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Huge numbers of backpackers head this way on year outs and a whole industry has sprung up around them, offering hostels, working visas, car rentals, local guides, etc. So there's a lot of detailed info available, particularly for Australia. Unfortunately most is commercial in orientation, so don't get suckered into all of this at home; just get a good guidebook and head off - the rest is easy. » It's worth looking, if you have not already, at the example layout to see the guidelines each section of information is based on - or for other travel advice and site home head for wwww.travelindependent.info |
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Australia
and New Zealand 
Get
your bearings.. show/hide map
of the region
View Larger Map (external link)
Intro:
The world's biggest island, smallest continent and an icon for
round-the-world and far fetched travel. Somewhere perfectly
civilized, English spoken, a lot of beer drunk, the chance to earn
some money and miles from home with loads of places to see on the
way there and back. That's a few of the reasons why Australia is so
popular and currently so much in vogue. Nevertheless, three things
to remember about Australia before you reason that no further
consideration is necessary and you've found the ideal destination.
1) It is huge and the cost of getting around soon mounts up. For
example, even if you make it to Alice Springs its still the distance
from London to Edinburgh to get to Ayres Rock. 2) Tourism is a major
industry and although the established backpacker network makes
things easy, there are tight regulations and little or no room for
real adventure. 3) Finally, it is a developed country and living
dirt cheap like in the rest of Asia is simply not possible, more so
considering the myriad of things to see and do (and party culture),
meaning you often simply haemorrhage money.
Highlights: Sydney, Melbourne, Fraser Island, Nimbin,
the Gold Coast, the Great Ocean Road, neat animals and some
generally beautiful diverse scenery and weather
.
If you have the money, sailing in the Whitsunday Islands is
fantastic. Forget the various 'party boats' and plump for a
traditional vessel for the best experience - either way it's not
cheap, but almost paradise.
Lowlights: The speed you spend money and long distances. In many opinions the Great Barrier Reef is not too different (for the average tourist) to reefs that can be seen in Asia and Central America. Also note it is a long way off the coast and in winter the trip can be rough.
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Visa strategy:Everyone requires a visa for Australia,
except New Zealanders. Usually it's an electronic visa
called an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). If American you
need to head to Washington, Los Angeles or Ottawa - or you
can use embassy web sites. Nationals of Canada, Malaysia,
Singapore, Japan and most European countries (if staying for
less than three months) can get an ETA, valid for multiple
entry over one year. Applied for online, there is no visa
stamp in your passport (ETAs are computerised) and saves the
hassle of queuing or sending off your passport. ETAs can be
applied for on the web with a credit card for A$20 (see
www.eta.immi.gov.au) or from travel agents and airlines
(for an additional fee levied on top of the cost of the
ETA). |
Getting around:
(land): Many options. Backpacker
buses (see getting around in the
on the road
section) are popular. Perfect if you are in a hurry or on
your own, but better avoided if there are a few of you in a
group who could club together for more independent means
(such as car hire or Greyhound Buses (for which you can buy
a mileage pass)). Car hires is quite expensive, so buying a
car or, better, a campervan and splitting the cost between a
few is a cheaper option if you have the time.
There are quite a few re-locations available around the
country, if you keep an eye out. You will probably end up on
a tour at some point (in the Northern Territory) and will
probably have to take internal flights if doing more than
the east coast stretch.
Train travel is an other option and comfortable, but
slightly more restricting as trains don’t run as frequently
or operate to as many destinations as buses. There are
numerous good value rail passes and special 'backpacker'
fares.
(air): There are many companies offering internal
travel in Australia, the staples of whom are Virgin Blue (virginblue
com), Qantas and
its budget arm
Jetstar.
They operate on the same basis as low cost/no-frills
airlines in Europe, i.e. the sooner you book, the
cheaper the price. Both websites are user friendly, and you
can easily book your flights before leaving for Oz, simply
quoting your reservation number on arrival at your
Australian airport.
It's worth studying both airlines, because it is sometime
cheaper to take the outward journey with one airline and the
return journey with the other. Of the two, Virgin Blue is
more no-frills while Qantas provides a free meal and drinks.
Note that internal flights booked from outside Australia are
free from 10% GST (Australia's VAT).
There is much more information in the
budget airlines section
of the 'on the road' chapter.
Tourist factor: 8/10 on the main circuit - it's no coincidence that this is the second most viewed page on this site!
Money: ATMs and credit cards
Accommodation: There is a huge variety and range of places to stay, and notably an excellent choice of hostels with good social scenes in most towns: book ahead for the best ones and for double rooms. Camping is widely available at campsites (if you can get to them with your own transport) or in some hostel gardens.
Hot water: Developed country, never a problem
Average cost: US$60-80 double room in Sydney hostel, prices less outside big cities
Communications: Cheap international calling cards available, internet widespread. Local pay-as-you-go SIM cards for your mobile phone.
