Top 50 hostels in Australia.
These are the 50 most awesome hostels and budget places to stay in Australia.
100 /100
Guest RatingGlenferrie Lodge
Glenferrie Lodge provides superb 3 star accommodation on Sydney Harbour. Our friendly casual service is one of our main features, so if you are thinking of visiting Sydney for one night, an extended stay or even a quiet weekend away, this is the place for you. Glenferrie Lodge was recently select...
Glenferrie Lodge is a guesthouse in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
100 /100
Guest RatingShannon House
Situated in the trendy suburb of Subiaco, just a few kilometres from Perth's CBD, Shannon House offers you all of the comforts of home, with the added bonus of being an afforable and convenient place to live. It's perfect for anyone looking for long-term accommodation in Perth. The house has shar...
Shannon House is a apartment in Perth. Check Hostelworld for prices.
100 /100
Guest RatingCentral Private Hotel
The Central Private Hotel has been established for over 50 years, and we are the closest Clean, Safe & Secure budget-style hotel to Central Railway Station. Our spacious, delightfully colour co-ordinated bedrooms range in quality from single budget with shared bathrooms to fully self contained de...
Central Private Hotel is a hotel in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
100 /100
Guest RatingMariners Court Hotel
Office hours are 8.00AM - 6.00PM. Late check ins to be made with the Hotel prior to arrival Superb location, 3 and a half star (AAA) hotel located 200 meters from the foreshore of the Woolloomooloo Wharf complex. Within walking distance of the NSW Art Gallery, State Library, the Royal Botanica...
Mariners Court Hotel is a hotel in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
100 /100
Guest RatingKimberley Hotel
Set amongst maintained gardens, with wide verandah's and pathways that connect the accommodation building to the reception complex, the Kimberley Hotel is an oasis in an otherwise rugged outback landscape. Features include an attractive colonial style Sports Lounge, Saloon Bar, Cocktail Bar, Ala car...
Kimberley Hotel is a hotel in Halls Creek. Check Hostelworld for prices.
99 /100
Guest RatingCairns Beaches Flashpackers
The look and feel of a beach house in an unbeatable location, you will instantly feel relaxed and at home. We are a family owned and operated boutique hostel with only 5 rooms all on 1 level with easy access to the tropical outdoor area, new pool and fully equipped kitchen. Enjoy the free WiFi while...
Cairns Beaches Flashpackers is a hostel in Cairns. Check Hostelworld for prices.
99 /100
Guest RatingYeppoon Beachhouse
Yeppoon Beachhouse is new, purpose built Backpacker & budget accommodation in the scenic seaside village of Yeppoon - just a short distance away from Rockhampton. It features ; clean, fully tiled bathrooms with high pressure showers ; solid, built-in bunk beds with their own electrical sockets and U...
Yeppoon Beachhouse is a hostel in Yeppoon. Check Hostelworld for prices.
99 /100
Guest RatingPort Elliot Beach House YHA
Port Elliot Beachhouse YHA Hostel is a stunning historic building on South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, renovated into a breezy beach house with 270 degree views to be enjoyed year round. It offers great budget accommodation, with shared dorms, double and family rooms - something for everyone. A...
Port Elliot Beach House YHA is a hostel in Port Elliot. Check Hostelworld for prices.
98 /100
Guest RatingGrampians Eco YHA
Grampians Eco YHA is a stylish and comfortable ECO Certified Nature Tourism accredited hostel that has been architecturally designed with the environment in mind. Situated in Halls Gap at the doorway to the beautiful Grampians National Park this hostel is the ideal base for your nature getaway....
Grampians Eco YHA is a hostel in Grampians. Check Hostelworld for prices.
97 /100
Guest RatingBellingen Belfry Guesthouse YHA
A PERFECT TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IN THE HEART OF BELLINGEN Welcome to The Belfry Guesthouse...located in Bellingen, in the heart of the Mid North Coast of NSW. The Belfry is a thoughtfully run guesthouse that combines traditional Bellingen hospitality with relaxed accommodation. The freshly painted, e...
