Blog

Backpacker's Guide: Places to Travel in Australia For Animal Lovers

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 22:21:55 +1100

By Hannah Belger

Roughly the size of mainland USA, Australia really is a big country. Choosing where to go and what to see can be overwhelming, and sometimes it’s easy to get lost searching for fun things to do. Lucky for me, when my best friend and I visited Australia, we had a local to help us navigate the country, including where to see its famous native wildlife.

When I first arrived, there was a lot I didn’t understand about Australian wildlife. For example, how wallabies and kangaroos could be different (in my defence, the wallaby does kinda look like a baby kangaroo) and why you should keep your distance from big kangaroos.

There are many animals to see in when visiting Australia, and after travelling the country, these are three of the best places I visited where you can discover animals in a safe and non-intrusive way.

Great Ocean Road

Victoria's Great Ocean Road isn't technically one place, more like a cool road trip. Just outside of Melbourne, I have to include it here because it has to be the best value for the buck spent when it comes to exploring Australia’s gorgeous and expansive wildlife.

There are a ton of ways to the Great Ocean Road, but we chose a Melbourne to Adelaide four day trip. We visited the Great Ocean Road Wildlife park, which is not a zoo, but a self-sustaining family farm that coexists with nature perfectly. Not only was it animal-friendly but a family-owned business that prides itself on how it takes care of its residents.

While exploring the Kennett River we also got to meet a pair of friendly koalas. Fun fact, the name koala is thought to mean ‘no drink’ in the Aboriginal language, which is appropriate since koalas get more than 90% of their water by eating gum leaves. They also mostly just nap.

New South Wales Highlands

The Highlands in New South Wales is surrounded by national parks, which means there are plenty of wild Australian animals in the region. With plenty of trails and hikes to do, the other most popular activities include a walk around Fitzroy Falls and the amazing walking with wombats tour. With awesome guides leading the way, this is a great way to explore and see these cute creatures in their natural habitat. Pro explorer tip – you can tell you’re in wombat country when you spot their unusual cube-shaped poop! After you see wild wombats, wait for sundown and discover another amazing animal that calls the Highlands home – glowworms. In the evening, you can visit Bundanoon’s Glow Worm Glen and see these amazing luminescent creatures light up the cave walls.

Daintree Rainforest

One of the oldest surviving rainforests in the world, the Daintree Rainforest's vast wetlands and lowlands sport many different and amazing creatures, most famously a huge population of saltwater crocodiles. While visiting North Queensland, we joined the boat tour through the mangrove swamp to spot them in the wild and marvel at their incredible beauty. I can’t begin to describe the adrenaline rush we felt as we passed them by! Prehistoric and majestic, they (thankfully) seemed quite uninterested by our presence.

No trip to the rainforest is complete without a cultural adventure with the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people, the traditional owners of the area. Taking their guided Mossman Gorge tour, they taught us ancient techniques like spearfishing, catching crabs and how to source simple bush foods. This experience allowed us to connect with this amazing land in ways I didn’t think possible!

With so many amazing animals to see and regions to explore, the primal nature of the places we visited in Australia was intense and honestly breathtaking. There is no wrong way to visit Australia and see the wildlife here, as long as you are mindful of the impact you have on the places you visit.

Backpacker's Guide: How to Find Farm Work in Australia

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 11:40:30 +1100

Magnificent beaches, red desert stretches, major cities with individual personalities, world-renowned reefs, heritage-listed rainforests and bushland that can only be described as 'Aussie'. With contrasting landscapes and incredible diversity, Australia is truly a country like no other, and for many overseas travellers, the ultimate destination for travel and exploration.

It’s also one of the top choices for internationals chasing a working holiday experience. There are plenty of countries eligible to apply for a one year working holiday visa in Australia and some travellers love the Australian lifestyle so much, they want to stay for a second year. For most, in order to secure a second year visa, you will need to find farm work. Here's what you need to know.

How to find farm work in Australia

The inevitable struggle to find farm work and secure a second year in Aus can be stressful and daunting for some backpackers. Will I have to work somewhere remote? Will the work be physically demanding? Am I actually going to work on a 'farm'? First things first, farm work doesn’t necessarily constitute work on a typical “farm”. You can start exploring eligible fields and see what type of work you're in for by heading to the Home Affairs website. This will give you an idea of the types of places that qualify for your 88 days of farm work, then you can start searching for farms from there.

Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth for finding farm work either! If you’ve already been in Australia for a few months, it’s likely no matter where you’ve travelled or been living, you’ve met a bunch of other travellers along the way. Many of them will already have gone through the same process of farm work to secure a second year visa and may be able to point you in the direction of a farm or company looking for workers. At the very least, their anecdotal information and advice will likely help you better understand what to expect and where to begin the process.

How much do you get paid?

There is a difference between piece rate work and hourly paid jobs. For an average picker, you earn around $24 per hour. However, sometimes you can even make more money with piece rate work and in general, people like piece rate work (FYI piece rate work refers to the rate you get paid for the amount picked, packed, pruned or made). But, you have to keep in mind that learning and mastering a new technique can take time, and it may be a while before you start earning good money.

10 tips to find farm work

Research. As mentioned earlier, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs is a good place to start researching for your farm work. It contains all the relevant information on farm work types, eligibility and visa applications.
Start early. The biggest fear of most backpackers is the idea that they’ll run out of time. Start looking for work early with plenty of time to complete your 88 days before your current visa runs out. Farm work can be unpredictable, particularly when it involves seasonal work, and that will sometimes interfere with your ability to finish all your farm work on the same farm.
Give yourself extra time. Prepare for the possibility that it can take more than 3 months to get your visa days completed. Farms can be at the mercy of Australian weather, so you may not be able to work every day that you plan to. It’s also unrealistic to plan to work every single consecutive day. Give yourself some leeway around the 88 days and allow for closer to 4 months to complete your farm work if you can.
Trust yourself. Pick a farm where you feel at home - you're going to be residing here for a few months after all. You don’t want to end up at a farm where you feel uncomfortable, unhappy and isolated. If you end up working in a place that you don’t want to be, trust your instincts and move on. There is no point wasting your limited time in Australia feeling miserable, and if you’ve allowed yourself extra time, you’ll be able to find somewhere else to complete your work.
Seasons for harvesting work. If you want to do farm work and have no idea about the seasons, the harvest trail is a good place to start. They have a dedicated enquiry line that you can contact for information about open positions and ongoing/upcoming seasons. They also have a PDF version of the Harvest Guide that gives the novice backpackers insightful information into the seasons.
Other sites to check out. After you’ve explored avenues through Harvest, head to Jobs Backpacker or Gumtree to broaden your search. Many small farms find their employees through Gumtree but be warned - because anyone can post through this avenue, there can be a lot of scams. So, apply an appropriate level of caution to the advertisements you find and do some research into the farm where you can, paying extra attention to bad reviews.
Facebook. Social media’s extensive capabilities to connect individuals and create opportunities grows each year, and for backpackers, this is another place to look for farm work. In several Facebook groups (i.e. holiday jobs and backpacker job board) people often post fruit picking jobs and other relevant open farm positions.
A car. Having your own vehicle and transport can be advantageous to finding farm work, increasing the scope and number of potential farms you can access. It will also give you added freedom while completing your farm work.
Search beyond the popular hotspots. Finding farm work can be competitive, particularly if you have been living and working on the east coast or close to a major capital city. Ideally, everyone wants to find something close and convenient to where they’ve been living. But your best chance of finding farm work is to look where no one else is. The remoter places might turn out to be some of the most interesting travels you have in Australia too. Another tip is to stay ahead of the seasonal work. If you know the harvest season is coming in a certain part of Australia, get there early so you are prepared to work as soon as the season starts.
Keep the seasons in mind. So, during the summer period, it is best in the south of Australia and during the winter in the north of Australia.

