Palms on Parker

Australia is home to no less than 19 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Fraser Island, the Sydney Opera House, Great Barrier Reef and pristine Tasmanian Wilderness. There are beautiful beaches, lush jungles and vast expanses of bright red earth in the Outback. You can spend your time in the great outdoors surfing and snorkelling, or stick close to the urban centres and get your fill of delicious food and drink, topped off with some of the world’s most famous art and cultural exhibits.

There are plenty of youth hostels all over the Australia, and as it’s one of the most popular backpacker and solo travellers destinations in the world, there is no shortage of like-minded people to meet. The most popular destinations are Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, but if you’ve got the time, then check out some of the smaller cities like Brisbane, Adelaide, Tasmania and Cairns as well.

Maybe you’re looking for the best places to party in Australia? Or maybe you’ve applied for a working holiday visa and want to save some money for a road trip? Regardless of why you want to visit Australia, there is an abundance of places to stay, each with their own unique character.

Staying in youth hostels is not only a great way to save money, but the perfect option for anyone who likes to keep their travel plans flexible. Decide where you want to go next, book a hostel for the first few nights and then decide how long you want to stay in a particular city. Before it’s time to move on, see if there’s anyone who’s planning to travel to the same place, and team up for the next leg.

Australia is a right-of-passage for many, which is why it consistently makes ours and other's list of the best solo travel and backpacker destinations. Still not convinced? Here’s why you should travel to Australia at least once in your life.