Bellingen Belfry Guesthouse YHA is a hostel in Bellingen. Check Hostelworld for prices.
97 /100
Guest RatingThredbo YHA
Thredbo YHA, located in the heart of Australia's premier alpine village, is the best place to stay in the Snowy Mountains. When you are not skiing the slopes or trying out the huge range of summer activities, simply relax by the fire in the cosy, fully-equipped hostel, or watch the sunset on the...
Thredbo YHA is a hostel in Thredbo. Check Hostelworld for prices.
97 /100
Guest RatingIthaca 1896
Ithaca 1896, was built in 1896 as a private house, then a convent, a school and now a motel. Located 650m from the main st of Busselton and 300m from the beach. There is BBQ area with sink at Busselton 1896. No internal kitchen is offered but most rooms have a fridge, microwave & kettle Bus...
Ithaca 1896 is a hotel in BUSSELTON. Check Hostelworld for prices.
97 /100
Guest RatingThe Lord Byron
Located in the heart of Byron Bay, guests at The Lord Byron can relax and enjoy this comfortable, air-conditioned hotel in its centrally-located yet quiet tropical atmosphere. Take advantage of the leisure facilities, simply relax or enjoy a short stroll to the beach while passing by the many colour...
The Lord Byron is a hotel in Byron Bay. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest Rating17 North Street Budget Accomodation
This property is 2 minutes walk from the beach and next door is Woolworths supermarket . Showcasing a barbecue and terrace, 17 North Street Budget Accommodation is located in Caloundra. Free WiFi is provided and free private parking is available on site. There is a shared bathroom and kitchen at...
17 North Street Budget Accomodation is a hostel in Caloundra. Check Hostelworld for prices.
96 /100
Guest RatingNo14
The house was built in the circa 1913 and operated as one of the earliest guesthouses in Katoomba, and retains many original features. It has been lovingly restored over the years and improved with ducted central heating, new kitchen and bathrooms and WiFi. 14 Lovel St is a warm friendly place to...
No14 is a hostel in Blue Mountains. Check Hostelworld for prices.
96 /100
Guest RatingThe Flying Fox
The Flying Fox Backpackers is located in a lovely old building, 400 metres from town. Established to cater for independent travellers, the hostel has a social atmosphere and relaxed environment, it’s the perfect place to make new friends by the log fire with a cup of Italian roasted coffee and a T...
The Flying Fox is a hostel in Blue Mountains. Check Hostelworld for prices.
96 /100
Guest RatingAnnies Shandon Inn
Annies has 19 rooms some with en-suites all air conditioned with charming decor and historical family photos. You can also take advantage of the fine Brisbane weather on our shaded balcony. Facilities also include a kitchenette, and 24 hour tea and coffee making facilities. •Quality tourist accom...
Annies Shandon Inn is a guesthouse in Brisbane. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingEllie's Guest House
Ellie’s Guest House while similar in style to a private hotel, B & B, pension or a quality hostel, it is definitely not a back packer’s party house. It is the perfect alternative for budget conscious international and domestic travellers seeking quiet, tranquil and secure accommodation without the p...
Ellie's Guest House is a hostel in Brisbane. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingLanding Pads Brunswick
* * * NEWLY RENOVATED WITH BRAND NEW KITCHEN & AIR CON * * * Landing Pads Brunswick is an easygoing, open minded hostel, located in the heart of Brunswick, Set up and designed fro Independent solo travelers on Working Holiday Visas. * Free, unlimited, high speed WiFi Internet * Towels, linens...
Landing Pads Brunswick is a hostel in Melbourne. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingHotel Kununurra
Hotel Kununurra is centrally located in the heart of town, close to all amenities such as Coles, the Post Office, the local pool and leisure centre. It has a bottle shop, several bars, a great restaurant and entertainment almost every night. The hotel offers a very comfortable standard of accomm...