Eligible fields

Eligible fields for farm work can be more broad and diverse than you think! Work can vary from state to state, season to season and be extremely different depending on the region you are looking in. Here’s the basic breakdown:

Work that can be counted toward your second year visa must be in the following fields:

plant and animal cultivation
fishing and pearling
tree farming and felling
mining
construction

Note: It is not enough that you are employed in some of these fields, but the work you do must be a specific type of work to be counted towards your visa.

Examples of work that counts towards your visa days include:

harvesting and/or packing of fruit and vegetable crops
pruning and trimming vines and trees
general maintenance crop work
cultivating or propagating plants, fungi or their products or parts
feeding and herding cattle on a farm
horse breeding and stud farming
maintaining animals for the purpose of selling them or their bodily produce, including natural increase
immediate processing of animal products including shearing, butchery, packing and tanning
landscaping the grounds of construction/house site
painting the interior/exterior of new buildings
conservation and environmental reforestation work
zoo work involving plant or animal cultivation
erecting fences on a construction site
scaffolding

Examples of work that is not eligible include:

working as a nanny on a farm
working at a cellar door providing wine tastings
general garden maintenance
maintaining animals for tourism or recreational purposes
cooking/catering on a mine site
town planning or architecture
cleaning the interior of mine complexes or buildings
supporting work such as book-keeping

Other sources to find farm work

The search for farm work can be exhausting and confusing, particularly for foreigners unfamiliar with the enormity and diversity of Australia as a country. You’ll likely spend a lot of time on google, searching farms and sending bulk emails. Sometimes, the farms don’t get back to you because the website is non-existent, or it’s a scam (unfortunate, but true). For this reason, it is important to also consider some other sources of information during your farm work search. Some towns might have information centres and these places can sometimes contain news about local farms or seasonal work nearby (especially if there are a lot of farms around). Furthermore, working hostels could be a good source of information as you are bound to meet a plethora of international travellers with plenty of information to share, and some regional hostels even operate to help find travellers farm work.

Did you know you can now apply for a third year visa?

From July 2019, travellers who are on their second year working holiday visa can now apply for a third year! The long and short of this is that if you have completed your 88 days of farm work within your first year and secured a second year working holiday visa, you can now do 6 months of specified work in a specified regional area for 6 months to gain a third year visa. Basically, if you don’t think you’ll be ready to leave after your second year, get organised early and do another 6 months of farm work within that second year and stay for a third. Read through all the fine print and criteria here.

Feeling overwhelmed?

Don’t be! Farm work might take a little bit of effort and organisation, but it can turn out to be one of the most rewarding and unique experiences you’ll have while living and travelling in Australia. Many backpackers leave the farms with a trove of memorable stories and experiences, not to mention you might see more of Australia then many Aussie’s ever do! And don’t forget, it shouldn’t be all work and no play. We have plenty of suggestions for holidays, adventures, tours and trips to take once you have that second year visa secured! Check them out here.

PS - Did you hear the news? Bushfire recovery efforts are about to count as ‘specified work’ for Working Holiday Maker visas.

In February, the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs announced changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa. While the department is still working on the legislation necessary for this to come into effect, it will basically mean WHMs will be able to be count paid or volunteer work on bushfire recovery efforts in a declared disaster area as ‘specified work’ towards eligibility for a second or third WHM visa. Keep up to date with all the latest info here!

For 2nd Year Visa jobs + much more be sure to check out Jobs Backpacker.

Things To Know Before You Go: Australia

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 14:23:31 +1100

Planning a trip to Australia takes careful consideration. Deciding whether to head to the east or west coast first, which major city to fly into and planning an itinerary that makes the most of our vast landscapes and enormous country can be overwhelming. With plenty to figure out before you leave, it can be easy to overlook the simple things you need to know before you arrive here. To help out our incoming overseas travellers, we've put together some basic information to note ahead of your Australian adventure.

Emergency services in Australia

While we hope you won't have to use this on your holiday here, 000 is the phone number for all emergency services in Australia. The operator can connect you to the police, ambulance and fire brigade. Remember you should only call 000 in an emergency situation!

Exchanging money

Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. Australian banks offer the same range of services typical in other western nations and cash withdrawal machines or Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are widespread in most areas, though may be limited in remote towns and the outback. It's important to note some ATM machines also charge you for withdrawing money, so try and use a CommonwealthBank ATM machine where you can - they do not charge any additional fees on top of whatever your normal bank conversion rate it. These are usually yellow, and with the ComBank app, you can locate the closest one to you in a matter of seconds. EFTPOS is also widely available in most Australian shops. Fees may be charged on transactions, particularly if withdrawing from an international account. The easiest way to get cash away from home is an ATM with an international network such as Cirrus (Mastercard) or PLUS (Visa).

Credit Cards & Travellers Cheques

Credit cards such as American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, UnionPay and JCB are accepted in Australia. VISA or MasterCard can be used anywhere credit cards are accepted. American Express and Diners Club are accepted at major supermarket and department store chains and many tourist destinations. A good tip is to carry multiple credit cards and a little cash. Merchants may impose credit card surcharges in some places. Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted in Australia.

Public Holiday/Sunday surcharges

If you're travelling during a public holiday, don't be surprised if a surcharge is added to your bill. Often, cafes, restaurants and bars impose a 10-20% surcharge on public holidays, and occasionally even on Sundays in order to pay their employees higher pay rates.

Languages

Australia's official language is English. However, Australia is a multicultural nation with a significant migrant population, so it's common to hear a diverse range of languages in Australia's cities and towns.

Legal drinking age in Australia

The legal drinking age in all states and territories of Australia is 18 years old. You will need to provide proof of age, either with a driver's license or passport, when purchasing alcohol or gaining entry into a nightclub or bar.

Beach safety

Australia is famous for its incredibly beautiful beaches, particularly those on the east coast. But there's important information you need to know before you enter the water! Australia's popular beaches are usually patrolled by volunteer lifesavers from October to April and red and yellow flags mark the safest area for swimming only - sorry surfers! For the surfers, stick in between the yellow and red and black and white flags. Take note of the beach report that is usually on the foreshore between the swimming flags. This will inform swimmers of the current conditions and what they need to be aware of before they head into the water. For information about marine stingers and crocodile safety in Far North Queensland, visit the Queensland Government website. Australia is not called the sunburnt country for no reason. It is the melanoma capital of the world and while it is good to get a tan on your holidays, be cautious of the Australian sun! Use at least SPF 30+ whenever you are exposed to the sun and invest in a good hat and sunglasses, you'll need them!

Medical

The Australian Government has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement with the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Belgium, Norway, Slovenia, Malta and Italy. These agreements entitle you to some subsidised health services for essential medical treatment while visiting Australia. Those from the United States and Canada are not covered by Australia's national health insurance scheme. Over-the-counter medications are widely available at privately owned chemists throughout Australia. These include painkillers, antihistamines for allergies, and skin-care products. You will need a doctor's prescription for the oral contraceptive pill, most medications for asthma and all antibiotics. If the doctor provides you with a prescription (commonly known as a script), you will then need to purchase the medication from a chemist, not the doctor. If you are on a visa that entitles you to a Medicare card, you can visit bulk billing doctors free of charge. If you need a doctor urgently outside of GP hours, call 13SICK, the National home doctor service.

