Popular Backpacker Tours of Australia

Named after its abundance of Kangaroos by English explorer Matthew Flinders, Kangaroo Island is a cultural icon of Australia.

One-third of the Island is listed as national park lands, conservation and wilderness protection areas. Seven times bigger than Singapore, Kangaroo Island is a world-apart with flora, fauna and landscapes unlike anywhere else on the planet. 

Where is Kangaroo Island? 

Located 110 kilometres off the coast of Adelaide in South Australia, Kangaroo Island is the third biggest island in Australia after Tasmania and Melville Island. 

How to get to Kangaroo Island? 

You can either take a ferry from Cape Jervis or plane from Adelaide Airport in South Australia to get to Kangaroo Island. 

By ferry: 

The Kangaroo Island Sealink ferry departs daily from Cape Jervis, 108 km from Adelaide. It's about a 45-minute ride across. Bookings are essential. To get to Cape Jervis you can either drive (allow 2 hours) or you can book a coach from Adelaide. To book a seat on a ferry or coach call 13 13 01 between 0730 and 1900 or go to www.sealink.com.au

By plane:

Regional Express (REX) operates flights from Adelaide Airport to Kingscote Airport (KGC). It's a 30-minute flight to Kangaroo Island's airport, located 13km from Kingscote. Shuttle transport is available. For bookings call 13 17 13 or go to www.regionalexpress.com.au

For more information about getting to and around Kangaroo Island visit the Kangaroo Island tourism website.  
When is the best time of year to visit Kangaroo Island?

You can visit Kangaroo Island at anytime of the year. Summer (December - February) is the Island's peak tourism season and offers warmer weather (maximum of about 25 degrees celsius) for water activities.

Some people prefer to visit during the winter months (June - August) when the Island is quieter and at its greenest with all the rivers  flowing and an abundance of wildlife. Strong winds blow from the arctic so Kangaroo Island is often cooler than the coast of South Australia and can reach an average of 15 degrees celsius during the day and average of 8 degrees celsius at night during winter.

Most people say if they were to pick a season, Autumn (March - May) or Spring (September - November) are the best times to visit Kangaroo Island. 

Click here to view Kangaroo Island tours and maps. 

Five things you ‘must do’ while visiting Alice Springs:

1. Visit Alice Springs Desert Park – put aside half a day or just a few hours to walk through the different habitats of central Australia: desert rivers, sand country and woodlands. Discover the unique species of animals and plants that inhabit the desert region and learn about the strong connections between Aboriginal people and the land. Any visitor to Alice Springs will enjoy the Desert Park. For more information go to http://www.alicespringsdesertpark.com.au/index.html

2. Take a hot air balloon flight – admire the sun rise and, with 360 degree views, watch the landscape come to life on an early morning hot air balloon flight across Alice Springs. The views of the MacDonnell Ranges are impressive as are the wondrous patterns of the desert landscape. You will capture terrific photo opportunities in this once in a lifetime visual experience. 

3. Walk or bike ride through Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve – the site of the first European settlement in Alice Springs. The Telegraph station sits near the entrance of a natural reserve which features walking and bike riding trails, picnic areas, wildlife observation and historical buildings. Located 4km from Alice Springs town, the reserve is easily accessible for two-wheel drive vehicles. For more information check out the Northern Territory Government Factsheet (including maps and opening times) http://www.nretas.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/6659/ASTS_000.pdf

4. Alice Springs Reptile Centre – houses the largest number of reptile species in Central Australia including large goannas, frill-neck lizards, thorny devils, snakes and a saltwater crocodile. Hold and touch some of the more friendly locals with an experienced reptile handler and learn more about the Northern Territory’s species of reptiles. For more information go to - http://www.reptilecentre.com.au/contact.htm

5. Climb Mount Gillen – located at John Flynn’s memorial, 7km west of Alice Springs, Mt Gillen is the highest point in Alice Springs and is a favourite for locals to climb. It’s not an easy trek and it’s recommended you have a medium level of fitness to do this climb. Don’t go by yourself either. The best time to go during summer is in the early morning. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top so take plenty of water, some snacks to re-energise and wear warm clothing during winter. The tough climb is well worth it. The views are spectacular! How to get there? Go to http://www.flynntrail.org.au/orgs/flynnsgrave.html

Tasmania, often referred to as 'Tassie' is an island of great beauty: from densely covered rain forests and rugged mountain tops to pristine white beaches.
Located 240 kilometres south of Australia's mainland, the area of Tasmania is 1360 kilometres squared - about the same size as Japan. Rich in culture and history, Tassie is a wondrous place to explore and a trip to Australia's only island state will leave you spellbound.

When to visit Tasmania?
Tasmania has a cooler climate compared to the rest of Australia. The best time of year to travel to Tasmania is during summer which is from December to February. 

The warmest average temperature during this time is 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) around Launceston and Devonport. Hobart reaches maximums of about 22 degrees and minimums of 10 degrees Celsius at night.

How to get to Tasmania?
There are no international flights that go directly to Tasmania. You  can either take a domestic flight from most capital cities in Australia or catch one of the passenger and vehicle ferries from Melbourne.

The spirit of Tasmania I and II depart from Melbourne to Devonport (located in Tasmania's north) twice a day, one in the morning and one at night.

It takes about nine hours to cruise across. You can also take your car over on the ferry which is a good option for any caravan or self-drive travellers that want to explore Tasmania. 

What to see?
Tasmania is an island made up of many scenic wonders. A few highlights include visiting:

• Tasmania's national parks. More than 40 percent of Tasmania is protected as national parks and reserves. A few popular areas are Freycinet National Park, known for its pure white beaches in a setting of mountains and eucalyptus forests and Mole Creek Karst National Park which is known for its massive limestone caves featuring impressive glo worm displays. A trip to Tassie wouldn't be complete without visiting one of these breathtaking areas.
• Port Arthur is a historic site which held some of the first convicts to be shipped to Australia during European settlements. It was built in 1830 and operated for more than 50 years. The site is made up of 30 buildings, ruins and restored homes. Life was very hard for the prisoners held at Port Arthur with many men, women and children carrying out life sentences in an unfamiliar country, often for only minor offences
• Salamanca Place in Hobart is well known for its markets. Held every Saturday 8am to 3pm, the street comes to life with a flurry of cultural and social activities. Set in the port of Hobart, the area is filled with maritime history dating back more than 100 years. The Salamanca Markets are a must when visiting Hobart, along with Mount Wellington which looms over the city only 21km away.

Tasmania describes itself as a "world apart" and many visitors agree that it's hard to compare the natural beauty of the place to anywhere else in Australia.

These are just a few tips and some useful links below to get you started on your magical journey to Tasmania. Good luck!

• 60 great short walks in Tasmania http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1315
• Spirit of Tasmania (ferry from Melbourne to Deveonport) http://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/
• Weather in Tasmania http://www.weatherzone.com.au/
• Visiting Mount Wellington http://www.wellingtonpark.org.au/