-
Copenhagen, Denmark
-
Cairns, Australia
-
Port Douglas, Australia
-
Townsville, Australia
Sparsely populated Magnetic Island is reachable from Townsville. It’s good for
jet skiing, bush walks and boozy nights and is Australia’s best destination for
full moon parties. A very popular stop for party-loving independent travellers
or those on an Australia backpacking tour. Things have been a lot quieter here
in recent years due to the pandemic but should liven up in 2023 and beyond as
backpackers return to Australia in larger numbers once more.
-
Magnetic Island, Australia
-
Airlie Beach, Australia
-
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
-
Fraser Island, Australia
-
Noosa, Australia
Yet more glorious long sandy beaches and nearby national parks make Noosa
another popular stop with backpackers in Australia. Make it to the Glasshouse
Mountains and you will get a terrific panoramic view of the whole Sunshine
Coast.
-
Brisbane City, Australia
City lovers rejoice as this is the capital of Australia’s sunshine state and a
good chance to stock up on anything you need at the 700+ stores in the city’s
central shopping mall. It’s a lively city famed for its live music and large
numbers of bars and clubs. With a relaxed riverside location, Australia’s third
largest and fastest growing city generally leaves a positive impression on
visitors and it has been chosen as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games.
-
Gold Coast, Australia
Just south of Brisbane is Gold Coast, a city of around 500,000 people based as
the name would suggest on the coast. Surfers Paradise is its touristy hub with
an array of high rise structures, late night venues (some very seedy) and lots
of drunk people. It’s a popular destination with Australian teens celebrating
the end of high school. You’ll either love it or hate it.
-
Byron Bay, Australia
A relaxing beach setting and another essential stop for anyone solo backpacking
Australia. Byron Bay is a popular place to learn to surf while you can also
kayak alongside dolphins and even do a bit of skydiving if that’s your thing.
Note that doing lots of these kinds of extra activities will quickly eat into
your budget. Consider allowing a bit more than the suggested figures at the top
of the page if that’s your plan.
-
Sydney, Australia
One of the most easily recognisable cities in the world thanks to the iconic
Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Its setting is one of the best of any
major city in the world and a boat trip or water-taxi in and around the Darling
Harbour area is a must.
-
Auckland, New Zealand
-
Coromandel, New Zealand
-
Taupō, New Zealand
-
Wellington, New Zealand
-
Kaiteriteri, New Zealand
-
Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
-
Wānaka, New Zealand
-
Queenstown, New Zealand
-
Nadi, Fiji
-
Sawa-i-Lau Island, Fiji
-
Nacula Island, Fiji
-
Kuata, Fiji
-
Suva, Fiji
-
Nadi, Fiji
-
Auckland, New Zealand
-
Bora-Bora, French Polynesia
-
Auckland, New Zealand
-
Copenhagen, Denmark