Help with backpacking route in Australia

Hi Everyone,

I'm from England and planning on backpacking alone in Australia from August, probably for 90 days (the maximum an eVisitor visa allows) and was looking for some recommendations on a route to take. I'm planning on camping as I'm not too keen on the dormitory style accommodation of hostels (though wouldn't rule it out), and at this stage having bought the gear I'm looking at which route would allow me to fit the most in and see the best sites. Will probably fly into Sydney and work my way out from there. Any suggestions on good routes to take would be great. Also (as I haven't traveled to Aus before) wanted some advice for when I arrive and go through customs. I assume they'll want an itinerary to show exactly where I'm going, but do they want you to have booked campsites\hostels in advance? Obviously with backpacking this isn't always possible. Sorry to waffle, and thanks for any help

Andrew.

Hi Andrew - unfortunately this is a lightweight backpacking forum using the word "backpacking" in the north american style - something you might call "widerness trekking" - So you're likeley to get better advice from lonely planet or somewhere like that than us..

I have been to australia - customs? don't bring any meat or non-packaged foods (I took backpacking food for a week and they were fine with it except for my sausage which they took)

I've done south coast trek in tasmania - which is fantastic.. but not what you are looking for.

Get the Lonely Planet book on traveling in Australia.
Customs/Immigration may ask where in general you are going, but that should be about it. Once you are in country, they couldn't care less, as long as you leave. I did some traveling there many years ago, but little camping. I stayed at youth hostels in the big cities, got around by bus or car.

As already said, this isn't a travel website, so get on Google and look for some-they are out there.

Many thanks. The Lonely Planet guide is on its way

Lonely Planet also has a forum which is the best place to ask these kinds of questions!

What TomD said but do also keep in mind that distances on a map can be very deceiving.

Franco

WOW, great map Franco to make your point!

It is almost like Europe was made to fit neatly inside.

BTW, I did not want to imply that the OP has no idea of the size of Australia, it is just that I have come across many people that imagine the country to be much smaller than it is.
Only a few days ago a friend was telling me that when his English parents visited recently his mother suggested to go for a drive to Ayers Rock (Uluru) from Melbourne.(about 1400 miles away, roughly Melbourne/bottom of Greece to Dijon in that map)France.

More trivia...
We have the largest single cattle station in the world, Anna Creek Station, 34,000 sq km. By comparison the largest ranch in the US is about 10x smaller.
(King Ranch at 3,340 sq KM)
If that station were a country it would be the 138th largest , sitting in between Taiwan and Moldova.
15 (!) people man the station with about 3000 head of cattle.
Yes, they are free range...
Franco

One advantage of staying at hostels is that you may meet people with a car looking for travel companions. I went from Canberra back up to Sydney with an Aussie I met there. Way better than the bus. The train isn't bad either, but like Franco said, it is a huge place, kind of like traveling in the US, except not near as many big cities or people.

As far as I know (2 trips to Austalia) not much is asked at customs, except about funds and place of departure (health and safety paranoïa ), the odd question about your place and length of stay can occur.
Also, if you bring camping gear, you may be asked about your 'camping history", and have your gear checked and possibly disinfected.
From experience...
Travelling to Oz during the foot and mouth epizooty in England!

Good point Frenchie, I'd forgotten about that. I know NZ has ag inspection and I think Oz does too. Make sure all your gear is clean-no dirt on your boots, etc. or it may not get past the gate.

Actually, the last time I was in NZ, they took my boots away, cleaned them beautifully, and then returned them to me.

ALmost makes that long flight worthwhile!