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I’m going travelling solo for a year soon and doing the classic Australia and Asia backpackers route. I’m starting with Australia then doing Asia later on cause I don’t have time before my visa deadline expires. My rough plan is travel around Australia, maybe head over to New Zealand for some time then go to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore areas. Then come back to Australia to do some work before the visa ends. I’m already 31 (seriously cutting it fine!) so I won’t be eligible to extend the visa for a second year but I’m an experienced graphic designer and hoping to get a job doing that for a while. I’ve done a lot of research but it’s mainly articles and blogs and It would be good to get some personal opinions too, I have a few questions: Do you have any advice on which route to take through Australia? – I’ll probably be starting at Sydney. For long term accommodation is hostels the best option or getting a house share? I know in London it’s common for backpackers to stay in house shares for a few days or weeks, occupying someone else’s room while it’s vacant. Round the world plane tickets vs booking your own flights – is it worth it? The backpack – I’m looking at 70-80L Osprey bags and something with a laptop pocket – Is this too big and a ball ache to carry around?

Hi everyone My girlfriend and I arrive in WA on 14th September and start work with WAPOL on 6th October, spending 13 weeks at their training academy in Joondalup. Is anyone currently looking to rent out a room in their apartment/house close to this area or know of anyone who is? Any contacts would be much appreciated. Thanks RandC

Hey, myself and my boyfriend just arrived in Brisbane on Sunday, beautiful city and weather but I'm missing home. I know that's crazy cause Northern Ireland has nothing to offer for young graduates and we are best to conquer the world at 24 and 26 years of age but I miss my family more than I thought I would. I know Skype, Facebook etc is a wonderful thing but its still hard seeing them on it and the time difference is hard too-I skyped my sister at 4am Brisbane time this morning just to see how she was! My sis is 18 and me and her are very close so missing her lots. It's scary though with the thought of having to find a job and a house to share with strangers too. We don't really know anyone here. We are staying in Yha hostel and everyone seems nice but keeps to themselves. Staff are very nice and helpful tho. We move out next Sunday to our room share which we need to find first and I'm so scared too. Would really appreciate some word of wisdom and help with regards to work and room share. I'm not sure either whether to do regional work as at the minute I wouldn't want to stay a second year but I might grow to love it down the line. if anyone is in a similar situation or even just a friendly face to help settle us in would be great. We must be the two whites people in Brisbane - so jealous of everyone's tan but we are Irish and will never tan please help thanks

Hi me and my partner are moving to Perth on 11th April. We are looking to house share as soon as possible really. We are from the uk between 25 - 30 year old. We are both easy to get along with and own property back in the uk so keeping a house clean and paying bills on time will not be a problem. i have heard that Fremantle is a lovely area so we would preferably like to be around that area however would live anywhere near Osborne park (partners work). Hope to hear soon!