For all visitors to Australia, Perth backpacking should be near the top of your list. Offering a different vibe to the buzz of Melbourne or the iconic viewpoints of Sydney, Perth is an ideal spot for visitors. With arguably some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and the best weather on offer in Australia, Perth backpacking is a must. Located towards the south of Western Australia, Australia’s largest state, it has a population of just over 2 million people and offers everything you could want from a city. A perfect base for your travels throughout the state, there are plenty of road trips that can be undertaken, such as to Exmouth or Broome!
Perth Backpacking – What to do!
Perth backpacking can be exhilarating or it can be relaxed; it depends on the vibe you are looking for. If you are looking for an exciting day trip, look no further than a trip to the iconic Rottnest Island, the home of Instagram’s famous Quokkas! A short ferry ride from Perth is a beautiful historic island. Rent bikes and cycle around the island, get your heart rate going with a skydive or relax on the beach and take in the sun. There is plenty to do on Rottnest Island.
For a more relaxed day, look no further than a day exploring Kings park! Found in the city center is a beautiful botanical garden, with an amazing tree-topping walkway. Make your way through some stunning bush walks or relax in the park cafe. Kings Park offers activities and beautiful views for all. From here, why not take a walk into the city and explore what’s on offer? With Northbridge within walking distance, you can find the best restaurants and bars for a relaxed afternoon. Explore the city in the sunshine that regularly covers Perth.
For backpackers looking to meet new people or just enjoy a drink in the sunshine, a Swan Valley wine tour is a must! There are a variety of tours that can be taken to see the best wineries Perth has to offer. Meet fellow backpackers on a tour or hire a private bus for your group.
Perth Backpacking – Where to stay!
There are a variety of great hostels for those looking into Perth backpacking. If you are looking for a relaxed beach stay, look no further than Western Beach Lodge in Scarborough. Located within walking distance of the beautiful Scarborough Beach this hostel is ideal for those looking to relax and enjoy the beautiful WA weather. With free surfboard or bike here backpackers can see out their days on the beach or exploring the local coastline. With a variety of rooms available from private rooms up to 6 people dorms either mixed or single sex rooms depending on your requirements. If you are looking for work the hostel offers a job board with the latest job roles in the area. This is a great hostel for anyone with a car or campervan looking for free parking. For more information see here.
Another option for those in Perth backpacking is to stay in the city, in Northbridge. There are a variety of great hostels in the area but none are better than Spinners. With a commercial kitchen available you’ll be able to cook top-of-the-range food. Located a 20-minute walk from the city center, but close to all the bars and restaurants and fun activities like crazy golf, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied in the evenings! Rooms on offer vary from 3-bed private rooms up to 8-bed dorms depending on what you are looking for. This is a great hostel in a great location! For more information see here.
An option south of Perth still within the city limits is to stay in Fremantle, for more information about Fremantle see here. The perfect hostel for many is the YHA Fremantle Prison. A unique hostel built into an old prison and holds UNESCO World Heritage Status. Located minutes from all the bars and restaurants on offer in Fremantle, you are a 20-minute drive to the city center but in a great location to relax and embrace the more colonial architecture of the area. With a cinema room and games room there is plenty to keep backpackers entertained! For more information on the YHA Fremantle Prison see here.
Perth Backpacking – Job Options
For backpackers in Perth looking to work while they explore, there are plenty of options. A great idea for any backpacker in Perth is to join the Facebook group, Perth Jobs. With job options including bar or restaurant work it is important to hold an RSA which is very easily obtained. Backpackers in Perth will often be able to get work as casual employees, which entitles them to a higher hourly rate in return for no sick leave or annual leave. This can work well for backpackers who don’t need to give notice when they want to leave their jobs. Another option for many backpackers is to get a job in construction which requires a white card. For backpackers staying in Perth and looking for farm work to complete their 88 days of regional work there are plenty of options. For more information see here.
Perth Backpacking – Conclusion
For those visiting Perth, backpacking is a great option. With some great hostels that will help backpackers meet each other, plenty of work options and so many great activities. Quite the contrast from backpacking over East, in Sydney and Melbourne, where you will find a much different vibe. For more information on Sydney see here and Melbourne see here. Perth is a great location for any backpacker and should be on top of any backpacker’s wish list!