Electrical plugs

You may need an adapter to plug your appliances into the power sockets in Aus. The adapter required for Australia is Type 1 Australia plug. The plugs in Australia have two flat metal pins, forming an inverted 'V' shape, and occasionally a third pin in the centre. The electrical current in Australia is 220 - 240 volts, AC 50Hz.

Finding a job in Australia

For those with working holiday visas, jobs in Australia can be found in many industries, from agriculture to mining to tourism. There are a number of ways to search for work, including online job boards, Facebook groups and recruitment agencies. Once you have found a job that interests you, it is important to research the employer and the role before applying. We recommend checking out Jobs Backpacker for loads of casual job vacancies.

Need more info? Our team of travelling experts have done it all before and are happy to help when it comes to planning your Australian adventure.

Backpacker's Guide: How To Move To Australia

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 16:22:58 +1100

By Reis Armstrong

While living in Australia for the past year, I’m always plagued with questions about how to move here. So I’ve decided to make it easy for all the hopeful travellers out there and lay the instructions out on the table. First things first, it’ll take money. Not exactly an arm and leg, but a few months’ worth of saving up at your current job (unless you have the kind of parents that’ll just give you a few thousand - if so, I envy you). Nonetheless, while many people assume the preparation and the move is complicated, it’s actually fairly simple.

Australia offers two types of Work & Holiday Visas. Depending on which country you’re from, you’ll either be granted the 417 or the 462 visa. For both visas, the basic requirements are the same – you must have a passport for an eligible country, you must not be accompanied by dependent children, and you must be between the ages of 18-30. Don’t worry if you’re currently 30 years old though, you can still apply before your 31^st birthday. Backpackers from Canada, France, and Ireland have a little more wiggle room as they have the option to apply until their 35^th birthday. Most importantly, you must show proof that you have at least $5000 AUD in your bank account. If you’re able to check all of these boxes, you’re on your way to being granted an Australian WHV.

Image thanks to @lovereisandsoul

Once your visa has been approved, there are a few things I recommend you do prior to your arrival. Decide which city you’ll want to begin your journey. Australia only has a handful of cities with international airports, so this decision won’t be that difficult. Most backpackers travel along the east coast from north to south, or vice versa, depending on their starting point. I began my journey in Melbourne, which is the best city in Australia in my opinion. Now, some people are totally fine with staying in hostels during their entire year abroad, some aren’t. For those that are, a site called Hostelworld is an excellent way to book the best hostels. For those that prefer a little more privacy and would rather share a flat, then Flatmates is the site for you.

Image thanks to @lovereisandsoul

After I arrived and settled into my hostel, I searched for banks and cellular (mobile phone) companies in the area, knowing that I’d need an Australian bank account and cell number in order to get a job. It’s also worth noting that you can’t work for one employer for more than six months. If you plan to work as soon as you arrive, I highly recommend you search on websites such as Indeed, Seek, and Gumtree. The most popular bank used amongst us backpackers is Commonwealth, as we’re not required to put any money down to start an account. Telstra and Vodaphone are the most-used cellular providers for those of us looking for short-term contracts, so check those out.

Image thanks to @lovereisandsoul

Now let’s say you’re granted the 1-year visa, but once you arrive and actually get to experience the Australian lifestyle, you decide you want to stay for another year. You can apply for a 2nd year WHV, but you’re gonna have to work for it within your first year. Backpackers with the 417 visa only have the option to do 3-months of farm work, while those of you carrying the 462 visa have the option to do farm work, tourism, or hospitality – but only in certain regions, usually rural.

Once you get all these things sorted, you’ll be ready to officially begin your Australian adventure. That’s pretty much all there is to it. Moving to a foreign country isn’t much different than moving to another city or state within your native country – you just have to be prepared.

About the author:

Hi, I'm Reis! Some people call me The Hostel Healer! I’m a social media influencer and travel vlogger who focuses on travel tips, hostel reviews, and spirituality. I backpack around the world full time promoting the best hostels & inspiring others to live a minimalist lifestyle while opening their minds to the spirit world.

Backpacker's Guide to Aussie Slang

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 09:11:54 +1100

Sure Australians speak English, but between the Aussie accent and a ridiculous amount of slang and shortcuts, it’s easy to find yourself lost in translation. While we can’t help with the accent, we’ve put together a list of common words that all backpackers should know when coming to Australia.

Goon Bag

Alcohol in Australia is ‘spenny’ as hell (expensive). Unless you want to go without, you might want to become acquainted with an Aussie legend, the goon bag. These magical silver bags are filled with cheap wine and also double as a pretty sweet travel pillow.

Spewin’!

When you’re super disappointed about something. Example: “I missed the last bus to Sydney, spewin!”

Woop Woop

If you’re looking for directions and someone says it’s in Woop Woop, chances are you have a fair way to go. Woop Woop means something is in the middle of nowhere.

Taking the piss

Taking the piss has nothing to do with urinating. Rather, it’s about having a joke, usually at someone else’s expense.

How’s it going (Or Garn)

Translation: How are you?

Thongs

In Australia, thongs are what you wear in the hostel shower so you don’t catch a bunch of foot diseases, not what you’d see in a Sisqo film clip. If a tour guide tells you to wear thongs we promise they’re not being creepy (well probably not).

BYO

When you’re looking for places to eat you want to check for these three magical letters B.Y.O. B.Y.O basically means you can bring your own alcohol, avoiding the ridiculous prices you are otherwise going to be charged.

Chuck a sickie

For anyone looking to work in Australia, you’re probably going to need to know this phrase. Chuck a sickie is basically when you don’t want to go to work that day (every day) so you pretend to be sick to have the day off. When you’re going for job interviews, it’s probably best to pretend you don’t know this one yet.

Yeah, Nah

Translation: no. Example: “Do you want to go to work today?” “Yeah, nah."

Old Mate

Many travellers have gotten confused, thinking Old Mate must be the life of the party that everyone knows but really Old Mate is a friendly Australian term to describe basically anyone.

Going Off

The surf can be going off, a party can be going off, even dinner can be going off (and we don’t mean mouldy)... going off means something is really, really good.

Smoko

Smoko is a short break at work, particularly used for tradies (tradesmen). You’ll want to try and nab as many of these as possible if you’re working in Australia.

Yew!

Yew is like an exclamation mark out loud. It’s used when something is really good or you’re really stoked (excited).

Froth

To froth something is to say you really like it. Backpackers usually froth goon, cheap meals and a sunny day at Bondi.

Bevvies

Having a couple of bevvies means you’re having a few drinks, or maybe you’re having a whole goon bag to yourself (we won’t judge you).

Ready to have a crack at the Aussie vocabulary? We promise you'll be right. And if you get stuck, give us a bell, we'll help you navigate any Australian related confusion!

Backpacking Guide: Hostel Etiquette

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 15:04:56 +1100

There’s nothing quite like the hostel experience. Some of your best travel tales will be derived from these places, and maybe a few of the worst. Either way, novice wanderers have a lot to look forward to and prepare for, which is why we are offering this brief introduction to hostel etiquette.

