Areas to Visit and Areas to Avoid

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A great way for Canadian travelers to see Australia is by backpacking. Besides being economical and providing great cultural exchanges with the locals and fellow travelers, backpacking is also the ONLY way to see many wonderful sites in Australia. If you have the time, here are some backpacking trips that the Canadian travel enthusiast should not miss.

Cradle Mountain, Tazmania. Tazmania is an island off the coast of Australia and Cradle Mountain is the trail head for the famous Overland Track through the back country of Tazmania. Located in the Lake St. Clair National Park, this area is filled with waterfalls and unique mountain terrain. Lakes abound throughout this region. Of course, you may want to spend more time here than five days. This area can be chilly during the winter months of June, July and August so come prepared. This is a good backpacking trip for those new to the sport as it has well marked trails and chaperoned tours are easily located for visitors to the park.

Kadaku National Park, Northern Territory. Spilling into the Queensland territory this park is the home to Australia’s most diverse rain forest, the Daintree. Home to over 430 birds including 13 species that are only found in this area, walking this park is a nature lover’s dream. Throughout the region there are many scattered cities and boardwalks leading to beached and creeks that make great campsites. However, this region gets quite humid during the summer so should not be attempted by travelers on their own. In addition, the Daintree River is a native area to several species of crocodiles, so a guide is quite useful here. Not a backpacking trip for a beginner, this is a truly great rain forest trek for those who are experienced trekkers.

Philip Island, Victoria Territory. This island is another good backpacking trip for beginners although experienced travelers will also enjoy this island. Filled with sandy beaches, this island is home to the Fairy Penguin who return to the island at dusk each day and other unique birds and mammals. Seal Rock, off shore from the island ,is home to thousands of native seals who enjoy putting on a daily show for the locals and tourists. You can catch a ferry to the rock to see the seals up close.

Barossa Valley, South Australia. This valley is huge and covers several territories. This is Australia’s wine making and olive growing region and is home to many vineyards and farms. Throughout this region you can see the rural areas of South Australia and its culture. Cheese is also a product from this area. This area welcomes backpackers and has hostels throughout the valley in is various towns and farms. This is a good trip for the backpacker ready to reach beyond the short beginning trips. Plus, you can take in Kangaroo Island in this area which has kangaroos, possums, bandicoots, goanna and sea lions. You can end your trek in the city of Adelaide to rest and rejuvenate.

Grampians, Victoria. This national park is a great place for folks who want a intermediate level backpacking experience. This is not a bad trip for newbies, but the area is mountainous and trekkers should be in good shape. This park is best in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom and offers adventurers a true outback experience complete with kangaroos, koalas, and kookaburras.

There are also some areas you might want to avoid, or at least move to the bottom of your list. All of these areas are safe, but are limited in scope or difficult to reach for most Canadian travelers.

Ayers Rock Uluru, Northwestern Territory. This formation is precious to the native Anangu people of Australia. Situated in Australia’s desert, it offers truly unique perspective at sunset and sunrise. Visitors can hike in to see the rock, but this is a hot, dusty hike through the sand. Visitors are not allowed to touch or climb the formations. This is one attraction that is better seen by air. If you go, don’t venture out without a tour guide and plenty of water.

Broome, Western Australia. This is a city that was once the capital of Australia’s pearl diving region. Pearl diving still takes place here, but not like before. This is the opening to the Kimberly mining region, and those interested in mining and raw ores will enjoy hiking throughout this region. Many of the mines are closed, however, and are rusting away. Broome has a Japanese area due to the pearl diving.

Byron Bay, New South Wales. This is the home of the young trendy people and newly minted rich folks. If you want to see where some of wealthy Australians hand their hats and tour a mainly urban Australian area, Byron Bay is the place to go. Good for newer backpackers in that there is lots of support and no wilderness areas to become lost in. Paul Hogan had a home here for many years. But, are there really urban backpackers?

Coober Pedy Area, South Australia. This is Australia’s opal mining area. Yes, you can find great opals here, but the conditions are so hot and windy that 80% of the citizens live underground! This even includes the church. If you come here to backpack, be prepared to spend most of your time underground especially during the day. Plus the wind storms make it easy to become lost. This area is Australia’s most international site due to the opal business, so don’t expect to see too many native Australians here either. However, an experienced backpacker who enjoys heat, sand and wind and does not mind staying in a cave might enjoy the experience. Otherwise, I would suggest buying your opal elsewhere or having it shipped home.

The Great Barrier Reef , Coral Sea off Queensland – This is way off the coast and not in the best shape. Many reefs are more scenic and easy to reach. The Ningaloo Reef is one example and is easier to reach on Australia’s west coast. This reef is often crowded and research ships don’t help the situation. Damaged by several events in recent years, this reef needs to recover, and tourists don’t help make that happen. Worse, Queensland is home to Australia’s monsoon area and many roads are impassible during monsoon season.

Ryan McKenzie is a social media expert who specializes in Canadian Travel who loves to write about travel opportunities around the world.