Bar (some of the cheapest drinks deals in town)
  • Beachroad Hotel (Bondi)

 

Are you heading to Sydney soon?

What’s on your list of things to do?

 

Unless you’ve been totally living under a rock for the last few months the chances are you’ve heard about the truly devastating Australia bushfires smashing the country right now.

It’s hard to comprehend the size and impact of these fires – but an area twice the size of Belgium is currently ablaze!

They’ve also created a plume of smoke wider than Europe which has even turned glaciers and mountains in neighbouring New Zealand brown with ash fallout…and they’re 2,000km away

Honestly the Australia PM Scott Morrison has been pretty slow with handling this national disaster (or even admitting there is a problem!) so Australia needs all the help it can get. Heck even Aussie celeb Celeste Barber has raised more cash than the government has pledged!

The easiest way you can help out with the Australia bushfire is to donate to some of the incredible organisations helping on the ground, including wildlife rescue services, the Red Cross and of course the true heroes of it all – the Rural Fire Service.

And if you cant afford to donate give this post a share on Facebook or your social media and help spread the word! Actually do that if you donate too!

 

Australia Bushfire – How Can You Help? Main Donation Links

Whether you want to help the people, the wildlife or both – here are some of the best official donation links for Australia bushfire appeals so you can make a difference no matter where you are in the world.

I know it’s a pain finding links on Instagram and stuff as the captions aren’t clickable but here are some of the best organisations you can donate to right now.

And of course if you know of any other awesome organisations who are on the ground helping and raising funds add them into the comments!

 

1. Bushfire Disaster Fund

https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/

2. Redcross Disaster Relief

https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-new-years-eve

3. Salvation Army Disaster Appeal:

https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal

4. CFA/VIC Rural Fire Service

https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa#donate-cash

5. Wildlife Victoria

https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/donate/donate-to-wildlife-victoria

6. NSW Rural Fire Service

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade

7. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

https://www.koalahospital.org.au/act-now/donate

8. Australia Travel Industry Redcross Fundraiser

https://fundraise.redcross.org.au/fundraisers/AustralianTravelIndustrysBushfireReliefFund/fundraise-for-disaster-relief-and-recovery?ref=ch_1FxQ4SApob8C59ODudYx51IC

 

Scary Facts About The Bushfires

  • Over 500 millions animals lost
  • Including an estimates 1 in 3 koalas
  • Over 14 million acres burned
  • Including over 3.5 millions acres in New South Wales
  • 24 confirmed deaths
  • More than 1400 homes lost
  • Thousands of people evacuated and now homeless across NSW and VIC
  • 48.9 degree – some of the record high temperatures contributed to the fires

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Guardian Australia (@guardianaustralia) on

 

Know of any other awesome organisations who need help?

Chuck the links in the comments and I’ll add them in

Australia carries a bit of a stigma as being that place where everything wants to kill you. ‘Everything’ in this case being the weather, the landscape and especially the wildlife!

On some levels it’s a justified concern, but mostly it’s something that you don’t really have to worry about — it calls for being sensible, not locking yourself indoors or avoiding the country altogether!

Is Australia Dangerous?

Wildlife

The Aussie wildlife is probably the number one thing people worry about. Admittedly, yes, Australia is populated by some pretty deadly creatures.

The good news is that your chances of finding yourself in a life-or-death situation with them are pretty slim if you’re paying attention and not doing anything stupid.

Here’s a round-up of the top creepy, crawly, furry concerns.

Sharks

This is probably the category I’m most worried about, but mainly because I spend so much time in the ocean surfing and scuba diving! They’re all over the news too, which never helps to settle people’s fears.

Have I seen a great white? I’m not going to lie, I have seen one whilst I was surfing, but it was early in the morning and it didn’t attack me or even act like it was going to.

The fact I’ve only ever seen one in all my time in Australia is a testament to how small the risk really is. I surf on a near-daily basis.

Am I worried? Yes, a little bit. But I’d be stupid not to be. Realistically, I’m entering their domain — their territory — and that comes with a small amount of risk.

Does it stop me surfing? Nope! I’m statistically more likely to be killed on the way to the beach than in the water.

The only other time I’ve seen sharks in Australia is when I actively went looking for them on a scuba dive at Julian Rocks, in search of some near- harmless grey nurse sharks, which are awesome to swim with!

Stingers

These little buggers are probably the most under rated risk in Aussie waters and species like box jellyfish and blue bottle aren’t super pleasant to encounter.

But they are pretty seasonal and even if you’re snorkelling spots like the Great Barrier Reef most tour providers provide a stinger suit so you’re safe!

…and if beaches have a blue bottle problem (usually due to storms or currents) most times they’re flagged up or have warning boards. If in doubt, ask a lifeguard!

Snakes

Australia is home to some of the most deadly snakes in the world. Luckily, run-ins with super poisonous snakes are few and far between, and any snakes you might come across are going to do their best to avoid you at all costs!

I’ve actually only seen 3 snakes in my time in Australia, none of which were being aggressive or a threat. They were simply sunbathing and minding their own business.

Of course, if you go hiking in the bush or moving things around in the garden snakes are something you should definitely be aware of, so be slightly cautious and keep an eye out.

Whether it’s scales, fangs, or fins that have you shivering, I can assure you that the risk is pretty low, and not worth putting off that bushwalk for a second! As long as you respect these creatures’ personal space, they’ll most likely respect yours!

There’s one thing you should be worried about though. Dropbears. those things are just pure evil!

Crocodiles

When you head up into places like northern Queensland and the Northern Territory, crocodiles and salt water crocodiles (aka ‘salties’) might be on your mind, and rightly so.

The key with these places is to be sensible and avoid heading into the ocean or lakes without asking locals first. Most croc hotspots have big fat warning signs, so you should be adequately warned, but if in doubt always ask!

Spiders

Yup, Oz has some pretty epic spiders crawling around, from the deadly redback to the massive hairy huntsman.

Have I been bitten? Nope.
Do I know anyone who’s been bitten? Nope.

Have I seen any? Yes. I’ve seen a total of 1 redback and 4 huntsman spiders in all the times I’ve visited Australia.

Am I worried about them? Yeah they look kinda scary but they’re easily avoided!

The Weather

The weather is also something you need to be a bit aware of in Australia. It’s not a huge issue, but there are certain places and certain times of year that are worth looking into.

Bushfires

Bushfires are probably the biggest concern — especially during the dry summer time — so keep an eye open for the signs and don’t start any campfires or anything like that. It only takes one ember to spark something incredibly destructive and out of control.

Cyclones and Thunderstorms

Cyclones and huge tropical storms are particularly prominent in northern Queensland and the Northern Territory during the wet season, and are something you should keep an eye on the news/papers about. These are probably the most likely to disrupt your travel plans too, as the resulting flooding can cut off roads and leave you stuck for a bit.

If you’re heading into cyclone season, check out what the locals have to say, and have a backup plan in place in case you need to shuffle your travel plans around to avoid them.

The Landscape

The dangers of the landscape are pretty straightforward, but that doesn’t make them less dangerous!

Here’s an obvious one: the outback is super hot. Make sure your car is well fuelled and you have plenty of water. Also, you should always let people know where you’re heading and when you expect to arrive, just in case.

The bush and the rainforest areas are home to all sorts of bitey things, so wear the appropriate clothing and keep an eye on where you’re stepping.

Reefs contain poisonous fish and urchins, so just avoid touching anything underwater…it’s good conservation in general, anyway!

Again, just be sensible!

In fact, the three things you should probably be most worried about in Australia are sunburn, sunstroke and dehydration. Make sure you slap on heaps of suncream, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day and drink lots of water!

The bottom line is: yes, Australia can be dangerous, but most of the dangers are easily managed with a bit of common sense and foresight. Just be prepared.

Don’t let it put you off exploring this beautiful country!

Heading to the Whitsundays and looking for the best Whitsunday tour party boats?!

From water slides to goon filled drinking games here are our favourite Whitsundays party boats so you can crack a cold one in paradise and enjoy the chaos!

 

The Best Whitsunday Tour Party Boats!

1.  Atlantic Clipper

The infamous Atlantic Clipper is THE whitsunday party boat and has been providing heaps of fun for backpackers for years and is one of the most popular Whitsunday tours out there.

At 34 metres long the Atlantic Clipper boats an on board spa, spacious lounge and bar area and even a water slide – it’s safe to say it has everything you need for an epic Whitsundays party boat experience!

It has a max capacity of 53 across 21 cabins and is frequently fully booked out, so if you fancy jumping on the Clipper we’d suggest getting it locked kin early to avoid missing out.

And of course if you want a break from partying you can soak up the beautiful surroundings, explore the coral reef and there’s even scuba diving available on board too.

Departs: Tues, Wed and Sat

Click here for more info and to book

 

2. Spank Me

Surely you can tell by the name that this is going to be a super fun Whitsundays tour?!

This 82 foot max yacht is certainly filled with party boat fun in full sailing style!

With a max capacity of 27 guests and strictly 18-35 you’ll deinfitely have some goon fuelled fun on Spank Me as well as enjoy everything the Whitsundays has to offer.

Slightly more mellow than the Atlantic Clipper it’s the perfect option for those who want to party but also explore the Whitsundays too

Departs: Wed, Fri, Sun

Click here for more info and to book

 

3. New Horizon

The sister ship of the Atlantic Clipper, New Horizon is another one of our most popular Whitsunday tours and is most definitely a party boat!

With up to 32 backpackers on board she’s one of the only party boats to boats A/C cabins – which on a hangover in the Aussie heat is certainly welcome!

Complete with SUPs and even. diving board (greta fun for making your friends walk the plank in true pirate style!) New Horizon packs in heaps of fun whilst still ticking off the Whitsundays must do destinations.

Departs: Mon, Thurs, Sat

Click here for more info and to book

4. Avatar

If you want a super stylish Whitsunday tour then joining the party boat Avatar is what you need to do!

The only tour offering trimaran in the Whitsundays, Avatar offer plenty of space on the netting to kick back with some cold beers with your newly found backpacker buddies.

With up to 26 guests on board you’ll sail around the Whitsundays in style as it’s also one of the fastest vessels in the Whitsundays too – allowing you to hit up spots other overnight tours can’t reach.

Departs: Tues, Thurs and Sat

Click here for more info and to book

 

Check out our full range of Whitsunday Tours here

 

When it comes to our favourite trips along the East Coast of Australia we highly recommend jumping on a Fraser Island tour as part of your time down under.

The worlds largest sand island is one of the best adventures between Sydney and Cairns – where you can visit dense rainforest, hike along sprawling sand dunes, swim in crystal clear lakes and of course drive along the beach!

So if you’re busy planning your Fraser Island tour here’s 7 handy things to know, before you go…

7 Things You Need To Know Before Your Fraser Island Tour

You Can Drive A 4×4

One of our favourite experiences about Fraser Island is the opportunity to drive a 4×4 during your Fraser Island tour!

Admittedly not every trip offer this – all our favourite like Pippies, Dingos and Nomads Fraser do -but if you’re over 21, with a valid international license you’ll get the opportunity to cruise along beach highways and through more challenging rainforest tracks during your trip which is heaps of fun.

 

But Not On The Day Trips

Unfortunately though if you only have the time or budget for a day trip you wont get this chance – as these are done with 4×4 tour buses.

 

The Local Name For The Island Is K’Gari

Fraser Island has long been home to Aboriginals who have lived off the land and natural resources for thousands of years.

And because of that there’s heaps of incredible history, culture and dreamtime stories to learn during your trip. 

If you really want to discover more about the real K’Gari we highly recommend checking out the Dropbear Adventures Tour where you’re knowledgable guides will teach you more about this side of the island.

 

Camping Is The Most Fun Option

Seriously, if you’re looking of the most fun Fraser Island tour then the camping options are our teams favourite option!

I mean how many times do you have the opportunity to camp on the worlds largest sand island and gaze at the stars from the door of your tent!

Embrace the adventure and check out Pippies, Dingos or Dropbear for some camping goodness

 

…But You Can Do A Dorm If You Prefer!

If you want a more comfortable nights sleep there are also dorm options too – with Nomads Fraser Island being the most popular as it still offers the opportunity to drive the 4×4. 

In fact Nomads offer both a dorm and camping option on the same trip so you wont miss out on any of the fun!

 

You Can Leave Your Luggage At The Start Destination

Pretty much all hostels in Rainbow Beach, Noosa or Hervey Bay offer luggage lock up facilities for those heading out to Fraser Island.

This means you can slim your stuff down to a small weekend bag and not have to lug it all around the island!

Just take the essentials (inc a jumper for the evening in the winter months) and embrace the island vibes!

 

Most Tours Are BYO

Most Fraser Island tours are BYO – which is ideal for backpackers looking to save some money on bar tabs whilst still having heaps of fun!

The overnight camping trips are great for an awesome fireside party, so bring along some cold beers or a couple of boxed of goon to get things started!

…or have a few in the back of the 4×4 if you’re not driving that day!

The main exception to this rule is the Nomads Fraser Island tour, which has a licensed bar on site.

 

Is Fraser Island on your Aussie bucket list?

What are you most stoked about?

 

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Not sure whether to travel Sydney to Cairns or Cairns to Sydney?  It can be a tough call trying to decide which way to travel East Coast Australia is best for you!

No worries though – we run through the main factors you’ll need to keep in mind to decide which Australia plan will be the best option…

 

Sydney to Cairns or Carins To Sydney? The Best Way To Travel East Coast Australia

Best Spots to Visit On The East Coast

First off lets put everything into perspective. The Sydney to Cairns route is over 2,900km so you’ve got a lot of distance to cover! If you want to tick off the main stops these are our personal favourites;

…and if you want to do the whole thing Melbourne is a great addition too!

 

The Time Of Year

The time of year you’re heading to Australia is something you should definitely something you should keep in mind when travelling to Australia – as believe it or not Australia does actually have a winter season!

And weather in Sydney and Melbourne can vary A LOT during the winter – yes, Australia can get cold and rainy! In fact winter weather in Melbourne can be as low as 6 degrees with frosty night times!

Summer = December to February

Autumn = March to May

Winter = June to August

Spring = September and November

November to April also marks the monsoon season in Queensland (with the northern part of it being the most affected) so also take this into account when planning your route too. Chances are you’re going to hit some rainy season up towards Cairns – but perhaps start there and move south towards the better weather, or spend more time between Sydney and Rainbow Beach.