Hotel Kununurra is a hotel in Kununurra. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingKookaburra Inn
**Free WIFI and Fully Air Conditioned** Kookaburra Inn, a unique backpacking experience in the heart of beautiful Brisbane, Australia. Located in a quiet leafy street in historic Spring Hill - an easy walk (5 min.) to the Queen Street Mall, the Brisbane River, Brisbane City, Chinatown and Fortit...
Kookaburra Inn is a hostel in Brisbane. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingBeaches of Broome
Welcome to Beaches, Broomes newest and most beautifully appointed budget resort. Situated just a short stroll from the famous Cable Beach, Beaches of Broome is a contemporary, stylish resort offering total luxury at an affordable price. We have designed the resort to cater for everyone - coup...
Beaches of Broome is a hostel in Broome. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingGeraldton Backpackers on the Foreshore
Geraldton Backpackers on the Foreshore is centrally located in a beautiful, newly renovated heritage listed building, which is an attraction in itself. Just metres from the backdoor are the inviting waters of Champion Bay and the Town Beach. Enjoy the ocean views, listen to the waves breaking on...
Geraldton Backpackers on the Foreshore is a hostel in Geraldton. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingMontacute Boutique Bunkhouse
Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is a multi-award winning hostel in the centre of Hobart, in the historic village of Battery Point, just 5 minutes walk from approximately 30 cafes/restaurants and the famous Salamanca Market. Owned and operated by local Tasmanian couple, Antony and Rose, Montacute ha...
Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse is a hostel in Hobart. Check Hostelworld for prices.
95 /100
Guest RatingTravellers Oasis
Welcome to Travellers Oasis Backpackers in Cairns. We offer comfortable and clean facilities to budget-conscious travelers in a relaxed and friendly environment. Our premises are newly renovated and restored and tastefully decorated to capture the ambiance of the tropical North Queensland envi...
Travellers Oasis is a hostel in Cairns. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingCStay
CStay, located in the leafy tranquility of Picnic Bay, offers accommodation in comfortable private rooms set in an older hostel style establishment at very reasonable rates. We are a self-rated 2 stars and located on Magnetic Island. There are ten private rooms on offer; each with either a doubl...
CStay is a guesthouse in Magnetic Island. Check Hostelworld for prices.
94 /100
Guest RatingWestern Sydney University Village Hawkesbury
Usually home to students, Western Sydney University Village Hawkesbury now also provides high quality short stay accommodation for groups and independent travelers at affordable prices....
Western Sydney University Village Hawkesbury is a apartment in Richmond. Check Hostelworld for prices.
94 /100
Guest RatingBounce Sydney
Located in the trendy suburb of Surry Hills, directly opposite Central Railway Station, Bounce Sydney provides budget accommodation just 10 km from Sydney Airport. It features Free WiFi throughout the hostel, rooftop terrace and BBQ area offering views of Sydney! Bounce Sydney Hostel is situated...
Bounce Sydney is a hostel in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingWake Up! Byron Bay
Brand new and on the beach, this newly refurbished property offers modern, quality accommodation while maintaining the bohemian beach vibe of Byron Bay. The property has new bathrooms and communal areas with fully air-conditioned rooms. Free high-speed WIFI and personal bedside lights, power p...
Wake Up! Byron Bay is a hostel in Byron Bay. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingOn The Wallaby
If you're seeking a refreshing experience with like-minded, independent travelers in a genuine home-away-from-home environment, you've found it. There's so much to see and do around here! Explore at your own pace on a mountain bike (for hire or do a tour!), go canoeing around beautiful Lake Tinaroo...
On The Wallaby is a hostel in Atherton Tablelands. Check Hostelworld for prices.
