Advise for East Coast Australia

[Sammi88]

Hi there.

I am flying to Brisbane on June 2nd this year, I have family who live in Surfers Paradise so will be spending about two to three weeks with them. My general plan is to then head south to Byron Bay then over the space of about twelve weeks travel up the east coast towards Port Douglas.

Does anybody have any tips or advise, recommendations of must see places, best hostels and worst hostels etc?

Also, can anyone help with my bank account situation? I currently have a current account with HSBC and I have also set up an account with STA which will not charge me when I pay for things on card but will charge me loads if I want to use an ATM. I'm stuck with what to do about cash, should I take travellers cheque or is there a good bank account?

Whilst traveling, I would like to do some casual work such as working in hostels or fruit picking etc, do I NEED a tax file number?

And one last thing, I've been told not to take a sleeping bag but would you advice taking a sleeping bag liner or something along the same lines? I will be traveling to New Zealand and South East Asia after Australia.

Thanks!

Sammi

[Jamesonaroll]

Hi there,

That is cool you will be flying in to brisbane and then seeing Byron Bay and the gold coast first up. I had done the whole east coast now and also a bit across northern territory.

With regard to bank accounts, you could easily set up an account once you get over here. There are plenty of main banks that do ATM cards. I have an ING bank account and they dont charge any account fees at all.

Also with work you absolutely must have a tax file number to work over here. If you dont have one straight away you can work a little bit but you get charged ridiculous tax rates. I have found a few jobs so far all through a company over here called Ultimate Oz and they specialise in backpacker travel stuff and work for travellers. I'd definitely give them a go.

I didnt bring a sleeping bag with me when i came away and havent needed one at all. But if you plan to do lots of camping etc then you will. There are heaps of places you can buy them from cheap here so i wouldnt bring it but just wait until i need one and buy one out here.

Good luck
James

[aditayasroy]

Thanks for the advices. I have noted everything in my mind. I have to plan accordingly before I visit Australia. I just want to know some more information related to accommodation (affordable) and the best food available over there.