Ruqayyah Snyder
Backpacking is better with buddies, and Australia is a great place to meet people. The backpacking community is famously friendly, inclusive and welcoming, so even the shiest traveller should be able to pick up some friends along the way. One of the easiest ways to meet people is to stay in a hostel, where you're likely to meet other backpackers in communal spaces. Guided tours are another great way to meet people, and there are plenty of tours in Australia to choose from, from sailing trips to the Great Barrier Reef to 4WD adventures. If you're feeling nervous about approaching people, try using apps like Travello or Bumble BFF to meet other travellers, or join a Facebook group. Once you've met some people, why not ask them to join you for a class or a festival? That way, you'll have even more to talk about!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Tour | Guided group tour |
| Accommodation | Hostels |
| Transport | Greyhound buses, coaches, camper vans, cars |
| Apps | TripWire, Travello, BackTracker, Backpackr, Tripr, Bumble BFF |
| Websites | GapYear.com, Facebook groups, Backpacker Job Board |
| Events | Dark Mofo, Splendour in the Grass, Adelaide Fringe |
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What You'll Learn
Stay in hostels
One of the simplest ways to meet other people while travelling is to stay in hostels. By staying in a hostel, you are immediately thrown into a mix of random people with whom you share a lot in common. The rooms are usually shared, and there are plenty of communal spaces for striking up a conversation. Some hostels have rooftops, lounge rooms, bars, or games rooms, all perfect for socialising and meeting fellow travellers.
Hostel communal spaces are potential goldmines for friendship. You and the other travellers are in the same hostel, seeking adventure far from home, so you already have a lot in common! You can ask your roommates about their travel plans and if they have any spare seats on their next road trip. You can also offer help to new travellers checking into your room and settle them in.
Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to make friends while travelling. You can pre-drink with your roommates and ask them for help. You can also ask them about their travel plans and tips for your bucket list destinations. You can also join them on a night out or ask to join their plans.
If you're staying in a hostel, make sure to take advantage of the social atmosphere and be proactive about meeting people. Chat with your fellow travellers, and don't be afraid to start a conversation or ask to join in on their plans.
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Join a guided tour
Joining a guided tour is a great way to meet people while backpacking in Australia. Guided tours are a fantastic opportunity to experience something new and make friends along the way. You'll find yourself among like-minded individuals who are eager to explore and create meaningful connections.
Guided tours come in various forms, from single-day excursions to multi-day adventures, allowing you to choose an option that fits your schedule and interests. These tours often attract a diverse range of travellers, from those seeking intimate groups to larger groups with dozens of friendly faces. You'll be touring with well-travelled backpackers, creating plenty of opportunities for engaging conversations and shared experiences.
One popular type of guided tour in Australia is the East Coast guided itinerary, where you explore the East Coast by coach with a group of 18-35-year-olds. This option guarantees plenty of time, including long bus trips, to bond with your fellow travellers. You'll create lasting memories as you discover breathtaking beaches, captivating rainforests, and vibrant cities together.
Another option is to join a guided tour that focuses on specific activities or themes. For example, you could sign up for a 4WD adventure across sand dunes or a sailing trip to explore the Great Barrier Reef. These activity-based tours provide a unique context for socialising and often attract travellers with similar interests, making it easier to form connections and friendships.
If you're looking for flexibility in your travels while still wanting the social aspect of guided tours, consider hop-on, hop-off bus passes like Greyhound. This option allows you to meet a diverse range of travellers as you move between different buses and destinations. You can easily strike up conversations and decide to join others on their adventures or invite them to join yours.
Guided tours offer a seamless blend of exploration and social interaction, making them an ideal choice for meeting people while backpacking in Australia. Whether you're wandering through the Daintree Rainforest or sailing around the Whitsundays, guided tours provide a platform for shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and lasting friendships. So, embrace the adventure and get ready to connect with an incredible community of travellers!
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Go to events and festivals
Australia has a jam-packed calendar of events and festivals all year round, giving you ample opportunity to meet backpackers and locals alike. No matter your interests, there is an Australian event to suit. Here are some events and festivals you can attend to meet people while backpacking in Australia:
Dark Mofo
Head to Dark Mofo in Hobart for experimental art, light displays, and comedy. Dark Mofo is one of the Southern Hemisphere's biggest arts festivals, with a diverse range of comedy, theatre, music, visual arts, and circus performances.
