I know this comment is a bit 'after the fact' from the original post, but for those of you surfing the forum for info on backpacking around Australia, I thought I would post anyway...Australia is a great country for backpackers. There is a plethora of work around - from casual to permanent. You will not be short of opportunities. The country also has a large choice of accommodation - youth hostels and backpackers are plenty and from the travellers I've met who decide to stay in the one place for a while, they often share rental accommodation.The Gold Coast is definitely a good choice - in fact anywhere along the East Coast is great. Perth is beautiful - although it is rather isolated from the rest of the country.AS far as traveling around the country, you have the option of trains and buses in most places. However, another popular option is buying a campervan if there are a few of you traveling together.

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