 

Key Events

Another starting point for planning your trip are any key events you want to hit up on the way – such as Xmas and New Year in Sydney, Bluesfest in Byron Bay or the Australian Open in Melbourne.

As we’ve said before, Australia is HUGE place and unless you’re looking at getting internal flights these events could dictate where you’ll need to start!

For example if you land in Australia 10th December and want to do Sydney for xmas you wont want to be starting in Cairns, you simply wont have enough time to travel down the coast without rushing through it heaps!

 

Onward Travel

I know we’re trying to help you figure out Australia right now, but it’s also worth keeping in mind your onwards travel plans too!

If you’re flying internationally sometimes finishing in Sydney works out better for flight routes and prices, or for stops like New Zealand flying out of Cairns is really easy to do.

It’s not a huge deciding factor but certainly something to keep in mind.

Again – you can use internal flights to connect the dots in your travel plans, but make sure you price everything up as well so you know all your options!

 

The Best Way To Travel

Along with everything else you also need to keep in mind how you’re going to be travelling too! Greyhound Passes are the most popular, but you’ll need to know which way around you’re going for the point to point passes (so don’t change your mind!) whereas the WHIMit Passes dont have any restriction on route (only length of time) so you can mix things up with those!

Campervans are also fixed with the route once you’ve reserved one and the prices do vary on length of time but also the route as well – so you may find out it’s much cheaper to go with a different starting point – and this may well have a huge impact on your decision.

 

Which Way Does Everyone Else Travel?

So do most people travel Cairns to Sydney or Sydney to Cairns?

Yes we deal with a lot of travellers plans and yes people do both routes.

We have to say though most people do tend to opt for the Sydney to Cairns option – which is usually because there are better flights into Australia via Sydney or even Melbourne.

However, dont let this put you off doing it the other way – you’ll still meet heaps of people and it may well work out the best option for you.

Again – the internal flight option is there if you price it all up and realise you need to start in Cairns, but flights into Sydney are heaps lower.

 

So What’s Best For YOU?

So there you have it – the main things that will help you decide whether to travel Sydney to Cairns or Cairns to Sydney during your Australia trip.

Ultimately though it’s totally down to you – and if you keep the above points in mind you’re not going to go wrong with either direction!

And if you’re still super stuck just chat to our Aussie experts and we’d be happy to help you plan your perfect trip.

…you can also fill out our Custom East Coast Package Deal form and we’ll piece everything together for you with some epic deals too!

 

Want Our Experts To Help You Out? Fill Out The Form Below!

 

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What You Get

 A customised East Coast itinerary (which you can then customise even more!)

Honest, unbiased recommendations on the best trips and tours

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Save loads of stress and we’ll take care of everything for you!

Bali is one of our teams favourite places in South East Asia – the mixture of budget friendly living, variety of things to do and awesome culture makes Bali an awesome stop on any trip through Asia!

But with so much to see and do it can be tough to figure our the best places to visit in Bali – so we’ve picked the brains of our Bai experts to see which destinations in Bali make the top of their lists.

Time to start planning your perfect Bali adventure

 

5 Of Our Favourite Places To Visit In Bali, Indonesia

Canggu

If you’re planning your first trip to Bali then Canggu should be the spot you head to to kick things off and is easily one of the best places to visit in Bali.

This hipster paradise is THE place to be in Bali – with a huge range of hotels, guesthouses, hostels and there are also plenty of Canggu Surf Camps as well if you want to hit the waves.

And the beach is the focus of everything here too, with a variety of surf spots to choose from (for all levels of surfer) or simply kick back and enjoy a sunset Bintang on the beach!

For the foodies out there Canggu is the best place to visit in Bali for food too – with more cafes, restaurants and warungs (local restaurants) than you can imagine. From smoothie bowls and vegan delights to burgers and of course Nasi Goreng.

Canggu is also the start point for most of our Bali Tours too – so check those out if you want to hit up a few spots!

 

Ubud

Stray away from the beach and head inland to the popular spot of Ubud – another favourite place to visit in Bali. Discover the amazing rice terraces (get up early and head there for sunrise if you can!), brave the Monkey Forest and fill your backpack up with souvenirs from the bustling local markets.

It’s the yoga capital of Bali too, so if you’re keen to get your “om” on then there are plenty go yoga classes and studios that cater for all styles.

 

Uluwatu

If you surf this has to be top of your list of places to visit in Bali – the world class waves at Uluwatu offer up some incredible barrel rides and it’s a bucket list destination for sure.

If you don’t surf no worries – grab a cocktail and sit back and enjoy the show.

The Sunday sessions at Single Fin are legendary too and one of the bets nights out in Bali – so if you can fit that into your trip it comes highly recommended!

For those looking for a bit more culture on their Bali trip the Uluwatu Temple is a great spot to spend an hour or so wandering around, with the sunset Kecak show being a highlight.

 

Gili T

Ok ok we know that technically this isn’t part of Bali – but Gili Trawangan (aka Gili T) should certainly be somewhere you try to fit in if you find yourself exploring Bali!

A 4 hour ferry from the mainland this is the spot to head if you’re on the hunt for island vibes, beaches and clear waters.

Famous for the abundance of turtles a morning high tide is the perfect opportunity to swim alongside this chilled creatures and is something you won’t forget in a hurry.

When the sun goes down on Gili T (and this island offers up some truly epic sunsets!) the beach parties kick off and you can dance on the sand until the early hours of the morning.

 

Nusa Lembongan

Again, we know it’s not technically Bali, but Nusa Lembongan it’s another epic spot you just can’t miss out on!

Much more chilled vibes here than Gili T, this island sits a much shorter 30 minute speedboat trip off of mainland Bali so is perfect for a quick getaway or last minute place to visit in Bali.

Again there are some incredible world class waves (and it’s a favourite stop for people jumping on our Bali Island Hopper Surf Adventure) so whether you paddle out or just enjoy watching make sure you take the time to do so.

The big draw with Nusa Lembongan though is the manta rays – so if you head this way jump into the ocean scuba diving or snorkelling and meet these gentle giants face to face!

If you have a bit longer to spare combine Nusa Lembongan with Nusa Penida for some even more epic adventure and Insta worthy photo stops.

 

 

 

Are you planning a trip to Bali?

What’s top of your places to visit in Bali?

 

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Fraser Island is one of the top destinations in Australia and is bound to be one of the highlights of your East Coast Australia trip!

The largest sand island in the world, situated just off the Queensland coast it’s one of the most stunning places you’ll get to visit.

But what makes Fraser Island so special and why should you add it to your Australia itinerary?

Well here’s 8 reasons Fraser Island should be on your bucket list…

 

8 Reasons Fraser Island Should Be On Your Bucket List

1. Lake Mackenzie

This is easily our favourite reason to visit Fraser Island – this rainfall fed, freshwater lake is surrounded by lush rainforest and even the drive to get here is stunning!

It’s the perfect place to cool off in the Aussie heat and the sand here is silicon rich – making it great for exfoliating your skin or even polishing up your jewellery!

 

2. Eli Creek

Kick back, relax and enjoy a slower pace of life floating down Eli Creek. This shallow, fresh water stream winds its way through the vegetation and spills out onto the beach. Grab an inflatable, maybe a cold beer and enjoy.

 

3. Beach Driving

If there’s one stand out reason that you should visit Fraser Island it’s to cruise along the beach highways! If you’re jumping on a Fraser Island 4×4 tag along tour you’ll get the chance to drive on the beach and through the rainforest – with your guide taking care of things like tidal times so you can just enjoy the ride.

 

4. Maheno Shipwreck

The iconic Maheno Shipwreck ran aground on Fraser Island in 1935 and the remains of it are still embedded in the sand today. It’s a great spot to explore, grab some pics and learn more about the history of this famous wreck.

 

5. Dingos

Fraser Island is home to the most pure population of Dingos in the world and they can be found all over the island, so keep an eye out for them. If you’re camping make sure you keep all your food locked up and in your t4ruck to avoid unwanted attention and if you do encounter them on foot stay calm!

 

 

6. Starscapes

With little in the way of light pollution on the island make sure you head outside at night and look up – you’ll be rewarded with some of the bets stars capes you’ll see anywhere in Australia, just remember to make a wish if you see a shooting star!

 

7. Champagne Pools

Another amazing place to cool off and escape the Queensland heat the famous Champagne Pools get their name from the bubbles created as waves crash over the rocks at high tide. Great for some GoPro selfies and the perfect spot to up your tan.

 

8. Indian Head Lookout

Take in the epic views across the coast of Fraser Island from Indian Head lookout. It’s only a short, easy stroll to the top so make sure you take the time to check it out. When the sea is calm keep an eye out for turtles, manta rays and sharks cruising below the cliffs.

 

Are you going to visit Fraser Island?

Figure out the best Fraser Island tour for you here!

 

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Thinking of heading to a surf camp in Australia? Good choice! Crystal clear water, epic waves, and the chance to share them with dolphins, are just a few reasons why we love surfing here.

But with so many spots around the country, where should you base yourself?

Here, we recommend three of the best surf camp locations, plus a couple of extra options if you don’t have the time, or budget, for a full camp.

 

Surf Camp Australia – Where to Hit the Waves Down Under!

The surf camp advantage

It’s no secret that Australia is up there as one of the best places on earth to surf. But that’s the problem; it’s no secret. The masses of surfers upon surfers fighting for waves at the country’s most popular spots, take the word crowded to a whole new level.

You should definitely get in amongst it at least once on your trip (gotta tick surfing Bondi or Snapper Rocks off the bucket list, right?). But whether you’re heading to Australia to learn to surf, or to catch the best waves of your life, having a bit of local knowledge goes a lonnnng way.

That’s where surf camps come into their own; they eliminate the stress of wondering where to surf, or wasted time heading to the wrong places. You get the benefit of local knowledge from experienced surf coaches who will search out the best spots on the day based on crowds and surf conditions. Plus the added bonus that everything else is taken care of for you; just relax and throw yourself into surf life. Sweet!

Most camps will provide all meals and accommodation, as well as transport to and from the waves. Equipment can also be provided so you don’t have to worry about travelling with a board.

It doesn’t matter what level you’re at either. Whether you’re a total beginner or you’ve been shredding your whole life, a camp will make sure you get something to suit you, and give you the coaching that will push your surfing to the next level.

 

3 of the best surf camp locations in Australia

There are thousands of surf spots around the country, so where should you hit the waves? To help you narrow it down, here are three of our favourite surf camp locations, and the reasons why we love them:

Byron Bay

It’s been hailed as one of the best places on earth to live and surf. Famed for its stunning beaches, warm water, consistent waves, and buzzing nightlife, what really makes Bryon special for us, is its laid back vibe and epic choice of surf breaks.

Main Beach and Clarkes Beach are perfect for beginners, while more advanced surfers will love The Pass, one of the best surf spots in Australia, and nearby Lennox Point; the world famous point break.

Check out Mojosurf who offer a range of options starting from 2 days all inclusive, right through to multi-location camps where you can hit up several areas on the same trip.

 

Spot X

Set off the beaten track between Sydney and Byron Bay in one of the country’s most beautiful national marine parks, Spot X is dedicated to the surfer lifestyle. Its secluded location means that days in the sun and nights by the camp fire are the ultimate way to immerse yourself in the surf lifestyle.

What really sets it apart from other surf camp locations, is that the accommodation is right on the beachfront. Wake up to the sound of the ocean, roll out of bed, and hit the waves. Life doesn’t get much better.

Awesome waves and variety of breaks means that Spot X is perfect for both beginners and intermediate to advanced surfers.

Mojosurf include Spot X in their Sydney to Byron surf adventures. Options start from 5 days and are all inclusive.

 

Yamba

About an hour and a half south of Byron, you’ll find Yamba; another stunning, super-chilled Aussie beach town with heaps of awesome surf breaks.

What we love about surfing here is that it’s probably one of the least crowded spots on the East Coast. It’s also one of the areas where you’ll have the best chance of scoring a session with dolphins swimming through the lineup.

Surf Camp Down Under offer a 3 night surf and stay package which includes the essentials of accommodation and surf tuition.

 

Alternatives to a surf camp

Depending on your travel plans, and how your budget is looking, a surf camp may not be the right choice for you. Here are a couple of other options to get you enjoying some perfect Aussie waves, without having to figure it out alone.

Day trips

Take a full or half day trip with one of the local surf schools and hit the road to find the spot with the best conditions on the day. You’ll benefit from a coached session with an experienced, qualified instructor, plus all the equipment you need. Some even take a photographer along to capture the fun.

Check out Mojosurf and Stoked Surf School who both offer half day trips from Byron Bay including surf instruction and equipment.

Surf tours

If you are planning to travel up or down the East coast of Australia, a surf tour is a cost effective way of covering the ground, while enjoying the fun of a surf camp en-route.

Mojosurf run 5, 7 and 10 day camps that take you between Sydney and Byron in either direction, stopping at the famous Spot X along the way.

Byron Bay is one of the most popular stops on the East Coast trail, and when you get there, you’ll see why. Stunning beaches, laid back people, and the barefoot hippie vibes are just a few of the things about Byron that will make you want to stick around.

There’s also a whole heap of awesome ways to spend your time. So whether you’re staying for a few days or a few months, check out our favourite things to do in Byron Bay, and make the most of your time in this epic little town.

 

Top 10 Things to Do in Byron Bay

1. Learn to surf

Byron Bay is well known as one of the oldest and best surf towns in the world. Whether you’ve never surfed before, or shred with the best of them, paddling out here is a must-do.

