Quick Recap of Key Takeaways
- Apply for your visa based on your country of origin and period of stay.
- Make use of apps to assist you in navigation, managing money, and finding accommodations.
- Look for budget stays such as hostels, couch surfing, and work for accommodation options.
- Use online job portals like Backpackers Job Board to find a job even before landing in Australia.
- Join groups of backpackers and create networks.
- Choose a trustworthy third-party service for managing excess baggage.
- Excess baggage can either be shipped anywhere in Australia or it can be stored safely with DTDC Australia.
Once you have decided to explore the beautiful landscapes of Australia, then comes the not so exciting planning phase. Maybe boring, but a bit of planning can get you in time for that east-coast road trip or may even bail you out of a boxing round with a kangaroo.
A total of 234,556 working holiday visas were granted in 2023-2024 in Australia. A number that is expected to increase in 2025, and if you are one among them, then this ultimate guide is for you.
From visas to shipping your belongings and some additional tips to find the best backpacker deals, we have got everything covered.
1. Pre-Travel Planning for UK Backpackers
A travel guide to Australia should start with how to get into Australia (legally). So we will also start with it.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Getting a visa to backpack across Australia depends on the duration of your stay. If your plan is under 3 months, you can opt for the eVisitor visa (Subclass 651). With this, you can visit Australia as often as you like within 12 months or up to 3 months at a time.
If you wish to stay for more than 3 months, which is what we would also recommend, then you can apply for the working holiday visa. The working holiday visa (subclass 417) is specifically designed for people from most European and some Asian countries.
The usual age limit for this visa is between 18 and 30, but residents of some countries, like the UK, France, Ireland, etc., can apply for it up to 35 years old. There is also a work and holiday visa in Australia with Subclass 462, and this is for people from countries like the US and Argentina.
The cost of the visa is just AUD 670 (£314), but you need to have sufficient funds in your bank account of around AUD 5000 (£2420) to get the visa approval. It is also mandatory for backpackers to take travel insurance for the working holiday visa.
Budgeting Your Trip
Backpacking across Australia can be done at an average cost of AUD 100 (£48) per day. The total budget would depend on whether you go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef or do volunteer work along the way.
Australia has a higher cost of living, so it is better to ensure that you have sufficient funds for your entire stay. Also, it will take time until you get a job in the country. Planning in advance can help you with things like finding cheap Australia flights and getting the best backpackers deals.
Must-Have Travel Tools & Apps
We don’t have to advise you to use Google Maps for navigation, but there are some other cool apps that you can use along with Google Maps. One such app is Waze, which provides real-time traffic updates like road closures, crashes, and police speed traps.
If you are someone who prefers public transport, then Citymapper should be installed on your phone. There are also other travel apps for backpackers in Australia, catering to specific cities like Opal for Sydney, PTV for Victoria, and MyTransLink for Brisbane.
For booking hotels and stays, you can use popular options like Airbnb, Booking.com, etc. If you are travelling on a budget, then you can opt for hostels with the help of Hostelworld. Other handy tools include XE Currency Converter for managing cash, Toilet Finder for finding free public toilets, and AllTrails for finding adventurous hikes.
2. Essential Gear & Packing Tips
We can understand your dilemma; it’s tough to decide what to carry and what not to. So it’s necessary to have a list of essential items. Documents, clothes, toiletries, and smartphones come under the essentials.
There are checked baggage limits set by the airlines, and they typically range from around 32 kg (70 lb) for economy class to up to 50 kg (110 lb) in first class. For a backpacker, this limit may be too small, as they will be planning to stay for more than three months.
If you are thinking about leaving behind your favourite guitar or winter jacket just to stay within the baggage limits, then please don’t. Any luggage that exceeds the checked baggage limit can be sent as excess baggage through couriers.
You just need to complete a few procedures, and our team can walk you through this comfortably.
3. Budget Accommodation in Australia
Most backpackers try to keep their visit on a budget. Who knows, maybe the extra pounds that you saved on stays are the reason for your wine tasting sessions in the Barossa Valley. So let us explore some budget backpacker accommodation.
Hostels & Shared Dorms
Hostels are cheaper compared to other options like Airbnb. You can find a lot of such options across Australia. We have already mentioned Hostelworld, which you can use for trouble-free hostel booking.
Apart from cost savings, hostels allow you to meet and connect with fellow travellers and experience different cultures, providing a much more immersive experience than regular hotel rooms.
House-Sitting & Couchsurfing
This is for those who want to experience Australia from the locals. House-sitting allows backpackers to stay at a house without paying in exchange for taking care of the house. Couch-surfing is also similar, but it only offers a couch or a spare room.
