Grandson wants to go backpacking around Australia. 19 any advice please

[Whatmonth]

Him and 3 mates are saving up to travel for a year next October.
The ages are 20, 19, 19 and nearly 19 when it will be time to go.

Backpackers are very common here in Australia. It's a huge industry. There are tours, companies, hostels everywhere the backpackers go.

Consider the weather when charting a path. The far north of the country (Cairns, Darwin) should be done in the dry season (May-October).

Check reviews & make sure companies are trusted. Unfortunately, there remains a few employers & tour/accom operators who are dodgy, although most are very good.

Listen to warnings on safety, like not swimming at beaches without lifeguards & watching where you step in the bush. Don't ignore them! Our landscaoe is different and visitors simply need to be aware.

See everything they can & do different experiences. Don't be afraid to get out of the cities & go regional or outback as that's where they'll see the real differences in culture.

Well worth it using an agency @Whatmonth My son had the best introduction to Sydney through them. There are other agencies I'm sure, so shop around. My DS has always been a bit scatty and disorganised so I was worried about him finding work, bank account etc. as was he - it just took the stress away for him. Thankfully he went around the world and back (twice in fact) and got home in one piece both times. So jealous of kids today - it just wasn't a thing back in the 80s for us normal kids to experience.

Lots of good advice here. Make sure the travel insurance covers dental and ambulance.

Tell him to look at www.workaway.info for volunteer options.

@Sunshineismyfavourite ah that’s amazing thank you so much! I will pass that on.
she is planning to go by herself and her having a contact throughout would make me feel better!

Certainly expensive. Food costs have risen rapidly in the last 18 months, flying is often stupidly expensive, but the pound fares well against the AUD, so it will be a lot cheaper traveling and eating for them than Aussies. Our public transport outside major cities is shit, they'll need to plan routes carefully if they're not just sticking to the highest population areas on the east coast between the Townsville in Queensland and Melbourne. It takes a long time to get places, it's a big country. Agree some places exploit backpackers. Work is harder to find now for backpackers as some regions had to find another way to do things during covid.

My daughter is heading off there on her own next September. I can't protest I did that too. A rough guide, book lots of trips, stay in backpacking hostels. It's a pretty well worn route.

Did it myself 30 yrs ago and it was an amazing experience. As long as he has a return ticket he’ll be fine.

https://bunac.org/working-holidays/work-australia

I did the go out with a company thing, I used bunac over twenty years ago. They sorted the flights, visas, etc. Got us all signed up with a bank account and the Oz equivalent of an NI card.

My son went at 18, had a great time.
As others have said make sure he has good travel insurance.
There are loads of hostels that are good value where they will meet other young people doing the same and have a blast

It gets very hot, especially in the north. The Australian winter might be a better time to go.

Good travel insurance. My friends 17 year old daughter went on her own 4 weeks ago. Today she was face timing with three new friends she picked up on the way,