Crystal clear water and perfect waves all year round make the surf spots in Byron a playground for everyone from complete beginners, to pro surfers. If you want to learn to surf in Byron Bay there’s a great choice of surf schools in town where an experienced surf instructor can help you get you up and riding in a day, plus loads more surf shops for board and wetsuit hire if you already know what you’re doing.

learn to surf in byron bay australia soul surf school backpacker east coast surfing

 

2. Take a day trip to Nimbin

You can’t miss that Byron has a cool, hippie vibe going on, but Nimbin takes it to a whole new level. About an hour and 45 minutes outside of Byron, Nimbin is a village full of quirky, colourful shops, funky cafes, and some other plant based activities! Lots of it! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re into the alternative scene, it’s worth a visit. It’s also a good opportunity to explore the beautiful Byron Bay Hinterland on the drive out and a day trip to Nimbin will include some amazing scenic stop offs.

nimbin day trip happy coach byron bay australia

 

3. Kayak with dolphins

Cape Byron Marine Park is made up of a selection of reefs, Julian Rocks, and the coastline that runs the eastern side of Byron Bay. Protected from the rough waters of the open ocean, Byron plays host to a rich and diverse selection of marine life, including its own resident pod of dolphins. Getting out on the water in a sea kayak is one of the best ways to get a close up view of these incredible animals. Depending on the time of year, you might also be lucky enough to have close encounters with humpback whales, turtles, and manta rays.

sea kayak byron bay cape byron kayaks dolphin australia backpacker

 

4. Check out the local markets

The perfect way to start a lazy Sunday, grab a coffee and wander around Byron’s Community Market. Take your time to explore the huge collection of artworks, handcrafted goods, and locally-grown produce, while listening to live music and enjoying some of the best food and drink from the Byronshire area. The market is held at Butler Street reserve on the 1st Sunday of every month from 8am.

As well as the monthly market, you can also munch your way around the weekly farmers market in the same location, every Thursday morning from 8am. You’ll find organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables, alongside local specialities like honey, olives, artisan bread, macadamia nuts, and freshly squeezed cane juice. Our advice: go with a full wallet and an empty stomach!

 

5. Scuba dive (or snorkel) at Julian Rocks

Byron Bay is located where the warm waters of the north, meet the cooler waters of the south, making it home to a vast array of both tropical and cold water marine life. Julian Rocks, five minutes off the coast of Byron, is renowned as one of the top dive sites in Australia and a scuba dive at Julian Rocks is well worth doing.

At different times of year, you’ll find leopard sharks, manta rays, turtles, and the endangered grey nurse shark, as well as an abundance of colourful tropical fish. If you’re not into diving, the site is also incredible for a snorkelling adventure.

scuba dive in byron bay julian rocks australia padi ssi east coast

 

6. Hit the town!

For a relatively small town, Byron isn’t short of places to have a drink! Whether you prefer a beer overlooking the ocean, sipping on fancy cocktails, or a night of live music, you’ll find something that hits the spot.

The Railway Hotel (or ‘the Rails’ as it’s affectionately known) is located in Byron’s now defunct train station and has live music most nights of the week.

The Great Northern Hotel (‘the Northern’) is the home of Stone & Wood, Byron’s local brew, and is another great place for live music. They often host some big name bands too so keep an eye on what’s coming up.

The Beach Hotel (‘the Beachie’) has a prime spot right on the seafront and is a great place to grab a sunset beer, plus they also have live music on a Sunday.

If you want to party into the early hours, check out Woody’s Surf Shack for a vintage surf vibe, and Cheeky Monkeys, the home of Byron’s backpacker party scene.

7. Watch the sunrise (or set) from Byron Bay lighthouse

Whether you’re a morning person or not, make sure you get up to Cape Byron Lighthouse to see the sunrise at least once during your trip. Cape Byron is the most easterly point in Australia and sunrise from here is pretty spectacular.

Watch the sun come straight up out of the ocean, as the surrounding landscape gradually catches the light. Between May and November you might even have some humpback whales for company.  

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8. Get into beach life

It’s hard not to become a beach bum when you’re surrounded by so many beautiful beaches in and around Byron. Main Beach is, unsurprisingly, the main beach in town and is a great place to watch the sunset. In the next bay south is Wategos; smaller but sheltered and a popular hangout for dolphins. Then to the south again is Tallows; a huge, wild expanse of sand and ocean. You definitely aren’t short of spots to lay your beach towel!

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9. Skydive

For the very best views of Byron, try jumping out of a plane at 15,000 feet. Ok, this one might not be for everyone! But for those who dare, you’ll be rewarded with the spectacular image of lush, green jungle sprawling out to meet Byron’s famous beaches, and the vast turquoise ocean beyond.

So why not Skydive in Byron Bay and tick it off your bucket list!

skydive byron bay australia bucket list

 

10. Go whale watching

You might have gathered by now that Byron Bay is a pretty good location to spot whales. Between the months of May and November, humpback whales can be spotted off the coast of Byron as they make their way north from Antarctica, to their breeding grounds in the subtropics, and then again as they return with their young – making whale watching in Byron Bay one of the best spots in the country.

You can often catch a glimpse of these amazing creatures from the shore, but for a closer encounter, take a whale watching tour. Some boats even have a hydrophone on board so you can listen to the whale song.

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What are your favourite Byron Bay activities?

So that’s our top 10, but of course there are heaps more things to do in Byron Bay. Share the love and let us know what your favourites are in the comments below! For more inspiration, check out our Byron Bay Tours and Day Trips and start planning your adventure now.

View All Byron Bay Tours

 

Top Byron Bay Tours

Learn To Surf In Byron Bay With Soul Surf School

Hit the waves and learn to surf in and around Byron Bay, Australia on this half day surf lesson with
1 Day
Byron Bay

Sea Kayaking In Byron Bay With Cape Byron Kayaks

Explore the stunning coastline around Byron Bay and spot dolphins, whales and turtles on this 3 hour sea kayaking tour
1 Day
Byron Bay
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Nimbin Day Trip With Happy Coach

Visit the alternative and hippie mecca on this Nimbin day trip with the Happy Coach from Byron Bay. Just be
1 Day
Byron Bay

 

We’re stoked to introduce you to Australias newest hop on, hop off bus network – Stray Australia!

If you’ve been doing your research on the best way to travel around Australia we’re sure you’ve heard of Loka Travel by now – their range of flexible, semi guided bus passes covering Sydney to Cairns have been a huge hit and their unique stops make it the perfect option for those looking to explore off the beaten track.

And they’re now getting even bigger and better – merging with Stray Travel (who have a range of epic travel passes in New Zealand and South East Asia) to become Stray Australia!

So here’s the lowdown on what’s going on…

 

Stray Australia – New Name, Same Epic Australia Travel Passes

For the moment the only major change is the name and as of 1st October 2018 Loka Travel will officially become Stray Australia.

That means all the amazing passes will stay the same – including all their amazing unique stops like Barrington Tops and Great Keppel Island.

Basically they will still have all the amazing things we love about Loka, just with a shiny new logo!

So whether you want to travel form Sydney to Cairns, Cairns to Sydney or even just Sydney to Byron Bay they’ve got you covered.

And of course we’re sure they have even more incredible adventures in the pipeline too, so watch this space!

 

 

All Our Stray Australia Bus Passes

Stray Australia Sydney To Byron Bay Nat Pass

Make your way North from Sydney to Byron Bay with Loka Travel - the flexible, hop on, hop off bus network
6 Days
Sydney > Byron Bay

Stray Australia Byron Bay To Cairns Kat Pass

Make your way North from Bryon Bay to Cairns with Loka Travel - the flexible, hop on, hop off bus network
8 Days (Min)
Byron Bay > Cairns

Stray Australia Cairns To Sydney Trev Pass

Travel south from Cairns to Sydney with Loka Travel - the flexible hop on, hop off travel network
10 Days (Min)
Cairns > Sydney

Stray Australia Sydney To Cairns Mick Pass

Make your way between Sydney and Cairns on with the Stray Australia Mick Pass hop on, hop off style -
13 Days (Min)
Sydney Cairns

Stray Australia Byron Bay To Cairns Kat Freestyle Tour

Make your way between Byron Bay and Cairns on with the Stray Australia Kat Freestyle Tour - including accommodation and
12 Days (Min)
Byron Bay > Cairns

Stray Australia Cairns To Sydney Trev Freestyle Tour

Make your way between Cairns and Sydney on with the Stray Australia Trev Freestyle Tour - including accommodation and top
12 Days (Min)
Cairns > Sydney

Stray Australia Sydney To Cairns Mick Freestyle Tour

Make your way between Sydney and Cairns on with the Stray Australia Mick Freestyle Tour - including accommodation and top
20 Days
Sydney Cairns

 

It seems everyone has been super stoked with the Greyhound WHIMit passes (they’re certainly our customers bus pass of choice in Australia now!) so we’re excited to announce that Greyhound have now launched two WHIMit package deals!

These package together the flexible hop on, hop off bus passes (with unlimited travel across the Greyhound network) with up to 28 nights of accommodation at YHA Australia, Base or Nomads hostels – making them incredible value for money!

 

Introducing the new Greyhound WHIMit and Accomodation package deals!

WHIMit + YHA Australia

greyhound whimit yha australia packageWith over 70 hostels all across Australia from amazing views over Sydney Opera House or the epic vibes of YHA Yamba to the rugged red dirt of Alice Springs in the out back  or Darwin in the Northern Territory – YHA Australia is the perfect option for those who want something a bit more chilled, clean and comfortable.

All the YHA hostels are geared up with kitchens, wifi, common room and some even come with pools to chill out in.

We’d recommend these to anyone who wants something a little more flashpacker and chilled.

Check out the full range of WHIMit YHA Packages here.

 

WHIMit + Base/Nomads

greyhound whimit base nomads australia packageIf you’re looking for a more social and party orientated hostel experience in Australia then the Base and Nomads hostel packages `re the way to go!

With epic central locations across all the top destinations on the East Coast trail you’ll meet plenty of backpacker buddies from across the globe at these hostels – including the famous Arts Factory in Byron Bay, as seen on the Inbetweens 2 Movie!

The added bonus of the Base and Nomads packages is an uncapped amount of nights at each hostel – so you can use your discounted bed hopper pass to its full potential.

Check out the full range of WHIMit Base/Nomads Packages here.

 

Travel Australia For Less!

So if you’re looking for the best way to travel Australia for less these Greyhound WHIMit and accommodation packages are the perfect choice for those wanting total flexibility.

And of course you can bundle them together with any other open dates trips and tours (like Fraser Island or the Whitsundays) in a custom discounted package deal to get even more for your money.

Chat to our travel experts and we’ll put together your perfect Australia adventure!

Melbourne is any traveller’s best choice for a good time and Melbourne is one of the best places to start your working holiday visa too. Otherwise known as Australia’s cultural centre and most liveable city, Melbourne welcomes travellers and backpackers from across the globe to partake in the celebration of culture.

With its abundance of cafes, galleries, boutiques, street art and performances, and public green spaces, it’s almost like Melbourne is tempting you to throw away your itinerary and simply explore.

 

A Traveller’s Guide to Melbourne

First things first, how do I get there?

If you’re coming from another country, you’re very likely to find a direct flight to Melbourne.

If you’re coming from Sydney, most would recommend opting for a flight as it’s the fastest route between the too. However you can jump on the Greyhound bus from Sydney to Melbourne or also include Melbourne as one of your stops on the Greyhound WHIMit Pass too.

 

When is the best time to visit Melbourne?

The southern parts of Australia have a temperate climate, so Melbourne weather remains fairly pleasant throughout the year. The hottest it can get is around 70°F (or 21°C) in January, while temperatures drop to 50°F (10°C) in the winter (July).  

You might, however, want to avoid the peak seasons, such as Christmas break, as accommodation prices go up and availability goes down. Sporting fans also fill up hotels during the Australian Open Grand Slam every January and the famous Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix in March.

 

Where’s the best place to stay in Melbourne?

If you’re looking to stay in a hotel, a double room for 2 begins at 120 AUD per night and many offer free breakfast during your stay. In the centre of the city, you’ll find doubles starting at around 200 AUD per night.

With Airbnb, you could find a shared room in a home for around 30 AUD. Whole apartments may cost around 100 AUD, but you’ll get the comfort of space and privacy.

There are also plenty of hostels to choose from in Melbourne. Dorms housing 8-10 people may cost around 25 AUD, which is great if you’re on a budget trip. Here are some of the best hostels in Melbourne:

  • Base St. Kilda in Melbourne
  • United Backpackers
  • Urban Central
  • The Nunnery

If you can’t afford it, you can ask to work for your bed. Many hostels allow travellers to pay for their bed by spending a few hours a day cleaning. Keep this in mind should you find yourself in a tight spot.

You could also try Couchsurf, which connects you to more than 57,000 trusted hosts willing to house you for your stay. This would also be a great chance to interact with locals and have them show you around.

 

How do I get around Melbourne?

From the get-go, you’ll need around 36 AUD to get to and from the airport via Skybus.

If you plan on exploring around the inner-city area or the Central Business District, you can take the free city circle tram, which runs from 10AM to 4PM.

For trains, you’ll need to get a Myki card that costs 6 AUD to get around. A Myki trip costs around 2.70 to 4 AUD and gives you unlimited travel within a particular zone for 2 hours.

And of course, there’s Uber, which is much cheaper than taking a cab.

 

What’s there to do in Melbourne?

 

  • Explore the hidden gems of Melbourne

 

Melbourne has a multitude of hidden alleyways with antique coffee shops, galleries, arcades and boutiques, all waiting to be explored.

Hosier Lane is a well-loved alleyway famous for its vibrant and colourful graffiti art. If you’re a fan of the 19th century, then head to Degraves Street where you’ll find elegant cafes and arcades.

Along the General Post Office by Elizabeth Street, you’ll also find plenty of talented musicians busking and performing for free.

 

  • Grab a coffee

 

Melbourne is well-known for its obsession with coffee, so be sure to try as many cups of joe as you can while you’re there. They say Degraves Street is where you can find the best coffee in the city.

 

  • Get a taste of Melbourne by joining a free walking tour

 

In just a few hours, you could get years’ worth of knowledge about the essential must-sees of Melbourne for free. How? Join I’m Free Walking Tours’ daily tours around the city.

Their walking tour will take you through Federation Square, State Library of Victoria, the Carlton Gardens, Chinatown and so much more. And should a certain place strike your fancy, you could always return to explore more afterwards.

 

  • Indulge the artist in you

 

You could honestly spend a whole week in Melbourne just visiting their museums and galleries.

  • Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) – For fans of film and the visual arts
  • National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) – Australia’s most visited art museum
  • Ian Potter Centre – Australian history and Aboriginal art

 

  • Explore the public markets

 

Visit the Queen Victoria Market and have fun trying local and international delicacies. You could also visit Chelsea Market which offers everything from fresh produce to handmade products.

 

  • Take a nature break at the Royal Botanical Gardens

 

Escape the urban jungle and find refuge at the Royal Botanical Gardens. This haven within the city is the perfect place to take a stroll and watch the world go by.