We’ll give most seasoned backpackers the benefit of the doubt here and assume you’re already aware of hostel common courtesies. For those about to embark on their first backpacking adventure or considering shared accommodation for a future trip, this list will help ensure you don’t end up committing a dormitory sin. Read on, not just for your own sake, but for the sake of the strangers you are about to be living with.

You’re not at home anymore

Nope, it’s likely you’re a long way from home, far from the comforts of your own bedroom and the freedom to keep your space as tidy or unkempt as you please. While everyone wants to feel a sense of contentment and homeliness in the place they’re staying while travelling, it doesn’t hurt to consider you are sharing this space with other beings. That means littering the floor with your dirty undies, leaving your wet towel in a heap or spreading the remnants of last night’s kebab throughout the room might be a little annoying. Hostel rooms can become messy, that’s a given, but if people are giving your bunk a particularly wide berth, it might be time to reign things in and do some tidying.

Some people do like to sleep

Sure, you’re travelling and that means you’re bound to be out until all hours gallivanting around town or partying. Days of the week no longer matter, and bedtimes are a thing of adolescent years. But that’s not to say some of your roommates don’t value a solid night’s sleep. If you come home a little inebriated at all hours of the morning, try to stumble into your bunk quietly. Definitely reach for your phone for lighting, not the main switch, and if you want to keep the party going or indulge in late-night conversing, find common areas or stay at the bar a little longer and let your co-dormers sleep in peace. Likewise, if you have reason to be up early to catch a flight or leave, pack your suitcase the night before. Nothing angers a room full of travellers quite like pre-dawn rustlers, noisily packing their belongings while everyone around them tries to sleep.

Embrace different cultures

The beautiful thing about backpacking is the melting pot of cultures and nationalities you are about to meet. Some of the best and most exciting dorms to find yourself in are the ones full of diversity. You inevitably learn a lot about the world from listening to other traveller’s stories, and most of all, bunking with Natalie from Toronto, Jamie from Singapore and Jacques from Johannesburg is just plain fun! The key thing to remember in this scenario is to be respectful. You might come from very different places and backgrounds, but when met with mutual respect, people from all over the world mix and create memorable travel friendships.

Thou shall not thieve other people’s belongings

It’s a distressing thought isn’t it, that you might share a room with a bunch of seemingly nice strangers, all of whom are travelling with their own set of personal belongings, and someone in the mix might be about to pinch your things. Stealing from fellow travellers isn’t just frowned upon, it’s forbidden. That includes chargers, clothes, toiletries and clearly labelled packed lunches in the communal fridge. The threat of thievery needn’t deter you from dorm living either, it really is an infrequent occurrence. But if the thought of someone rifling through your personal belongings is causing you to lose sleep, invest in a lock or make use of your hostel’s locker services.

Be friendly and try to get to know your dorm mates

Not everyone wants to make friends at hostels (weird, we know) and people travel with their own individual levels of social capability. The best etiquette in this situation is to be as friendly and amicable as possible to your new roommates, giving you time to gauge who might want to keep chatting and who is there solely for a cheap place to sleep. When a new person arrives in the room, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask how they are going. Fair warning: some travellers won’t embrace this friendly greeting. But most will and you’ll end up getting to know them, doing some sort of excellent social activity and becoming dorm besties, and it will all come down to that simple, friendly greeting.

Did we mention we're kind of experts at the whole backpacking thing? If you're keen to practice your hostel etiquette somewhere new and exciting, get in touch and let us help you plan your next adventure.

How to Spend a Few Amazing Days in Currumbin

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 16:06:02 +1000

Image thanks to Envirotech Education

Currumbin is a beautiful place, but as a suburb of the Gold Coast it often gets ignored in favour of places like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads to the north, and Coolangatta and Tweed Heads to the south. Apart from the iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (which is definitely a #1 attraction for the area) locals and tourists alike pass it off and opt for more popular locations. But there’s a whole lot to do in Currumbin. The suburb is nestled in between a beautiful beach and lush hinterlands making it a place to stay and explore rather than somewhere to visit for the day just to check out the awesome animals at its world-famous Wildlife Sanctuary. So if you’re looking to hang out in this underrated area, here are a few ways to spend some amazing days in Currumbin.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Image thanks to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary steals the show when it comes to finding things to do here. It’s by far the most popular attraction in the area and deservedly so. For over 70 years they’ve been taking care of endangered and at-risk species from all around Australia, as well as a few from other countries. It’s one of the few spots where you can see rare or hard to find animals like the Goodfellows Tree-Kangaroo and the Tassie Devil all in one place. With such a wide variety of fairly rare and local wildlife, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has become a fan favourite for locals and tourists alike.

TreeTop Challenge

Image thanks to Treetop Challenge

While we’re technically giving Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary two out of the five spots on this list the TreeTop Challenge is a whole different animal. Located inside the sanctuary the TreeTop Challenge lets you climb high up into a dense rainforest, crossing sky-high spans on rope bridges and flying like a bird on one of their 11 epic ziplines. And with more than 80 elements over 4 levels to tackle, there’s more than enough to do here for the entire day.

Surf World Gold Coast

Image thanks to Destination Gold Coast

If you’re not much of surfer but want to learn about the history of how humans decided that riding a bit of wood under some dangerously crashing waves was fun, head over to Surf World Gold Coast. The place is Queensland’s only surfing museum, which you’d think is a bit odd when you think about how much surfing is part of Queensland’s culture. The exhibition includes an incredibly extensive collection of surfboards, highlighting the radical change of design from the massive longboards of the 1930’s all the way to shortboards of today. There’s also loads of surf memorabilia, cinematography, and even surf artworks. With so much to look at, there’s plenty of stuff for surf nerds and average joes alike.

Balter Brewery

Image thanks to The Good Guide

Balter Brewery has been blowing up over the past few years. As Australia is starting to drink more than Cartlon Draft, Victoria Bitter, and Goon Bags, people have asked for a craftier brew and Balter has delivered in spades. Balter is beer with a smile, and they’re all about good tastes and good times. If you’re heading round we recommend checking out their IPA if you want something with a whole lot of flavour, or if you just want a beer that tastes like a real good beer give their XPA a go. It’s by far their most popular and perfect if you had no idea what we meant by IPA and XPA.

Currumbin Valley

Image thanks to Envirotech Education

Like much of the hinterlands across Queensland, Currumbin Valley is a nature-lovers paradise. Head southwest from the coastline along Currumbin Creek Road and enter another world. There’s so much to do here, and if you wanted to do it all it would take days. Some of the best things include the Currumbin Rock Pools, a natural swimming pool featuring rope swings and great scenery, and Tomewin Mountain, which, at 457 metres tall, gives a great vantage point and amazing views over the entire valley. Finally, there’s Mount Cougal, a place full of history and a diverse range of animals as well as a great walking track that passes the ever scenic Cougal Cascades.

Why You Should Absolutely Discover Bali

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 11:38:17 +1000

Image thanks to Qantas

Bali is probably Indonesia’s most famous island: tropical beaches, world-class surf spots, mountains, volcanoes and thousands of temples. Bali is a magical place and it looks like people are noticing. Back in 2018 the island hosted 15.8 billion tourists and this number is rising fast. But if you want to avoid the crowds, Bali still offers plenty of secret spots, as well as traditional culture and amazing food which makes this place unique. The variety of Bali’s activities and landscapes makes this island paradise a must-see destination.