Splendour in the Grass
Get tickets to Splendour in the Grass, where you can camp under the stars in Byron Bay while listening to an eclectic mix of music. The festival features a jam-packed lineup of international artists and attracts large crowds, providing a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers.
Adelaide Fringe Festival
The Adelaide Fringe Festival is a 31-day celebration of independent arts, featuring over 1,400 shows from more than 6,000 artists. You can choose from a diverse range of comedy, cabaret, theatre, music, visual arts, and circus performances. The festival attracts a large number of attendees, making it a great place to connect with others.
Noosa Eat and Drink Festival
The Noosa Eat and Drink Festival is a four-day gourmet spectacle set against the tropical backdrop of Noosa Main Beach. It brings together renowned culinary talent and foodies to celebrate the town's top restaurants, distilleries, and more. You can watch live cooking demonstrations, meet the makers, and enjoy live music, offering a fun and engaging environment to connect with others.
Parrtjima
Parrtjima is the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind, held annually in Alice Springs, Northern Territory. The festival illuminates the ochre desert with a kaleidoscope of colors, celebrating rich Aboriginal culture and heritage. This unique event attracts visitors interested in immersive cultural experiences and provides a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals.
Sydney New Year's Eve Fireworks
Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations are a spectacular way to ring in the new year and meet people. The iconic harbor shores come alive with jaw-dropping fireworks displays, live music, and entertainment. With crowds gathering from all over, it's a perfect opportunity to socialize and celebrate with fellow travelers and locals.
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Use apps and online communities
There are numerous apps and online communities that can help you meet people while backpacking in Australia. Facebook groups, for example, are a great way to connect with other travellers. Try posting about who you are, where you are, and what you're interested in doing or seeing in the area. You can also browse existing posts or search for specific keywords or hashtags that match your travel plans.
There are also dedicated apps for travellers, such as Travello, Bumble BFF, TripWire, BackTracker, Backpackr, and Tripr. Backpackr, for instance, allows you to browse profiles and message people you'd like to meet up with. It also has a ''nearby' tab to help you see what's going on around you and a 'worldwide' tab for more general information. The app will notify you of free events and offers nearby, and you can even book directly with hostels through the app to save money.
Another option is GAFFL, which helps you connect with travellers and locals in Australia, plan trips, and explore together. You can search for users currently in Australia and browse through their profiles to find people with shared interests and plans.
If you're looking to connect with people before you arrive in Australia, sites like GapYear.com have community boards where you can network with travellers heading to the same places at the same time. These groups often hold meet-ups, which can be a great way to make friends before you even arrive in the country.
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Take a class
Taking a class is a great way to meet people while backpacking in Australia. You can find a variety of classes in cities like Sydney and Melbourne, ranging from cooking and photography to surfing and scuba diving lessons.
Taking a class allows you to connect with people who share your interests. For example, if you're interested in photography, you can sign up for a photography class and meet others who share your passion. You can also use this opportunity to improve your skills and gain new experiences.
Leisurely classes, such as cocktail making, give you plenty of time to socialise and interact with your classmates. You can chat with those around you, get to know them better, and maybe even make plans to explore Australia together.
If you're interested in outdoor activities, consider taking surfing lessons. Australia has some of the best surfing spots in the world, and taking a class will allow you to meet others who share your enthusiasm for the sport. You can also gain valuable skills to enhance your surfing experience and make the most of Australia's beautiful beaches.
Additionally, you can look into taking a PADI certification course if you're interested in scuba diving. This will allow you to explore Australia's diverse marine life and connect with others who share your passion for underwater exploration.
By taking a class, you'll not only gain new skills and knowledge but also expand your social network and enhance your overall backpacking experience in Australia.
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Frequently asked questions
Staying in a hostel is one of the best ways to make friends while backpacking. Most hostels have communal spaces such as rooftops, lounge rooms, bars or games rooms, which are perfect for socialising and meeting fellow travellers.
Ask questions about their travels, such as where they've been and where they're heading. You could also ask to tag along with their plans, or invite them to join yours.
Yes, there are several apps designed to help backpackers connect, such as Travello, TripWire, BackTracker, Backpackr, Tripr and Bumble BFF. You can also use Facebook groups to find other travellers.
Group tours and guided itineraries are a great way to meet people. You could also attend events and festivals such as Dark Mofo, Splendour in the Grass, or the Adelaide Fringe.
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