Is The Australian Outback Good For Backpackers?
Australia's Outback is a great place to add to your backpacker bucket list! For travellers hoping to depart from the usual backpacker route in Australia, Outback destinations like the Red Centre, Top End, or West Coast make for epic adventures. These regions of Australia are less touristy than popular spots on the East Coast, and the adventure opportunities here are endless!
Is The Australian Outback Good For Backpackers?
The Outback is great for backpackers who want to explore the most remote and wild regions of Australia! Though most backpackers follow a similar route along the East Coast and to Western hotspots like Perth, the Outback is rising in popularity.
Because the Outback is so remote, and attractions are spread far apart across the continent, backpackers may find it slightly less accessible than touristy areas like the East Coast. But if you're willing to plan your adventure a bit in advance, you can have an epic trip to the Outback.
Check out the top backpacker adventures in the Outback!
Guided backpacker tours also exist for this reason! Travellers can book a multiday adventure that includes the best hikes, campsites, and natural attractions in Australia's most secluded corners. Mingle with other backpackers, learn from your local guide, and have a stress-free adventure with a guided Outback experience.
Best Backpacker Adventures in the Australian Outback
For backpackers hoping to visit the Australian Outback, there are several bucket list experiences that everyone should consider! The Outback is such a vast area that reaches into almost every state, so backpackers may feel a bit overwhelmed by the sheer size and diversity of the area. Your best option is to just pick a few destinations and experiences that intrigue you and map out your plan.
You can hop between Outback destinations via flight, train, guided tour, or self-drive adventure. Just remember that there are huge distances between Outback destinations, so leave yourself plenty of time to travel around. Here are some of the top adventures for backpackers in the Outback!
Seeing Uluru at sunrise
Uluru is one of Australia's most famous natural landmarks. The magnificent red monolith is surrounded by the remote desert of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which has the quintessential Red Centre scenery. Uluru is a fascinating sight to behold, especially when viewed during the soft hues of sunrise! Sunset at Uluru is also amazing, and most Red Centre tours will include viewing Uluru at sunrise or sunset.
Exploring Kakadu National Park
Located in the Top End near Darwin, Kakadu National Park is another epic place for outdoor backpacker adventures. As one of Australia's largest national parks, Kakadu has a vast array of ecosystems and cultural attractions to check out. You can visit the majestic waterfalls, wetlands, rock art sites, and river crossings of Kakadu on a day trip, but a multiday camping and trekking adventure is ideal if you have time!
Travelling through the Kimberleys
Backpackers looking for one of the most remote and wild Outback adventures should head to the Kimberleys! This isolated corner of Australia is situated in the north of Western Australia and is a pristine section of wilderness. You'll find little in terms of modern amenities here, but you will find lots of natural beauty, wildlife, indigenous landmarks, and untouched wilderness. A great way to explore the Kimberleys is on a guided tour from Darwin to Broome.
Swimming with marine life
Those looking for intimate animal experiences can make their dreams come true in Outback Australia! The oceans around Australia are brimming with marine life, and Outback destinations often have guided tours where you can swim or snorkel with ocean giants in a safe environment. Examples include a cage dive with great white sharks in Port Lincoln or a snorkel with whale sharks in Ningaloo Reef!
Road tripping along the West Coast
Coastal road trips are a classic Australian experience! Most backpackers complete the popular East Coast route from Melbourne to Cairns, but those looking for a more remote Outback experience should consider the West Coast! Road tripping from Perth up to Exmouth or Broome lets backpackers tour quaint coastal towns, swim at breathtaking beaches, snorkel with diverse marine life, and soak in the uncrowded views along the Indian Ocean.
Wine tasting in South Australia
Wine lovers, don't miss a chance to visit South Australia's world-renowned wine regions! While exploring the Outback in South Australia, venture into the Barossa Valley to sip delicious beverages grown from grapes in the nearby countryside. This makes an excellent day trip from Adelaide, and a guided tour is ideal so you don't have to drive after sampling all the wines!
Adventuring through Tasmania
The iconic island of Tasmania off the southeast coast of Australia is a wilderness lover's dream. If you're hoping to hike, camp, and explore enchanting national parks, bays, forests, beaches, and mountains, Tasmania has it all. From the glistening white sands of Wineglass Bay to the vibrant hues of the Bay of Fires, there are endless wonders to discover on this small but diverse island.
Camping in a swag
Camping in a swag is an iconic Australian experience that every backpacker needs to try! A swag is like a bedroll, complete with a comfy mattress and a raised canvas cover. So you can sleep in your own personal combination of tent and sleeping bag. Wrap yourself up in this cosy cocoon and gaze up at the vast, starry Outback sky. There is no better way to embrace the spirit of the Outback than with a swag camping adventure!