Seaside: Beach and Surf

Bali is famous for its incredible surf spots and numerous beaches. The Island offers a wide range of landscapes for all kinds of travellers. From pro surfers to pro sun tanners, there’s a beach in Bali for everyone. Here’s just a few of Bali’s beaches with some incredible activities.

1. Bali’s Surf Spots

Image thanks to Hotels.com

Bali is well known for its incredible surf spots, and surfing is the main activity in Bali. With so many beaches, there’s always a spot for surfers at any level.

Kuta Beach is one of the best spots to learn to surf. This popular beach of 8kms is the safest place to learn.
For experienced surfers, the Bukit Peninsula is THE PLACE TO BE. Located in the south of Bali, this place offers beautiful tropical beaches with the world-class surf spots that made Bali famous. The Balangan, Bingin or Impossible beaches are some of the best in the peninsula. And of course, the famous Padang Padang wave is the best spot for professional surfers to carve up some waves.

2. Bali’s Black Sand Beaches

Image thanks to Bali Tourism

If you want to discover out of this world landscapes, you can’t go past Bali’s incredible volcanic black sand beaches. This famous area stretches north of Seminyak from the Canggu area to Medewi and are great spots to chill out with a picnic and admire the sunset. The most famous are:

Keramas beach
Amed Beach
Tulamben

But the island also offers secret, less crowded, beaches such as Soka Beach with its unique view of Mount Agun.

3. Spot Dolphins in Bali

Image thanks to Lovina Balinese Taxi

In the north of the Island, Lovina Beach is the best place in the world to see dolphins in their natural environment. You should go by boat early in the morning for this unique experience.

Heart of the Island

The heart of the island offers incredible places to visit. Bali’s natural environment is incredibly diverse and has plenty of magical landscapes.

1. Magical Waterfalls

Image thanks to Medium

Bali is full of magical jungle waterfalls. Hike through the lush landscapes, crossing wooden bridges and rocky steps to discover huge waterfalls in the middle of nowhere. The island has about twenty waterfalls. The most famous of them are:

Gitgit Waterfall, one of the easiest to find and reach by road
Sekumpul Waterfall in Singaraja, considered as the most beautiful of the island
Tegenungan Waterfall in Ubud

But with so many waterfalls, it’s great to just get there, explore and see which ones you can find.

2. The Hidden Canyon

Image thanks to Traveling UK

If you want to delve deep into the heart of Bali, you’ll love Hidden Canyon. Situated in the south of the Island, and only a 30-minute drive from Ubud, this underrated place is still not very famous so it’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds. If you like climbing, jumping and clambering, this is the place to be. The trek takes 1-2 hours and needs a guide.

3. Incredible Volcanoes

Image thanks to Intrepid Travel

Bali is a volcanic island and has 3 volcanoes.

Mount Bratan is most famous for its three caldera lakes.
Mount Agung is the highest mountain in Bali. This Active Volcano stands tall over 3100 meters and is the biggest trek of the island but not really difficult to climb.
Mount Batur is the most active volcano on the island and probably the one which offers the best view. You can climb it by night to see an incredible sunrise and a panoramic view of the area, a magic moment!

4. Rice terraces fields

Image thanks to Bali Hello Travel

During your trip to Bali, you’ll see rice fields left and right, but which ones are worth checking out? Here are some of the best:

Tegalalang
Antosari
Busungbiu
Karangasem
Jatiluwih
Pupuan

Cultural Bali

Bali is an island rich in history and culture, and there’s plenty of incredible Balinese cultural experiences on the island.

1. Bali: The island of 10,000 temples

Image thanks to Chill Bali Trips

Bali has named the island of 10,000 temples, so finding one isn’t that hard. All you have to do is just go for a walk and you’ll see a marvel in no time!

The most popular temples in Bali are:

Pura Taman Saraswati Temple in Ubud;
Uluwatu temple located at the edge of a cliff which offers an awesome point of view;
Tirta Empul Temple in the centre of the island

If you explore the outskirts of Ubud, you’ll find a plethora of hidden temples where you can explore Bali far from the tourist circuit.

2. Traditional Balinese arts

Image thanks to Bali Plus

A big part of Balinese culture is the Bali Art Festival: the annual cultural event which showcases Bali’s artworks and cultural achievements. The festival runs in June and July and features parades with traditional suits, music, traditional dance, ballet and more!

Night and Food in Bali

Image thanks to Pinterest

Bali is famous for its nightlife, whether it’s having a beer on the beach or dancing up a storm in a nightclub. As Bali is becoming more and more popular, there are now more places than ever to party.

Kuta is one of the most popular beaches in Bali. If you want to have a drink and admire the sunrise, it’s probably one of the best places to go, featuring many bars and nightclubs for everyone.
Seminyak is another place to go in club in Bali, a little bit more "chic".

If you want more info on Bali’s nightlife, check out this awesome article.

CONCLUSION

Bali is a unique island: here you’ll never have time to be bored. The island offers a large variety of beautiful landscapes, from mountains to beaches, to an incredible jungle where thousands of treasures are hidden. Don’t wait, go discover Bali!

The Best Experiences Around Uluru

Fri, 13 Sep 2019 16:37:20 +1000

Image thanks to Australian Traveller

Uluru. One of the seven natural wonders of the world. This stunning rock is an Australian Icon. So much so that it draws in more than 300,000 tourists a year who flock to the red rock and get a taste of the history and grandeur of Uluru. But what should you do when exploring Uluru? With so many tours, trips and activities out there, the choices can be harder to navigate than the Kimberley without a map. Well luckily for we’ve got a guide to all the best things to do around Uluru.

Skydive

Image thanks to Skydive Uluru

We’ve mentioned this before in our blog on Australia's best skydiving spots (you should totally check it out) but if you want to see Uluru from above then this is by far the best way to do it. Fall from 12,000ft at either day or dusk and see 360° around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National park for the best scenic views of this natural world wonder. Hands down. As the only one like it in the world, this skydive is truly one-of-a-kind and is well worth heading out to the Northern Territory to take the leap.

Helicopter

Image thanks to Professional Helicopter Services

Prefer to keep your body safe, sound, and not falling from 12,000ft but still want to see this big red rock from above? Jump in a helicopter for a scenic flight and soar through the skies. Why take a helicopter and not a plane? Helicopters have more flexibility when it comes to where they fly meaning you’re guaranteed to get a great view. And oh what a view. The scale of this giant rock is almost impossible to fathom from the ground. If you’re willing to spend the cash, seeing this amazing icon from the air is by far the best way to do it.

Uluru Base Walk

Image thanks to Parks Australia

Being free, this is by far the cheapest option. But that doesn’t mean it’s no good. Get up close and personal with Uluru, connect with the rock and understand its stories. The rock is big, like really big, and has a circumference of about 10.6km that takes about 3.5 hours to complete. But the walk is filled with a variety of different sections, each one offering something different. You’ll walk through acacia woodlands and grassed claypans. You will encounter bloodwoods, native grasses, waterways, and waterholes. There’s 4 sections in total, and depending on how you’re feeling you can either do them all at once or one at a time. Just remember to try to finish up before 11 am. It gets hot out there in the desert.

Fool-Uru

Image thanks to Stuff.co.nz

That’s right, this isn’t Uluru. But really that should be pretty obvious. Instead, this is Mount Conner (also known as Atilla), a massive mesa that tourists often mistake for Uluru when driving up from Alice Springs. The resemblance is there but overall the shapes are incredibly different. Because of this mistaken identity, locals have taken to calling the place ‘Fool-uru’. While you can’t visit Fool-Uru all by yourself (it’s on private property) you can see it with a great tour from SeeIt and get up close and personal with this ruse of a big red rock.

