wiebo

hey, i'm an 18 yr old male if it matters, and i'm going to australia on feb 12th and i am absolutely clueless. i've never left Canada before, and i'm planning on going with one friend backpacking queensland for about 3 months. how much money should i be looking to spend on average per day or per week? thx alot, and if you have any tips or suggestions for me, i'd appreciate it.

Canadian Dude

A buget of 50$ AUS per day would be fair, thats not eating at resturants, limited pay sights, you guys could split on hostel rooms semi-private...should work fine i think. If you go up to 70$ for a day or 2 don't fret, you prob deserve it...Just keep an eye on your bank account...the fact that you guys will be able to split costs of things will help you out a lot.

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wiebo

thx alot CD! also, what is the best way to convert my money down there? should i use traveller's cheques, cash, open a bank account, or use my current debit card?

Canadian Dude

Australia is the same as any other Western country, bank machines are plentiful, so using your debit card should not be a prob, check with your bank first though to make sure...that would be one of the safest ways to go, as you will not need to carry huge cash on ya, and you could also open a bank account, i think Dio knows more about that.

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Aisha

If your debit card has got a cirrus or a maestro logo on the back you'll be able to use it at any ATM and for EFTPOS in the shops. But check with your bank about whether they'll charge you exorbidant amounts for overseas withdrawals.

BAussie

hey weibo it depends on how much you are going to be sitting around on the beaches and how you plan on getting round and how much you want to see.

From what I've read on the Dam Fuc'n Cold!!! board, the best thing for you is the weather change your in for, remember the sun screen, or you might look like very red and sore.

The water temp today was 23c
coastalwatch
is a good site for beach info.

another good site to check out would be
koala-backpackers
the koala backpackers at noosa has been the start of a few nights I wish I could remember more of????

the site has info on Fraser Island 4X4 safari's which is just north of noosa, don't know about the safari trip's, I camp up there once in a while good fun, but safari's easy way for backpackers

Airle beach in the north worth a visit as it has many backpacker hostels, and is a gateway to the Whitsundays! (great barrier reef), a must see wether you do a scuba dive(a bit more money) or do a snorkel trip.

Daintree, in the north worth a visit I've been told(will get there one day myself)

anywhere you go in queensland will be a hell of a lot warmer then where you r now.

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LostLuggageTales

I totally agree with Canadian Dude... I averaged about $50/day on my trip thruout Oz...

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