Backpacker precincts

Bondi, Coogee and Manly, Sydney

If wanting to make the most of Sydney’s beach lifestyle then it's highly likely your customer will be drawn to one of its popular seaside suburbs. There are Bondi and Coogee in the east and Manly in the north. Bondi’s world-famous beach is the hub for backpackers, flashpackers and fashionistas. There are lively bars, fabulous cafés and local markets – not to mention a year-round calendar of events, such as Flickerfest in January and the City to Surf in August. Nearby is Coogee, a seaside haven for both families and travellers. Swim at the historic Wylies Baths or walk the stunning coastal path to Gordons Bay, renowned for its snorkelling and diving. Across the harbour, the picturesque neighbourhood of Manly is a relaxing 30 minute ferry ride from Circular Quay. During the day it’s a popular spot for surfers, but Manly really cranks up after dusk when it's possible to walk sandy-foot between its wine bars, waterfront pubs and burger joints.

If looking for work, suggest the many beachfront and seaside cafes, bars and restaurants in Sydney's coastal neighbourhoods.

Glebe, Newtown and Kings Cross, Sydney

Keen to stay in the thick of things? Sydney’s inner-city suburbs of Glebe, Newtown or Kings Cross will suit. A short bus ride from the city, Glebe is home to a diverse community of students, academics, activists and new-agers. The popular Saturday market is a treasure-trove for pre-loved fashion, while Glebe Point Road is home to health food stores and cosy coffee shops. This eclectic mix continues in nearby Newtown. There's an inexhaustible selection of ethnic restaurants, gay-friendly bars and edgy street fashion. If sleep isn’t a priority, tell them to head to Kings Cross, where most of Sydney’s nightclubs are found. The slightly seamy adult strip is just around the corner from elegant, tree-lined Potts Point and waterfront Elizabeth Bay with its delis, wine bars, restaurants and Art Deco apartments.

With plenty of shops nearby, backpackers may find themselves with an opportunity to work in retail. Newtown and Glebe are also full of quaint coffeeshops that need servers, cashiers and baristas. Kings Cross is known for its bars and restaurants; so have them pop in to ask the manager if they could use an extra pair of hands.

Northbridge, Fremantle and Cottesloe Beach, Perth

Northbridge is Perth’s biggest backpacker precinct, with lots of hostels, great nightlife and budget eateries. Top-value restaurants are located around James, Lake and William Streets, or the there's the nearby suburbs of Leederville and Subiaco. The charming, historic port of Fremantle, or ‘Freo’, is brimming with art galleries, markets and a vibrant live music scene. It's also home to one of Australia's most unique hostels - the Fremantle Prison, a UNESCO World Heritage site where guests can sleep in former prison cells. They can grab a bite at one of its many food trucks and wash it down with a coffee in the famous ‘Cappuccino Strip’ area. Fremantle is also the place to go for seasonal and craft beers. Top spots include Little Creatures, The Monk or The Norfolk Hotel. If a bona fide beach lover, they might prefer to stay in one of the hostels along Cottesloe Beach. And spend their days swimming, snorkelling or surfing before watching an Indian Ocean sunset from a beachfront pub.

There are plenty of job opportunities for backpackers in Perth. Northbridge is known as for its nightlife; backpackers can work in the hotels, bars and restaurants nearby. In Cottesloe, they may even be able to work for their accommodation in one of the area's hostels. If not interested in hospitality, consider a job as a nanny, au pair or administrative assistant.

Fitzroy and St Kilda, Melbourne

Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital and is home to a thriving live music scene, late night bars and laneways dotted with cafés and coffee shops. Wander down the cobbled laneways near Flinders Street Station to discover one-off shops, alfresco dining and fantastic street art – even spot a Banksy on AC/DC Lane. Catch a 20 minute tram from the city centre to bohemian Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. Head to Vegie Bar for lunch before checking out its vintage fashion shops and Rose St. Artists’ Market, held on weekends. From the city centre, catch a 30 minute tram to the beachside neighbourhood of St Kilda. They can also hire bikes and ride the 40 minute round trip to see the colourful Brighton Bathing Boxes. Back in St Kilda, stop at Radio Mexico for casual Mexican food before catching a music gig at Esplanade Hotel, known as “The Espy” to locals. 

As one of Australia's largest city, Melbourne tends to offer ample employment opportunity to backpackers. Consider roles in sales, retail and hospitality.