94 /100
Guest RatingUWS Village - Penrith
Usually home to students, UWS Village Penrith now also provides high quality short stay accommodation for groups and independent travelers at affordable prices. With a range of affordable rooms in a 5 Bedroom Share Unit, you can choose to have a single room or book the entire Unit to yourself. Th...
UWS Village - Penrith is a apartment in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingPort Arthur Holiday Park
NRMA Port Arthur Holiday Park is the perfect base for backpackers wanting to soak up the culture and history of Australia and Tasmania. Choose between affordable accommodation options such as bunkhouses or caravan/camping sites, or if you want a bit of extra luxury why not try the waterview cabins o...
Port Arthur Holiday Park is a hostel in Port Arthur. Check Hostelworld for prices.
93 /100
Guest RatingHunter Valley YHA
This purpose built YHA hostel is right in the heart of wine country. The hostel recently completed major renovations, now with brand new bathrooms, kitchen and lounge area; and a lovely new outdoor area with pool, BBQ and hammocks. Wine tours are available from the hostel; and it's only a sh...
Hunter Valley YHA is a hostel in Nukulba. Check Hostelworld for prices.
93 /100
Guest RatingTropic Days Backpackers
Home Sweet Home... Tropic Days is a charming little guest house set in tropical landscaped gardens and a relaxed environment. Offering free Internet, 24h unlimited free WiFi and free tea & coffee, with all linen and towels provided and extremely clean facilities, we are the perfect choice for the...
Tropic Days Backpackers is a hostel in Cairns. Check Hostelworld for prices.
93 /100
Guest Rating1849 Backpackers
1849 - WA's 5 Star Backpackers in Albany. Overlooking Princess Royal Harbour in the centre of town. Spotlessly cleaned and maintained every day. FREE home made all-you-can-eat pancakes every morning, two modern kitchens, free unlimited, fast WiFi for guests, 4-a-side grass football pitch/volleyb...
1849 Backpackers is a hostel in Albany. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingCastaways Backpackers Cairns
Enjoy free WiFi and access to a swimming pool and a communal kitchen at Castaways Backpackers Cairns. It is located 10 minutes walk from the popular Esplanade. We are a small family owned hostel that has been operating in Cairns for 20 years. We are clean and very friendly providing travelers wit...
Castaways Backpackers Cairns is a hostel in Cairns. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingDown Under Hostels by the beach
AWESOME HOSTEL !! 50m from the beach !! Stylish pool with luxury sun-beds! Like all our hostels we offer free unlimited WiFi and free laundry (washing/drying and powder). We are a BYO hostel so you can bring your own alcohol to enjoy by the pool or while playing a game of pool. We als...
Down Under Hostels by the beach is a hostel in Surfers Paradise. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingSydney Harbour YHA
The only budget accommodation in the heart of Sydney's historic Rocks precinct, this hostel boasts awesome views across Sydney Harbour. Built above archaeological remnants of colonial Sydney, this YHA combines state-of-the-art facilities with a unique heritage experience of Sydney. As well a...
Sydney Harbour YHA is a hostel in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
92 /100
Guest RatingSamurai Beach Bungalows - Port Stephens YHA
Samurai Beach offers you 4 bungalows set amongst 3 acres of rainforest around a resort pool. The perfect getaway after spending a busy time in the city. This purpose-built hostel is a great place to relax or get a taste of staying in the bush and experiencing some Aussie wildlife as it is situat...
Samurai Beach Bungalows - Port Stephens YHA is a hostel in Port Stephens. Check Hostelworld for prices.
92 /100
Guest RatingByron Bay YHA
Byron Bay YHA is located right in the centre of this popular seaside town and only metres to some of Australia's top surf beaches. It is Byron's newest hostel with a contemporary chilled extension and new communal areas opened in early 2018. Enjoy the new large kitchen, extra outdoor decks and s...