Food: Buy your own and cook it in hostels to keep costs down
Media:
Books: many good book shops
TV: In all hostels
Hassle and annoyance factor: None
Women alone: Fine
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Big drinking culture, smoking an expensive and difficult pastime (smokers in Australia have been squeezed out of bars and restaurants, as well as some beaches and most other public places). Check out Nimbin in NSW and bigger cities for the alternative scene.
Rating: 7/10
Miss at your
peril - 'Highlight of Independent Travel'
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Visa strategy: Free on entry for three months for most nationalities - onwards ticket sometimes requested. Australian citizens can stay indefinitely. Many choose the one year Working Holiday Visa (one time only, for those under 30) so they can legally work while travelling.
Typical tourist trail: Too various to mention, generally a loop around the North and South Islands
When to go: Dec-March is busy season, worth doing some booking ahead. June-Aug (winter) is the off-season and quieter/cheaper to travel in, though with worse weather.
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Typical four season climate, can get hot at the top of the North Island. The weather is (on average) rainy in the west and dry in the east. There is little variation between seasons, temps are rarely higher than mid 20's or lower than 0. Average is about 10 during winter, 20 during summer. Best weather is January - April.
Costs: Good value, getting around can be expensive, as can tours. Cook your own food to save money. US$40-50 per day, but with so much to do, like shark diving (better in South Africa), dolphin swimming, glacier climbing and extreme sports (which are poor value), costs can run out of control. For a better idea of prices see http://www.backpack-newzealand.com/costs.html
Money: ATMs and credit card
Getting around: Many travellers go for backpacker buses. Hire or buy a car instead - you won't regret it. Generally buses can be a little expensive (more than hiring a car if sharing the cost). There are quite a few car and car sharing notices in hostels, re-locations available around the country, if you keep an eye out. Compared to many western countries, hitchhiking is easy, but you'll need some experience in this means of travel to avoid waiting too long - even the pro expect average wait times of about an hour per ride. Rail is quite limited and expensive. Many choose to cycle.
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People vibe:
Locals: Friendly and welcoming
Other travellers: Various, lots of Israelis and Dutch, but most notably - Germans and English. NZ is backpacker central. Many young 'kid' travellers
Tourist factor: 8/10 (NZ has become extremely popular in recent years)
Accommodation: Hostels, book ahead in peak seasons, especially for double rooms
Average cost: $24-$29NZD dorm, $55-$60NZD for a double. Most expensive in Wellington and Queenstown. Campsites are ~NZ$10 for unserviced and NZ$15-20 for serviced. A common recommendation is that an enjoyable way to save money is the Woofing programme, where you get to meet locals, eat very well, save money and learn loads of interesting stuff.
Communications: Internet widespread, but not that cheap. International calls with locally bought calling cards are very good value.
Health: Watch out for sand fly bites, otherwise no need for any special precautions
Media:
Books: Loads of bookshops
TV: Always in hostels and even cheap hotels. Like watching in the UK. Casualty, Coronation Street and the like.
Food: Easy to cook own food in hostels. Eating out is not too expensive... cheap takeaway - $8 NZD, main dish at a restaurant - $14 NZD. Most restaurants allow BYO wine which is much cheaper.
Vegetarians: Never a problem
Hassle and annoyance factor: None
Women alone: None (hitchhiking alone might not be the best idea)
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Beer and wine good value and can now be bought in supermarkets throughout NZ. There is now no smoking inside public buildings including bars, pubs and restaurants but they usually accommodate smokers in special smoking rooms or balconies etc. A lot of dope grown in the North Island and around Motueka and Nelson so no worries about getting your mitts on some in the South or North Island (it's still illegal though). Another recent development in NZ is the advent of Party Pills, made from BZP, which gives a similar high to ecstasy, but legally. Can be bought from shops open all hours over the counter but you must be 18 or over and unfortunately will probably be made illegal by the time you read this.
Rating: 8.5/10
Pacific Islands Get
your bearings..
show/hide map of the region
View Larger Map (external link)
Intro: Easter Island or Rapa Nui is the very definition of remote. It's a tiny, expensive island that looking around will take about three days, including time to get over the jet lag. The cost of getting there (see below) can be prohibitive, but it is a hell of a kick to come face to face with those heads and walk in such a remote, enigmatic place.