 

  • Watch the sunset at the beach

 

Just 20 minutes from the city, St. Kilda is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. You can also take a refreshing dip in the water. And if you’re looking for Melbourne’s nightlife, St. Kilda is definitely where it’s at.

  • Start your working holiday visa

With so much to see and do it’s now wonder why starting your working holiday visa in Melbourne is so popular! With a range of jobs, plenty of suburbs to live in and flight connection all over Australia and the world it’s a great base to kickstart your Aussie trip. And if you want to get off to the best possible start check out our Melbourne working holiday visa packages!

 

Click here to check out all our Melbourne tours

 

How much does food usually cost?

Eating out in Australia is actually quite expensive, but lucky for you, Melbourne is the best city to find good and cheap food in the country. You can find good take-out food for 8 AUD, while sit-down restaurants will cost you less than 14 AUD.

If you prefer eating at home, a week’s worth of groceries may range from 65 AUD to 100 AUD.

Broadsheet and Timeout have listed down the best cheap eats you can find in the city.

 

Any must-know information before visiting Australia?

  • Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Exchange Rate: 1 AUD = 0.74 USD
  • Electric socket: Type 1 (3 prongs, V-shaped)
  • Know some Australian slang.
  • Wear sunblock as Australia’s sun is particularly harsh.
  • Be careful where you light your cigarette as smoking is banned in most indoor and public spaces.
  • Internet isn’t available everywhere, so get your own hotspot.
  • Cars drive on the left side of the road.
  • Rentals are listed as $ per week not month.
  • It isn’t customary to tip service workers.

Melbourne isn’t called the ‘world’s most liveable city’ for nothing. With a thriving art scene, wide variety of cuisines, vibrant nightlife, never-ending list of things to do, and of course, its welcoming residents, Melbourne is the kind of city you’ll never want to leave.

About The Author: Cal Bailey runs www.mountainleon.com – a travel blog he started after two years on backpacking around the world. If you want to learn more about life on the road or his blogging, make sure you read hist latest post on choosing a sleeping bag.

Greyhound Bus Passes are the most popular option for travelling around Australia – especially the East Coast of Australia.

From the hop on, hop off bus passes covering Sydney to Cairns and other popular routes to the flexible KM passes their comfortable buses (which also include USB charging ports for your phone and wifi) and multiple daily departures the Greyhound bus is the most convenient way to explore Australia.

So we’re super stoked to introduce the latest Greyhound bus pass option – the WHIMit bus pass!

 

WHIMit Bus Pass – Unlimited Travel In Australia

The Greyhound WHIMit bus passes are designed for travellers who want the ultimate in flexibility for their Australia travel plans – which is why they all included unlimited travel in Australia!

greyhound travel passes hop on hop off km austraia oz epic gap year-2Yup, you heard that right – the WHIMit bus passes included UNLIMITED travel across the whole Greyhound Bus network – which includes the East Coast and even the Red Centre!

And yes that also includes backtracking too!

So if you loved your stay in Byron Bay and have headed north and realised you dont like Brisbane so much you can bounce back to Byron on the same pass no worries.

It also means you can fly between destinations and pickup continue your travel overland on the same pass too

The only restriction is your time frame – and the passes range from 7 days to a whole year so there’s plenty of options for people hitting tup Australia for a quick trip or a full working holiday visa.

 

WHIMit Bus Passses – The Cost And Options

So what are the new options with the Greyhound WHIMit Passes?

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As you can see there’s a good variety of options to choose from and the 45 Day option is actually now the most cost effective add on to most of our East Coast Package Deals – just $5 more than the standard hop on, hop off pass but with the added advantage of being able to backtrack, ideal for those on tour only packages.

**UPDATE**

Greyhound have now also launched the WHIMit and YHA Australia Package and WHIMit and Base Hostel Package – bundling up to 28 nights of accommodation with you pass for even more value!

 

Click here to book your Greyhound WHIMit Pass

Click here to check out our full range of Australia Travel Passes

 

If you’re spending any time in Australia, learning to surf should definitely be high on your bucket list! Over 30,000 miles of coastline means thousands of surf spots, world class waves, and plenty of beach breaks perfect for beginners to get their first taste of pure stoke.

In this guide, we take a quick look at the different ways to learn, share our favourite Aussie surf spots that are perfect for catching your first waves, and round up our team’s pick of the best learn to surf packages available.

 

Should you go it alone, book a lesson or stay with a surf camp?

Ah the killer question!

There’s actually more to it than just time and money, so let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each:

 

Board hire only

If you’ve surfed before, know what you’re doing, and feel confident in the ocean, renting a board and hitting the waves solo may work well for you. It’s also the cheapest option, happy days!

 

Book a lesson

If you’ve never surfed before, don’t be tempted to just rent a board and go; surfing is deceptively hard! Spend a few more dollars and get a proper lesson. You’ll have way more fun, be safer, and you’re also much more likely to nail that Instagram shot of you riding your first waves like a pro!

A good surf school will pick out the best spot for the conditions on the day, show you everything you need to know to get you up and riding, plus teach you a little about ocean safety.

A lesson is also perfect if you don’t have long, or want the flexibility of choosing as many or as few days as you need. It’s more expensive than board hire alone, but usually all equipment is included in the price which eases the blow a bit.

 

Stay at a surf camp

It’s a simple truth that the more you surf, the better you get. If you want to improve beyond getting up on your first white water waves, soak up the surf lifestyle, and make new friends, you can’t beat the experience of a surf camp.

It might be the most expensive option, but you get all the benefits of multiple lessons, plus everything, including meals and accommodation, is taken care of for you. All you need to think about is surfing and chilling!

 

The best surf spots in Australia for beginners

As a beginner, the best place to learn is at a beach break where you can catch broken waves in waist deep water, with no strong currents. Australia has a mind blowing amount of surf spots and loads that are perfect for beginners. Here are five of our favourites:

 

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Byron Bay, New South Wales

With its laid back hippie vibe and a variety of breaks for all levels, Byron Bay is arguably one of the best places in the world to learn to surf. Check out Clarkes Beach at the Eastern end of Main Beach. It’s usually slightly less crowded, is sandy bottomed, and offers a gentle right-hander that is ideal for beginners.

 

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Yamba, New South Wales

Situated in Northern New South Wales, picturesque Yamba is another classic Aussie beach town. Beginners have a couple of options here with Turners Beach and Main Beach both offering gentle waves, as well as breaks for more advanced surfers.

 

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Spot X Surf Camp, New South Wales

Situated off the beaten track in Solitary Marine Park between Sydney and Byron Bay, Spot X Surf Camp is a dream location. You’ll find amazing waves with breaks suitable for absolute beginners right through to intermediate and advanced surfers.

What really sets Spot X apart from other locations though, is that it’s one of the few places where you can stay right on the beach. The perfect place to immerse yourself in Aussie surf life.

 

Noosa, Queensland

Noosa is famous as one of the best long boarding spots in the world and also offers a variety of breaks. Noosa Main Beach is one of the few north facing beaches on the East Coast so is well protected and ideal for beginners. Also check out Little Cove, another sheltered spot that is absolutely stunning.

 

Perth, Western Australia

If you’re hitting up Perth on the West Coast, you’ll still find plenty of opportunities to get some waves. The beginner breaks close to the city such as Cottesloe Beach, can get super crowded so you may find a little road trip pays off.

Lancelin Back Beach, just over an hour away, is beautiful and is usually uncrowded. For the best waves, try straight in front of the car park.

 

The best learn to surf packages in Australia

It’s not easy choosing between all the different options out there, so to help, we asked the experts (most of our team are die hard surfers!) for their top picks.

Here’s what they recommended…

 

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Sydney to Bryon Surf Adventure with Mojosurf (7, 10 & 14 day options)

A surf camp with a twist, the beauty of this package is that you can use it to travel from Sydney to Byron (or vice-versa), as well as soaking up the surf life in the epic locations of Spot X and Byron Bay.

Spot X’s secluded location means you’ll eat, sleep, and breathe surf. With accommodation right on the beach, you can enjoy long days in the sun and nights around the camp fire with good company. You’ll also have the opportunity to add other activities, like surf rafting, river kayaking or kangaroo golf.

After Spot X, it’s on to the surfing mecca of Byron Bay for more lessons and after-surf fun with your new buddies.

Each package includes your surf lessons and equipment, transport, accommodation, plus all meals while you’re at the camp.

Click here to check out our Mojo Surf Adventures

 

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Mojo Surf Academy and Surf Instructor Course

If a few days stop over in Spot X en route to Byron Bay isn’t enough to get your stoke going then why not take it a step further with the Mojo Surf Academy and spend 4 to 8 weeks enjoying the eat, sleep, surf repeat lifestyle?

You’ll have heaps of time to practice your skills and take your surfing to the next level before heading further up the coast!

Or for those who want to turn the beach into their office the zero to hero Mojo Surf Instructor Course is the way to go. This epic 3 month programme takes you from all the basics of popping and paddling right through to gaining your surf instructor certification – it’s the ideal way to turn your passion into a career even if you don’t have heaps of surf experience!

Click here for more info on the Mojo Surf Academy or the Mojo Surf Instructor Course.

 

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Learn to Surf in Byron Bay with Stoked Surf School

If you’re short on time or funds, a half day adventure with Stoked Surf School could be the answer.

Stoked will take you on a fun road trip to find the least crowded spot with the best conditions on the day. They’ll then run you through some theory on the beach, before (hopefully!) getting you up and riding the waves.

Group sizes are deliberately kept small to make sure you receive enough attention from one of their qualified, experienced instructors, and a photographer comes along on every lesson to capture your best (and worst) moments.

Click here to book a surf lesson with Stoked Surf School

 

 

Which surf adventure will you choose?

However you choose to do it, make sure you do it! There’s no place on earth better to get caught up the surf lifestyle than Oz. But don’t say we didn’t warn you, it’s super addictive!

Check out our full selection of Learn to Surf packages in Australia and let us hook you up with an epic Aussie surf experience!

The East Coast of Australia is one of the most popular backpacker routes in the world and for good reason – there’s just so much to see and do!

But figuring out how to travel the East Coast of Australia can be a tough one as there’s the factors of time frame, budget and flexibility to consider.

So to help you plan your trip to Australia we’ve decided to compare two of the most popular options for travelling the East Coast – Premier Bus Passes and Greyhound Bus Passes – so you can decide which is the best fit for you…

 

Premier Bus Pass Australia or Greyhound Bus Pass Australia – Which Is Better?

Both Premier and Greyhound offer the popular hop on, hop off bus passes which are the most affordable and flexible ways to travel along the East Coast of Australia – allowing you to plan your trip online, change bus dates if needed and have all your bus travel sorted in one easy pass.

The only thing you need to keep in mind through is these passes is that you can only travel in a single direction (so no backtracking) however Greyhound also offer a KM Pass which is slightly pricier but does allow you to backtrack if needed.

 

premier bus pass sydney cairns australia east coast

Premier Bus Pass Australia

Main Pass Options;

Sydney > Cairns – $350

Byron Bay > Cairns – $270

Brisbane > Cairns – $250

Valid For; 6 months

 

Greyhound Bus Pass Australia

Main Pass Options;

Melbourne > Cairns – $549

Sydney > Cairns – $445

Brisbane > Cairns (includes free return to Byron Bay) – $350

KM Passes (from 1000kms) – from $199

Valid For; 3 months (Hop On, Hop Off Passes) but extendable to 6 months or 12 months for KM Passes

 

So What’s The Difference Between Premier Bus and Greyhound Bus?

Apart form the price the main difference between Premier and Greyhound is the departures. Premier only offer a single departure per day whereas on most routes the Greyhound Bus Pass will have multiple options to choose from.

For those travelling in low season this wont be a huge deal but in peak season (especially xmas and new year) the multiple options on Greyhound can be a huge lifesaver, especially for those less organised and booking last minute!

Generally speaking the Greyhound Buses are much newer and even boast phone charging points and free wifi (although it’s limited to signal strength and is pretty slow!) – so if you’re looking for comfort then Greyhound often wins out.

The other key things to keep in mind is that Premier only run Sydney to Cairns (or the other way around) whereas Greyhound also runs from/to Melbourne as well. Sure you can also bolt a single Greyhound bus from Sydney to Melbourne onto a Premier Pass, but for convenience it’s something to keep in mind

 

Which Is Better – Premier Bus Pass or Greyhound Bus Pass?

For Budget – If budget is your main concern then the Premier Bus Pass is the cheapest way to cover the East Coast

For Ease Of Use – both options are easily managed online and you can change your travel dates through this system.

For Flexibility – Greyhound is more flexible, with multiple departure per day and the Greyhound KM Passes also allow you to backtrack and is also well worth checking out if you’re grabbing internal flights too.

 

Did you go with Premier or Greyhound?

How do you rate them?

If you’re looking for the best Sydney to Cairns tour packages then we have you covered. Our travel team have been hard at work putting together a huge range of East Coast Package deals to help you make the most of your time in Australia.

All based on personal experience and our own recommendations we’ve pulled out the best suppliers, the most fun hostels and the most budget friendly options so that you can enjoy everything that Australia has to offer at a discounted price.

Because lets face it – you’re a backpacker and backpackers love to save money, it’s half the fun of the lifestyle!

So here are our best Sydney to Cairns Tour Packages – so you have a bit more cash in your pocket but still a camera packed full of incredible memories…

 

Our Guide To The Best Sydney To Cairns Tour Packages For All Budgets And Styles

And of course all the below can also be booked in reverse from Cairns to Sydney or extended to include Melbourne too!

 

The Ultimate Sydney To Cairns Tour Packages

For those who want to make the most of the East Coast on a month long trip and want to include pretty much everything you’d want to do our Ultimate East Coast Package combines all the best hostels, day trips and tours;

Of course there’s still room to customise it slightly and bundle in even more incredible activities – but that’s the perfect place to start to any East Coast adventure!

Click here for more info on our Ultimate Sydney To Cairns Tour Package

 

Budget Sydney To Cairns Tour Package

Want to complete the East Coast of Australia but also want a budget Sydney to Cairns tour package? Well no worries, we can help out with that!

Our East Coast Australia Budget Essentials Package ticks off all the main must do activities on the East Coast of Australia – whilst still keeping it budget friendly and includes the following;

By including a day trip to the Whitsundays and Fraser Island instead of overnight tours the overall price is brought right down – giving you more budget towards other activities, food, or of course partying!

