I am planning on backpacking around Australia for 5 weeks, I've booked my flight and I'm off on the 4th May. I am going alone so I will have to plan everything. I've already backpacked around South India which was an incredible experience for 3 weeks. Now I'm doing Oz but alone. I'm 19 and off to uni in September.

I am staying with friends in Sydney where my flight will be from and to. 5 weeks. What should I do in Oz? Any suggestions? Even a basic plan. I have been told to do the East Coast of Australia. Up the coast from Sydney. But where and what is recommended. Anyone, any suggestions of places to eat, stay, visit...It would be a great help, JD

G'day JD,

Firstly, it's a shame you didn't book an "open jaw" flight to save returning to Sydney, but as you haven't I suggest a round trip through 4 states and one territory. This is only a suggestion as I don't know your likes and dislikes.
From Sydney head out through the Blue Mountains and into the outback of New South Wales; travelling south keep the mountains on your left and they will take you down into The Australian Capital Territory and Canberra. It's worth the trip. From here it is quite easy to get to the Snowy Mountains which should be getting their first dusting of snow. Keep your eyes open for Australia's highest peak Mt Kosciusko.
From here follow the setting sun west and you should pick up a large river also heading west. This is the mighty Murray River. This river will take you through the most fertile part of Australia, strewn with orchards, vineyards and some of the best grazing land in the country. Follow this to Mildura where you branch off to Adelaide. Adelaide is a nice big town, little city and it's a great place to stop and catch your breath.
From here head directly north and up into the Flinders Ranges. Worth the detour prior to doubling back and taking the main highway north through Coober Pedy and on to the Alice. Depending on your time restrictions you can either move on from here or drive out to the Rock otherwise continue north to Tennant Creek - a major crossroads in the desert and your first turn after about 1000 miles!
Just after Mt Isa - a mining metropolis - veer right and follow signs for Longreach, home of the famous Stockman's Hall of Fame. From here make your way through the opal fields of central Queensland and on to Rockhampton. From here it's an easy 900 mile journey down the Queensland/New South Wales coast.

I can't possibly tell you all the sights along this route - that is down to your time restrictions and the speed of your progress.

tips: Take lots of water and don't forget to talk to people - country people are very friendly and are the true face of Australia.

Good Luck

The plan was really appreciated and has given me a lot to think about. I did consider getting an 'open jaw' ticket too after I booked my flight but I guess we learn from our mistakes.

You've given me a lot to consider and I hope I'm going to have a great time

JD