Highlights: Volcanoes and you know what
Lowlights: Prices and getting there
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Rating: Although you only need three/four days at maximum, with not much to see, those heads and the island are compelling - 8/10
Comment: Easter island - incredible! Yes, you can see
the main sites in 3 days if you run but there is so much to see
and do on the island and you can easily spend more time there -
horse treks, surfing, scuba diving, trekking, dance shows, or
just plain chilling out on beautiful Anakena beach and hanging
out with the locals on the weekend. Flights are very often
delayed or you may be bumped off the flight, so if possible
allow extra time. Wherever you're going it's a very very long
way to get back here and it would be a real shame to end up
running around the island snapping away at the moai in 2.5 days
instead of budgeting for an extra day. The best guide
by far is "A companion to Easter Island by James Grant Peterkin" plenty
of detail and very easy to follow and it will even tell you how
to avoid the tour groups. Lonely Planet etc don't come anywhere
close. You can buy it in the stores on the island. - Thanks
Jason K
Intro: Over 300 tropical islands» set in the South Pacific are, in my humble opinion, a must for all who want to forget the busy streets of Western lands and lose themselves in this surreal land. A complete paradox to the US, UK and every other work-orientated culture, Fijians know how to relax and enjoy their surroundings: a way of life that they seem eager to share with those who care to visit. Escape the mainland for a taste of true Fijian culture, without the manufactured tribal dances and “grog” ceremonies that so many resorts offer. Many of the islands offer home stays which make it possible to be exposed to the true nature of the Fijians, a wonderfully friendly and inquisitive people. However, for you pamper-queens the Coral Coast of the main island offers 5* hotels that you would expect the rich and famous to stay in, at minimal prices.
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Visa strategy: A 3-month tourist visa will cost around US$50
Typical tourist trail: The mainland followed by visiting the Yasawas or Bounty/Beachcomber islands – all of which are very touristy and I would advice that you avoid these, unless of course that this is your thing.
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Hottest Dec-Apr which is also the rainy season – expect tropical storms. The best time to go is October when the weather is hot but not unbearable. Like most places, it can get chilly at night.
Costs: Pretty cheap – meals for $10 max. However be wary of the tourist rate which is often double what the locals pay and avoid shops around resorts as they tend to up the price two-fold!
Money: ATMs available at the larger resorts on the mainland but at very few backpackers' hostels. There are ATMs in the main towns but bear in mind there are only 7 main towns on the mainland, and much less on the other islands. Traveller's cheques are easily exchangeable but take these into foreign exchange units, as banks tend to charge.
What to take: A camera to capture the beautiful scenery. Sturdy shoes if you intend on exploring the easily accessible rainforests or highlands. Mossie repellent, and lots of it!!!
What to buy: Clothes are fairly cheap here but fashionable items are few and far between. Buy some local handicraft as these help the local communities and the wooden tribal masks look great on your walls!
Getting around: The best way to get around are either the buses (make sure you get on an express bus or the journey will take hours and will stop every 5 minutes) or minivans – you stand by the side of the road and hitch yet this is very safe (don't get into cars, only minivans), cheap and readily available - ask for the rate before you get in. Be warned that you will be exposed to either the delights of Fijian music (DokiDoki) blasting on the stereo, or perhaps worse, Shania Twain!
Guide book: Lonely Planet is good, although be aware that the prices of things listed in it are highly likely to change! Moon handbook is a good alternative and in some ways better.
Customs:Fiji has retained many of its customs
and sensibilities, and you should respect these everywhere,
especially in rural areas. Exposing shoulders, knees,
cleavage and midriffs is frowned upon and deeply
disrespectful if in a village. Other customs to be aware of
in villages are those regarding the village chief: you must
stoop your shoulders when you pass if you are taller than
him and you must not wear head garments or hats in his
presence. Do not refuse the offer of
yaqona. After one bilo (coconut shell) full of
grog you are able to refuse any more but the more you drink
the more you will be respected. If you wish to just have a
little then use the phrase “low-tide”. |
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Accommodation: There are many hostels for backpackers, with hugely varying standards. Often the more simple the accommodation, the better! If possible try to stay in a bure – a traditional Fijian thatched building. For the most part, don't expect bargain prices.
Hot water: Can be a problem
Average cost: $50
People vibe:
Locals: Some of the friendliest people you will every meet, very interested in your life, and easily pleased. However be aware of local customs – you will offend the locals if you do not adhere to some of the most important customs, as listed in Customs section above.
Other travellers: Normally Ozzie, American, English or Norwegian. Many travel here on their own or as a stop-over on a RTW trip.
Communications: Internet is available at resorts but is much cheaper in Internet cafes in the main towns.
Food: Mainly root crops, which are bland in taste and high in carbs, local curries (the Indo-Fijians make excellent rotis). The fruit here is much tastier than what is imported into our country so make the most of the mangoes, pawpaw (papaya) and the local soursap! Western food is readily available for those feeling less adventurous.
Vegetarians: May be limited to what they can eat locally – but in resorts and towns plenty of vege options are available.
Hassle and annoyance factor: Fijians are very inquisitive so don't be offended by personal questions. In Suva and Nadi you may be hassled by sword sellers - just tell them that you are not interested and walk away.