And of course you can book it all open dated or add in accommodation as well.

We then recommend opting for the Premier Bus Pass add on if you’re looking for the most budget friendly transport option to pair with it.

Check out our Budget Essentials Sydney to Cairns Tour Package here.

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The Most Flexible Sydney To Cairns Tour Package

If you want to keep your Australia travel plans as flexible as possible then it’s still possible to get al the benefits of a discounted package deal, but without having to lock in your dates.

Booking your main trips and tours open dated and in one package allows you to save heaps, but still allows you to stay fluid with your travel plans.

Whether you choose to just combine the main bucket list items like Fraser Island, The Whitsundays and The Great Barrier Reef of bundle in other extra trips like surf lessons, Cape Tribulation or dolphin kayaking kayaking is up to you – but the more you combine the better the savings will be.

Our East Coast Australia Essentials Package includes the following;

The main thing to keep in mind with open dates tours though is everything is subject to availability – so you’ll want to lock in your dates at least 7-14 days in advance, especially during high season. Fraser Island and the Whitsundays are the most important ones to lock in ASAP.

If you don’t want to go fully open dated and have a rough idea of your plans you could also just pick a few key tours to lock in the dates for. Excluding accommodation then allows you to make changes to your plans, but still use your main dates as a way of structuring out your East Coast travels.

Our East Coast Australia Essentials Package contains all the major trips and tours on the East Coast – so click here for more info.

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Custom Sydney To Cairns Tour Packages

Of course there is no one size fits all when it comes to travelling and the above options might not quite fit what you wanted to do – whether that’s the activities, time frames or budget.

So we’ve also created our own East Coast Custom Package Builder so you can get a fully tailored Sydney to Cairns Tour Package!

Simply select your travel dates, destinations and the main activities and tours you’d like to include and we’ll do all the hard work piecing it together. And of course if there are any specific hostels, Whitsundays Boats or day trips you’d like to include let us know and we’ll make it happen!

Click here to build your own custom East Coast Package deal

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The Backpacker Banter East Coast Tour Package

We love our travel blogger buddies – and who better to put together an epic East Coast Package than award winning blogger Chris from Backpacker Banter?

He’s travelled all over Australia, lived in Byron Bay for a few years and knows the East Coast like the back of his hand – so we asked him how he’d spend a perfect month in Oz and this is what he put together;

  • 3 nights at Wake Up Sydney
  • 2 nights at Yamba YHA
  • Shanes Famous Yamba Tour
  • 3 nights at Aquarius Backpackers in Byron Bay
  • Half day surf lesson in Byron Bay with Mojo Surf
  • Dolphin kayaking in Byron Bay
  • 2 nights at Nomads Central in Brisbane
  • 2 nights at Nomads in Noosa
  • 2 nights at Pippies in Rainbow Beach
  • 3 Day/2 Night Fraser Island tag along tour with Pippies on Fraser (All Inclusive)
  • 3 nights at Beaches in Airlie Beach
  • 2 Day/2 Night  Whitsundays Sailing Adventure on Tongarra
  • 2 Night Magnetic Island Escape with Base Magnetic Island (inc return ferry transfers)
  • 2 nights at Absolute Backpackers in Mission Beach
  • 14,foot skydive in Mission Beach with Skydive Australia
  • 3 nights at Gilligans in Cairns
  • Cape Tribulation day trip with Uncle Brians
  • Great Barrier Reef Day Trip with Deep Sea Divers Den (Inc an Intro Scuba Dive)

Not a bad way to spend a month in Australia hey?

Click here for more info and to book your trip

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Price Beat Guarantee!

Found an awesome Sydney to Cairns tour package elsewhere? Seen a special offer which works out cheaper?

Well forward the details and itinerary through to hello@rtwbackpackers.com and our team will happily beat the price for you!

We want to make sure you have the best time possible on the East Coast of Australia and know how valuable every dollar saved can be (it all goes into the goon fund after all!) so we’ll go out of our way to get the perfect package for you at the bets possible price.

And of course if you guys have any questions about any of our packages, general travel advice or tips get in touch and our travel experts will be happy to help.

 

Have you travelled the East Coast of Australia?

What would be your recommendations for a Sydney to Cairns tour package?

Looking for some awesome Australia travel deals? How about saving a HUGE 10% off the famous Oz Experience bus passes and travel packages?

Well luckily for you if you book ANY Oz Experience Pass or Package before Oct 2nd you’ll nab some amazing savings and even the opportunity to get a FREE Great Barrier Reef trip bundled in too!

 

10% Off ALL Oz Experience Sale!

Yup that’s right, ALL Oz Experience Passes are now 10% off until Oct 2nd – so you can travel the East Coast of Australia for less!

So whether you want to travel Sydney to Cairns, Brisbane to Cairns, Melbourne to Cairns or the other way around you can now lock in heaps of savings…money you can spend enjoying even more of what Australia has to offer!

Check out the Cruiser Plus for the most popular Oz Experience Package deal – which includes heaps of awesome activities as well as your transport from Sydney to Cairns.

Just use the promo code OZSEP17 at checkout!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

 

FREE Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip!

As an added bonus if you book any Oz Experience Strewth, Bruce Cobber or Skippy package we’ll also bundle in a FREE Great Barrier Reef snorkel trip – once of Australias top bucket list items!

Jumping on board the amazing Evolution Boat you’ll swim in clear, warm waters, check out the stunning coral gardens and even have the opportunity to go and find Nemo – it’s one of the top activities in Australia for a reason!

To score this added upgrade you need to make sure you book before 31st August and use the code OZSEP17.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK

 

And of course if the Oz Experience isn’t for you check out our range of East Coast Package deals and our East Coast Custom Package Creator to make the most of everything Australia has to offer!

The East Coast of Australia is packed full of incredible destinations and activities so planning your trip to Australia can be pretty tough!

However to help make sure you don’t miss out on the best bits here are 15 East Coast Australia Must Do Activities that you should definitely fit into your travel plans!

 

15 East Coast Australia Must Do Activities

Learn To Surf

Australia and surfing go hand in hand – so whilst you’re travelling Australia there’s no excuse not to give it a try! Whether you just opt for a half day surf lesson in Byron Bay or go all out with a Mojo Surf Trip up the coast from Sydney or a full blown surf camp in Yamba make sure you get amongst the waves, throw some shakkas and feel the stoke!

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Surfing In Yamba

 

Sail The Whitsunday Islands

One of the most popular East Coast Australia must do activities – sailing on the Whitsundays is something you’ll never forget! Snorkel the beautiful reefs and soak up the stunning views from the Hill Inlet Lookout over Whitehaven Beach – whether you just head out on a Whitsundays day trip or jump on board an overnight Whitsundays sailing adventure this slice of Oz will pack your camera full of amazing pictures!

 

Cruise Around Fraser Island

Along with the Whitsundays, Fraser Island is the other East Coast Australia must do!

Cruise around the worlds largest sand island exploring spots like the world famous Lake Mackenzie, Indian Head Lookout and the Maheno Shipwreck.

For the most adventure a 3 day Fraser Island Camping Safari is the way to go but there are days trips and Fraser Island hostel option too.

nomads fraser island tour 2 days rainbow beach noosa australia east coast
Cruising Around Fraser Island

 

Explore Magnetic Island

One of the most under rated stops on the East Coast, Magnetic Island is somewhere that should easily make your East Coast Australia must do list. Situated just off the coast of Townsville this amazing little island is best explored by “Barbie Car or Mote” and it’s only around 30 mins from one side of the island to the other!

Snorkel amazing beaches, take in sunset from epic lookout points, spot wild koalas or even party at the monthly Full Moon Party.

Grab one of our Magnetic Island Package deals for the easiest way to explore the island, which include return ferry transfers, accommodation, snorkel hire, welcome drink and even a koala cuddle at the Bungalow Bay YHA!

 

The Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Australia is complete without a visit the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and this epic natural wonder should be one of your top stops on the East Coast.

Cairns is the main base for a lot of Great Barrier Reef day trips but if you’re looking for less travel time and less busy snorkel spots then check out the Great Barrier Reef Trips from Mission Beach too.

For those on a budget the snorkel trips are the best value for ticking the Barrier Reef off your bucket list – but it’s also the perfect place for an Introductory Scuba dive or you can even complete your full open water dive course in Cairns too!

mission beach dive great barrier reef snorkel intro dive tour australia backpacker
Check Out The Barrier Reef

 

Scuba Dive

And talking of scuba diving, the warm tropical waters of Australia are the ideal place to give it a go for the first time – with plenty of options for introductory scuba dives or full scuba dive courses too.

And of course there are a huge array of dive sites and locations for those more experienced scuba divers as well.

Our two favourite spots for scuba diving have to be Byron Bay and The Great Barrier Reef though – with both locations offers heaps of marine life for all levels of diver.

 

Kayak with Dolphins

Everyone loves dolphins right?! Well why not hit the water and kayak alongside them in Byron Bay? This is one of the top spots in Australia for dolphin spotting and combined with a picturesque paddle around the stunning beaches of the area and an ocean view of the famous lighthouse this is certainly an East Coast Australia must do – and best of all it wont break your budget either!

 

Whale Watching (June – October)

If you’re travelling the East Coast of Australia during June to October you’ll be lucky enough to have the chance to witness the annual Humpback whale migration – with these gentle giants giving amazing displays all along the coastline.

Hervey Bay and Byron Bay are the best bets for a memorable day whale watching though – but if you’re lucky you’ll also catch them on the Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and Fraser Island too.

whale watching tour byron bay australia east coast
Whale Watching

 

The Great Ocean Road

If you love a good road trip then the Great Ocean Road is certainly and East Coast Australia must do – the stretch of road from Melbourne to Adelaide is one of the best coastal drives in the world!

For the best experience hire a campervan and take at least 3 days to explore it, but if you’re pushed for time or on a budget check out some of the amazing Great Ocean Road day trips from Melbourne.

 

Grab A Selfie At The Sydney Opera House

No trip to Australia would be complete without a visit to the world famous Sydney Opera House and this global icon is selfie heaven!

Wander around Circular Quay for some alternative views or grab the ferry across to Manly Beach and grab some snaps from the water.

Of course if you want to splash out and treat yourself you can also check it out from the Sydney Harbour Bridget Climb too!

 

Sunsrise Or Sunset At Byron Lighthouse

Byron Bay is the most Easterly Point of Australia and the lighthouse walk is one of the best free actives that the East Coast has to offer.

Wander long the coastal path past famous surf spots like The Pass and Wategos Beach keeping an eye out for dolphins surfing in the waves along the way.

But for the best experience make sure you make it to the Byron Bay lighthouse for sunrise or sunset – it’s well worth the effort!

 

Skydive

If you want to really get your adrenaline going there’s not much that can beat jumping out of a perfectly good plane and ticking skydiving off your bucket list!

Australia has some epic skydive locations too – with Mission Beach, Airlie Beach and Byron Bay being the top pics, although skydiving Mission Beach is the most popular with amazing views along the coast and a beach landing.

tandem skydive mission beach australia cairns
Skydive Mission Beach

 

Chill In The Forest At Cape Tribulation 

The only place in the world where two world heritage sites meet – Cape Tribulation is home to the incredible Daintree Rainforest AND the Great Barrier Reef!

Wander through the forests, spot wild crocodiles and laze around on stunning beaches – whether you choose a Cape Tribulation day trip form Cairns or opt to spend a few nights up there exploring a bit more and indulging in activities like kayaking or jungle surfing it’s worth heading that bit further north for.

 

Swim In A Waterfall

Nothing quite says tropical holiday like a picture swimming in a waterfall does it?!

Well luckily Australia has heaps to choose from and you’ll be spoilt for choice all along the East Coast.

If you want to go all out though a Cairns Waterfall tour through the Atherton Tablelands visits some of the best – including the famous Milla Milla Waterfall which featured in the herbal essences hair flick advert and was even the backdrop for Peter Andres “Mysterious Girl” music video!

 

Meet The Locals

If you travel Australia and don’t take the time to chill with some of the local wildlife you’re doing something wrong – who doesn’t want to kick back with a kangaroo, come eye to eye with a crocodile, kayak with dolphins or cuddle a koala?

Tick them all off the list with a trip to the famous Australia Zoo, or visit less crowded options like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for an up close and personal experience with some of Australia fluffy or scaly residents!

 

Need help planning your Australia trip?

Chat to our travel experts and we’d be happy to help or simply fill out our East Coast Custom Package form and create your perfect trip!

 

Have you explored Australia?

Any other things you’d add to our East Coast Australia Must Do list?

 

Figuring out the best way to travel around New Zealand is tough call – the land of the long white cloud is an incredible place to explore and you want to make sure that you find the best option for you.

By far the most popular ways to travel around New Zealand are the Kiwi Experience and Stray NZ buses – both of which offer a variety of hop on, hop off bus passes covering the North Island, South Island or whole country.

Whether you want a short loop around the highlights of Waitomo, Taupo and Rotorua in the North, fancy exploring the famous Queenstown or Milford Sound in the South or want to spend a few months packing in as much NZ goodness as possible there’s something for everyone.

But despite their similarities the Kiwi Experience and Stray NZ boast much different personalities – so which is the best way to travel around New Zealand for you?

Kiwi Experience Or Stray NZ – What’s The Best Way To Travel Around New Zealand?

Kiwi Experience Bus Passes

The Kiwi Experience is arguably the most famous of the two backpacker hop on, hop off bus options in New Zealand and their iconic green buses have helped hundreds of thousands of travellers explore NZ.

With heaps of passes to choose from – including north island only, south island only and whole country passes it’s easy to find one that suits your time frame, start location and budget.

Hitting up all the major destinations including the likes of Queenstown, Rotorua, Taupo and Franz Josef you’ll get to discover the best of what NZ has to offer.

Best of all is the fact you have 12 months to begin your pass from the date of purchase and then 12 month to complete your route from the first day of travel – so whether you’re heading there for a few weeks or a working holiday visa it’s ideal.

Their full country passes also offer unlimited loops – so you can go again!

Kiwi don’t offer any accommodation inclusive passes (which Stray do) but you’ll benefit from heaps of accommodation deals and a guaranteed bed in each spot.

The Kiwi Experience offers some awesome party vibes throughout – so it’s the perfect option if you want to meet heaps of fellow travellers and enjoy the epic New Zealand night life in each destination…so if you’re looking for a more chilled vibe or are slightly older (25+) then maybe Stray is the better option!

