Tabitha Wilson
The past few years have been a tricky time for aspiring travellers, with COVID restrictions wreaking havoc on travel plans for everyone. Luckily, the world is opening up, and Australia, one of the most popular destinations for young backpackers, has re-opened its doors.
It’s no surprise that the country is a hit with tourists with the vast landscape and varied terrain offering a range of activities to suit everyone’s interests.
Here are some of the top locations to check out when visiting Australia.
SYDNEY
Starting off with one of the most recognisable places in the country. The east coast of Sydney offers a range of exciting options for travellers.
Things to do
No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House, which opened in 1973. The landmark, with its distinctive off-white concrete ‘shells’, is a fantastic spot for a souvenir photograph, and features a variety of places to eat and drink close by.
Take in the view from the Bennelong lawn, or alternatively, take a walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge and head to the Kirribilli Lookout. The UNESCO world heritage site is best viewed at sunset when beautiful orangey-pink hues paint the sky.
Places to eat
Sydney is full of amazing places to eat, and sometimes it’s best to venture a little further out of the city centre to find some unique dishes.
A short train ride from the city centre lies the cheerful suburb of Concord, which features a large Italian immigrant population. Manoosh Pizzeria blends Italian and Lebanese cultures to create delicious, fresh pizzas, wraps, and salads. The restaurant is perfect for a pick-me-up after a long day of exploring the city.
Places to stay
Cities are often more expensive to stay in, and Sydney is unfortunately no exception. However, for budget backpackers, there are some great affordable options. YHA has two hostels in Sydney, with both offering a mixture of shared and private accommodation.
KATOOMBA
Just a two-hour train journey away from Sydney lies Katoomba, a gorgeous town that provides a gateway to the Blue Mountains National Park.
Things to do
Most tourists visit Katoomba to access the glorious Blue Mountains. A national park full of fantastic hiking trails and incredible wildlife. Tackle the Giant Stairway, a descent of 998 stairs, or, if you have more time, take the Ruined Castle walking track, which provides spectacular views and takes you to a rock formation aptly named the ‘Ruined Castle’.
Places to eat
Despite being small, Katoomba has plenty of exciting places to dine, thanks to the town’s high levels of tourism. A particular highlight of Katoomba is the number of coffee shops they have – try out the Black Cockatoo Bakery for some delicious pastries and bread, accompanied by a range of hot drinks.
Places to stay
The mountain town has a range of places to stay, suiting all budgets. The YHA in Katoomba is a good choice for backpackers, with a large living space and kitchen providing a great place to socialise with other travellers.
CAIRNS
Things to do
Cairns, located in tropical Queensland, is the perfect place to start exploring the Great Barrier Reef. A plethora of tour companies offer trips starting in the city, with prices varying depending on which package you’d prefer.
Most tour companies offer the chance to snorkel, which is a must-do when visiting this iconic landmark. Even if you have no snorkelling experience, friendly tour guides are there to help. At the reef, you have a chance to see turtles, sharks, and sting rays, swimming amongst beautifully bright coral – no trip to Australia is complete without a visit here.
Places to eat
Being in the tropics, Cairns is often incredibly hot, meaning ice cream is a necessity! Gelocchio on the esplanade offers a range of mouth-watering flavours and is just what any traveller needs to cool down in the intense Australian summer heat.
Places to stay
Like the other destinations on this list, Cairns isn’t short of places to stay, and works out a little cheaper than cities like Sydney and Melbourne. If you’re after a party vibe, there are plenty of Mad Monkey hostels in the area, but there’s also a YHA if you want a quieter experience.
TOWNSVILLE
Things to do
Another destination in sunny Queensland, Townsville is an underrated gem thanks to Magnetic Island, which is only a short boat ride away from the city. The island is a hub for wildlife, with the rock wallabies at Arcadia being the perfect place to get a shot for your socials.
The forts walk is another island highlight, where wild koalas are frequently seen. Although it’s a challenging descent to the top, the stunning views of the island from the abandoned war fortifications are definitely worth it.
Places to eat
Townsville has a variety of eateries to suit all tastes. After a day exploring Magnetic Island, head to Chico Rio, for some mouth-watering Brazilian food. If this isn’t your thing, try some Japanese food at the GYO Japanese Tapas Bar and Restaurant.
Places to stay
Townsville has a range of great hostels to rest your head. Civic Guest House Backpackers is an affordable option with a range of rooms to choose from and plenty of space to be social if that’s your preference.
Of course, this list barely scratches the surface of what Australia has to offer. Other places, such as Port Macquarie, Uluru, Hervey Bay and Airlie Beach are also worth a visit! With travel becoming more accessible than ever, there’s never been a better time to head down under.
Featured image courtesy of Ben Mack via Pexels. Image license found here. No changes have been made to this image.
Tabitha Wilson
Tabitha is an MA Journalism student at Sheffield University. She has previously worked as a maritime journalist, and studied politics at Durham University. She enjoys writing about music, culture, and travel.