With these options, you can be one of the residents of a busy neighbourhood. You can see and take part in activities just like a regular Australian. The experience will be unique, and you need to have an open mindset.
Farm Stays & Seasonal Work in Exchange for Lodging
Backpackers travelling to the countryside can look for farm stays as a budget accommodation option. We should warn you, it may not be as fancy as it sounds, but if you want to experience the unique side of the Australian countryside, this is the best place for you.
If you are lucky enough, you may also find seasonal work in such places in exchange for somewhere to stay.
4. Earning Money & Managing Finance
Getting a backpacker job can be a great help to fund your trip and manage your finances. Since 1 July 2025, the minimum wage has been increased by 3.5%. Current minimum wages are:
- AUD 24.95 (£12) per hour, or
- AUD 948 (£459) per week
How To Find Work With a Working Holiday Visa
We suggest you start looking for jobs before arriving in the country. Online job portals like SEEK, Indeed, or Backpackers Job Board can be used for this purpose. You can find jobs specifically targeting backpackers on these platforms.
Networking through face to face interactions is a great option to find a job once you land in Australia. Look for jobs in a field where you have experience or skill. Radiating some charm can get you some brownie points in such interactions.
Recruitment agencies are another option to find a job, and this option can make the job hunt easier, but you would have to pay a commission. One thing to make sure of is to verify the credentials of the recruitment agency and the workplace.
Popular Backpacker Jobs
Some of the popular backpacker jobs that you can find in Australia are:
- Kitchen Staff
- Housekeeping
- Waiter
- Delivery drivers
- Sales Executive
- Au Pair
You can also look for jobs in your area of expertise, such as engineering, marketing, electrical work, etc.
Managing Your Finances
To manage your finances, you can easily open a transaction or savings account, as it allows you to easily transfer money. It is advisable to buy an Australian SIM card, as you will have to pay roaming charges for using your current SIM card. The total expense of a SIM card depends on the data plan and the number of days of usage.
5. Excess Baggage Strategies
Splitting Weight Across Bags
One way of dealing with excess baggage is to split the weight across bags. This strategy can be applied when you are travelling with someone. Some airlines even provide the option to pool the storage allowances.
Using Third-Party Excess Baggage Services
If you are flying solo, then splitting won’t work, but that’s where third-party excess baggage services can help you. However, ensure that you are choosing a trustworthy and genuine service such as DTDC Australia. Otherwise, convenience can turn into chaos.
6. Ship Your Belongings Instead of Carrying
With airlines’ checked baggage allowance never being enough, it is better to opt for shipping your luggage ahead. This way, you can enjoy your visit better, without worrying about carrying your luggage everywhere.
Not just that, you can also ship your items within Australia while you are moving around. Backpackers can transfer their baggage between any of these popular locations.
- Sydney
- Melbourne
- Brisbane
- Perth
- Byron Bay
- Cairns and more
But what type of shipping is the best option, and why?
Sea Freight and Air Freight
You can either opt for sea freight or air freight for shipping your belongings. If you want a cost-effective option, then you should go for sea freight. And if speed is your priority, then your choice should be air freight.
If you’re backpacking across Australia and don’t want to take your excess baggage with you, then we have got you covered for that, too. Our locker services can store backpacker bags free of cost for the first 7 days.
To know more about how to ship luggage from Australia or store your baggage, you can contact our expert team.
7. Top Tips & Hacks for Budget-Savvy Backpackers
Groupage freight services: Ship your baggage along with friends or fellow backpackers and get a discounted rate on the total.
Off-Peak Travel and Seasonal Deals: In Australia, the off-season is generally between March and August. This can also help backpackers in getting attractive deals on stays and transport.
Backpacker Communities and Networking: Join backpacker communities and create connections. These groups can help you throughout your journey.
8. Before You Ship — Final To Do List
- Make sure that all the documents are filled in properly.
- Confirm the pickup address and other contact details.
- Label all the baggage with your name and contact information.
- Take photos of the baggage for insurance purposes.
- Weigh the bags and ensure that they are within the limits.
9. FAQ
What happens if my flight is delayed—will my sea freight wait?
Your baggage will be safe at our warehouses, and you don’t have to pay any charges for seven days. After that, additional charges will be levied.
Can I insure my backpack’s contents separately?
Yes, backpackers can take insurance for everything separately.
How early should I book sea freight vs flights?
For flights, try to book at least 2 to 3 months in advance to secure the best rates. For sea freight, you can initiate the process 3 or 4 weeks before your departure.
