Australia Backpacking Advice

[SupaAbzyBall]

I am considering going backpacking around the south west coast of Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay and Brisbane) in December and January. My plan is to do some volunteer work for a month then go backpacking for a month. The problem is that Im really scared! Im going to be on my own! Is there any advice from anyone? Should I book accomdation ahead? Or will I be able to find hostels with beds everywhere? I just need some reassurance! Help!

[libby1980]

Hi, I have done thr route Cairns to Sydney alone. DO you know how you are travelling yet? If you are young and don't mind mildly annoying bus drivers then you could go on Oz bus. This will mean you meet loads of new people, and they also recommend hostels. We stayed in a variety of hostels, but never booked more than a day or two ahead (if that). There are hundreds of people out there doing the same as you, and you will meet them very quickly. Good luck, it'll be brilliant I promise!!

[SupaAbzyBall]

Thanks Libby, I was planning to go by rail! Thanks for the message! Im half scared and half excited! Is there anything I should not miss?

[filthiestfis]

Hi
I travelled the route cairns-brisbane a few times when i was there years ago and i did it by bus, stopping in townsville, airlie beach etc...dont worry! I also went to sydney and melbourne by train/plane and i lived near byron bay in a place called Lismore.
Dont worry about booking any accomodation in advance, apart from your 1st and maybe 2nd night. Backpackers are not places that u usually book in advance, you just turn up and ask for a room on the day. Rooms are very cheap, only a few dollars if you are sharing with others (meaning u share a room with other people u dont know but have yr own bunkbed), and this is the best way to meet young people from all over the world! You will meet lots of interesting characters and people that can help along the way. They are all doing the same thing as you, discovering places and following the same route as you!

The most economical method and most popular of travelling to places is by bus (Greyhound), which is just like National Express.
If you have any more questions about it get back to me.