Onboard tour discounts? Yes

Party centric? Yes

Guaranteed bed in overnight stops? Yes

Most inclusive passWhole Kit and Caboodle

Best For: 18-25 who like a good party

 

Stray NZ Bus Passes

In terms of setup Stray NZ is very similar to Kiwi Experience – it’s a hop on, hop off format, the passes are valid for 12 months and there are a variety of passes to choose from.

For those who want a more tour like experience Stray NZ also offer a range of Stray Journey Passes which are set travel times and also include accommodation and tours.

For us though the best thing about Stray NZ is they offer some passes covering some more off the beaten track destinations like Whakahora and Te Kaha – allowing you to discover even more of New Zealand.

They also hit up the amazing surf town of Raglan – which is one of our teams favourite places for some chilled vibes and waves.

And of course you won’t miss out on favourites like Kaikoura, Queenstown, Franz Josef and Wanaka either!

Compared to Kiwi Experience Stray NZ offers a more relaxed vibe (don’t worry there’s a good dose of party thrown in!) but it’s certainly more about exploring and experiencing New Zealand that doing shots.

Onboard tour discounts? Yes

Party centric? No (but you’ll still have heaps of fun!)

Guaranteed bed in overnight stops? Yes

Most inclusive pass – Stray Everywhere

Best For: early 20’s + who want a more relaxed experience or those looking to discover more alternative destinations.

 

Whichever option you choose – both Kiwi Experience and Stray New Zealand have some epic sales from time to time, so keep an eye out on our travel deals section for the latest offers and save even more on your New Zealand adventure!

 

Have you travelled New Zealand with Kiwi Experience or Stray NZ?

How did you find it?

Travelling around Australia can be a huge task to organise – Australia is HUGE!

In fact you can fit the whole of Europe inside of it!

And one things we’ve noticed with helping people plan their East Coast Australia trip is that a lot of people underestimate how big Australia actually is and how long it can take to get from place to place.

And with so many awesome places to visit it can become pretty confusing where they all are and how to get between them!

But don’t worry – we’ve put together a handy map which shows all the top destinations in Australia and we’ve even added in the bus travel times to/from the next/previous stop – making it super simple for you to get your bearings and put together your perfect East Coast adventure!

 

Travelling Australia – Distances Between Top Destinations

Here’s our East Coast Australia map covering all the most popular stops between Melbourne and Cairns – including the likes of Byron Bay, Sydney, Rainbow Beach (for Fraser Island) and Airlie Beach (for the Whitsundays).

Just click on the pin to bring up the travel info for the next location up and down the coast – easy as!

 

East Coast Australia Package Deals

If you’re busy planning your backpacking trip to Australia and not sure whee to start check out our East Coast Australia Package Deals for some inspiration and our top travel itineraries!

If you already know where you want to go and what you want to do put all the details in our East Coast Custom Package Creator and our travel experts will put everything together for you and hook you up with some epic discounts!

Finding the best Whitsunday Island tours can be a pretty tough task – there are just so many boats and trips to choose from and plenty of Whitsundays tours to narrow down!

And since sailing on the Whitsundays is such a big Australia bucket list item you’re going to want to make sure you pick the right boat for you – there’s nothing worse than picking the wrong tour and regretting it!

But fear not – our team of awesome travel experts have put together this mini guide of the best Whitsunday Island Tours to help you find your perfect match!

 

The Best Whitsunday Island Tours

Whitsunday Island Day Trips

If you’re short on time then a day trip to the Whitsunday Islands from Airlie Beach is the way to go.

Sure you won’t get the full experience of an overnight sailing experience, but it’s certainly the way to go if time or money are an issue and you’ll still tick off all the must visit spots like Hill Inlet Lookout and Whitehaven Beach.

Our pick of the day trips is the Ocean Rafting option – as you can choose the Northern Exposure for more snorkel time or Southern Lights for more beach time. It’s an amazing day trip

Or Thundercat is another awesome alternative – both of which depart daily.

.

Whitsunday Island Overnight Trips – Party Boats

If you’re looking to party hard on the Whitsundays then there are some goon filled options that will suit you perfectly!

The most famous (or should we say infamous?!) is the Atlantic Clipper. This huge boat can accommodate up to 70 travellers and comes with waterslides, diving board and lots of chaos!

So if you’re looking for plenty of new travel buddies and party vibes the Clipper is a no brainer.

If that’s too much chaos for you then the New Horizon is a great alternative – offering some seriously fun vibes times but without so a big capacity.

And if you want to be social, but a bit more budget conscious then Spank Me is a great value option, with a max capacity of 27 travellers. Not a crazy party boat, but certainly heaps of fun!

All of which are 2 day, 2 night options.

 

Whitsunday Island Overnight Trips – Sailing Boats

If you want to sail the Whitsundays and actually get involved with the sailing side of things  (although many boats will let you get a little involved!) then Derwent Hunter, Solway Lass and New Horizon offer a full tall ship sailing experience where you can get stuck into the pirate life!

All of these are 2 day, 2 night options for maximum adventure.

 

Whitsunday Island Overnight Trips – Chilled Boats

If you want goo vibes on your Whitsundays Sailing Adventure but not crazy amounts of partying then Apollo is a great option for you.

With a medium group size and great itinerary this sail boat style boat is a firm favourite for many travellers – ourselves included!

Whitsunday Adventurer is also another stand out in the chilled category and this small group catamaran trip (max 12 travellers) even has an onboard spa!

If that’s not your style or are fully booked (they both sell out quickly so secure your place in advance!) then Avatar or  Waltzing Matilda are also good options.

 

Whitsunday Island Overnight Trips – Luxury Boats

If you want to go all out an really treat yourself on the Whitsundays then there are a few boats which stand out from the crowd in terms of luxury. – Powerplay, On Ice and Whitsunday Getaway.

For us though Powerplay wins out – with it’s small group dynamic, amazing boat (including a hot tub on the back!) and the fact it won’t smash your budget heaps! Just check out their amazing promo video…

 

Shorter Whitsunday Island Sailing Trips – 2 day, 1 Night

Want to enjoy some sailing adventure on the Whitsundays but a little short on time?

Well if you want more than a day trip then either British Defender or Siska are really awesome 2 day, 1 night sailing option which still cover all the must see locations.

And obviously this shorter option is a little bit easier on the travel budget too!

 

The Best Whitsunday Island Tours – Our Picks

So which trip do our team like the most?

Well after a lot of discussion it’s a toss up between New Horizon, Spank Me or Powerplay!

New Horizon is the more backpacker friendly option, with great vibes and a good size group, where as Powerplay is the pick for those who want a more “flashpacker” style experience and small group dynamic. With Spank Me providing an epic 2 night experience with a really affordable price tag –  so it really depends on what your priorities are.

But you won’t go wrong with any of the trips mentioned in this list!

 

**Plus get $30 off New Horizon, Spank Me or Powerplay with promo code WHIT30**

 

Hopefully this mini guide will help your find the best Whitsunday Island tours for your style and budget and check out our full range of Whitsundays Tours here!

 

Have you visited the Whitsunday Islands?

Which company did you use and how did you get on?

Popular Whitsundays Tours

Siska Whitsundays Sailing Tour

Soak up the stunning beauty of the Whitsunday Islands on this 2 day, 1 night Whitsundays sailing tour aboard Siska
2 Days
Airlie Beach, The Whitsundays
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Powerplay Whitsundays Sailing Tour

Sail around the Whitsunday Islands in style on board Powerplay for this luxurious 2 day, 2 night Whitsundays sailing adventure
2 Days
Whitsunday Islands

Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays Sailing Tour

Sail around the beautiful Whitsunday Islands on the world famous Atlantic Clipper - the ultimate Whitsundays party boat!
2 Days
Whitsunday Islands
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Popular

New Horizon Whitsundays Sailing Tour

Discover the stunning Whitsunday Island on board the New Horizon for an incredible 2 day, 2 night Whitsundays Sailing Adventure
2 Days
Whitsunday Islands

Finding the best Fraser Island tour can be a tough decision – there are so many to choose from with a whole heap of options to suit every style and of course budget!

So to make things a bit easier for you we’ve put together a quick breakdown of the best Fraser Island tours – so you can find the one that’s perfect for you!

Update: Due to COVID there have been some changes to the available options and also departure dates. We’ll keep the list as up to date as we can as things begin to reopen as well!

Most of our Fraser Island tours offer live availability booking now, so you can easily check the product pages for the latest departure options.

 

What’s The Best Fraser Island Tour?

Fraser Island Camping Tours

One of the most popular ways to see Fraser Island is an overnight camping tour. These tag along 4×4 tours allow you to get behind the wheel and drive around this awesome island, which makes them the best Fraser Island tour for adventure!

After a fun day of exploring everything that Fraser Island has to offer you’ll head to the permanent campsites on the island, kick back around the BBQ, sip a cold beer (or most likely some glasses of goon!) and enjoy the incredible night sky.

Available in 3 day/2 night options you have a few companies to choose from:

If you want the most popular out the all out Fraser Island camping tours our top pick would be Pippies, with its awesome vibes, guides and great range of stops, departing from Rainbow Beach.

Currently they’re running daily until the end of March, with Mon, Wed and Fri for the rest of the year.

Palace Adventures offers a similar tour, but with the option of either a Noosa or Rainbow Beach start.

CURRENTLY RUNNING: All of the above are back up and running for 2023, however the popular Nomads Fraser Island tour is no longer operating.

 

Grab $40 off all our 3 day Fraser Island tours using the code FRA40 at checkout!

 

 

Fraser Island Hostel Tours

If camping isn’t your thing and you want a more comfortable Fraser Island experience then there are a couple of options to choose from too.

Departing from Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay the overnight Fraser Explorer Resort options are a  2 day/1 night option, however unlike the camping tours these aren’t tag along 4×4 format – instead you’re driven around in an epic all terrain tour bus.

Great if you want to kick back and just enjoy the ride but it does lack the adventure the other options offer.

As of late 2020 K’Gari Adventures (formely Drop Bear Adventure) are running an awesome Cabin Accomodation Fraser Island tour, which combines their award winning tours with shared cabin style accomodation – which is certainly our pick for the top non camping style option at the moment.

They also have the option of starting in either Noosa or Rainbow  Beach, departing on Mon, Wed or Fri

CURRENTLY RUNNING: Both of the above are currently running throughout 2023.

nomads fraser island tour 2 days rainbow beach noosa australia east coast

 

Fraser Island Day Trips

If you’re pushed for time or simply don’t fancy staying overnight on Fraser Island then a day trip is a great way to quickly pack in the highlights.

Currently the only live availability option for Fraser Island day trips is with Fraser Explorer – with options to depart from either Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach

However with  he day trips you’ll be in a 4×4 tour bus rather than tag along tour format, so you lack some of the adventure.

These day trips are a great back up option if availability is full on the overnight options (especially for peak season or last minute bookings!) departing from Rainbow Beach, and Hervey Bay everyday.

CURRENTLY RUNNING: Currently running daily departures throughout 2023.

 

fraser island 3 day tour eurong beach reosrt hotel fraser explorer tours hervey bay

 

Best Value Fraser Island Tour

So out of all the options which is the best Fraser Island tour when it comes to value for money?

Obviously if budget is the key thing the day trips are the cheapest at around $259, however if you’re wanting the full adventure experience our pick would be the overnight options, especially if you add in the discounted pre and post tour accommodation packages.

Pippies is the best value and comes in at just $429, or $559 with 1 night pre and post tour accommodation – which includes food, tent, 4×4, guide and everything you need.

Hopefully our mini guide will help you choose the best Fraser Island tour for your style and budget – have an awesome time!

 

Check out our full range of Fraser Island Tours here and if you still need some help deciding chat to our travel experts who will be happy to help you out.

Grab $40 off all our 3 day Fraser Island tours using the code FRA40 at checkout!

 

Have you visited Fraser Island?

Which company did you use and how did you find it?

 

Popular Fraser Island Tours

Fraser Island Day Trip With K'Gari Explorer

This Fraser Island day trip with K'Gari Explorer packs in all the highlights of Fraser Island with departures from Rainbow
1 Day
Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach

Fraser Island Tour With Pippies Fraser Island (Camping)

3 days of cruising around Fraser Island in a 4WD!
3 Days
Rainbow Beach

Fraser Island Tour With Island Expeditions (Camping)

Enjoy heaps of adventure on this 3 day, 2 night Fraser Island tour with Palace Adventures - departing from Noosa
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Fraser Island, Noosa, Rainbow Beach

Drop Bear K'Gari Adventures Fraser Island Tour (Cabin Accomodation)

Explore the best of Fraser Island with K'Gari Adventures on this 3 day/2 night Fraser Island tour departing from Noosa
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Fraser Island

The East Coast of Australia is one of the most popular travel routes on the planet – with heaps of backpackers and travellers travelling between Sydney and Cairns…or from Melbourne too!

But what are the must see destinations that you should stop off at along the East Coast route?

Well we’ve put together our East Coast Mini Guide which runs through some of the top spots and why you should pencil them into your travel plans!

 

Melbourne

This cafe culture city is a hub for big international events – including the Melbourne Cup, Australian Tennis Open and F1 Championship. But when you’re not busy watching on the big screen in Fed Square take the time to explore the amazing street art, tram lines and St Kilda Beach. For those looking for even more to keen themselves busy a day trip to Philip Islands Penguin Parade or a road trip along the Great Ocean Road is a must!

 

Sydney

Often confused as the capital of Australia (that’s Canberra incase you didn’t know!) Sydney has some of the most icon destinations in Oz. Wander around Circular Quay and get your snaps of the stunning views over the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, hit the beach at Bondi or escape the city to the Blue Mountains.

 

Yamba

Yamba is one of the bets kept travel secrets in Australia and this sleepy little surf town is a great additional stop of you have some more time to play with! Wit pumping surf, amazing beaches and some incredible beach walks it’s the ideal place for some downtime. Make sure you head to Yamba YHA and say hi to Shane to owner…he’s a total legend!

 

Byron Bay

Byron is all about the laid back beach lifestyle, so get ready to kick off your shoes and enjoy everything ocean based! Whale watching, dolphin kayaking, surf lessons and scuba diving are all great ways to spend your days in the Bay or for those who want a bit more adrenaline skydiving over Australias most Easterly Point is incredible!

