Australia backpacking: All advice appreciated!

hypochondriac

Thanks guys all of this is so helpful. I think working and getting free food and lodging would be the best thing for me, I would certainly prefer that to money as that is pretty much all I need.

Tomby1

No problem! Just noticed the dates you're going. Here's a few events that are cheap / free that you should go to when you decide to spend your money..

Camel Racing (can also check out Uluru at same time)
Cooktown Discovery Festival (could be bigger this year considering the Queen's big birthday )

and if you can get there;

Blue Mountains Yulefest (Christmas from June to August!)

roadatlas

Remember to take out separate Ambulance Insurance as it isn't included in the Reciprocal Agreement between Australia and the UK.

Ambulances cost hundreds of $$$ for a short trip, so if you're in the middle of nowhere without insurance you'd be in strife.

Have a great trip.

SnowBelle_2

My first thought on reading this was,you really do not have enough money.
But you do seem determined to find work which is a positive.
With regard to your GF coming out,I would'nt think about booking a ticket yet see how you get on first.
My sister did ten months in OZ and came home penniless because the areas she was in were saturated with people looking for jobs.
I have been to Oz four times and the prices like most places in the world have gone up considerably.
Have you got at least a few days to a week accomodation sorted out?
Hostelling is a good way of getting intergrated,but please remember not everyone is considerate and you will need to keep your wits about you.
Always lock your stuff up and keep hold of your paperwork,Be aware of people asking you for money,help etc and promising to pay you back,it won't happen!
A lot of people go to OZ with no idea of costs etc,I have even met people with no travel insurance.
Please do your homework and you will have probably the best time of your life.
X Clare

claire16c

I used Endsleigh for travel insurance, they had specific option you could pick to cover working abroad whilst you were backpacking.

sarah69696pink

My brother did a year in Oz last year and went with less money than you (and no flight home booked!) so it can be done......however he did spend most of his time living in tents unless accomodation came with the job he had.
With regards to your GF, definitely do NOT let her book yet. My brother was no-one near he planned to be when we went out (I had hoped he would be near Goldcoast and he ended up in middle of no-where in central Oz miles from a beach! I ended up having to add a week in Cairns on to fit in some diving as I couldn't go to Oz without doing that!!!)
My brother sorted his first job out before he went but after that was lucky to pick up jobs wherever he went, importantly he wasn't fussy and would do most jobs! Good luck and enjoy!