When traveling to Australia as a Backpacker, it is important to be armed with a hostel / backpackers membership card of some sort.

We are always asked what is the best one to have....like any hotel chain loyalty membership program, you will get the most out of your membership when you stay loyal to your brand.

We find VIP Backpackers has the largest network of hostels in their network throughout Australia. For this reason we stock their cards and booklets for resale in our Downunder Travel Offices. 
A question we are constantly asked is, "Can I stay at a YHA if I am not a member".  Yes you can stay at any hostel without a membership for that particular chain.....you just recieve discounts and other benifits when you are a member of a branded hostel chain.

The chains you will find in Australia are, YHA, IHA, & VIP.

When you are a member of one of these chains, you wll also recieve discounts from tour operators which lend their services to the backpacker market.  But there really is not one that recieves bigger discounts over the other for third party supplier products & services.

The question of whether or not you need a membership is a no brainer.  Anyone who is backpacking around Australia, will recieve their money back and more when becoming a member of one of these programs.

Get the pass before you go and start saving right away.