Gap Year Travels

Here you'll find our guide to the other places in Australia that we think are worth a visit. Some of these are on the main East Coast route and some you'll have to travel further afield but each one has something different to offer. Read our review and if you like what you see, check out the info sites for more detailed advice on what you'll find there.

For more info go to: www.darwineguide.com

Darwin is located in the Northern Territory and enjoys a tropical climate which means it has no summer or winter, it has an average year round temperature of 32 degrees and offers great beaches and nightlife.

Enjoy a 4x4 tour of Kakadu, Australia's biggest National Park, go Crocadile spotting or enjoy seeing the sights of the city on foot and definately visit the famous harbour, make sure you also get up early to see an amazing sunrise that you will never forget. Internal flights are usually cheap and allowing a few days for a trip to Darwin is well worth it.

For more info go to: www.broomevisitorcentre.com.au

Located on the North of the West Coast and often referred to as the southern gateway to the Kimberley, this tropical seaside town simply oozes
charm and character. You can stroll on the world famous 22 kilometres of pristine white sand that is Cable Beach, and let the clear warm tropical waters of the Indian Ocean refresh you.

For something really unique you can see the 130 million year old Dinosaur Footprints which can be seen at very low tides at Gantheaume Point or go swimming with Whale sharks. Experience some Aboriginal culture, take a 4x4 tour or take a kayak out for a day. Whatever is is that you want to do, Broome is full of activities, culture and sights, if you're heading up the West coast this is definately a highlight.

For more info go to: www.townsvilleholidays.info

Townsville is located on the north-eastern coast with great access to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef. It has great access to the popular Magnetic Island

Popular attractions include The Strand, a long tropical beach and garden strip, Riverway, a riverfront parkland attraction located on the banks of Ross River and Reef HQ, a large tropical aquarium holding many of the Great Barrier Reef's native flora and fauna. We think it's worth exploring for a day or so before you pop over to Magnetic Island.

For more info go to: www.magnetic-island.com.au

This is an awesome spot which is designated as a National Park. A 20 minute ferry ride from Townsvill will get you there.

There are 24Km of walking tracks which will take you through awesome rainforest, jump around on some boulders and try to spot koalas. Home to Australias Full moon Party and boasting some beautiful beaches, Magnetic Island is definately worth a visit if you have time on the east coast.

For more info go to: www.discoverherveybay.com

Known as the Whale watching capital of the World, Hervey bay is another great spot to access the delights of the Whitsundays and Fraser Island.

It offers a great golden beach and loads of activities including fishing, diving, sea kayaking, parasailing and go karting. You can also visit art galleries, theatres, the botanic gardens, play mini golf or watch a shark show at Reefworld. Another highlight is the markets at the Whale Watch terminal located at the Urangan Marina held every Friday night 4-8 pm.

Hervey bay has plenty of night spots for those of you wanting to hit the town including The Viper Niteclub on the Esplanade at Torquay

Your best bet is to enjoy one of the many cruises to see some marine life. With heaps going on and an abundance of free activities, Hervey Bay is well worth a visit.

For more info go to: www.touradelaide.com

If you're into the arts, shopping and great food, Adelaide is the spot for you. It's another great place for work if you're looking to settle for a while and get your bank balance looking a bit more healthy.

Adelaide is a city with wide sweeping streets, city squares and lush green boundaries, it's a great place to get out there and explore. It boasts beautiful beaches just outside the city and the Botanic Gardens in the centre, make sure you don't miss out on the Cental Market which has amazing fresh food or visit Adelaide Zoo for a great day out.

For more info go to: www.visitnewcastle.com.au

Newcastle is a great place for a visit, Australia's second oldest city has masses to offer the backpacker. Within 5km of the city centre there are 6 fantastic beaches, there is a great coastal walk along Bathers Way from Nobbys to Merewether Beach, where you'll see prisitne beaches and amazing views.

While you're there, make sure you visit the harbour, see Nobby's Lighthouse, swim in the Beachside Baths and have a great meal in one of the harcourside bars and reataurants.

Newcastle is another place which comes alive at night, with everything from hard hitting dance music to chiled out bars, we highly recommend a day or two in Newcastle.

For more info go to: www.portmacquarieinfo.com.au

Located South of Byron, this is a great spot to stop for a day to enjoy great beaches and surf. Port Maquarie has an abundance of activities to keep you entertained including sea charters, cruises, jet boating, kayaking, camel safaris, go karting, rock climbing, skydiving, horse trekking or simulated skydiving in a wind tunnel to name a few.

 If you're looking for a relaxing day look no further than one of the many wineries in the area or get off the beaten track and go for a great hike in the dooragan national park.

The best part of the Port has to be the fantasic beaches, so get out there and organise a surf lesson from one of the surf schools and you'll be in the green room in no time.

For more info go to: www.visitcanberra.com.au

The Capital city of Australia is an important city to visit if you really want to experience this country, with plenty of walks and mountin biking trails, Canberra offers everything from Museums to great nightlife.

Canberra can be reached by plane, train, bus, coach or car and with plenty to do while you're there, you really have no excuses not to visit. While you're there make sure you check out Black Mountain Tower with a 360 degree view of the Canberra area and Lake Burley Griffin which is an artificial lake located in the centre of the city. If you're into ornithology you'll find over 500 varieties of birds at the Canberra Walk in Aviary. The Australian National Botanic Gardens is awesome and the National Museum of Australia makes for an interesting afternoon. With plenty of other cheap or free things to do we think Canberra is well worth a few days of your Oz adventure.

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