Byron Bay YHA is a hostel in Byron Bay. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingBlue Mountains YHA
In the adventure capital of NSW, stay with the best! Enjoy log fires, cosy warm rooms, great kitchen all in the heart of Katoomba. Check out abseiling and canyoning in the mountains with the onsite adventure company. There's even free Wifi hotspot for guests! After a day exploring the beautiful...
Blue Mountains YHA is a hostel in Blue Mountains. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingWake Up! Sydney Central
Winner ‘6th Best Extra Large Hostel Worldwide’ and ‘Most Popular Hostel in Sydney’ at the 2018, 2017 & 2016 Hostelworld ‘HOSCARS’ awards. Wake Up! Sydney Central represents all that Sydney has to offer. It's modern, it's clean and it’s the hub of backpacker activity, right in the heart of Sydney....
Wake Up! Sydney Central is a hostel in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingBondi Backpackers
Located seconds from the sand and surf, Bondi Backpackers boasts one of the best views of Sydney’s most iconic destinations – Bondi Beach. Making it perfect for travellers wishing to experience the amazing beach culture of Bondi and its surrounds. The recently refurbished property is home to a sp...
Bondi Backpackers is a hostel in Sydney. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingPort Lincoln YHA
Port Lincoln YHA has all the services and amenities you have come to expect from YHA Hostel. A great place to cook up a storm in our commercial style kitchen, other facilities include, family rooms, bicycle rental,tours,fully stocked bar open from 11am til late and outdoor area with free BBQ. Th...
Port Lincoln YHA is a hostel in Port Lincoln. Check Hostelworld for prices.
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Guest RatingLancelin Lodge YHA
Lancelin Lodge YHA is a purpose built home away from home for sports orientated guests who stay for extended periods. The lodge (located 130 km north of Perth) was voted the best YHA in WA 2011 by guests. Integrity Coach Lines stop at the door on their Perth to Broome service - twice a week (book th...
Lancelin Lodge YHA is a hostel in Lancelin. Check Hostelworld for prices.
91 /100
Guest RatingRambutan Townsville YHA
Stay and play at Rambutan Townsville YHA - a stylish oasis located in the heart of the city just a walking distance to beaches and nightlife. This luxurious hostel is the ultimate spot to kick back and relax, boasting a stunning rooftop pool surrounded by cabanas and pool lounges, as well as an o...
Rambutan Townsville YHA is a hostel in Townsville. Check Hostelworld for prices.
91 /100
Guest RatingAlice's Secret Travellers Inn
G'Day! Welcome to Alice's Secret Travellers Inn; a cozy, quiet, and relaxed hostel nestled in the middle of Australia's Red center. Being the smallest, we pride ourselves on our cleanliness and friendliness, and we are happy to give you that extra bit of attention you will miss in the bigger pla...
Alice's Secret Travellers Inn is a hostel in Alice Springs. Check Hostelworld for prices.
91 /100
Guest RatingGlobetrotters International
Hello fellow Globetrotters , please see what we offer below: VALUE FOR MONEY: Free activities Superfast Unlimited Wi-Fi in all rooms, served breakfast 6.30-9.30 am includes REAL COFFEE, Free Evening Meal, fridge lockers (no more stolen food), Free luggage storage, Free day lockers, Free night...
Globetrotters International is a hostel in Cairns. Check Hostelworld for prices.
91 /100
Guest RatingPort Campbell Hostel
A modern, award winning hostel located on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, only a 10-minute drive from the iconic Twelve Apostles and a 3-minute walk from the beach. We are proud to announce the addition of our Sow and Piglets Microbrewery and bar from 2017, which makes us the only hostel with a Brewery...
Port Campbell Hostel is a hostel in Port Campbell. Check Hostelworld for prices.
91 /100
Guest RatingBreeze Lodge
Welcome to Breeze Lodge! Brisbane’s newest, cleanest and most luxurious hostel! Forget about smelly rooms, dirty kitchens and filthy bathrooms – here at Breeze Lodge we do things differently. We will only offer you the best facilities! To name a few… -FREE WIFI throughout the entire hostel!...
