There are so many beautiful places to explore in Australia but there are also some amazing places nearby that you can do on a budget and with limited time!
I’m Nichole — the Activities Officer from the Gold Coast — and I’ve just come back from a week in beautiful Bali. One great thing about living in Australia is that you are on the doorstep of some of the most desired tropical destinations in the world. Whether you like adventure, culture, shopping, snowboarding or just relaxing, there is a country nearby for you! I haven’t been to them all, but here are just some of our neighbours that you could easily explore in 1 or 2 weeks:
INDONESIA: Bali — Kuta, Seminyak, Legian, Nusa Dua & Ubud
What to do: Shop, get massages, relax on the beach, ride an elephant, visit a coffee and rice plantation, explore the monkey forest, see an active volcano, parasail, snorkel, party, visit Gili islands, swim with dolphins, take a scooter to Padang Padang beach and Dreamland.
Average cost: $1,300 for flights, 1 week stay in a backpacker, food, drinks, transport, shopping and most activities
Travelling time:
- From GC — about 7 hours (flights from Brisbane)
- From BNE — about 6 hours
- From Sydney — about 6.5 hours
Caution: Organise your visa weeks before you have to go, take care if you are riding a scooter (there are some crazy drivers there!), don’t walk by yourself at night, watch your drinks in the nightclubs, barter at the markets or you will pay too much, lock up your belongings and definitely don’t drink the water or eat anything that looks dodgy!
THAILAND: Bangkok, Phuket, Changmai & Pipi Islands
What to do: Visit temples, shop at the markets along the river, party, spend a whole day on the beach at Pipi Island, kayak, ride the tuk tuk’s anywhere, visit the Laying Buddha, ride an elephant (in the north), full moon party, visit the Golden Triangle, get involved in the many festivals and take a photo petting a tiger.
Average cost: $1,400 for flights, 1 week stay in a backpacker, food, drinks, transport, shopping and most activities
Travelling time:
- From GC — about 10 hours (flights from Brisbane)
- From BNE — about 9 hours
- From Sydney — about 9.5 hours
Caution: Organise your visa weeks before you have to go, take care if you are riding a scooter (there are some crazy drivers there!), don’t walk by yourself at night, watch your drinks in the nightclubs, barter at the markets or you will pay too much, lock up your belongings and definitely don’t drink the water or eat anything that looks dodgy!
FIJI: Nadi & Suva
What to do: Drink the local specialty of kava, swim, snorkel, scuba dive, stand-up paddle board, explore the little villages, sun-bake and relax on the beach with cocktails.
Average cost: $1,000 for flights, 1 week stay in a backpacker, food, drinks, transport, shopping and most activities
Travelling time:
- From GC — about 4 hours (flights from Brisbane)
- From BNE — about 3 hours
- From Sydney — about 4 hours
Caution: Organise your visa weeks before you have to go and beware of the kava.
VIETNAM: Houn, Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi
What to do: Go sightseeing, go shopping at the markets, get clothes made at the tailors, relax at the beach, trying the delicious local cuisine, visit the ancient city and Halong Bay.
Average Cost: $1,500 for flights, 1 week stay in a backpacker, food, drinks, transport, shopping and most activities
Travelling time:
- From GC — about 12 hours (flights only from Brisbane; stopover in Singapore)
- From BNE — about 11 hours (stopover in Singapore)
- From Sydney — about 9 hours
Caution: Organise your visa weeks before you have to go, take care crossing the road, hold your bag in front of you so that motorcycles can’t snatch it from you and don’t drink the water or eat something that looks dodgy.
There are so many more countries nearby, like Tahiti, Japan, New Zealand, Malaysia and more! Hop in to your local Backpackers World Travel to find out more or book your next adventure 🙂
Bon Voyage!