Where Do Backpackers Go In Australia?

Gabby Boucher

April 24th, 2024

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7 minute read

Most backpackers in Australia head to East Coast hotspots such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns! There are plenty of other popular backpacker areas scattered in between these cities as well, such as Byron Bay, Noosa, and Airlie Beach.

The average backpacker in Australia would probably start in a southern location like Melbourne or Sydney and then work their way up the East Coast over a few weeks or months. Some travellers may start up north in Cairns and work their way south as well! Plus, there are other destinations around Australia and in nearby countries where there is a huge backpacker community. 

Where Do Backpackers Go In Australia?

We're going to highlight all the most popular backpacker destinations along Australia's East Coast! If you're planning to backpack Australia for a few weeks, a few months, or even a few years on various Working Holiday Visas, these destinations are where you'll find most of the other backpackers in Australia. 

It can be overwhelming to try and plan a backpacking trip around Australia since there are so many epic places to go! That's why most travellers start with a trip along the East Coast. There are lots of gorgeous destinations that are all easily accessible via public transport. You can easily travel the East Coast on a budget and meet lots of other backpackers. 

We'll also mention some other backpacking hotspots outside the East Coast if you need more ideas and inspiration. This includes locations in other Australian states as well as nearby countries in Oceania and Asia. Get ready for the backpacking trip of a lifetime!

Sydney

Sydney is probably the most popular city for backpackers in Australia. It's one of the most famous cities Down Under, and it's well-connected to the rest of the world via international flights. There are also lots of hostels, arrival packages, and amenities in Sydney, making it the most common place for backpackers to start a trip around Australia. 

Because Sydney is such a big city, it's also a popular place for backpackers to settle down and find work if they are on a Working Holiday Visa. You can make great money in Sydney, and you're likely to meet lots of other travellers. Whether you're just passing through or planning to make a temporary home here, Sydney is a hotspot for backpackers in Australia!

Other popular backpacker destinations near Sydney:

• Wollongong
• Blue Mountains
• Newcastle
• Hunter Valley
• Port Stephens

Melbourne

The grand city of Melbourne in Victoria is another backpacker hotspot. Melbourne is attractive for travellers who love culture, nightlife, art, cuisine, and entertainment. Because Melbourne is located in the south of Australia, it isn't as warm or sunny as destinations in the north. So backpackers often settle here for the vibrant culture and cosmopolitan vibe. Or they just visit Melbourne for a short time to explore the city and visit the famous Great Ocean Road.

But if you have time to travel along the entirety of Australia's East Coast, Melbourne is a great place to start! Travellers who begin their journey in Sydney and head north will miss out on the gems of southern NSW and Victoria. And the weather is gorgeous in Melbourne in summer, so it is definitely a favourite among backpackers. 

Other popular backpacker destinations near Melbourne:

• Great Ocean Road
• Phillip Island
• Mornington Peninsula
• Bendigo
• Grampians National Park

Brisbane

Brisbane is another one of Australia's most iconic cities. It's the capital of Queensland, the Sunshine State! So backpackers seeking warmth and sunshine in Australia may want to skip the southern states altogether and just explore the tropics. If that sounds like you, join the many backpackers that start their trip in Brisbane and head north. 

Brisbane itself is a very diverse city that suits backpackers, students, visitors, and locals. It's the perfect base for exploring other nearby destinations like Byron Bay, Gold Coast, and offshore islands like K'gari and Moreton Island. There is lots to do for backpackers in the sunny city of Brisbane!

Other popular backpacker destinations near Brisbane:

• Gold Coast
• Noosa
• K'gari (Fraser Island)
• Rainbow Beach
• Moreton Island

Cairns

Though Cairns is a slightly smaller city than Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, it's one of the most popular backpacker destinations in Australia! The laid-back vibe, welcoming atmosphere, tropical climate, and opportunities for outdoor adventures make Cairns a dreamy spot to visit. If you're arriving in Australia in winter, you may want to start your trip in Cairns to enjoy the heat, then work your way south and follow the summer weather!

Or if you're just looking for a popular backpacker hotspot to hang out, Cairns is an amazing choice. The city is located right next to the Great Barrier Reef and the tropical Daintree Rainforest, meaning you can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, island-hop, hike, camp, raft, skydive, bungy jump, road trip, and explore the jungle near Cairns. It's an adventure lover's paradise!

Other popular backpacker destinations near Cairns:

• Port Douglas
• Palm Cove
• Atherton Tablelands
• Daintree Rainforest
• Fitzroy Island
• Green Island

Other East Coast Australia Backpacker Hotspots

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Cairns are the main East Coast cities where backpackers go in Australia. Whether they are looking for work or wondering where to start their Australia trip, chances are most backpackers you meet will have spent some time in one of these cities. But some backpackers prefer smaller cities and towns such as Noosa, Byron Bay, or Airlie Beach. 

These three beachside towns are also extremely popular among backpackers. Travellers flock to these destinations for the laid-back vibes, abundant marine life, fun water sports, and vibrant traveller community. Noosa, Byron, and Airlie Beach are also large enough that a backpacker could settle there and find work on a visa. But they are much more chill than the big cities. 

Check out the top things to do in:

• Noosa
• Byron Bay
• Airlie Beach

Other backpacker destinations outside East Coast Australia

Of course, there is more to Australia than just the East Coast! Travellers just tend to stick to the East Coast because it's easy, affordable, accessible, and full of other backpackers. But many travellers want to escape the main tourist trail and venture to other parts of Australia. 

Western Australia, Tasmania, South Australia, and the Northern Territory all have gorgeous cities, national parks, and small towns that backpackers also love to explore. These places are just a bit more remote than the East Coast, so you may need to do some extra planning and preparation for your trip.

Because these places are more remote, they may not have as many options in terms of employment and accommodation for Working Holiday Makers. Perth is an exception, as this major city in WA is actually a major hotspot for backpackers. But if you're looking for farm work to do your 88 days, the rural areas will have lots of opportunities!

Here are the most popular backpacker destinations outside the East Coast of Australia:

• Adelaide, SA
• Hobart, TAS
• Perth, WA
• Margaret River, WA
• Broome, WA
• Exmouth, WA
• Darwin, NT
• Alice Springs, NT

Where Else Do Backpackers Go Near Australia?

Before or after their travels in Australia, most backpackers will head to the next closest destinations in Asia or Oceania. Because Australia is an isolated continent that is quite far from many countries in the world, it makes sense to do as much as you can in this area while you're here. If you travel around Asia and Oceania, you'll meet lots of backpackers who are doing a similar route!

Lots of travellers make their way through Southeast Asia before flying to Australia. Or some backpackers may do Australia first and then hit some other amazing islands in the vicinity. Here are some popular backpacker countries around Australia!

Popular backpacker destinations in Asia:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Phillippines
• Vietnam
• Cambodia
• Laos
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Malaysia
• Sri Lanka

Popular backpacker destinations in Oceania:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Fiji

Plan your dream journey around Australia with our handy Itinerary Planner!

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