Short gaps via Australia and New Zealand
The favourite destination amongst backpackers is easily Australia, closely followed by New Zealand, and there’s a reason why they’re so popular; rainforests to trek through, glaciers to hike, remote beaches to explore, vast underwater worlds to discover...
That's not forgetting the top tourist attractions like the Sydney Opera House, Uluru and the Lord of the Rings sets! From snowboarding and bungy jumping in the adventure capital, Queenstown in New Zealand to sun and surf on Bondi Beach in Australia; there's something for everyone 'Downunder'.
They’re often overlooked as stop gaps due to the cost and time of flying out there. However, if you do make the trip then you can travel the East Coast of Australia for two weeks and around New Zealand for two weeks.
If you have any time between school, university or a job then a stop gap is for you. You’ll be amazed what you can do in a short amount of time.
Key stops in Australia and New Zealand
Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney are the key stop off points in Australia. The most popular airports for international flights are Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
For New Zealand, head to Auckland if you want to visit the North Island and Christchurch or Queenstown if you want to visit the South Island.
There are a number of budget airlines that fly around Australia and New Zealand and flying is one of the most cost effective methods of travelling around. You can pick up a flight for under £30 saving not only money, but time too…
Popular routes that include Australia & New Zealand
London >> Cairns >> Brisbane >> Sydney >> Christchurch >> Auckland >> London
London >> Perth >> Adelaide >> Melbourne >> Sydney >> London
London >> Auckland >> Wellington >> Christchurch >> London
The East Coast
The most popular route to travel in Australia is the East Coast. You can travel either north to south (Cairns to Sydney/Melbourne) or south to north (Melbourne/Sydney to Cairns). Companies such as Greyhound and OzExperience offer competitively priced bus passes, but you get travel by car or train too! It just depends on what you prefer.
Melbourne offers an artsy vibe and you can get lost in the small cafes and pubs; Sydney has the sites of the Opera House, Sydney harbour bridge, and a cosmopolitan feel; Byron Bay delights surfers from all over Australia; Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and it’s great fun to trundle around in a 4X4; the Whitsundays has clear water and golden beaches; and Cairns, well, Cairns has everything – diving, bungee jumping, sky diving. The East Coast is really where it’s at… if you’re backpacking Australia, then you’re going to want to backpack the East Coast.
What we recommend...
We recommend you fly into Perth. Perth is really up-and-coming at the moment, and it has a great city vibe to it. There’s a bunch of things you can do on the West Coast too, such as diving on the Ningaloo reef and riding a camel in the outback.
If you want, you can travel up to Broome and really get to know the Australian outback a little more. The West Coast is very different from the East Coast and it’s not to be missed.
From Perth you can travel down to Adelaide. The trip itself is stunning. Adelaide is the most architectural city in Australia with some funky buildings and wide, open spaces. It’s one of the most European cities in Australia.
Adelaide is a stop off to Melbourne. Melbourne is the most popular city in Australia. It’s also one of the most liveable places in the world. There is a lot to see and do, and Melbourne is the starting point for your East Coast adventure.
There are plenty of options to choose from in Australia and New Zealand for your stop gap. Due to its size, we recommend New Zealand. It’s much smaller to get around and you can easily do New Zealand in four to six weeks, whereas Australia can take months.
Why Australia and New Zealand?
As mentioned, they’re the two most popular backpacker destinations in the world. They have everything from adventure activities to pristine beaches.
You don’t become the most popular backpacker destination in the world without having something to offer; all you have to do is find out for yourself…
What others say…
Michael Purvis:
“I had a great time in Oz. It was my first year traveling and gave me so many experiences. My favourite time was working on a small orchard off the backpacker trail to get my seasonal work done. Working hard, meeting all the local people and making friendships that are still strong to this day more than 3 years later. Fishing for your dinner and cooking on a campfire with a 4X in hand. That's life.”
YHA Main Beach
Countries:
Australia
Duration:
from 1 Days
YHA Australia is part of the world's largest backpacker accommodation network, Hostelling International (HI), providing more than 4,000 YHA hostels in over 60 countries. With a location only minutes from Surfers Paradise and another near the best surf breaks at the southern end of the Gold Coast - they've got your needs covered.
Tropical Suntanner
Countries: Australia
An exploration of north Queensland, this tour takes in the best beaches this side of the Pacific. Expect all that you would from a visit to the tropics and more!
Flexi 10 Day Pass
Countries:
Australia
Duration:
from 60 Days
A Flexi Day Pass gives you total flexibility without a kilometre restriction. Buy a 10 Day Flexi Pass and you get 10 days of travel that you can use any time within 60 days, from the first day of travel.
Habitat HQ - Melbourne
Countries: Australia
Habitat HQ is your home away from home. FREE wifi, FREE events, FREE Breakfast, FREE Thursday dinner, FREE secure parking, FREE airport pick up (min 3 night stay). Our goal is to connect you with like-minded travellers and provide you with an experience of a lifetime and memories to match.
Cairns Sydney Mini Traveller
Countries:
Australia
Duration:
from 90 Days
Travel on this pass can start in Cairns OR Sydney and you can hop on and off wherever you like along the way. Travel is only allowed in one direction, no backtracking is allowed. If you do backtrack you will not have enough travel available to complete the trip and you will be required to pay for additional travel.
Chilly Bin- Funky Chicken + Deep South
Countries:
New Zealand
Duration:
from 25 Days to 12 Months
Call: 0844 3752034
13 Day Kiwi Explorer
Countries:
New Zealand
Duration:
from 13 Days
Be captivated by New Zealand's lush scenery, distinct cultures and 'kiwiana'
Reverse Traverse - Queenstown/Christchurch to Auckland
Countries:
New Zealand
Duration:
from 13 Days to 24 Months
Two Islands - bottom to top! We take in everything from dramatic glaciers to golden beaches...
26 Day Grand Aussie
Countries: Australia
From cosmopolitan cities to the rugged outback; and the golden beaches to the tropical rainforests, you’ll be seeing all this and more. Combine these fabulous sights from Sydney to Darwin with fellow travellers who will become life-long friends and you’ve got an amazing experience ahead of you!
8,000 Kilometre Pass
Countries:
Australia
Duration:
from 365 Days
8,000 kilometres worth of travel. Members and concession card holders get EXTRA kilometres! Kilometres can also be "spent like currency" to buy experiences, tours and accommodation.
Surf Pass
Countries: Australia
A shorter pass for those interested in sun and sand. Start from Sydney and travel to Byron Bay or Brisbane. Includes a professional Learn to Surf lesson at our exclusive Surf Camp - Spot X.
10,000 Kilometre Pass
Countries:
Australia
Duration:
from 365 Days
10,000 kilometres worth of travel. Members and concession card holders get EXTRA kilometres! Kilometres can also be "spent like currency" to buy experiences, tours and accommodation.
Rangi- Start Anywhere, Finish where you started
Countries:
New Zealand
Duration:
from 22 Days to 365 Days
Call: 0844 3752034
Hervey Bay Melbourne Mini Traveller
Countries:
Australia
Duration:
from 90 Days
Travel on this pass can start in Hervey Bay OR Melbourne and you can hop on and off wherever you like along the way. Travel is only allowed in one direction, no backtracking is allowed. If you do backtrack you will not have enough travel available to complete the trip and you will be required to pay for additional travel.
