But if you are a citizen of a country the government lists as "unlikely to return" e.g. australia, Laos, Cambodia you will find it difficult to get a visa, you will need a sponsor in Australia, and a profile that says you probably will return i.e. have money, a job, married, own property etc. and maybe a personal interview at the Embassy in your country. If the first application is refused, hassle the Embassy, ask why, make another application. This "special" treatment of certain countries is unfair and appears racist, fight it.

Student Visas: for full-time study, available with conditions & guidelines. Easier to get if you are from a "Gazetted" country e.g. in Asia region - Brunei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.
Business Visas:Up to 3 months is AUD60. Long Stay (3 months-4 years) AUD150 and sponsorship required with fees (AUD3105 first 2 years).
Medical Treatment Visa: two types less than 3 months & more than 3 months.
Temporary Residence Working Visa: AUD150. for young people 18-25 years with no dependants, up to 30 years if you are from Canada, Japan, Rep. of Ireland, Rep. of Korea, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and easy to get if you from these countries. Valid for 12 months, some restrictions on work and study.
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA): alternative to normal apllication process, has no fee attached (free visa!!). No paperwork. Arrange when buying ticket from 50 paticipating airlines or from travel agents. Also from Visa offices at some Embassies. Available to citizens of USA, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, South Korea, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Ireland, Belgium, Greece, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Italy,Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Malta, Iceland, Monaco, Andorra, France, Spain and The Vatican, Hong Kong and Taiwan. For more details see http://www.immi.gov.au
Also special Visas for Sportspeople, Media & Film Staff, Entertainment/Cultural, Employment.

Attractions:
Sun, Sand and Surf. Desert, Mountains and snow. And even a bit of Culture.
Australia's attraction is its huge variety of places and people. Combined with a relaxed informal lifestyle.

Many Backpackers buy an old car or van for their stay and sell it or just give it away when leaving. A 15-20 year old vehicle is cheap (AUD $800 plus) and usually functional and fairly reliable.
Hitchhiking. Women alone should not do this, a 1% risk is not worth taking. Having said that, male and female together is probably 99% safe.

Communications:
International country code is 66. 0011 to dial International from within Aus.
Card and coin operated IDD phones in main towns. GSM mobile system from three providers. International roaming available.
Internet Access is easy and cheap. Five Star hotels are starting to wire their rooms. Internet cafes are fairly common.

Money:
The currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
Exchange Rate US$1= AUD 1.2 at June 2009 approx.
All major Credit Cards are accepted for payments and Cash Advances. Travellers Cheques are not used for payment but are readily changed at banks. Bank hours are Mon-Thursday (9:30am-4 pm), Friday til 5 pm. A few open on Sat. morning. Major hotels will change money at a worse rate.
Other currencies (cash) cannot be used for purchases.