28 Reasons Why 20-Somethings Should Drop Everything And Backpack Australia

Warning: You're not gonna want to leave.

1. First of all, it's ridiculously easy for 20-somethings to live and work in the wonderful country of Australia.

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Look out, beaches in the middle of cities--we're coming for you.

2. Seriously. Pretty much all you have to do is have a passport and be in your twenties.

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If you've got those things going for you, plus a little bit of cash saved up, congrats. It's time to go on an Aussie adventure.

3. Just go to this website, fill out a couple forms, and you're set.

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Yes, it's really that simple.

4. After that's done you can legally work and travel all around Australia for TWO WHOLE YEARS.

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It's time to go rent a board, learn to surf, and live your own Endless Summer.

5. Once you get there, you can easily find a job and make a solid amount of cash doing it, because minimum wage is nearly $18.

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And it can be way higher, depending on where you work. A restaurant in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast paid my friend $26 an hour to take orders and hand out tacos. IT'S TRUE.

6. Save up that Aussie dough for when you get back home, OR use it to travel around lovely Australia.

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You should probably choose the latter.

7. It's easy and relatively inexpensive to travel around Australia once you're there.

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Domestic flights are cheap if you book far enough in advance (we're talking Gold Coast to Sydney for $50). Plus, public transportation is pretty dang good, or, you can rent a car if you're brave enough to drive on the opposite side of the road (you don't need an Australian driver's license to do so.)

8. Australia is very friendly and accommodating for young travelers and backpackers.

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A lot of places Down Under will let you work in exchange for accommodation, and other places hire backpackers specifically for short-term jobs.

9. There are some pretty cool hostels to stay in for around $30 a night where you can meet fellow travelers.

Via gilligans.com.au

These places are inexpensive, fun, and have a lot of activities to get involved in. And most of them have an age limit, so get over there and travel cheap while you're still a youngster!

10. Therefore, you will meet HEAPS of new friends your age from all around the world.

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Thousands of young Germans, Canadians, Brazilians and Americans and more flock to Australia every year to take advantage of its awesomeness. Who can blame 'em?!

11. Not to mention, those Aussies are HOT.

Via stellarddeo.blogspot.com

12.

Via news.com.au

Tans, fit bods, man buns and model-types galore.

13. Probably because everyone's outdoors and active all the time.

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Why wouldn't you be, when you have access to places like this?

14. They speak English there, so it's a way to travel and experience a new place and culture without being too intimidated.

Via blog.queensland.com

You'll be confused enough by the Aussie slang anyway. No worries though, mate. You'll get the hang of it.

15. The long flight really isn't that bad at all.

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Yes, it's long, and yes, it's expensive. But if you fly Qantas, you'll get what you paid for with super comfy seats, a pillow and blanket, plus unlimited free (actually good) movies, TV shows, and music. And free alcohol. AND VIEWS LIKE THIS.

16. Australia is huge (about the same size as the US) so you will most definitely NOT run out of things to see during your time there.

Via blendspace.com

From cage diving with sharks, to drinkin' beer in a desert pub, to skiing in the south, Australia's got something for everyone.

17. Like the curves and colors of the Great Ocean Road.

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The Great Ocean Road is a spectacular stretch across the coastline of Victoria that is sure to take your breath away. Plus, there's lots of cool little towns along it, like Lorne, home of The Falls Music & Arts Festival.

18. Or the splendor of the Sydney Opera House.

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DARE YOU not to tear up when you see this place in real life. Sydney has to be one of the coolest cities on Earth.

19. Or the lights and laneways of Melbourne.

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Along with Sydney and Gold Coast, Melbourne is just another one of the "world's happiest cities" that are located in Australia. With all that good food, coffee, music, and art, you'll understand why.

20. Or the Gold Coast, which is known for it's world-class surfing.

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The Quicksilver Pro takes place here at Snapper Rocks, and pro surfer Mick Fanning grew up here. Whether you surf or not, it's an awesome culture to learn about and be a part of.

21. Or Byron Bay, the hippie haven and backpacker town with an awesome live music scene.

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Also home to the Byron Bay Surf Festival. Soooooo chill.

22. Or The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's natural wonders.

Via bendigowritersfestival.com.au

This place is ACTUALLY INSANE. (You can see it from space!) But, The Reef is becoming increasingly damaged and threatened by the horrible things humans do to the environment, so go get your mind blown and find Nemo while you still can.

23. The beaches are insanely beautiful.

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I mean, just look at that water. There's a 12-mile long trail along the Gold Coast, and the views will most likely beat any morning run or bike ride you've ever been on. (And that's the Surfers Paradise skyline in the distance, one of many places in Oz where the nightlife is poppin'.)

24. It's a safe, friendly, peaceful place.

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(For the most part.) It's impossible not to feel happy here. People are really nice, and JUST LOOK AT THAT SUNSET.

25. The music scene is seriously awesome.

Via tonedeaf.com.au

There are insanely talented people playing live music everywhere, and plenty of music festivals in the summer. Before you go, educate yourself on Australian music with Triple J. You'll probably find your new favorite band here.

26. You can eat pretty cheaply if you frequent the markets.

Via pinterest.com

Some people think Australia is too expensive, but there are ways around it. Jump on any free food you can, and check out the local markets for some cheap, healthy, delicious food and unique souvenirs.

27. But when you feel like splurging, the food is incredible.

Via instagram.com

Australia makes healthy, good quality food something that's easily accessible and enjoyable. If you're into health and clean eating (and even if you're not), you'll love it here. The food is more expensive, but trust me, it's worth it.

28. Australia will give you that adventure you're looking for, all while giving you a greater appreciation for where you come from.

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Besides, if you don't do it now when you're young and wild and free, when will you?