First time traveler going to Australia

[MorganNY]

HI! I'm 19 and have never really traveled outside of the US. I am planning on going to Australia for three weeks in January over my winter break (i posted this as urgent because i want to plan out my trip before i go). I have a couple of questions:
1) how much money should i bring with me for food, transportation withing the country, sightseeing, fun, and room & board (i plan on staying in Youth Hostels and it looks like the average bed per night is around $20 USD).

2) I'm really nervous about being there all by myself, and i was wondering how i should go about finding other travelers or people there to chill with (i'm really outgoing and friendly, but i have never done anything like this).

3) What kind of gear/clothing should i bring

Thank you all so much for your time!!!!
~Best regards, Morgan Tracy-Fortner

[miztrez]

Hi!!
Not too sure where abouts your planningo n travelling within Aust, but I'm from melb and during January, the weather is HOT, so in terms of bringin clothing - pack light !!! Usually the temp ranges from about 25 - 32ish, and the nights are pretty nice and dont get too cold.

Melb is an awesome place to stay at, there are a few hostels around, and you should be able to meet people through the hostels, or even when your out (if your planning on going clubbing, u'll def meet loads of ppl) We have lots of cafes, shops, etc, and all in all people are pretty cool.


hahah i sound like a bloddy advertisement for Melbourne, but hey... i get patriotic when ppl come down here!

Hope it helps a little with your planning!

Sangi

[MorganNY]

Thanx!! I was planning on going to Melbourne actually (apparently there is a large regatta there sometime in January, that could be fun)!

[Jacob S]

Hey MorganNY,
I just have a little bit of advice about aus for you! Oz is a big place so work out where you definetley wanna go and what you want to see before you go. I would say if you want to go to Melbourne well then thats fine because you will meet lots of awesome people and Melbournes a great place but if i was travelling to Aus for three weeks id probably head to Sydney check that out and then bus it up the eastern coastline towards Queensland whith many fantastic stops along the way then get a flight back to the US from Brisbane or even get a flight back to Sydney from Coolangatta which isnt far from Brisbane. Or you could go the opposite directon and start from Brisbane and head south to Sydney hope i havnt confused you there.
Pack light will be quite warm in January.

[MorganNY]

Thanx Jacob S! Unfortunately i don't have a ton of money so i don't think i'll be able to travel around while i'm there a whole lot....someday maybe!

[LiveFreeorDie]

A few things to check out. Number one, Virgin Blue is a discount airline in Australia that has pretty good prices. Used it a few times during my vacation in last May. If that is still too pricey, you could consider the Oz Experience . I have never used it, but have heard it is supposed to be a fun way to get around and see the sights up and down the East coast. I would definately recommend if you go to only one city....go to SYDNEY. Its a fantastic, beautiful city with a lot to do in and around the city. If you are interested in the outdoors, white water rafting, the great barrier reef, scuba or snorkeling, sailing, etc. - check out Cairns which is in the northern part of Australia and is the jumping off spot for all of the "adventure" type activities. Enjoy your trip - you really can't go wrong wherever you go.

[gornzilla]

I'm riding a small motorcycle around Australia now. Never been outside the US except a couple day trips to border towns in Mexico. Small motorcycle means not much room to pack. People here are very friendly, although not as friendly in the cities because city life occupies you. When you walk by someone, everyone says something like, "how goes it, mate" or makes small talk.

Right now I'm stuck in Cairns waiting to get my fuel tank fixed. It sprung a bad leak, but that was expected -- I'm on a 40 year old motorcycle. Lots of neat stuff to see but Cairns will put a big hole in my budget. I'd almost rather be in a small town because I'm shy and don't usually approach people, but in the small towns here that hasn't been a problem. If I was younger (I'm 34), I'd toss back a few drinks and get over being so quiet. Legal drinking age is 18 here so if you're not outgoing, drink.

Haven't been to Melbourne yet. I started in Sydney and went north. I've heard the climate in Melbourne is like San Francisco, but don't know how true that is. You'd have to ask someone familiar with it. Don't know if you've been to SF but it's often cold and wet, even in the summer.