YHA Australia is offering one lucky traveller the ultimate Australian adventure. To celebrate 100 Years of Hostelling around the world, YHA Australia is giving away the backpacking adventure of a lifetime.

One lucky traveller will win a trip down under, including 100 nights’ accommodation in YHA hostels around Australia; a Greyhound Aussie Highlights bus pass; a Nullarbor Traveller Adelaide to Perth tour, an Oz Tracks rail pass courtesy of Great Southern Railways; a return economy flight between Melbourne and Hobart and a YHA Connect card charged with 100 hours of internet time, so that the winner can blog about their journey along the way!

Backpackers from around the world are encouraged to visit yha.com.au/100years and submit avideo illustrating  what they’d pack in their bag for 100 days down under. Entrants can use any kind of video camera they can get their hands on. Videos will be judged for their creativity and originality. The winner will travel to every state and territory in Australia, blogging their way around the country and sending in their dispatches with regular photo and video updates. Terms and conditions apply, and entrants should visit the website for details.

Beginning as modest quarters in barns and schools during the holiday periods, hostels today are the mainstay of budget travellers. These days, they offer much more than just a bed. You’re likely to find the "noughties" traveller using the hostel’s wifi connection on their laptop or iPhone to update their blog and share videos with friends back home. Today’s hostels have movie theatres, free pancake breakfasts, 24 hour access, wildlife sanctuaries and swimming pools - hostel-goers of the 100 years ago would be bowled over by the facilities available.

There are over 120 YHA hostels in Australia ranging from resort style beach hostels, to cosmopolitan city centre hostels and outback ranches.

YHA is a not-for-profit association, with all profits going back into the hostels and the experience they provide. Visit yha.com.au for more information on YHA membership, hostels and the 100th anniversary.