Breeze Lodge is a hostel in Brisbane. Check Hostelworld for prices.
Things to see and do while backpacking in Australia.
Check out tips from other travellers and bloggers and their experiences in Australia.
If you're already planning to visit Australia - scroll to the next section for a list of the best places to stay.
Footscray – Little Vietnam
One of Melbourne’s biggest migrant communities is the Vietnamese, who have settled mainly in the West. After the devastating Vietnam War, thousands came to nearby Australia for refuge, with many settling in Melbourne’s inner west. Although there are many Melbourne suburbs with thriving Vietnamese populations (such as Richmond, Springvale or Sunshine), this article will narrow down on Footscray, an inner city suburb that is easily accessible to tourists.
Hania
The What (and the Where)?
The Hay Plains is one of the flattest places on earth – second after the Sahara according to the locals (however Google tells me Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia is actually the flattest). It is the vast area surrounding my hometown of Hay in New South Wales, Australia. Located halfway between Sydney and Adelaide, and about five hours (or less, depending how you drive) from Melbourne it is smack-bang in the middle of nowhere, yet also the centre of everywhere.
Victoria Anderson
Why Port Moresby?
1) If you are an Australian citizen, you will need to apply for a tourist visa in advance from the local Papuan Consulate/High Commission. Americans, Canadian, New Zealanders, Europeans and South East Asian can get a free visa on arrival at Port Moresby Airport
Martin Anthony
Gold Coast, Australia : The perfect holiday destination
Gold Coast happens to be Australia’s entertainment capital is where the rib tickling Bollywood blockbuster movie called ‘Singh is King’ was shot. Often confused with Brisbane by the outsiders, Gold Coast has a charm of its own. It’s one of those cities that offers two opposite kinds of lifestyle- one full of hustle-bustle, and the other with beyond imagination #chill ; which means anybody from Shakespeare’s 7 stages of life can revel Gold Coast!
Aakansha Gurnani
2. Get Nude at Long Beach
One of Australia’s most Beautiful Beaches also happens to be the only nudist beach on the island. It’s only about a 40 minute hike from the main tourist area but does require a medium fitness level as the hike back involves a long, slightly steep hill climb on loose rock. Don’t forget your sunscreen for this one!
Wanderlust Storm
Always have a backup plan
You are going to need one. Since being in Australia, I’ve had so many things go wrong that I’m losing count. Firstly, your priority should be money. The amount of people I’ve walked by on the streets of Sydney who are sleeping rough because they have no money is astonishing. Backpackers included! Think twice before being roped into that 3-day tour around Bondi for more money than makes sense and do not get led into any over the top swanky bars in Sydney without being prepared to shell out a near-fortune for drinks. I know a lot of people will be smart about their money, especially since you had to save it to get here in the first place, but I know there will be people like me who are still learning what it’s like to be an adult. Make friends with people who are going to help you out when you need it, and be there for them in the same way. Don’t hang around with people who encourage your inappropriate spending (more specifically on nights out – I’m sure you know the kind). And in fear of sounding like your mother – BE SENSIBLE.
Rebecca Pritchard
Rottnest Island: my first Australian exploration
I was alone, all by myself, in another country, on the other side of the world, at the beginning of my year of travelling around Australia, willing to be surprised, amazed, touched, embraced by all that “novelty”!
Esmeralda
William Rickett’s Sanctuary
There is nothing like getting out of the city and finding yourself surrounded by the kind of nature that has inspired painters, sculptors, and poets. To stand amongst trees that would rival the city skyline, to breathe in the crisp and clean air, to smell a distant fireplace burning through the green forest. It is places such as these that make me feel truly at home, and why I will always be an Australian at heart.
ada-jay
Things to do and see in Perth: Western Australias biggest city
Perth – the “capital” of Western Australia, the city that rises in the horizon with skyscrapers and building with barely anything around it. Actually, Perth is said to be the most isolated bigger city on the mainland because the closest big city from Perth is 2000 km away. Still, Perth is well worth a visit because there is a lot to do and see in and around Perth. Here I will guide you in 5 places you have to visit in Perth.