And of course you can slow the pace down even more with a  day trip to Nimbin 😉

 

The Gold Coast

Often referred to as the Miami of Australia spots like Surfers Paradise on the Goldie are full of all the glitz and glam of city life with skyscraper lining the beach front.If shopping isn’t your thing then the range of theme parks here has something for everyone!

 

Brisbane

Brissie is a popular spot for those looking to stop off and find some work midway up the East Coast and the capital of Queensland proximity to spots like the Gold Coast, Byron and Noosa make it a great base. If you’re spending some time here make sure you head out and see the ship wrecks on Moreton Island, one of the best snorkelling sites in Australia!

 

Noosa

Incredible beaches, more laid back surfer vibes – Noosa is another stop which takes full advantage of the Aussie beach life! Get in amongst nature and explore the Noosa Everglades on a canoe tour and witness some spectacular sunsets over the estuary.

 

Rainbow Beach

One of the main gateway to Fraser Island Rainbow Beach also has heaps to see and do! Whether you’re kitesurfing, whale watching or skydiving if you have some extra time to play with check it out!

 

Fraser Island

One of the must do bucket list items in Australia, Fraser Island is the worlds largest sand island – so what better way to explore it than cruising around in a 4×4 through the rainforest and beach? Spots like Lake Mackenzie, Champagne Pools, and the Maheno Wreck will pack your camera full of awesome pics!

 

Airlie Beach

As the departure point for the Whitsunday Island Airlie Beach boasts and incredible nightlife! If you’re relaxing pre or post sailing adventure a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef or day kayaking around the bay is the way to go, or just chill out by the free lagoon swimming pool with your travel buddies!

 

The Whitsunday Islands

Another one of the big bucket list items in Australia, The Whitsunday Islands are all about finding a tropical paradise! With heaps of sailing adventures to choose from – from party boats to scuba diving – you’ll check out spots like Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout and snorkel some incredible spots on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

 

Magnetic Island

Just off the coast of Townsville is Magnetic Island and with its abundance of wild koalas and friendly rock wallabies it’s a great spot to relax and meet some of the unique wildlife that calls Australia home!

 

Mission Beach

If you’re looking to skydive in Australia then Mission Beach is the perfect place to do it! With views across the Great Barrier Reef and Australis only beach landing it’s not hard to see why! If you’re staying longer take a trip to Dunk Island for some epic snorkelling or hit the Tully River for some White Water Rafting!

 

Cairns

As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef Cairns is one of the biggest dive spots in Australia! So if you’re looking to complete your Open Water Dive Course or and Introductory Dive this is the spot! For those who want some non diving fun get your adrenaline on the go with a bungy jump or head north to explore Cape Tribulation for the day. Or if you’ve had a big night out at the Woolshed or Gilligans maybe just relax by the waterfront lagoon pool and have a BBQ!

 

The Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Oz is complete without checking out the Great Barrier Reef – one of the natural wonders of the world! Join a snorkel day trip, give scuba diving a go with an intro dive or go all out with an overnight dive boat in search of Nemo! Get into the big blue and find explore some more of he underwater world.

 

Cape Tribulation

Just north of Cairns lies Cape Tribulation – unique in the fact it’s where two world heritage sites meet, The Daintree Rainforest and The Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy the waterfalls, join a crocodile river cruise or go for a scenic walk through the rainforest – it’s a stunning part of Australia!

 

Have you travelled East Coast Australia?

Any stops you’d add in?

 

Learning to scuba dive is an amazing bucket list item to tick off on your travels – the world is over 70% water after all!

So if you’re trying to decide where in the world to complete your open water course or next dive certification we’ve put together this quick guide to help you figure out which location is best for you…

 

Best For Budget – Koh Tao

Without a doubt Koh Tao in Thailand is the cheapest place to complete your PADI or SSI Open Water Dive Course.

Packages are range from £180-200 depending and often include accommodation too – even more of a bargain!

This famous Thai island is a popular spot with backpackers due to this – with a variety of dive centres to choose from offering a full range of courses up to divemaster and instructor.

When you’re not busy diving there’s a wide range of activities to do – whether you fancy kayaking, island hopping or just kicking back at a beach bar with a cold beer!

If you’re looking to learn to dive on Koh Tao check out our dive courses here.

 

Best For Experience – Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard

If you’re looking for our personal recommendation on where and how to complete your open water dive course you can’t get much better than completing it on a Great Barrier Reef Liveaboard!

Based out of Cairns you’ll complete your theory and pool modules on the mainland before heading out to the Great Barrier Reef for a min of 2 days and 1 night to complete your open water dives. So not only will you complete your dive course and become certified but you’ll also get the opportunity to sleep overnight on the Great Barrier Reef – an amazing experience in itself!

It comes with a bit of a higher price tag than just completing it as day trips (around $705AUD all in) but it’s well worth the extra cash and then that also covers your meal and accommodation on the boat too.

For more information check out our Great Barrier Reef Liveaboards here.

 

Best In Australia

We’re tied between two locations for completing your open water dive course in Australia. Firstly is Cairns as you get to dive on the Great Barrier Reef – which is amazing as…well…it’s the Great Barrier Reef!

A budget dive course here where you complete your open water modules on two day trips to the reef is around $625AUD.

For those who want to learn to scuba dive as they head up the East Coast our other favourite is Byron Bay. This amazing beachside town is full of barefoot living and good vibes – and the scuba diving here is incredible too!

You’ll complete your course out at Julian Rocks Marine Reserve and depending on the season you’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside Grey Nurse Sharks, Manta Rays and Leopard sharks along with the array of other awesome marine life that calls this spot home.

The Bryon Bay Dive Courses also allow you to complete your theory work online before arriving, so the whole thing only takes 3 days instead of 4 – ideal for those who want more time to explore Byron (an amazing spot for learning to surf) or who don’t have heaps of time to travel around Australia.

For more information on Great Barrier Reef dive courses click here and for Byron Bay dive courses click here.

 

If you need any help figuring out where to complete your open water dive course drop us an email or chat to our travel experts on our live chat and we’d be happy to help!

Bondi Beach, Australia

So you’ve decided to start your adventure in Australia:  amazing!  Australia has an abundance of opportunities when it comes to travel, adventure, finding friends, finding yourself and earning some money!

Bahamas is an archipelago based on 700 islands known for the magnificent coral reefs and for their sunny beaches. But the real deal in the archipelago is the vivid nightlife, when all the islands are illuminated like stars and people party long into the daylight.

Las Vegas style entertainment

Cable Beach, located on the New Providence Island, offers two venues which provide fun and safety. Wyndham Nassau Resort  has luxurious casinos and a 800 seats theater which offers high quality entertainment, spectacular shows and complete gambling experience which can rival with Las Vegas hotels.

The Island way of gambling

Crystal Palace Casino is another spot on the beach where real fun begins after dark. Being the largest venue on Cable Beach, it offers a baccarat table, 7 craps tables, 51 blackjack tables and 750 slot machines. The bars and the restaurants on the beach offer a sweet break from gambling. Live music and delicious cocktails are the complementary treatments for those who want to stay away from the games and enjoy a dance session.

Grand_Bahamas_Island

Natural features of the Bahamas islands

Nightlife in the islands offers fun and many entertainment opportunities, but the real beauty of the islands should not be missed either. The natural coral reefs and the crystal clear waters are perfect for divers, while the sunny beaches may offer a silent escape after a noisy gambling experience. The wild side of the archipelago also has an untouched green version, perfect for a long night walk.

Online gambling

The tourists who don’t want to spend the entire night inside a casino because they are keen on exploring the natural island beauty, can always try their luck online while relaxing on the beach. Learning the rules at fult tilt poker is ideal for people trying gambling for the first time. The beginners can watch helpful tutorials teaching them how to make deposits and how to play. The house offers to double the value of the deposit for free so you can play using these money and win real cash.

Non-gamers have the same fun

Even if Bahamas is a true paradise for gamblers, as there are casinos in every possible corner of the little islands, tourists who don’t gamble are also treated like VIPs. Atlantis Paradise Island Resort and Casino is one of the favorite spots for gamers, but all guests can have nightlife fun at the comedy club or at the extravagantly decorated bar.

Fire eaters and fries

On the Grand Bahama Island tourists can enjoy street shows after dark, enjoying the nightlife in the middle if the Lucaya Marketplace. Artists gather in the night to put on interesting shows of fire-eating, while the Junkanoo street parade catches all the eyes. Drummers and Djs enhance the fun and mesmerize tourists, who can quickly find themselves dancing in the street in a general party. After all this fun, one must enjoy the street cuisine and taste the real island spirit which comes with the famous  fish fries.

 

Scotland’s vast natural heritage is a great reason to visit Britain. The country’s gardens offer a delightful opportunity to indulge your senses and explore the very best of Britain’s natural scenery. Take a look at some of the finest Scottish gardens.

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Discover more Scottish and English Gardens from VisitBritain

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Drummond Castle Gardens

These gardens combine to perfection stunning Renaissance architecture with superb scenery. This Perthshire venue dates from the mid-18th century, and the garden’s layout and gorgeous details will surely transport visitors to the stately glamour of a bygone area.

Monteviot Gardens

Located in Jedburgh, a historic market town south of Edinburgh, the Monteviot Gardens are the ideal place to disconnect from the busy pace of daily life. Here you can stroll around wonderful rose, herb, river, and water gardens, which are connected to each other through lovely ponds and bridges. Don’t miss the Monteviot’s arboretum and the gardens’ top terrace.

Rocheid Garden

Rocheid is a hidden and relaxing gem in the heart of cosmopolitan Edinburgh. This garden features gorgeous exotic plants and flowers that gather gracefully around a crystal-clear natural pond. The result is a beautiful collage of bright colours that never fail to make an impression on visitors.

Brockhole Gardens

Although the Lake District is not part of Scotland, a trip to this wonderful part of Cumbria is well worth the detour if only to visit the splendid Brockhole Gardens. Located right next to Windermere Lake, these gardens feature 30 acres of terraced land that has been beautifully landscaped to bring out the best of this stunning area. For the best views of these gardens, go on the exciting tree-top trek at Brockhole.

 

This post has been brought to you by VisitBritain

 

It is very difficult to choose five beautiful beaches in a country that has more beautiful beaches than I will one day have vintage china tea cups (I have three so far, but I’m working on it). So how do you go about choosing between these tropical paradises? The answer is: with great difficulty. But of all the spectacular beaches in Thailand, the following five certainly leave a lasting impression:

1. Maya bay

Located in Koh Phi Phi Ley, this stunning bay became famous for being the destination chosen to make the film ‘The Beach’. Since then, it has attracted huge numbers of visitors. This has the obvious drawback of tourists often packing together like sardines on the beach to look at the landscape but, it has to be said, this landscape is breath-taking.

The beach opens out onto an expanse of clear, turquoise water; the bay is encircled by 100-metre limestone cliffs; and the coral filled waters hold plenty of marine life, making this a perfect location for divers.

Maya Bay

2. Sunrise Beach

Sunrise Beach compromises the perimeter of the east of the island Koh Lipe and, as you may surmise from the name, this beach offers one spectacular view of the sunrise!  While Koh Lipe has a number of great beaches to choose from, Sunrise Beach has the advantage of being tranquil as well as gorgeous. At it’s back are tall, luxurious trees that offer shelter; and this beach is made distinctive by a stretch of sand that curves a ring around part of the ocean (a unique and often photographed part of the landscape).

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3. Freedom Beach

This is one of the least accessible beaches in Phuket, but arguably the best. Tranquil and set against a backdrop of thick jungle, this beach creates the illusion that you have stumbled into paradise. The crystal clear water holds colourful coral reefs, making it one of the best places for snorkelling in Phuket. The beach is cared for by locals and the ban on motor boats and jet skis (which are seriously annoying when you aren’t riding them)   makes this beach a very quiet, relaxing place.

Freedom beach

4. Railey Beach

This beach is one of the most popular in Thailand and can be found near the town of Krabi, along a narrow peninsula, in the south-west of Thailand (where it is much less touristy and much more relaxed). This beach looks incredible: the water is crystal clear; the sand is white and fine as powder; and it is surrounded by tall, jagged cliffs, which attracts rock climbers from all over the world.

railey beach

5. Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Beach)

For better or worse, this location will always be associated, for me, with that scene from ‘The Man with the Golden Gun’ where Christopher Lee and Roger Moore have a pistol duel (who am I kidding, that scene is great).

Although Phang Nga Bay does not share the powdery white sand and flawless turquoise waters of my other choices, the rugged landscape and fascinating rock formation (in particular the tall islet ‘Ko Tapu’) makes it just as breath-taking to behold.

Thailand beach

Although there are downsides to all of these gorgeous beaches- whether it be an entrance fee, too many tourists, long boat rides or paranoia that Scaramanga is going to jump out at you holding a golden gun- they are all unique, all breath-taking and all examples of what makes Thailand so wonderful.

The Silk Road is historically fascinating- a network of routes dating back over two thousand years that were central to trade between the West and East. The scenery itself resembles silk; stretches of land that reaches out for miles and miles over mountains and deserts, interspersed with cities that appear to rise as though from dust.

My chance to travel there came in the form of the Vodkatrain. It is not, as you might suppose, a sleek glass train where you are served shots of vodka (which would be amazing, by the way) but a series of trains that take you through Russia, down to Mongolia and through to Beijing throughout the course of 21 days.

The Beginning

My friend and I began our journey in St Petersburg, where we met our group and our first Honcho (a guide assigned to you by Vodkatrain at each destination to answer pretty much any question you can think of). After the meeting we set out together to explore St Petersburg. It was a fabulous start to the journey: a gorgeous city, brimming with some of the most stunning examples of baroque and neo-classical architecture, not to mention St Issac’s Cathedral, which you should look at last because that thing will blind you.

From the opulent beauty of St Petersburg we left for the huge, modern Moscow and took in as much of the city as possible before catching our next train. I have to say that, with more money, I could have spent several days in St Petersburg and Moscow, and, with even more money, would have attended several performances at the legendary Mariinsky and Bolshoi Opera Houses (I managed to convince my group to go with me to both buildings before they pulled me away to the nearest bar).

But our train was waiting and, by the time we boarded, armed with visas and vodka, we were buzzing with excitement and, as it turned out, there were many good times ahead.

