Oceania

Australia

Australia Mate!

The land down under! The most beautiful and biggest island in the world!
Australia was first called "New Holland" by the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman (as in "Tasmania") — then renamed "Land of the South" (Australia in Latin) by the British. The British set up penal colonies there which is where they shipped off prisoners to, from which many Australians proudly claim descent and cultivated cool accents from.

The indigenous Aboriginals were the first owners of the land and the country went though many clashes between the two opposing societies. Australia is one of the most naturally abundant countries in the world, holding many different kinds of land and fauna. Australia’s size gives it a wide variety of landscapes from tropical rainforests to red dirt desserts. They also are home to some of the cutest and strangest creatures around — and yes, they have some funny looking spiders and snakes. But only 2-4 people a year die from those, so don’t be worried mate.

Australia has one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, largest economies and best incomes, which is why many people come to the land down under for working holidays! The best way by far to see Australia is to rent a campervan and drive along the East Coast. I very much recommended seeing the Northern Territory and Ayers Rock if you have time and are interested in the Aboriginals and very different nature.

So let's start our journey beginning with Sydney!

Sydney

Sydney isn't the capital of Australia (that's Canberra) but it sure feels like it. It has incredible food, activities, beaches and people. When in Sydney make sure to have a look at the beautiful Sydney Opera House, the Bondi Junction shops and roam and explore.

Bondi Beach – One of the sweet spots of Australia with the infamous walk from Coogee to Bondi. This beach has great food spots around and plenty of surfers around the shore. Have a look at the beautiful art surrounding the boardwalk and the TV reality life guards. Have some Anita ice cream, swim in the Bondi Rocks, shop around a little. When I was on the beach at Bondi, a whale literally came up to the shore and I got to see it 200 m away. Hundreds of people rushed to the beach looking and smiling with awe. There is a really special touch to this place. Also people are ridiculously nice, and it often feels like no one on this beach is over 40 for some reason.

The Blue Mountains - There are so many astonishing hikes you can do around Sydney, however the Blue Mountains isn't one to miss. The atmosphere is filled with finely dispersed droplets of oil from the eucalyptus trees in the area. In the autumn the mountains glow, in the winter they are soothing, in spring colorful, and in summer refreshing. The mist follows you around the trek and I definitely recommend checking out the view from above to see The Three Sisters. You can choose from several routes depending on how long you want to say, and what would you like to see more on your walk (waterfalls, lakes, uphill climbing...).

Sydney Opera House - Inaugurated in 1973 the Sydney Opera House is one of the great architectural works of the 20th century. It's made from three remarkable urban sculptures that together form a group of three shell-like buildings. Its design, build (and cost) are unparalleled.

Zoo – The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary blew me away. However, I’m sure many other places in Australia have magnificent animal sanctuaries.

The World Bar – A really cool bar with shots and drinks in tea cups and Alice in Wonderland vibes. Do keep in mind Sydney has lockout hour.

Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb – NOT TO MISS! This is one of the coolest activities to do in Australia. It’s absolutely incredible! We went during a holiday when the fireworks were just shooting from the Sydney Opera house at sunset, and we stood there, 30 people, in silence on the top of the climb, breathtaking.

Bondi Backpackers Hostel – Often full, but at a much higher level the other’s around. Perfect location, fun nights, awesome balcony looking over the beach and night activities.

Couchsurfing - Super easy and safe in Australia, worth giving a go.

Festivals:

Stereosonic - Nov,

Harbour Life - Nov,

Listen Out - Sept,

Field Day - Jan.

Keep In Mind:

Sydney Lockouts kill the late nightlife. So house parties and early nights out are your best bet.

Sydney

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is one of my favorite place on the planet. On Sundays you have beautiful markets with clothes, worldwide food, special music and so much more. Once a month you get a sick techno festival. The beaches are absolutely stunning and there is a special hippy vibe to this place. Many people walk barefoot, many of the homeless choose to live like they do. People are so kind and helpful. The first time I was here (out of three) I lost my credit card and the girl who found it actually FedExed it to me all the way to Sydney! Isn’t that remarkable? Also they have incredible food, live music, weather, beautiful people and fun stores all in walking distance. Not the mention it’s the most sacred spot for the Aboriginals. I would recommend Woody's for live music or Beach Hotel, would not recommend Cheeky Monkeys at all. If you do stay at Nomads the nights there get really fun. To be honest, all of Byron Bay is fun though, “it’s a vibe”.

Byron Lighthouse Walk – A really beautiful unique way to see Byron, highly recommend to go at sunrise and bring some brekky (Aussie breakfast). Hopefully you will see some dolphins or whales on the way.

Hit The Beach - The Pass is a great surfing area, also Watergos and many other beaches are stunning.

Learn To Surf - With Mojo in either morning or afternoon classes.

Yoga for 5$ - In the Byron Yoga Center or in The Arts Factory. I recommend booking Nomads and walking 3 min to the center, everything is super close.

Waterfall Road Trip - The area around the Byron is vibrant & flourishing. Take a car and drive around to some beautiful places, you won't be sorry. Even with no plan ahead.

Day Trip To Nimbin - If you like weed and mushies.

Skydive - The British man above me went skydiving every morning, so I guess it must be a special location for it.

Horse Back Riding - This would be a great area to do it.

Soak In Inspiration - The live music on the beach at sunset, the vibrant dressing styles of people, the laid back attitude and art. No place is more safe for some introspection. Also I hear they have Ayahuasca there if you are looking.

