Backpacking in Australia?

Question

I will be backpacking in Australia for two weeks in January/February and would like to know the places I must see and things I must do while there! Thanks :)

Answer 1

I live in Brisbane which is the capital of the state of Queensland on the east coast of Australia.  

It really depends on what you are into.  I like natural stuff like mountains, etc. so I would recommend must see places such as:-

Carnarvon Gorge, Hinchinbrook or Heron Islands & the Barrier Reef off the Queensland Coast;

I  have a love affair with the state of Victoria so I am slightly obsessed with the place (there is lots to see & do there & it is very tourist friendly with public transport/visitor centres being awesome). Things I would recommend are Melbourne City itself (get on the free city circle tram),  Great Ocean Road, Phillip Island (cute penguins!), Wilsons Prom, Yarra Valley & Mt Macedon wineries, the Dandenongs, I could go on & on....;

the Northern Territory (Ularu/Ayers Rock, stunning Katherine Gorge, Kata Tjuta/The Olges, Kings Canyon)

Western Australia is supposed to gorgeous - The Bungle Bungles, Monkey Mia, Margaret River but unfortunately I haven't made it over there yet;

Tasmania - Lake St Clair, the almost mystical Port Arthur, drop dead gorgeous Freycinct National Park (must see Wineglass Bay - breathtaking), any part of Tassie really!

Hopefully some New South Wales and South Australian people can enlighten you as to what to do in their states as I've only briefly passed through them & don't know a lot about them. Both are renown for wineries. NSW has  the Blue Mountains and the iconic city of Sydney. SA has the very beautiful capital city of Adelaide.

Enjoy your holiday when you get here - you'll love every moment.

(((P.S. Oops I've just read Jan/Feb bit - AVOID the Northern Territory (sorry I love the place but it is ouchy, icky, uncomfortably hot & humid at that time).  Consider any of the other places though.)))

Answer 2

Two weeks will not get you very far if backpacking in Aussie. It takes five hours to fly coast to coast. You had better stay in one area as to drive from Melbourne to Sydney 12 hours and then Sydney to Brisbane 12 hours Brisbane to Cairns 8 hours.I suggest Queensland if looking for beaches and tropical weather.Victoria and New South Wales for historical purposes. The other States would be too large for a two week stay except Tasmania which is  very English in character and has the most beautiful scenery. I live in Sydney myself and have travelled Oz regularly. Do an add on and let us know where you want to go.

Answer 3

Hi.  The others are right about 2 weeks being too short. It will only give you a tantalising little taste of Aus, then you will be forced to return to see more!!

You need to decide if wild nature is your thing, or city life, as you can't enjoy both adequately in 2 weeks, and there is plenty of both.

The weather at that time will be very hot throughout Australia, as it's the height of summer. The UV rays will also be at their strongest, so take care of your skin.  The Australian Cancer Coucil provides advice, information, and sun protection products via their website: http://www.cancer.org.au/cancersmartlife...

The key message is: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat!

You are sure to have a great time.

P.S. PLEASE don't hitchhike, especially not alone.

P.P.S.  Dragonfly's answer is exceptionally good.

Answer 4

what part of Australia will you be in. 2 weeks will only allow you to see a small part of Australia. If you would like to ask again with telling us where you will be flying into then I can help

Answer 5

Just spend it in Tassie.

The weather is good then with plenty of festivals and music

Answer 6

I agree with the other answerers. In two weeks you'll barely scrape the surface of one state. My pick would be to spend most of your time on the Queensland coast starting with the Sunshine Coast in the south of the state and travelling to Cairns and the Daintree Rainforest in the north with either Heron Island or Lady Elliot Island as a must see on the way if you can afford the trip from the mainland. Daryl T was a bit out in her time estimation for Brisbane to Cairns. It's more like 28 hours at the absolute minimum. The distance is similar to Brisbane-Melbourne and the roads are not nearly as fast or good.  

Dragonfly's answer was very good for suggestions in other places.

Enjoy your stay. I guarantee you'll want to come back for a longer time next time.

Answer 7

Two weeks will scarcely get you past the airport perimeter.

Think of two months as a minimum, otherwise its a long way to come for such a short stay.