10 days in Oz

It takes many months to really get to know Australia, yet with daily flights from London to Sydney via Singapore and Bangkok it's also quite possible to taste Australia's delights in just 10 days. Once you're there put more money back in to your pocket by staying at a YHA Hostel, where beds in multi-share rooms cost from just £6 per night, and double ensuite private rooms cost just £30 per person per night.

YHA Hostels is part of the world's largest backpacker network, Hostelling International, In Sydney and along Australia's East Coast there are more than 100 quality and superior hostels to choose from. Start your trip in Sydney, which boasts Australia's only 5+ youth hostel, the Sydney Central YHA, and which last year celebrated its 10th anniversary. The hostel has a rooftop pool and sauna, café, dedicated travel desk, internet café, and a choice of multi-share and private rooms with ensuite, and is just a short walk to Darling Harbour, Chinatown, Sydney Casino, Fish Markets and Sydney Entertainment Centre.

After 3 days sightseeing in Sydney, hop a flight to Cairns in Queensland for World Heritage-listed rainforests fringing the Great Barrier Reef, with the legendary Australian outback just around the corner. YHA's two 3- and 4-star hostels in Cairns can organise scuba-diving lessons, whitewater rafting, bungy jumping, mountain bike riding, wildlife tours and much more.

The Cairns Central YHA offers up multi-share, twin, double and family rooms with air-conditioning and many with ensuite bathrooms. There’s a gloriously inviting outdoor pool, fully self-serve kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining area and internet cafe.

After 2 days in Cairns it’s time to head up the road to Port Douglas where the order of the day is relax on 4 Mile Beach, or sail to one of the local islands for diving or snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. YHA’s Port Douglas hostel offers up resort-style accommodation at backpacker prices, with kitchen and laundry facilities, internet café, air-con ensuite rooms and bunk house, and a licensed bar and bistro.

After a relaxing 3 days in Port Douglas make your way back to Cairns and from there to Sydney for the flight back home. Total number of days on the ground, 8; total number of flying days from London to Sydney, 2; total amount of fun had, 100%.

For more information, visit Yha.com.au.