Fortitude Valley, Brisbane

Fortitude Valley – just the Valley to locals – is where they’ll find Brisbane’s counter culture and nightlife pulse. The once gritty streets are now lined with fashion boutiques, theatres, live music venues, and loads of great places to eat and drink. Despite its gentrification, there’s still a diverse cultural community and bohemian flair. They can get their fill of dumplings in Chinatown or detour off the mall to discover Greek and Italian culinary pockets. Local designers sell their wares in the boutiques along Ann and Brunswick Streets, and James Street is the go-to for arthouse film. There are loads of hostels here, and many local watering holes offering backpacker specials.

If looking to make money for future travels, they will be spoilt for choice in Fortitude Valley. The area is full of restaurants and bars for those interested in service jobs, while those looking for retail work can stop into one of the many shops and boutiques. They can also ask their hostel about work either nearby or within the hostel itself.

Mitchell Street, Darwin

Darwin’s backpacker scene is alive and kicking on Mitchell Street – a palm-shaded strip of hostels, hotels, bars, cafés and tour offices in the compact city centre. They'll find most of their fellow travellers here, planning a trip to Kakadu or beating the heat at one of its many watering holes. Mitchell Street is a quick 15 minute shuttle bus from the airport. Once in town, there's no need to leave – pool bars, open-air pubs and budget restaurants are all within easy reach. If not pre-booked, one of the many tour operators will help organise a day trip to the Tiwi Islands or lush Litchfield National Park.

East End, Adelaide

In the cosmopolitan East End, they can be within walking distance to most of Adelaide’s attractions. Visit the galleries, museums and elegant colonial buildings along North Terrace or hire a bike and ride through Rymill Park and the Botanic Gardens. The international music festival WOMADelaide is held here each March. This area is also rife with dining options. Rundle Street is known for its trendy boutiques, cafés, wine bars and restaurants or Gouger Street for a cheap, sizzling Asian feast. For fresh produce, they can’t beat Central Market.

Those in the market for a job will find plenty of opportunity in bars, restaurants and hotels in the city. But outside the city lies work that might shows a different side of Australia. Adelaide is surrounded by several wine regions, many of them producing some of the country's best wines - and often in need of extra hands at vintage. They can also embark on an adventure as a farmhand, stablehand, labourer or even work on one of the area's famous oyster farms. Not only will they meet other backpackers along the way, but also discover the beauty of the Australian countryside.

Esplanade, Cairns

Cairns is an unabashed party town, and the eight blocks between the oceanfront esplanade and McLeod Street comprise one heaving party district. The esplanade is lined with up-market hotels, restaurants and bars, while the back streets are packed with more budget-conscious establishments. Backpackers can hop between the hostel pool bars, enjoy live music in a beer garden or dance to local DJs in a cocktail lounge or club. And for the next morning, there are plenty of places serving a big breakfast. Tour operators are readily on hand to book excursions to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, if not pre-planned.

Cairns is a haven for all sorts of travellers, so there's plenty of work opportunity in the local hostels, hotels, bars, restaurants and clubs, as well as on the many dive and snorkel boats that cruise the reef. In the rural areas around Cairns, find work on banana or avocado farms to qualify for a second year Working Holiday Visa.

Salamanca Place, Hobart

The Georgian warehouses of Salamanca Place have been converted into galleries, theatres, cafés, bars and restaurants, and countless accommodation options. Browse the work of local artists in the bustling Saturday markets, catch a local band at the Salamanca Arts Centre or drink a pint of Tasmanian beer in a historic pub. Down on the waterfront, there's another popular dining strip. Tell them to pick a pier and dine on fresh Tasmanian seafood while listening to the gentle slap of sails on masts.

If looking to make a bit of cash on their travels, consider work both in Hobart and beyond. Near Salamanca Place, work in historic pubs, quiet cafes or local shops. Outside of the city, they can try working as an au pair for a local family or helping out on a Tasmanian farm or winery.

Byron Bay

With its glorious beaches, new-age lifestyle and energetic music scene, Byron Bay is a time-honoured stop for travellers along Australia’s east coast. The epic waves of the Pass and Wategos Beach have been attracting surfers for years, but artists, writers, hippies and healers also make their home here. Make sure they don’t miss the Cape Byron Walking Track to the lighthouse on Australia’s easternmost point, before grabbing brunch at one of Byron’s countless cafés. Each year visitors converge on Byron for Bluesfest over the Easter long weekend (usually falling in late March or early April) and Splendour in the Grass in July, which attract big-name international and Australian acts.

Byron Bay is a hotspot for backpackers, which means there are plenty of beachy bars, hostels, tour operators and restaurants in which to find work. They'll also find construction, gardening and farming jobs nearby.