Australia is one of the largest countries in the world, a vast and truly amazing destination for any traveller to discover. From Cairns to Sydney, Melbourne to Perth, Adelaide to Darwin, there really is something for everyone and Hostelling International is here to help you on your way! Whether planning to travel during the Australian summer or winter, lovers of adventure, culture, nature, and activities will be spoiled for choice. Start by picturing the sun, surf, skydiving or even sandboarding. Not your thing? Then what about some cooler options like skiing, snowboarding or hiking in the midst of the Eucalyptus trees of the Blue Mountains, amazing no? Now you would need months of constant travel to properly see most of Australia, so we hope our tips will help you discover some of this amazing country, and encourage you to return again and again!
Making The Most Of The East Coast – Queensland To New South Wales
Tourists from all over the world flock to the east coast of Australia each year with the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef firmly fixed on their itinerary. YHA Cairns is a brilliant base for your coral adventure and their staff will happily help you book a reef sailing tour! During your stay, you can even organise an Indigenous cultural experience where you learn about ancient customs, foods, tools and hear the native language. Heading south, if you have plenty time to spare, then enjoy a sightseeing drive, stopping off at some gorgeous gems on the way. Pop in to Rockhampton and Hervey Bay, maybe a trip to Fraser Island or the Botanical Garden too? YHA Brisbane is our next stop, whether you have flown or driven, you can relax by the rooftop pool and take in the city and river views. This newly refurbished hostel, is close to major attractions including Suncorp Stadium, so its the perfect base for event goers and those looking to discover all that Brisbane has to offer! Now for some beach time at YHA Byron Bay, just 3.5 hours away by train. You will feel at home from the moment you arrive. Ask staff about the many activities on offer, from surf lessons to kayaking, skydiving to dolphin watching, the choice is yours! There are great social spaces too, so settle in and exchange stories with fellow travellers. It will be hard to leave but YHA Sydney Harbour beckons! This eco-certified, award winning hostel, is perfectly located, within walking distance to Sydney’s iconic Opera House, Harbour Bridge, the Botanic Gardens, and so much more. It boasts amazing views across the renowned harbour, and combines state-of-the-art facilities with a unique heritage experience of Sydney. Be sure to ask staff about daily activities, to help you get the most out of your Sydney experience!
West Coast Wonders – Perth to Broome
Western Australia, stunning and remote, is the largest state of Australia. From vibrant Fremantle and the stunning white beaches and forests of the South West, to the orange hues of Broome and the rugged allure of the outback, you could spend months exploring yet never hope to see it all. Start off at World Heritage-listed YHA Fremantle Prison. Built in the 1850s, with the first convicts occupying it in 1855, the hostel is located in what was the women’s division. If you are feeling brave, you can even spend your nights in one of the cells! Discover the town, known for its maritime and colonial history, visit the vibrant markets and savour local delicacies, yummy! Take off on your northward journey via the scenic coastal route and the many sights it offers. From National Parks, where you may spot koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat, to pristine beaches, turquoise waters, dramatic gorges and at Kalbarri, the coastal cliffs. You could even try out sandboarding on the dunes or make your way to Shark Bay, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Must sees are the famous Monkey Mia dolphins, and the Hamelin Pool stromatolites. Take time to snorkel or dive in the Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s largest fringing reefs before continuing to Broome where you can relax on Cable Beach, take a camel ride at sunset, and visit the historic Chinatown district. So much to do, the only problem is where to start?
Northern Territory Highlights – Alice Springs to Darwin
The vastness of this country means some areas are more difficult to reach. Explorers’ Way, essentially a straight line through the centre of Australia from Adelaide in the South to Darwin in the North, via Alice Springs and Uluru, is a challenge. This route is not for the faint hearted, covering almost 3000km of mostly desert. The stops on the way, however, most definitely deserve a mention, you just may prefer to choose other means of transport to reach them. A trip to central Australia would not be complete without a tour to Ayers Rock, the sacred Uluru. Organise your stay with YHA Alice Springs, the gateway to the Outback! Once an historic outdoor movie theatre, the unique hostel is perfectly located to explore Australia’s Red Centre attractions. During your stay, staff will love to advise you on how to see as much as possible of the area. They will also make sure you add an evening movie night to your itinerary! Direct from here to Darwin, a small city with lots to offer, especially for outdoor lovers. Boasting warm tropical weather, Indigenous culture, crocodiles and spectacular natural landscapes, you will love it! Spend time on the Harbour, take a trip to see some crocodiles, or plunge into the remote waterholes at Litchfield National Park.
The Great Ocean Road – Sensational South Australia and Victoria
An unforgettable journey from the cultural hub of Melbourne to the charming city of Adelaide awaits. Check-in to YHA Melbourne Central, and enjoy the city’s vibrant arts scene, eclectic cafes, and bustling markets. The hostel’s rooftop bar offers a perfect spot to unwind and take in the cityscape. Staff can fill you in with all of the activities on offer, from walking tours to trivia quizzes! Next, set off on the scenic Great Ocean Road, renowned for its dramatic coastal views and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles. Make a stop off at YHA Apollo Bay Eco, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Great Otway National Park. At the end of the Great Ocean road, sits the charming fishing village of Port Fairy. Leave your bags at YHA Port Fairy, and head for the busy fishing port to see the catch of the day or just relax on the beach and maybe try out some paddle boarding. If you can, venture inland to the Grampians National Park, a haven for nature lovers. YHA Grampians Eco Lodge provides a cosy retreat where you can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and spotting native wildlife. Back on track and time to discover another true gem, eco-certified YHA Port Elliot. This historical boutique beach house, overlooking the stunning coastline, has priceless views of the Southern Ocean. Surf the day away before relaxing in the beautifully designed hostel. The final, short stage of the journey, takes us to Adelaide, a culinary playground with fun and adventures for foodies, water babies and outdoor adventurers. YHA Adelaide Central is ideally located in the heart of the city, great for exploring attraction like the vibrant Adelaide Central Market and Adelaide Botanic Garden. Wine lovers will enjoy a day trip to the nearby wine regions, just a short drive from the city. Are you ready?
YHA Australia can’t wait to welcome you and have even created a list of Frequently Asked Questions to ensure you are fully informed for your trip. They also give some great tips on exchanging with the locals, some typical Aussie slang phrases! If that’s not enough, they now have a YHA Explorer App to aid you when planning hostel stays and experiences across this awesome continent.
Have you joined the HI family yet? Remember you’ll get loads of perks such as exclusive member rates or discounts on HI hostels. Not forgetting some great discounts, both home and abroad, on travel services and more. By becoming a member of HI you will discover the world of travelling sustainably while, at the same time, supporting a global not-for-profit charity with a long standing social and environmental purpose. We look forward to welcoming you to the HI family soon!