Sounds of Silence

Image thanks to Local Uluru Tours

Alright so to put it lightly, this is a bit pricey. But if you’re looking for a fancy night out in the Northern Territory, this is one of the best ways to do it. Watch the sunset over Uluru while drinking champagne then dine under the desert stars with this majestic red rock as the backdrop. This is probably one of the most unique dining locations in Australia, if not the world, and it’s a beautiful one at that. Making this a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Learn About Aboriginal Culture

Image thanks to Australian Geographic

Uluru is more than just a rock. It’s a place considered sacred to the native people of the land, the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people. The land of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been used for traditional ceremonies for over 10,000 years and hold a strong cultural significance with the lands people. There’s plenty of ways to experience and learn about this rich culture like heading to the area’s cultural center or by taking a guided tour. Once you’re able to gain a deeper understanding of this area’s rich culture and history you’ll appreciate this place even more.

Kings Canyon

Image thanks to Earth Trekkers

While Kings Canyon is 3 hours away no Uluru trip is complete without it. The canyon is majestic, featuring 100m high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch out across the desert. If you do decide to travel to Kings Canyon the rim walk is a must, giving you some of the best views of the area and is one of the safest ways to live life on the edge.

The Olgas

Image thanks to Viator

The Olgas (aka Kata Tjuta) are the other major draw to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. These ancient rocks are estimated to be over 500 million years old and sit about 40km west of Uluru. Kata Tjuta (meaning many heads) is a sacred site to the local Aboriginal people and has a few different walking trails so you can explore this ancient landscape. One of the best by far is the Valley of the Winds walk. Immerse yourself in the domes on this 7.4km walk, putting yourself away from everything and being at peace with the environment. The walk features two lookouts that give way to Mars-like landscapes surrounding Kata Tjuta as well as creek beds and more. Although the distance might scare you, the walk is easily worth the effort.

Camel Trekking

Image thanks to Tourism Central Australia

Although Camels aren’t native to Australia, they’re incredibly well suited to the Australian outback environment. In fact, Australia has the biggest wild camel population in the world.

Because camels are so well suited to the desert they’re incredibly good to explore the deserts of Uluru’s national park. Jump on a dromedary, roam the desert and live out your dream of crossing the desert on a camel-like Lawrence of Arabia, all with the stunning Uluru in the backdrop.

The Best Spots to Skydive in New Zealand

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 13:26:28 +1000

Image thanks to Gap Year

The land of the long white cloud is truly the adrenaline seekers heaven. And what better way is there to reach heaven than to jump out of a plane from 15,000ft (or even more), touch the sky, and then fall towards the ground at terminal velocity. That’s right. Today we’re talking about skydiving in New Zealand. But what makes a truly great skydiving spot? As we’ve said in a previous blog it’s all about the scenery. And with a country like New Zealand being made famous for having some of the worlds best scenery, there really isn’t a better place to take the leap. So where should you go in New Zealand to get your sky high adrenaline fix? Read more to find out.

Franz Josef/Fox Glacier

Image thanks to Skydive Franz

The Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are a pretty popular place to head when in New Zealand’s, South Island. People travel from all over the world to hike up these ancient glaciers. But what if we told you there was a better way to see them? What if we told you you could see them from 20,000ft up in the air? That’s right, not only is this the best way to see 360° scenic views of these amazing glaciers, but Skydive Franz Josefs 20,000ft Kea jump is the highest commercial tandem skydive in the world. With 85+ seconds of freefall from such a height, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the atmosphere, making these easily one of the best skydives in New Zealand, if not the world.

Taupo

Image thanks to Backpacker Guide NZ

Skydiving is one of Taupo's biggest businesses, and for good reason. Not only is it one of the more affordable Skydives (seriously, skydiving can get expensive), but it also provides some amazing scenery. For Lord of the Rings fans, skydiving in Taupo is likely to be a favourite. Falling from 15,000ft you’ll see major movie highlights like Mt. Ngauruhoe, the real-life Mt. Doom, as well as the ever stunning Lake Taupo, Tongariro National Park, and Mt. Ruapehu. If you’re looking for bang for your buck, with a little bit of Middle Earth thrown in the mix, Taupo should be your go-to.

Bay of Islands

Image thanks to Bookme

The Bay of Islands is one of the most scenic places in New Zealand’s North. Made up of 140 subtropical islands it’s known for its undeveloped beaches and rich Maori history. What better way to see such a wide variety of islands than a birds-eye view? Skydiving over the Bay of Islands is something special, and much like Franz Josef there’s the opportunity to jump from 20,000ft. That’s higher than Mt. Kilimanjaro which is only 19,341ft high. This means that after you’ve jumped out of a perfectly good plane you’ll get 85 seconds of free-fall and get the chance to revel in the beauty that is the Bay of Islands.

Abel Tasman

Image thanks to New Zealand Tourism

Abel Tasman is a special skydive. Jump from up to 16,500ft and get views of some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer. From turquoise blue waters to mountain ranges to rivers that cut through the land and more. There’s even the chance to get a view of both islands at once! With its landscape serving up a unique tasting plate of New Zealand’s best scenery, there really isn’t another skydive like it.

Queenstown

Image thanks to Everything Queenstown

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention Queenstown. As the adventure capital of the world, skydiving is as routine for locals as taking a walk in the park. But for you, this skydive is anything but routine. Jump from up to 15,000ft over the Wakatipu basin and get a birds-eye view of Queenstown's dramatic landscape with its rugged mountains and large open lakes. The big guys in the Queenstown skydiving team are Nzone Skydive and are also probably one of New Zealand's most experienced skydive companies. If you’re a bit hesitant to skydive, we recommend heading to Queenstown for your first leap of faith.

Freefall Xtreme

Image thanks to Velocity Valley

Go skydiving with no planes, no parachutes, and no death defying drops. If you’ve ever wanted to fly but haven’t been able to build up the courage Freefall Xtreme is for you. Located in Rotorua’s Velocity Valley (not actually a geographical valley) this giant wind tunnel shoots air out at 220km/h. Feel like you’re floating through the clouds in an essentially infinite freefall. The best bit is that after you’ve had a go at Freefall Xtreme you can explore the rest of the adventure park and have a go at some of their other awesome rides, like their freestyle airbag or a New Zealand classic, the bungy jump.

The Drop Zone

We’ll never be quite sure why humans go to such extremes for that adventure and excitement, but one thing we are sure about is that skydiving is almost always a great time. And with it being safer than ever (you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than be involved in a skydiving accident) literally anyone can do it. So why not book a dive and take the leap?

Did you miss your favourite skydive spot? Let us know on our facebook.

The Best Spots to Skydive in Australia

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 16:44:20 +1000

Image thanks to Greyhounds

Oh, humans. What an interesting bunch of creatures we are. Ever since the big, looming dangers of life slowly began to fade away we’ve searched endlessly for activities to spice things up a bit. Activities with the ever present thrill of running up to death's door, knocking, and then running away like a cheeky 10 year old. We’ve come up with all sorts of ways to live on the edge. Bungy jumping, bull fighting, running from bulls (we’re looking at you Pamplona) hangliding, cave diving, parkour, and of course the classic throwing yourself out of a plane and hoping the parachute opens, skydiving.