Joline Lyttinen
Pyramid Rock
To make your money stretch a little further buy platter food such as cheese, salami, olives and semi-dried tomatoes from the supermarket for dinner on the first day then you can use the left overs in a pasta the following night. I suggest enjoying your platter at Pyramid Rock there you’ll see the sun set over the water which isn’t common on the East Coast of Australia as the sun sets in the West. During summer the sun will set around 8:30pm so give yourself some time to take the walk down to Pyramid Rock and enjoy the view.
Ellie Chadwick
Shrine Of Remembrance
Next on the list and something I feel is very important to mention is the Shrine of Remembrance. It is one of many truly magnificent war memorials in Australia and was built to honour the men and woman of Victoria who served in world war one. The designing of the Shrine was based on the Mausoleum of Maussollos which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. As you approach this beautiful building and climb the steps to the entrance, turn around and take in the glorious views of Melbourne through the parkland that surrounds the Shrine. Upon entering the Shrine it is important to be respectful and keep talking to a minimum. Once in the main entrance, you will come to the Stone of Remembrance which is inscribed with the words “Greater love hath no man”. If you are there in the month of November on the 11th day at the 11th hour (Remembrance Day), you are in for a special treat. There is an aperture in the roof that allows a ray of sunlight to shine through and light up the word “Love” in the inscription on the stone. As you continue through the shrine you will be greeted with collected artefacts from the families of those fallen. In the crypt below you will be able to see the Gallery of Medals. One medal represents a hundred Victorians who have served. At 5 pm each day there is a Flag Ceremony which the general public can attend, we stumbled across it one day and were so happy to have experienced it. Don’t forget to climb the stairs to the top of the shrine and take a walk around the balcony, there are sweeping views of the city, Port Phillip Bay and St. Kilda.
Rebecca Brunning
Sydney: First look at Australia
After a long, very long journey from France, I have finally arrived in Sydney! It is 7am, I am exhausted but so happy to be here. It is the start of my one year Working Holiday Visa in Australia!
Wild Coconut
Peninsula Hot Springs
Like anyone else, I like the occasional pampering. The problem is that I’m usually way too cheap! But Peninsula Hot Springs is a very affordable pampering – and you’d never guess it from the Bath House. I can’t speak to the spa, but the bathing area is beautifully set within lots of greenery, and offers 20 different “experiences” which include different temperature pools (one of which sits on top of a hill!!), a sauna, steam room, and showers. We paid $35 dollars each (off peak day) and spent over 2 hours hopping between pools and sitting by the duck pond. You can save even more money by visiting in the morning before 9 am. I’d recommend doing it in the morning or evening, because those pools are HOT. I couldn’t imagine doing it during the daytime in the heat of the Australian summer.
Mei Ling
Markets galore
Find Australian designer wear on the cheap after a marvellous fry-up brunch and have a nap in the grass when your feet get sore. There are cute artisan and craft stalls and places to buy burek, rice paper rolls and almond milk flat whites if you haven’t had enough food already.
nicole-nuglar
Where to stay
A trip to Phillip Island is well worth it, if you live in Melbourne, Victoria or just visiting Australia it’s somewhere I can’t not recommend to visit, safe travels!
Melissa Badsey
One of the best draw cards for this area of far North Queensland is the abundance of amazing waterfalls.
My global sporting adventures took me to Melbourne, Australia, for seven months, and I recently visited Cairns and a whole section of Australia’s sunny East Coast in November, with a couple of friends during the off season for hockey. It was a perfect time to go, as the weather was hot and humid, but not unbearable. We hired a car for a couple of days and set off on a mission to smash out as many of the wonderful waterfalls and swimming holes of the Atherton Tablelands as possible!
