1. Melbourne

Why not start your backpacking trip in one of the liveliest, yet most laid-back, cities in Australia? Widely regarded as Australia’s cultural heart and soul, the city offers eclectic dining, quirky coffee shops, and cool cocktail bars. Melbourne has some of Australia’s best hostels spread throughout the city, ranging from chic and modern to artsy and chilled, you’ll no doubt find a hostel to suit you.

2. Sydney

A total must-do, bucket list destination, Sydney is home to bustling cafes, impressive sights, beautiful bays, and exciting nightlife. For the nature lovers, head to the Blue Mountains for dramatic scenery and Aboriginal heritage. For the shopaholics, empty your pockets along Pitt Street in the city’s buzzing CBD. For the quintessential surfer, spend your time catching waves at famous Bondi Beach.

3. Brisbane & The Gold Coast

Next up, the vibrant capital of Queensland, Brisbane! Full of Museums, art galleries, markets, and a dynamic bar scene, Brisbane is the sunny city you don’t want to miss. Alternatively, if surfing is more your scene, head to Surfers Paradise, quite literally a surfer’s paradise just south of Brisbane.

4. K’gari (Fraser Island)

The world’s largest sand island, K’gari, offers sweeping beaches with marine rich waters and the chance to get off the beaten track. The ultimate camping destination, enjoy BBQ’s and sleeping under the stars, perhaps in a traditional swag. Hire a 4WD to fully explore the island, keeping your eyes peeled for a dingo or two…

5. Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays

Everyone’s heard of the tropical paradise that is The Whitsundays, and Airlie Beach is undoubtedly the best place to stay to experience these iridescent waters and year-round sunshine. With its fair share of hostels and budget-friendly accommodation, Airlie Beach is well equipped for the backpacker lifestyle. Some of the unique experiences you can find here include skydiving, sailing, snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, and fun evening events ranging from Latin dance parties to live music.

6. Cairns

If you’re after adventure, rainforest, reef, and incredible walks…then Cairns is the answer! Nestled amongst the tropical Daintree, rugged Atherton Tablelands, and piercing blue Great Barrier Reef, you’ll never be short of something to do here. Try diving at the iconic Great Barrier Reef, chase waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands, and seek out local wildlife at the Daintree Rainforest.

7. Uluru

No trip to Australia is complete without witnessing the stark, ever-changing colours of the red centre at sunrise or sunset. Discover ancient rock art and sacred Aboriginal culture, admire the spiritual and physical heart of Australia – Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and hike or cycle around its base.

From Uluru, why not continue up to the Northern Territory and hire a motorhome to really immerse yourself in nature. Perhaps you’d prefer to head West and swim with whale sharks, snorkel with manta rays, and get that famous quokka selfie.

If you want to experience all seven of the above destinations, then you’ll be pleased to know they work very well together as an itinerary. Hop on the train, hire a car, or catch a short flight to get you from one spectacular destination to another.