Top Things To See and Do In Australia On Your Gap Year

Every single year millions of tourists from overseas head to Australian shores. Some only visit for a week or two, others are here to enjoy a one year working holiday, many are backpackers and some come here for something different to do while on a gap year from study or regular work.

In this post we’ll take a look at just some things you can see and do in the country while on your gap year.

Sydney Is a Backpacker’s Paradise

While Sydney is arguably Australia’s most expensive city on many levels, it’s also a destination that’s kind to backpackers and people on a gap year, and precisely why it attracts so many people in this very demographic.

No other Australian city plays host to as many backpacker hostels as Australia’s largest city. And it’s not just about cheap accommodation in an expensive city either. Those who run these establishments are in the know and are a wealth of local knowledge. They’ll be able to point you in the direction of things you can see and do in Sydney on a tight budget, as well as all the best bargains and cheap places to drink and party.

There is loads to see and do in Sydney, and that’s why it’s such a favourite destination for anyone visiting Australia, no matter what your travelling budget.

Go Camping In Australia’s Vast Outback

Most of inland Australia is desert or largely uninhabited. It can be a harsh, but beautiful landscape, and exploring Australia’s outback has always been one of the biggest drawcards for overseas visitors.

A popular destination is Alice Springs, because of its close proximity to one of the country’s most famous landmarks – Uluru (formerly known as Ayer’s Rock).

This is truly a magical place and a photographer’s paradise with the way the light plays over the rock at different times of the day.

A visit to Australia on your gap year isn’t truly complete without experiencing the outback, and Uluru is one great place to start.

Be Trackside for the Country’s Biggest Sporting Event

Australia is home to many popular sports, but there is one particular event that takes place each year that literally brings the entire country to its knees for about 4 minutes.

That’s the annual running of the Melbourne Cup horse race.

If you can find your way to Melbourne on the first Tuesday in November, you’ll be able to get trackside and watch the Melbourne Cup 2019 horses go round.

For many this is a once in a lifetime experience, and to witness live Australia’s most iconic sporting event is something you’ll remember forever.

Experience the Wonder of Kakadu National Park

If you head to Australia’s Northern Territory you can arrange for a tour of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness areas – Kakadu.

It’s a remote unspoilt nature wonderland with a unique mix of outback and forested area. Gorges, unusual rock formations, waterfalls, billabongs and Australia’s unique wildlife are all on offer when you tour this region.

See kangaroos, dingos and crocodiles when you set off on a camping safari. You’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from civilisation, or even on another planet. Camp under a carpet of bright stars and soak up nature and the serenity.

Kakadu is a really unique part of the world to experience, and one life adventure you’ll never forget.

Check Out the Adelaide Fringe Festival

The city of Adelaide in South Australia plays host to the largest arts festival in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s a month long of partying, entertainment and fun from mid-February to mid-March each year.

In fact, the festival is such a hit that it’s now been running annually for 60 years.

It’s a time of the year when many venues get on board to support various Fringe Festival events. As an arts festival it’s not all about paintings and that form of art, although that’s definitely a part of it too. The Adelaide Fringe Festival encompasses all forms of art, which includes music and acting.

Whether you’re travelling on your own or with others, there’s something to see and do every day and night in Adelaide at festival time. It’s well worth the experience.