Women alone: Okay in rural areas but stay in pairs after dark. Suva and Nadi are probably the only places in Fiji where it is not advisable to venture out after dark alone.
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: All available. You may be offered dope regularly but it is strictly against the law here and should be avoided! Be wary of the local spirit – Bounty Rum which is very strong!!(54%) The local drink is a ceremonial drink named kava (also grog, yaqona) This is a narcotic and should only be drunk in small amounts. See Customs above.
Rating: 7/10
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Visa strategy: Free on arrival, if you don't need a visa for France you don't need one for French Polynesia
Typical tourist trail: Moorea; you can go to a few further islands if you have time
Dangers: Buying anything or spending a night in Tahiti. Sunburn or cutting yourself on coral is a serious danger
Hot/cold, wet and dry: Very hot, expect downpours (the mountains of Tahiti are the wettest place on earth)
Getting around: La Truck to the dock, ferry (try and get a student discount if you have a card) and bicycles for hire
Guide book: You don't need one just to get from the airport to Moorea. Look at one before you go and make a few notes or photocopies. If you are travelling far and wide then the Lonely Planet is the best of a bad bunch. For a full list of guidebooks click here.
Communications: Expensive internet and phone calls
What to take: High factor waterproof sun-block. A tent if you are set on the cheapest accommodation
Money: ATMs, these can often be empty (including the one at the airport), take a little USD/Euros. If using ATMs a Visa Plus card or Visa credit card is the way to go; don't rely on the Cirrus network.
Costs: US$30 per day, less if you stay still and don't travel and eat out of supermarkets or fast food.
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Don't get off Le Truck until you see big boats. Pay when you get off - prices are posted and there is no danger of getting ripped-off. You will soon find a ferry to Moorea; the first one goes at about 0630 (about 5 a day). At Moorea (short crossing) you will see an old clapped-out school bus as you step off. The driver will signal to you, and will know where you are going from your backpack. Its about 30mins to Moorea Camping (there is one other option 100m before this). This ride can be hitched, but took me four hours. |
Rating: 6/10 if only for a quick taste of paradise and a serious tan
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Women alone: Traditional Vanuatu society is male dominated and there's very little mixing of the sexes in rural Vanuatu. It's recommended that solo women associate with other women when on the islands. Hanging around with boys may broadcast the wrong message.
Health: Medical facilities are very basic on the outer islands. Don't get seriously injured or sick.
Drugs, cigarettes and alcohol: Alcohol is available at only a few places on the islands and you may need to BYO. Cigarettes are widely available. Kava is the cheapest and most popular intoxicating drink. Traditionally kava drinking is a men's pastime and you will rarely see women drinking kava outside of the urban centres. Often it's customary for a visitor to a rural village to join the locals for a few shells of kava and some conversation in the evenings. Kava hangovers can be cured by sweating it out. There's no drug scene to speak of, although marijuana is becoming popular in the towns.
Rating: 7/10
Remember, this is only a take (an overview if you will); very
few get the chance to see every inch of every country or have the
time to get everyone's opinion (you are welcome and encouraged to
mail in yours).
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"When you exit this vehicle, please be sure to lower your head and watch your step. If you fail to do so, please lower your voice and watch your language. Thank you."
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Some
things you might want to know about backpacking, budget
travel tips/advice and overall summaries for: Australia and
the Pacific -
What
follows are only basic snapshot summaries and breakdowns of
the factors important to budget independent travellers. Both
Australia and New Zealand have a lot to offer and in the case of
Australia, spread over a wide area, so of course it's impossible
for this page to be comprehensive.
Many thanks to
For
more info on backpacking in Australia, 
Isolated,
still fifteen hundred kilometres on from Australia, New
Zealand is enjoying a tourist boom with a certain trilogy of
films putting its landscape very much on the map. Despite
this the country remains unfettered by the crowds you'd find
elsewhere. ![[book]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/0330485415.02.MZZZZZZZ.jpg)
Dangers:
Spending too long or getting stuck without a flight out
(reconfirm). The island can be very hot and dusty
Do note
that information here is from this author and not the site
author. The views and facts expressed here are well-research
and good quality, but just bear in mind they should perhaps
not be compared directly to other country summaries by other
authors.
Highlights:
What can you afford?
This
is the only information you need - As you walk out of the
airport, cross a big car park to the main road. This takes
you to the side of the road furthest from the airport. To
your right and 150m along is a commercial laundry. Up the
street to its side is as cheap as room you will find in
Tahiti (around US$30 dorm bed). Or on the road you will see
a bus stop, which is in fact for Le Truck. You want to be on
the side of the road that takes you left (with your back to
the airport).
Equally many thanks to
Please, please if you have been anywhere recently send your
comments to