Best Byron Restaurants

BEST SUSHI IN THE WORLD – Byron Bay Street Sushi, it’s a tiny shack close to the beach. If any sushi tastes to good you cry after a seagull takes it from you, it would be this sushi.

Bayleaf – Best place to get an Omelette or a Jam Waffle in Oceania.

Folk – Delicious and a fun place to meet up.

Byron The Farm – A delicious, healthy and kind of pricey but really worth it restaurant right outside of Byron. You can look at the acres of land and animals living on it, and see how they prepare their delicious food.

Festivals:

Splendour In The Grass in July.

Rabbits Eat Lettuce in Easter.

Falls Festival in New Years.

Bluesfest in March

Byron

East Coast - North Down

Cairns – A great place to go to for some shopping, lounging at resorts and is fairly close to the Great Barrier Reef. A super chill version of Miami.

The Great Barrier Reef – Is the worlds largest coral reef, with some beautiful fish and a once in a life time experience. Not to miss, check out my fish friend Dori!

Whitsundays, Whitehaven Beach – A collection of continental islands north of Brisbane containing the most stunning bodies of water merging with the islands sand. The most beautiful beach I have ever seen, not to miss. Rumor has it if you don’t just go for the organised day trip tour of White Haven, you can rent a ferry and camp on a secluded island in Whitsundays.

Fraser Island – The largest sand island in the world and an UNESCO World Heritage Site sitting off of the Sunshine Coast and home to many types of special wildlife, birds and of course, dingos. We were lucky enough to see a dingo on a beach (from inside a 4x4 jeep). The only way to get in the island is by ferry and I recommend looking at the stars at night, grabbing a beer on a beach and taking in all the amazing natural and healing properties of this island. You can also pass the Rainbow Mountain while getting there.

Brisbane – Brisbane is a cute city, however not at all what your looking for if you want nature or nightlife. It has some nice parks and awesome markets, don't think I had the inside scoop as a backpacker.

Wine – Some of the best wine in the world is from Australia. So while you could be having goon in a carton (fish egg wine), you could spend the Aussie dollar and treat yourself every once in a while. I didn’t go on a wine tour but if you get the chance and want to I’ve heard it’s wonderful.

Surf – Australia is the perfect place to surf! The culture feeds on it and it’s the national sport. When learning to surf choose an easy place to start, I would recommend the Mojo Surf Camp at Spot X. You can chill in bunk beds and take your time with other new comers and teachers. Staying for 3 days minimum to pick up the skill. Starting in places like Bondi is really not recommended because of the extremely strong currents.

Noosa - Surrounded by beach, river, hinterland and national parks, the Noosa region offers an amazing range of activities, adventures, tours or programs. Noosa is very artsy and nice, and kind of like an upper-class Byron Bay. It’s also fairly expenses and has a more family then backpacker vibe.

Melbourne - Melbourne is a beautiful and architectural city. It doesn't have the beach vibe the rest of Australia has, and is colder because of it's southern location. Melbourne is a great place to be if you love the arts and live music. Unlike Sydney that has a lockout rule, Melbourne has late nightlife. However, if you don’t have a artsy hipster vibe in you & your not really into night life, you may prefer Sydney. It’s a lovely place, but I had a really short time and if it weren’t for the people I wouldn’t have found it that interesting honestly. However this is my personal opinion. If you do go, take a drive down the Ocean Road (“don’t say a word while we dance with the devil…”)

Festivals In Melbourne: Strawberry Field August.

Rainbow Serpent January.

Earthcore November.

Near Whitsundays:

Mushroom Valley - Oct

East Coast Gems

Melbourne

Northern Territory & Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock & The Olgas – With huge cultural and spiritual significance to the indigeionous.

Ayers Rock (Uluru) is the essence of the Outback and is a giant continental beacon. The national treasure changes several hues or terracotta and crimson as the sun rises and sets over it. Watching the sunlight illuminating Uluru is a spiritual experience, also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can't climb it most days of the year because of the probability of you falling off the smooth top; however, watching it from below is just as incredible. Pictures and touching are forbidden in certain areas out of respect for the Aboriginals.

When seeing it keep in mind, this is one rock. 348 meters (1141 feet) high. With the circumference of 9.4 KM (5.8 miles), 3.6 KM long (1.2 miles) and 2 KM at it's diest ! (1.2 miles).

The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) are a group of large rocks and in total 36 different forms in an area of over 21 KM, one of them being higher than Uluru. It's a beautiful helicopter ride from above.

The Northern Territory in Australia is pretty much the only place you might get a chance to interact and understand the culture of the Aboriginals. See their cave paintings, hear a little of their stories and try to understand their folkways.

Hiking In Kings Canyon, Uluru and The Olgas are all awesome to soak in the red rugged feel of the Outback.

Festivals In Territories:

Wide Open Space - May - An hour away from Alice Springs.

Northern Central

Keep in Mind before going to Australia:

-Australia is very expensive.

-It's very safe, both people and animals will probably treat you just fine. Mosquitos though in the Northern Territory... Not so much.

-Like the UK Australians drive on the left side of the road.

-They have very strict regulations for getting pets in.

-It's easier to come in with an EU passport—no visa will then be necessary, only an ETA ("electronic travel authority", which is basically you telling them online that you will be coming).

-Australia's huge, and if you have limited time, focus on specific areas, so you don't waste all your time running to catch internal flights all day.