Welcome!
Once you arrive in Australia you'll be overwhelmed with the number of travel agents, backpacker groups and tour groups you have to choose from. Whether you want to learn to surf, spend weeks camping in the Outback, or just want to see the city sights, the opportunities are endless. This is just a sample of what's out there to get you started. Hostels often offer discounts, or pick up a copy of TNT magazine for seasonal deals.
Getting Around
Oz Experience: Don't just get from point A to point B; stop and see the dozens of sights in between. The Oz Bus has several passes and routes to choose from at very reasonable prices, and they can take you around New Zealand too.
Wayward Bus: Same idea as the Oz bus, but with different paths and stopovers. You may want to compare routes and prices to see which one is going to be right for you.
Countrylink: If you're short on time, and want to be able to eat at a snack bar, the train may be a better travel option. Countrylink operates in New South Wales, with extentions into Melbourne and Brisbane. Single tickets can get pricey, but they're half price if you have an ISIC; perfect if you need a one-way to Canberra, or just want to do a weekend in Byron Bay.
For longer trips, look into their Backtracker Rail Passes. You can get a three-month pass, good for unlimited travel anywhere on the network, for AUD$220. Six-month, one-month, and 14-day passes are also available. Another option is the East Coast Discovery Pass, which covers travel in NSW and connecting service along the coast of Queensland, as far north as Cairns. Prices range from AUD$93 to $374, depending on how far you plan to travel. It's good for unlimited stopovers, but only going in one direction.
Accommodation
YHA: This is the place to stay if you want to be guaranteed clean and safe facilities all over Australia. With a YHA member card you can save $2-3 a night, which adds up over a couple of months. You can also use your card for discounts on travel and some activities.
Nomads: Not as prominent or established as YHA, but does offer discounts if you become a member.
Other Deals
ISIC: Discounts on museums, tours, restaurants and activities. 50% off rail travel through Countrylink. Also can be used as a phone card (which mom and dad can recharge for you from home) with a voicemail account where your friends and family can leave you messages for free, and it will tell you when you have new email.
VIP: Offers discounts on accommodation, bus and train passes, tours and activities, and international phone calls.
Backpackers World: Has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns, Darwin, Brisbane, Byron Bay and Launceston offering discount travel, cheap internet access, and job listings.
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