Bridgette Allen
Accomodation
Travelling as a couple means that in order to be in a room together and still saving money staying in hostels we go for the ‘Mixed Dorm’ option. However this proved a popular choice and booking only a week in advance many of the hostels in Byron were either booked up or only had one bed left in the rooms we wanted. We then found the Cape Byron YHA which had beds left in the room we wanted, in this case it was 5 bed share mixed dorm. When we arrived at Cape Byron YHA the guy at reception was great, he filled us in on where all the facilities, toilets/showers and kitchen, at the hostel were. He even recommended a walking trail to The Most Easternly point of Australia’s mainland and the Cape Byron Lighthouse, he gave us a little map showing us how to get there too. Our accommodation was located around 200m from the beach, if not closer. You could see the entrance to the beach from our hostels reception. Right around the corner was the centre of Byron, a perfect location. Cape Byron YHA also offered the free use of the hostels bikes and bodyboards. We ran out of time to make the most of the bikes but we took full advantage of the bodyboards on our day at the beach. We really enjoyed our stay here, all the staff were super friendly and the hostel was well equipped and well maintained; clean! If it’s a hostel you’re looking for I would say look no further. However there are plenty of alternatives such as holiday apartments/hotels and camping and campervan sites in the area too.
paige-crosbie
Sydney City Centre
For those who like to indulge in a little retail therapy (guilty!) then head to the bustling Pitt Street which offers everything from Australia’s best designer stores to quirky boutiques and homewares. Not a fan of shopping? Continue with the culture trail and check out The Royal Botanical Gardens or the Art Gallery of New South Wales, showcasing the best local and international art and parklands retrospectively.
Lexie Hadley
Wedge Island : Bush Tracks to Beach Bliss
When visiting Western Australia, one of the most popular day trips tourists embark on is the hour or so commute to Lancelin, a popular beach side town north of Perth in search of an ‘outback Australian adventure’ . Lancelin, with its white sand and blaring sun, does deliver- beautiful beaches for surfing and relaxing, sand dunes for four-wheel-driving, sand boarding and of course, the icon of many small Aussie towns, the local bakery where children and adults alike laze around in chairs out the front, satisfying hunger on endless summer days.
Bec Myers
*Gasp!* the beaches!
Coogee Beach is home to lots of students from the University of New South Wales as well as locals. It is the location of the Coogee Pavilion and Coogee Bay hotel where you can find good conversation as well as a cold beer or two. Coogee is a chill spot to lay down your towel and catch some rays. Then after the beach the nightlife makes for a chill spot to meet up with friends for a bevvy. Not far from Coogee is Bondi Beach which can be reached by bus or along the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. This walk might seem long but with breathtaking scenery along the way, the walk will seem quick. There’s a lawn bowling club, outdoor gym equipment and small beaches along the path. The white wash waves and wave cut cliff rocks are especially eye catching. On a weekend this path can be somewhat busy, but if you’re an early bird or a night owl it makes for a romantic sunrise or sunset stroll too. Some of the beaches you can pit-stop to along way are Bronte and Tamarama that aren’t as busy and “touristy” as the main beaches. Continue the coastal walk past these beaches and you’ll round the corner to Bondi to see its long stretch of sand and surf. There’s lots of beach side eateries, bars and fun going on here. On a hot day you’d better be prepared to see thousands of beach babes crowd the sand and get their tan on as this is the place to be. Bondi is the spot to let your hair down and run into the water. Many backpackers find home to this area since it means being near the beach. All around Sydney one can find a good time, whether it’s at the beach, walking by the shops or sipping coffee in a park, many people enjoy what this city has to offer. Surry Hills has the eclectic housing, Newtown has a good night out and the CBD has great shopping opportunity. This hot spot is a “must-see” in Australia whether you’re here for a good time or a long time make sure you check it out.
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