 

Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulafunnell/
Photo Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/paulafunnell/

The Train

I love this method of travel. There is something magical about watching the landscape changing from your window; it really gives you a perspective on the vastness of the land you cover. The trains were comfortable and combined group members with local travellers: we got chatting to really interesting people.

I found the cheapest way to eat on the train was to buy food from people at the various train platforms you will stop at (you can budget around £2.50- £7 per meal).

The Accommodation

All the accommodation was arranged by Vodkatrain. My favourite places were: Tatania’s guesthouse, a Siberian wooden chalet at Lake Baikal, where the host cooked us delicious Russian food; and the Ger camp in Mongolio, which was brilliant- definitely the best accommodation we stayed in.

 

Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kirksiang/
Photo credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kirksiang/

The Highlights

Of course St Petersburg- one of the places that I definitely want to return to- left a lasting impression. The train itself was a lot of fun and the day we all went swimming in Lake Baikal (which was freezing). Each of our destinations were very interesting, made more so by some really great Honchos. By the time we got to Beijing I was sad that it was all coming to an end, but Beijing is a fantastic city and was a hugely enjoyable finish to the tour. We ate some of best food I’ve ever tasted; we found lots of places to shop; and we met some wonderful local people. The city is also home to some magnificent landmarks, including the tranquil Temple of Heaven, the vast Forbidden City, and, of course, the Great Wall of China (which we ended up walking for far too long because no-one wanted to be the person who suggested turning back).

Although we were exhausted by the end of the 21 days, and we were very hungover at points during the 21 days, there is no doubt that this experience- hilarious and beautiful in equal measures- is not one that any of us will forget in a hurry.

You can find out more about Vodkatrain here.

There are six ‘small group adventures’ to choose from depending on your interests, time scale and budget (prices range greatly from £2,380 for ‘The Cossack’ and £945 for the ‘Budgeting Bolshevik’). The website will give you a good idea of how much you should be budgeting for food and entrance fees in each city.

 

James Keogh gives us his top tips for using the London Underground and how to survive it like a local.

It is just past noon on an unusually sunny Saturday in Brixton, most pleasant given this otherwise bitterly cold month. As a Brixton local I must say there is no place quite like the melting-pot of Lambeth and I can’t help but smile to myself as I walk to the tube.

The tube is a different world to yesterday, the buzz and stuffiness of the working week has given way to more leisurely colonies of tourists and families with young children all eager to take in popular and “hidden” parts of the city and indeed today I shall join them.

This more leisurely commute may be more chilled out but why do all the tourists seem unaware of the Tube etiquette?

We have many nuances of ‘Great British etiquette’ and the Tube specifically has quite a collection of quirks. Although most of these things can be found signposted around, some are still unwritten rules and either way it is easy to see how tourists or first-timers could get caught out and face the British cold shoulder. So, with this in mind, I have decided to collect all the do’s and dont’s into one place for those who are yet to travel London’s Underground:

 

STAND ON THE RIGHT, WALK ON THE LEFT

As discussed you may or may not feel the wrath of your fellow travellers, mostly dependent on  whether it’s rush hour, but ending up the wrong side of the tracks will always attract some frosty  attention. In general watch out when travelling with large pieces of luggage at peak times for fear of  tripping up junior city boys as they dart to-and-fro late for a meeting!

rules of the underground

“PLEASE LET ALL PASSENGERS OFF THE TRAIN BEFORE BOARDING …”

…. the announcement rings. This is usually played over the loudspeakers on most platforms but  once at South Kensington I saw a Scandanavian man physically held back for trying to go against  the system! I have heard that many other European countries do not follow the same custom but be damned sure … we Brits take it quite seriously.

GIVING UP YOUR SEAT FOR THOSE IN NEED

This is surely followed globally as just an obvious piece of goodwill and respect but on many  occasions in London I have seen other passengers picking on the closest youth to reprimand them for their sloppy manners. However, this particular etiquette can prove quite tricky as some passengers may take offence at being labelled “in need”. For example, I once offered my seat to quite a glamorous and well-spoken elderly lady one evening but she declined and added rather dryly, “My dear, If I was not fit for the underground I would have taken a cab.” Quite funny really and a fair point, nevertheless it took the air out of my good deed and left me feeling a bit deflated.

THE QUEUE

No observation on British etiquette would be complete without highlighting the importance of  queueing. Whether it be for the oyster machines, getting on the carriages or just to get through the  barriers you will notice the crowd start aligning as if shuffled up by invisible channels. At this point  beware the red light! Whether you haven’t got enough money on your Oyster or have double  touched you will experience what it is to interrupt ’the Great Flow’. Check first and get comfortable  with The Way of ‘The Queue’.

KEEP ON MOVING …

Especially true during rush hour. It is a common thought shared amongst commuters that those who stop their motion, perhaps to consult the Underground map or read signs either immediately after leaving trains or on route to the  platform will inevitably end up with someone treading on their heels proceeded by a flustered and speedy getaway from the perpetrator. The Londoner’s hit-and-run method of most encounters on the tube is perhaps epitomised by this act. The answer is to keep moving, even if it means proceeding slowly one must be in motion at all times.

“COULD YOU MOVE DOWN PLEEEEEEASE?!”

In continuing with the theme of movement it must be made clear that at peak times a failure to  move down the platform or especially the carriages will certainly provoke vocal backlash. Remember – all people want to do at 8am or 5pm is get to work or get home and you WILL NOT delay this process for them, even though trains tend to run every minute or so!

(“SHHHHHHH!!!!!”)

Although the point will almost never be raised by fellow passengers it is of agitation to most when other travellers are listening to loud music or having loud conversation. I think this is perhaps to do with the fact that such noises exist in such close confinement and with the inability to escape this the  lack of control quickly gathers a repressed tension throughout the carriage. People may look at each other as if to say, “Are you hearing that too?!!” but nobody makes a sound – You can feel the tension  being lifted as sed ‘loud’ passenger leaves the carriage. This leads onto another point – there is no spontaneous socialisation on the tube. Or eye contact. Never.

The only time I have ever struck up a conversation on the tube was when I was coming home from giving a ukelele lesson and for the sheer novelty of my instrument I fell into conversation with a lovely American lady and her daughter, it was  such a great experience and whats more it was hilarious seeing the look on other people’s faces, it was almost like we were plotting to blow up parliament or something!

Note: interestingly this is not the same when using the trains. I have met many awesome people on journeys overground. Perhaps there is something about travelling underground that makes people particularly anti-social?

BUSKERS

Now, I am a musician myself and – although I have never obtained one of the legitimate ‘busking licences’ – I have tried my luck once or twice setting up on the branded pitches and have always managed to hold my spot for an hour or so before someone notices. From this experience it is my whole-hearted conclusion that only tourists and foreigners throw money into the hat. The Londoner when offered a chance to escape giving will always oblige. At this point I would like to thank visitors to London for keeping buskers afloat, please don’t act like a Londoner on this occasion, you will never provoke negative attention and hopefully will encourage others to do the same.

So there you have it, a few pointers for successfully navigating your trip on the underground without causing too much offence. I would like to conclude with a little piece of advice for those of you, like me, who see their journey on the tube as a time to get a bit of reading done. Go for poetry or magazines rather than books or newspapers. Poetry is usually short and you can sink your teeth into a piece even between neighbouring stations and magazines have short articles like newspapers but they don’t open out as far as the Standard, Metro or worse still a Broadsheet. God forbid that you might infringe further on someone’s personal space anymore than your mere existence!

They always say, “Life is about the journey, not the destination,” and I am a believer that adventures on the London Underground breed memorable journeys in one way or another.

 

I first visited Rome in my final year at university, a birthday present from my wonderful sister. We set off with our friend and all agreed that Rome was going to be an entirely stress-free experience. We were not going to budget; we were going to enjoy every moment.

This cavalier attitude, while wonderful during the three days I stayed in the aptly named ‘eternal city’, seemed somewhat reckless when I spent the remainder of the semester living on cereal and tinned soup. It is at this point you realize that throwing money about as if it were going out of fashion is, in fact, a very ill advised thing to do and that, as much as you would like it to be the case, you are not Princess Ann from Roman Holiday.

On a brighter note, I have returned to Rome since and managed to do so without devastating my bank balance.  So here is my advice on how to save money in one of Europe’s most stunning and expensive cities:

Travel

It is easy to find a cheap flight to Rome (you can get a return from Stansted, London from only £53); it is also easy to not spend much on travel once you are there. On my first trip we took a taxi from the airport at a fixed price of €30.

For a much cheaper alternative take a bus from Ciampino Airport to the underground station ‘Anagnini’ (€1,20). Then get the metro for €1 to whichever station is closest to where you’re staying.

Once you arrive, you’ll find that Rome really isn’t that big a place, so it’s easy to plan your route each morning and travel around on foot.

Accommodation

On my first trip we stayed in a lovely apartment but this is because my sister is, as previously mentioned, an awesome person.

On my second trip I stayed at Hotel Beautiful Hostel, about a minute away from the Termini station. You can get a room here from €30 to €60 depending on the time of year.

For a cheaper options, it is well worth looking at Airbnb  where you can find a room in Rome for as little as €10 a night if you don’t mind sharing!

Food

This was, by far, the biggest expense of my first trip to Rome. We ate out every night and often during the day. We bought coffee and gelato and ordered way too much wine. On the second trip, we went to a grocery shop near Termini station on the first day and ended up saving a lot of money (this obviously didn’t include gelato, which remained as much a feature of my second trip).

If you do want to eat out be sure to check the menu first and never just walk into a café and order over the counter. Prices tend to be astronomical just outside of landmarks, as we discovered when my sister unwittingly ordered a ten euro glass of orange juice outside of the Coliseum.

If you want to eat out, it’s advantageous to ask the locals. We were recommended two great places to eat:  Sfizio Pizza near Termini station (around €8 per head); and Picculo Buco, a family run restaurant near the Trevi Fountain (this cost about €10 per head).

Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/
Photo Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/avlxyz/

Tour Guides

Whenever you approach an important landmark you will be bombarded with tour guides. We went on two tours on my first trip to Rome: one of the Vatican City, which was brilliant; one of the Coliseum and the Ancient City, which was not. The latter literally consisted of us paying someone to take us inside and say ‘this is where gladiators used to fight… feel free to go take some photos of yourself posing as gladiators and meet me by the pillar in half an hour’.  To top it all off we went to the wrong pillar and lost our guide, who was carrying our tickets to the Ancient City (this was, admittedly, our own fault).

For those on a budget, there is a great organization that offers free walking tours in Rome. These are licensed and expert tour guides who will take you around the city for free (they do rely on tips but this is still a cheaper alternative).

Budget for Rome

So to summarize, here is a rough budget for a trip to Rome:

Flights: £53 plus €6 to and from the airport

Accommodation: €10 to €30 a night

Groceries: They came to roughly €10, which included packed lunches.

Restaurants: If you want to eat out, you can do so for €5- €15 per head. Save money by making a packed lunch during the day and remember there are water fountains to drink from all around the city.

Entry fees: There are plenty of things to see in Rome that don’t cost a cent, but, on both trips, we agreed to allow about €10 per day.

Nights out: Agree on a budget beforehand and stick to it. Avoid tourist bars, which are always very expensive- drink with the locals!

Gelato: No budget.

 Do you have any tips for travelling on a budget in Rome? If you do, let us know in the comments below!

 

 

 

 

Since I’ve taken up diving my scuba diving bucket list is fast growing – and if there’s one place that seems to be the top of every divers list it’s the red sea. It comes with a massive recommendation from everyone who has dived there – be it scuba or free diving (which I recently got addicted to!) and stories are always met with envy by those who haven’t!

So where should you hit up when there? And where from?

 

backpacker scuba diving
Clear, Warm Waters…

Sharm El Sheikh is an Egyptian city located on the coastline of the Red Sea and situated on the Sinai Peninsula, at its Southern tip.

Over the years, Sharm El Sheikh has earned the reputation of being one of the most extraordinary diving destinations, in the world.

The city was always well known for its amazing touch with nature however, these days, it has also become a tourist friendly city. A couple of decades ago, divers had to trek a long way through the dessert, before they could get to the spot from where they could go for a dive, today though the scene is more luxurious with many popular hotels setting up camp there.

The sight of the crystal clear waters, with beautiful corals and under water flora, is a treat to the eyes and in contrast to the beautiful waters is the white, sandy beach and the infinitely large dessert

 

So which dive spot should you add to your list? Well here’s a few to jump into…

  1. Ras Mohammed: This dive area is located in the extreme southern region of Sharm El Sheikh, at the point of confluence of the Gulf of Suez and the Gulf of Aqaba. With an ocean depth of over 1000 meters and coupled with strong underwater currents year around, this dive spot remains a tough challenge even for the most experienced divers. Ironically, the unique reefs formed in this region and the variety and density of various species observed here are credited to these strong water currents.
  2. The Straits of Tiran: The Straits of Tiran is another unique dive area, near the Island of Tiran, located on the Gulf of Aqaba. This 2000 meters deep dive area is characterized by four coral reefs named after the British cartographers Woodhouse, Jackson, Gordon and Thomas. The strong currents caused during high tides, when the water flows through the narrow path in the region, are responsible for the large variety of fish swarms and corals in the area.
  3. The Locals: Stretching from Ras Nasrani in the north to Ras Cathy in the south, along the coastal region of Sharm el Sheikh are twenty-eight diving sites that can be reached on by taking a boat ride for around 10 to 60 minutes. These diving sites are collectively called ‘local dives’. The site is an ideal location for beginners to test their diving skills, while the experienced ones would also have a great time.
  4. The Wrecks: This dive site derives its name from its past history, where many ships entering from the Suez Canal got wrecked in this region, due to a shallow reef just below the surface. Since these wrecked ships lie within safe diving limits, special wreck-safaris are sometimes conducted in this dive area.
  5. Naama Bay: The Naama bay is a year around dive spot and surprisingly happens to be one of the least known sites in Sharm El Sheikh. The diving area starts just 50 meters after a walk through the water, where you can witness the amazing and unique sea life. There are also night dives conducted in this region, for those interested in interacting with the nocturnal creatures in the ocean.

 

Sharm El Sheikh is a Holiday Gem and diving remains the major attraction, but those interested in other activities like water sports and excursions can also visit the region – and Egypt itself is a great backpacking destination given the variety of terrain in the region – and of course the Pyramids which should be on everyones bucket list!

 

Anyone been diving here? What did you make of it?