Although in theory skydiving is a terrible experience that nobody should endure these days it’s much safer - more akin to an extreme roller coaster at Disney. In fact, when it comes to tandem skydiving there’s only been a 0.002 fatalities per 1000 jumps on average over the past 10 years. You are more likely to die being stung by a bee or struck by lightning. When choosing where to jump it comes down to one major factor. Scenery. Skydiving is easily the best way to see the area from above, and the better the place looks the better your experience. If you don’t know where to take the leap of faith we’ve got you covered.

Mission Beach

Image thanks to Experience Oz

Australian Skydive locations tend to favour beaches. And when it comes to beaches, this is one of the best. While you won’t be doing HALO jumps like Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Fallout, you will be doing one of the best jumps Australia has to offer. Once you’ve recovered from the shock of throwing yourself out of a plane from 15,000ft you get some pretty spectacular panoramic views. Look out at 14km of pristine white sandy beaches, lush tropical rainforest, tropical islands, and the Great Barrier Reef. All in one view. All while falling at 200km/hr. If you’re in the area make it your mission to give this one a try.

Want to skydive at mission beach? Check out our skydive here.

Great Ocean Road

Image thanks to Skydive Australia

If you’re not in the Tropical North Queensland area the Great Ocean Road might be more your style. Jump out of a plane over the picturesque Great Ocean Road and get amazing views of the coast, as well as Port Phillip Bay and potentially even as far as Melbourne! Once you jump you’ll fall from 15,000ft at full speed while seeing some spectacular coastal scenery. The Great Ocean Road is easily one of Victoria’s best skydives.

Cairns

Image thanks to RedBalloon

Not a fan of the sun? Do you prefer a darker setting while you feel like you’re falling to your death? Are you a vampire who’s always wanted a skydive experience? Then head to Cairns, one of the few places in Australia that features night skydive. Feel like you’re on a top secret mission, diving into enemy territory, all while getting 360° views of the Cairns City lights twinkling in the distance.

Airlie Beach

Image thanks to Barrier Reef Dive Travel

A jump over the stunning Whitsundays. If you’re in the area this is easily one of the most beautiful skydives you can do. Get amazing views of the islands that dot the Whitsundays along with the deep blue waters and sparkling sands of the Great Barrier Reef all while feeling completely terrified as you fall over 200km/hr from up to 15000ft.

Fraser Island

Image thanks to RedBalloon

Was a beach landing high on the list for your next skydive? What if we could guarantee it 100% of the time? Welcome to Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, where everywhere is essentially the beach. Fall from up to 15,000ft and get views over Rainbow Beach, Tin Can Bay, and of course, the ever famous Fraser Island. The best bit is, after you land you can head out and explore this amazing island. Check out places like Indian Head, Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck and maybe even spot a dingo or two.

Looking to jump onto Fraser? Check out our Fraser Island Skydive here.

Uluru

Image thanks to Journey Era

The beach seems to be a theme with many Australian skydives. But if you’re sick of the sun, sea, and sand, we’ve gone from sand to well… even more sand! But this skydive is different. It’s a skydive that’ll make you think, this Ayers Rocks. Fall from 12,000ft above the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and get the best view of this natural wonder of the world. Hands down. And if you’re after something even more special, there’s the chance to do a sunset skydive, so you can go down at the same time the red sun does over the dusty, ochre coloured Aussie outback.

Indoor VR Skydiving

Image thanks to adrenaline

If you’re not feeling up to jumping out of a plane at 15,000ft (we can’t blame you) but still want a skydiving experience then head over to iFly. With locations in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth they’re pretty easy to get to. But if you’re not keen on compromise on the view iFly has you covered with VR skydiving. Always get the best scenery on your “skydive” while still remaining as close to the ground as possible. The best bit? You can do multiple dives without paying out the nose like you would for the real thing.

The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide to Magnetic Island

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 17:06:33 +1000

Image thanks to Sangeeta Kocharekar

Situated off the coast of Townsville; Magnetic Island, better known as ‘Maggie,’ by the locals, is your next paradise escape. In recent years, the tranquil island has become a tourist hotspot that welcomes all travelers to experience its 52 sqm land of palm trees, national park reserves, granite boulders and spectacular blue waters. Magnetic Island is home to only 2000 residents, making it the picture-perfect, stress-free destination for both extravagant and budget voyagers.

For the purpose of this article, we have created The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide of things to do on Magnetic Island.

Magnetic Island Transportation: On A Budget

Image thanks to SeaLink travel group

Those who experience motion sickness…fear not, Magnetic Island is a short 20-minute ferry ride from its neighbouring coast, Townsville, making it accessible for any occasion. There are two main services that both offer regular boat services between 6am and 10pm.

1. Sea Link

Sea Link offers up to 18 return trips daily and is considered the speedier foot passenger service. If you’re heading to the island for a day trip, you can expect to pay $7.50 to park your vehicle in their car park and an additional $34 for your adult return ticket.

2. Fantasea Ferry

For foot passenger services, Fantasea offers a competitive price of $28 return for adults and a $5 car park fee, however, takes around 40 minutes due to loading time and only offers 8 trips daily. If you plan on taking your car across to Maggie, Fantasea is the only car ferry service available. This in mind, it may not be the most appropriate ‘budget friendly’ option, costing between $103 and $115 each way.

To save yourself time and money, purchase tickets online, and leave your vehicle on the mainland. Once on the island, inexpensive travel services are easy to find. Aside from the taxi service, Magnetic Island also offers a bus and car hire.

Image thanks to Kyle Hunter

3. Sun Bus

The bus service operates between 6am and 10pm, making it an extremely convenient and cheap service at only $2-3 per ride or $8 for an unlimited travel day pass. Be sure to check the website for full timetables and pick up/drop off points.

4. Car Hire

Whether you’re an adventure seeker looking for a 4WD, dare-devil on a scooter, barbie girl looking for your tropical topless car or plan on self-driving your adventures around Magnetic Island in a mini-moke, you will be spoilt for choice. While scooters cost around $50 a day, 4WDs, at $100 per day are the safer option. Some roads on the island are only accessible by 4WD, therefore if you plan on finding the semi-deserted beaches, and spectacular lookout points securely, try team up with others and opt for the rental car.

Magnetic Island Activities: On A Budget

Magnetic Island is a haven for activities at a low to no cost commitment. From snorkelling and fishing, to walking, sun tanning and wildlife spotting, the island is a plethora of remarkable action or relaxation.

1. Walking

Image thanks to Bungalow Bay Backpackers

Forts Walk

Forts walk has become one of the Islands pertinent must-dos. The 4km walk includes beautiful lookouts, captivating historical infrastructure and adorable, but somewhat unsociable Magnetic Island koala. A 1-2-hour walk may seem daunting for some; however, the breathtaking panoramic views of Palm Island Group and Bowling Green Bay are sure to have you forgetting the workout woes.

From Horseshoe Bay to Radical Bay

This track hikes through a sharp gully of lush forests to a ridge of open woodlands. The 1.5-hour return walk allows you to stop off at Balding Bay, a secluded spot favoured by the nudist, before continuing over the ridge to Radical Bay. Here you will find a beautiful beach surrounded by boulders and pine.

From Picnic Bay to Hawkins Point

The easy 1.2km walk from the eastern end of Picnic Street in Picnic Bay to Hawkins Bay is another great track for travellers. The walk features views over the island to Nelly and Geoffrey Bays along with a large boulder fixture finale.

