As travel experts there’s a lot of things we’ve learnt while backpacking around Australia – some the hard way. Here’s everything we wish we’d known…
1. I wish I'd known I wouldn’t see spiders everywhere 🕷️
Okay this one is self explanatory. We wish we weren’t worried about snakes and spiders when we first arrived. You’re going to see them much less than you think. And practically never in the big cities and towns on the East Coast.
So we’re telling you now, you don’t need to check the toilets for spiders in your hostel in Melbourne. But it’s not the worst idea when you’re camping on the remote sand island of K’Gari.
You’ll most likely see a gigantic spider 🕷️ in the rainforests – where they belong! And if you see a 🐍 snake, they’re more scared of you than you are of it. So leave in a calm, cool manner and give them plenty of space and you’ll be fine.
2. I wish I’d known I’d make friends
Making friends is probably your number one worry. And it’s a fair one. But trust us here. You’ll make friends so easily when travelling! Everyone is in the same position, eager to meet new people and make memories. You’ll have a new BFF before you know it.
And if you’re worried about striking up a conversation on day one, joining a group tour is a great way to ease into backpacking. Our Welcome Tours are the perfect introduction to Australia, you’ll have a ready-made group of mates and a guide to show you around. Plus, we help with all your Australia admin and show you a great time.
Make new friends on our Welcome Tours
3. I wish I’d got travel insurance
We get it. You think it won’t happen to you. But if Covid showed us one thing… it’s that we never know what can happen.
Yes, it’s expensive. Yes, you’d rather spend your money on other things. But if things go wrong, you’ll be so grateful you have it.
We have a few travel insurance recommendations from whole year policies to paying monthly – you’ll find the travel insurance for you.
4. I wish I’d brought a travel card
When you first arrive you’re going to need a way to buy things, you might arrive with some dollars in cash or a credit card without any foreign translation fees. But in the time between us helping you set up your bank account and your first pay check landing – you’re going to need some funds – and a way to get them.
This is what travel cards are all about. You can move money really easily from your home bank account 🏦 and have dollars at your finger tips in seconds. They’re normally also the best value when it comes to the associated fees of moving your hard earned savings to your new Australian bank account. And we know as backpackers that every dollar counts!
We like to recommend Wise, but there are plenty of others too. And it’s best to get this set up before you fly so you can pass all the security checks and be ready to go.
5. I wish I’d known I could bring a suitcase
If we had a dollar for every time we get asked ‘suitcase or backpack’ – we’d have a lot of dollars. It’s a good question and one you want to get right.
If you’re only travelling around Australia and especially travelling on the East Coast you’ll be absolutely fine with a suitcase. You don’t need to spend your money on a backpack to be a backpacker. Instead if you have a soft shell suitcase (easier for storing under bunk beds) that’ll be fine! Then you can spend the money you would have spent on a backpack on a surf lesson 🏄. Now that sounds like a better idea to me.
However, if you’re planning on travelling around South East Asia while you’re on this side of the world, this is where the backpack 🎒is the clear winner. With less pavements, more potholes and just a much busier environment, a suitcase is just a lot more hassle.
Otherwise use what you have, and pack as light as you can – you’ll thank your past self.
Not sure where to start with your packing list? We have the perfect packing guide for you!
6. I wish I’d known people dressed up
Okay, this is a specific one. But one we got from our lovely community. As you travel up the East Coast and especially in the cities of Melbourne and Sydney you’ll realise people have packed to go out out. You don’t need much, but a cute top for girls and shirt or plain t-shirt for guys will see you through.
The rest of the time? Anything goes… and in Byron Bay shoes are even optional.
7. I wish I’d gone sooner
Taking the leap of faith to move half way around the world is hard! We know that. But it’s also one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do.
And we hear again and again that that our travellers wish they’d come sooner
So take the leap, make those memories and live your best life.
We can’t wait to make your dream a reality.
Have a few questions about travelling Australia that need answering? Send them over to us below and one of our team members will get back to you ⬇️
