As in Europe, can you buy a "rail pass" or air pass for travel in Australia ? What are the hostels like ?

I don't know about air or rail passes but the hostels are outstanding. I think Youth Hostels Aust has a web site. When our children were young we travelled from Qld to the southern tip of Tas staying almost entirely in YHA. We had 4 children under 7 years and had a wonderful time.We were travelling for 6 weeks.

For air pass deals check www.qantas.com.au.

Whether rail will suit your needs depends on where you're planning to go and how long you have. The rail systems are run by individual state governments; I'm sorry I don't know their websites, but if you Google the name of each State +rail, or similar, you should find them.

It may also be worthwhile doing something similar to locate the sites of the various states' tourism authorities (e.g. queensland tourism).

I don't have any direct experience of Australian hostels, but as anywhere, I'm sure that standards vary widely. As per skittle's post, using YHA member hostels would seem a good idea. Checking under www.HIhostels.com would also be useful.

I'm sure you'll get better advice about hostels (and maybe even the trains) if you also post on www.lonelyplanet.com ('Thorntree' forum).

Rail pass info: http://www.railaustralia.com.au/railPasses.php

I believe Greyhound may even offer passes, too...

Hostels are, of course, hit or miss. What are you wondering about?

Jayna
travels at www.ususbaby.com

Hi myly,

I've stayed in hostels all over Australia, and in my experience they are fantasic. Top standards.

But there are lots and lots of them and you need to be able to read between the lines when choosing one. Because some are set up for seriously budget travellers - those staying for months and working as they go to pay for their trip. And they are cheap as chips with standards that are still OK, but can be a bit iffy (if you know what I mean).

The YHAs are always good value. There are many other independent ones that are too.

You can buy a rail pass, an air pass, even a bus pass - but these days it is not the way a savvy traveller would choose to go.

Where do YOU want to go, and how much time will you have.

Apart from the YHA site already mentioned, you could also check out:

www.bugaustralia.com.au

Cheers.


The answer to that question will determine how best to proceed.

Whooops - that should be:

www.bugaustralia.com

No "au".

And if you are on a budget you could maybe think of joining one of the baackpacker tours.

These are not all "booze buses" - some offer an experience you can't get otherwise without hiring a car, or being seriously committed with loads of time and a tent.

If you are interested post again.

Jayna, sorry to hijack this thread - but I mentioned you and your blog to a woman on the Asia boards and thought I'd post here to let you know... She's also in her 20's looking to travel solo in Asia.

This is the thread she started:
<i>english-speaking asian in asia - ALONE! - WHERE TO GO?!?</i>
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35075232

BTW, I am enjoying your blog (when I have time to read it). I have it in my delicious. Thanks for sharing!

No worries, ggreen...hehehe. Thanks for passing the blog along! I actually just e-mailed the poster back.

Jayna
travels at www.ususbaby.com

Oh, that's awesome. When I read her thread, I immediately thought of you!

...&quot;no worries&quot; - sounds like you're fitting right in with the Aussies! I've always loved that phrase, especially living in stressed out - and stressful - NYC.

Where to next?

Best wishes, ggreen

Off to Malaysia on Sunday!

Jayna
travels at www.ususbaby.com