Any advice for traveling in australia?

Hi. im 18 years old and i am going to travel to australia and do as much as i can there for a year. i want to do sight seeing, tourist things whilst also working alongside the australians doing various jobs.

i aim to be going next year, i shall be on my own (i do have 3 places where i will be ''pit stopping'' at where either family /family friends live)

i am doing lots of research. is there anything i should know, or tips or any good stories you have of doing similar? i just want to know as much as possible before going

thanks
john, as a qualified scuba diver (of about 5 years) i plan to do a fair bit of diving.

suncream most of time except in south in winter. I have travellwed and lived in all Australia. Took me nearly three month. I know the score.

beware mate, there are a lot of australian freaks like fritzl out there, you don't wanna get basement'd

Stay away fro stingrays.Croc Hunter forgot that.

Don't hitchhike , be cautious with strangers, eat healthily , always wear clean underwear, beware of bedbugs , use suntan protection , phone home regularly , don't forget your Mum's b'day .....

That should just about cover it....

If you use the same amount of caution and common sense as you would at home then you'll have a good time.
For example - don't wander around up dark alleyways, on your own, late at night etc. Have a great stay here.

I guess you already know that "SomeG" needs to work on his geography.
He doesn't seem to realise that Josef Fritzel is from AUSTRIA in Europe not Australia.

Hi there

You will have an amazing time and there is so much to do and see in Australia.

It's easier to get work in the bigger cities as they are used to backpackers on working holiday visas. Bondi in Sydney is full of casual workers on working holiday visas.

Plan your route carefully so that you can do the east coast when it's hot (Noosa down to Melbourne between October and March)

and do Darwin, Kakadu and the Kimberleys in the dry season (May to October is best)

As for your diving, there are heaps of brilliant diving sites, particularly around the Whitsundays and Cairns (Great Barrier Reef) but don't rule out the West Coast - certainly the road less travelled and less touristy but amazing scenery and diving.

Check out
http://www.realaustraliatravel.com/scuba-diving-australia.html

for some good diving ideas as well as heaps of practical advices and good travel idas

In terms of getting from place to place there are alot of sales on airfares by Jetstar and Virgin Blue throughout the year. If you sign up to their websites you can get exclusive offers and might be able to book some cheap flights before you get here.

The 131500 website will help you plan plublic transport when you're in Sydney and the Whereis website is always helpful if you're needing directions or working out how long it will take to travel from place to place.

Hi, you'll have a great time, Australia is a lovely country to travel! You can find out about destinations, fun places to visit, travel tips and doing various jobs here: http://www.gondwananet.com/

[advance]

* There remains a general threat from terrorism in Australia. Attacks cannot be ruled out and could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreigner travelers. The Australian authorities have carried out a number of arrests as a result of investigations into terrorist networks.

* Australia is a vast country. You should plan your journeys carefully, particularly if traveling to remote areas.

* British nationals are required to obtain visas for entry into Australia.

* Take extra health precautions if traveling in the Northern Territory, parts of Western Australia, and parts of Queensland.