20 must-do backpacker experiences in Australia

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Western Australia

Spot quokkas on Rottnest Island

See a quokka up close for yourself! Rotto is the only place in the world you can see these adorable marsupials in their natural habitat. Fun Fact: The island earned its curious name when Dutch explorer, William de Vlamingh, mistook the island's unusual marsupial population for common rats and named it Rottnest – literally translating to 'rat's nest'.

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Ride the rock wave

Located near the outback town of Hyden, this magnificent, prehistoric rock formation looks just like a wave about to crash. You’ll marvel at its size (about 14m high!) and fascinating form, eroded by the weather over millions and millions of years.

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Have a whale of a time in Exmouth

Snorkelling with a gentle whale shark is a moving and humbling experience, and Ningaloo Reef off the coast of Exmouth on the remote North West Cape of Western Australia is the best place in the country to do so. Visitors from all over the world flock here each winter for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

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South Australia

Swim with sea lions

One of the world’s most unique wildlife experiences, nothing beats the fun of sharing the water with the puppy dogs of the sea during a guided swimming tour in the Port Lincoln area of the Eyre Peninsula. 

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Hop over to Kangaroo Island

On a Kangaroo Island Day Tour you'll meet a host of Australian animals: Kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, sea lions, penguins, echidnas, diverse birds and more. Discover rugged rock formations, underground caves, bush-cloaked national parks, and beautiful bays for swimming, snorkelling and diving.

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Victoria

Drive the Great Ocean Road

Witness monster waves at iconic surf spot, Bells Beach, take a dip in the Southern Ocean at Apollo Bay or soak up salty history in the charming old fishing village of Port Fairy – the Great Ocean Road is one of the most gorgeous driveable stretches in Australia. This here's koala country, too, so keep an eye out!

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Visit the 12 Apostles

Of course you can’t miss the 12 Apostles on your Great Ocean Road trip! Make sure to see the entire crumbling cliffs of the Port Campbell area, where the Apostles are just one of many jaw-dropping spots. Best viewed at at dusk or dawn, this dramatic strip of coastline is sure to leave you speechless.

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See the Phillip Island Penguin Parade

In Phillip Island, take a ‘waddle on the wild side’ and experience the magic (and cuteness!) of these little guys returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. 

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Queensland

Whale watching in Hervey Bay

After months of traveling the East Coast of Australia, migrating humpback whales reach the sanctuary of Hervey Bay for some well-earned rest and relaxation before their long journey back to Antarctica. This is more or less the single best place to see these amazing creatures splashing and playing with their young calves.

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Dive the Great Barrier Reef

Swim, snorkel, dive or sail the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, a living work of art so big it can be seen from outer space. There are many accessible areas along its vast length, but the Cairns area is one of the best spots to see the its stunning biodiversity on full display. 

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Sail the Whitsundays

Island-hop your way around the stunning Whitsunday Islands where the calm, crystal clear waters are particularly perfect for sailing. Pro tip: Save on accommodation by basing yourself in Airlie Beach, just a short boat trip from the archipelago. 

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New South Wales

Meet the Three Sisters

These three weathered sandstone peaks are one the most iconic formations of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. Towering more than 900 metres, they're best viewed from Echo Point lookout in Katoomba (just a short stroll from YHA Blue Mountains), and are most photogenic at sunrise and sunset.

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Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Become one of the three million people to have scaled the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, offering amazing views of Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. If the climb is a bit out of your price range, climb the south-east pylon for a nearly-as-good view for much less. 

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Enjoy the vineyards of the Hunter Valley

The perfect day trip from Newcastle, the Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine growing region and home to well over 100 vineyards. For vino-enthusiasts without a designated driver, this picturesque region is best enjoyed through a guided tour, but is also a haven for cycling, horse riding, hot air ballooning, golf and gourmet food tasting. 

Northern Territory

Circumnavigate Uluru by foot

There are many ways to experience the majesty of Uluru. A walking tour with local Aboriginal guide is recommended to really appreciate the grand scale of this impressive icon and learn about its spiritual significance.

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Chase waterfalls in Litchfield National Park

Litchfield National Park is filled with lush woodlands, spectacular waterfalls and sparkling plunge pools. Look out for Buley Rockhole, as well as Florence, Tolmer and Wangi Falls.

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Smile at a crocodile

There are plenty of famous places to see these ancient reptiles in Australia, but an expedition into Kakadu National Park is one of the best and most immersive. Here in their natural wetland habitat, you're nearly guaranteed to find both the terrifying saltwater croc, and its (only) slightly less terrifying freshwater cousin. 

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Tasmania

Explore Wineglass Bay

Take in the pure white sand and turquoise sea of Wineglass Bay, long regarded as having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Honestly, you can take your pick of coastline in Tasmania's Freycinet National Park – it's all rather gorgeous.

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Wander through a dark history at Port Arthur

Visit the old convict town of Port Arthur, the destination for the worst offenders among British convicts in the 1800's. Thought by some to be haunted, this is a place with a rather grim past, both distant and recent, and is definitely not for the faint of heart.

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View the Aurora Australis

Tasmania is one of the only places in Australia where you can glimpse the Southern Lights, with winter providing the best viewing. It will take some patience, and there'll be no more than 3 days' warning as to when the Aurora will be visible. We recommend Goat Bluff, Bruny Island or Coles Bay as places with uninterrupted southward views and low light pollution.

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