From Nelly Bay to Arcadia

This walk is a beautiful 5km one-way activity where travellers pass through vines, gradually climb to the saddle between Nelly and Horseshoe Bay, before following a ridge that leads onto a track to Arcadia Bay. If you have a bit of spare cash, head over to Arcadia Pub for a delicious and affordable feed.

2. Snorkeling

Image thanks to Adrenalin Surf and Dive

The cheapest way to experience the underwater marine life is to rent budget snorkelling gear and waterproof snorkelling cards for the day. For the beginners, we suggest either Florence Bay, Nelly Bay or Alma Bay where you can dive right off the beach - however, for the stronger swimmer, follow the trail to Geoffrey Bay and go clam spotting around the Moltke shipwreck. For a little bit of extra money, you may decide to opt for a half-day discovery cruise with Aquascene that takes you on a Magnetic Island Snorkelling Tour, to uncover the pristine and secluded reef.

Magnetic Island Accommodation: On A Budget

If you’re travelling with a group or seeking something self-contained, the first go to is Air BnBs, however for those backpackers looking for a Magnetic Island hostel, or Magnetic Island camping experience, here are our two suggestions.

1. YHA Bungalow Bay

Image thanks to Bungalow Bay Backpackers

For those looking for a quieter escape, YHA offers an array of accommodation options, from dorms and private rooms, to campsites that allows you to pitch a tent. Facilities include a swimming pool, bar and the renowned koala village where you can take a daily tour around the sanctuaries or sit back and relax with some bush tucker inspired menu delights. Bungalow Bay Koala Village advertises $189 package deals that include two nights in an 8-share bungalow, round trip ferry, 2 hour guided sanctuary tour and cuddle, full day snorkel gear hire and a chance to feed the local wallabies.

2. Base Backpackers

Image thanks to Base Backpackers

Keen to party? Base Magnetic Island has become famous for its full moon parties that take place each month between June and October. The sleeping arrangements range from cheap dorms and camping, to private rooms. There is nightly entertainment and a bar for guests staying, as well as a swimming pool to dip your toes into in the summer months.

Magnetic Island Eats: On A Budget

Image thanks to Picnic Bay Hotel

General Tips: For an extended stay, we recommend stocking up on some essential ingredients on the mainland before heading over to the island as they tend to be slightly expensive.

Breakfast/Lunch: Try out Shaka in Nelly Bay, or Magnetic Islands Bakery and Café for a morning pick me up of fresh bread, smoothies, and eggs.

Dinner: Head over to one of the three pubs on the island – Arcadia Motel, Picnic Bay Hotel and Marlin Bar, Horseshoe Bay Fish and Chips or Noodies on the beach for a Mexican feast without blowing your budget.

Magnetic Island is a holiday destination to do as much or as little as you’d like. Pack your sunscreen and sunglasses and take a trip to Magnetic Island.

Your Guide to the Ultimate Great Ocean Road Trip

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 16:46:28 +1000

A Great Ocean Road Trip. It just rolls off the tongue doesn’t it? Full of cruising down ocean highways, coastal views and chill vibes a Great Ocean Road Trip is a right of passage for both international backpackers and local Aussies alike. The Great Ocean Road itself is a two-lane highway that stretches across 243km, hugging the cliffside while it winds along the coast, passing small towns and iconic natural landmarks. The towns this road passes through are almost always coastal towns, and the ones that are host some of Victoria’s best beaches. If you’re a sucker for sun, sand, and surf then you’re in luck. So where should you go when you’re driving along this heritage-listed highway? Read more to find out.

Geelong

Image thanks to PlanetWare

Although technically not part of the Great Ocean Road, if you’ve got the time we recommend hanging out in Geelong for a day or two to start your trip. These days, most people heading for the Great Ocean Road skip Geelong, but as Victoria’s second largest city, the place has a lot to offer. If you’re up for some old fashioned fun head to Adventure Park Geelong, Victoria’s biggest water park, to speed down waterslides, chill out in the lazy river or challenge your mates to a round of mini-golf. If you’re looking for somewhere to hang out afterwards, you’re in luck. Just across the road is Flying Brick Cider, a local Cider maker with an awesome beer garden where you can sit back and relax on the grass with a drink in hand.

Geelong is also incredibly close to the Bellarine Peninsula, so there’s plenty of opportunity to explore beautiful areas like Ocean Grove, Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff, and Portarlington.

Torquay

Image thanks to Traveller.com.au

There aren’t two words that could describe Torquay better than laid-back. Time moves slowly here and it seems like a place free from stress - even the Snapper off the beach aren’t worried about the fisherman above. As the home of Rip Curl and Quiksliver, two great Australian surf brands, and plenty of great surf to match, this place is a beach bums dream. If you’re keen to surf some waves you’re best bet is Bells Beach, world-famous for its top-notch waves. If Bells Beach doesn’t take your fancy there’s still plenty of options like Point Impossible and Southside Beach. But you don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy Torquay. The beaches themselves are great places to sit back and relax on the sand while soaking up the sun. If you’re keen for a quality drink Torquay hosts two independent craft breweries - Bells Beach Brewing and Blackmans Brewery - both within walking distance to the beach. And of course with Rip Curl and Quiksilver being headquartered here, there’s plenty of great deals on clothing and surf gear at Surf City Plaza.

Lorne

Image thanks to Visit Victoria

Lorne is a local favourite among the towns that line the Great Ocean Road. With a bay protecting the area from harsh winds it hosts one of the calmer beaches along this historic highway, making it great for a swim, or just relaxing on the sands. If you head up into the hills you can find Teddy’s Lookout. It’s an unfortunate fact that the lookout wasn’t named after everyone's favourite kind of bear-shaped childhood friend, but instead after a ranger who once went there in the 1800s to round up stray cattle. Once you climb the steps up to the lookout you’ll be faced with stunning views over the town and coastline, and if you’re lucky you might even encounter a Koala or two.

Journey even further into the rainforest and you’ll come across Erskine Falls, a beautiful waterfall located just off of the appropriately named Erskine Falls Rd. The falls themselves are a peaceful place, especially if you go before the crowds, and unlike most of the falls in the area, these ones are easy to access. Speaking of easy to access, when the water levels are low you can actually walk right up to the falls via the rocks it cascades down onto to. Be careful though, it gets slippery!

Apollo Bay

Image thanks to Visit Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a cosy town and one of the largest along the Great Ocean Road. Full of fisherman, artists and musicians this tight-knit community is placed right in the center of the rainforest and the beach. Like much of the Great Ocean Road this town breathes surf culture, and with some of the areas best waves, the place is perfect for anyone looking to carve the ocean blue. On the other side of town is the Great Otway National Park, colloquially known as The Otways. This 1,032km² rainforest has had a checkered past due to heavy logging in the 1800s and a few forest fires over the years, but walking through this natural landscape feels like exploring an ancient land, unexplored and forgotten by time. This sense of mystery, combined with a few unconfirmed sightings, have resulted in a fairly low-level conspiracy in which the legend states that big cats (people mostly say panthers, but sometimes also refer to tigers and other big cats) are roaming through these dense rainforests.

But while you're probably not interested in seeing big cats marauding through the Otways, you might be more interested in seeing some more native wildlife, especially that of the cute and cuddly kind. That’s right, we’re talking about Koalas. Drive down the road to the Cape Otway lighthouse and you’re likely to spot quite a few Koalas going about their days in the trees. Just remember that these are wild animals, so even if you want to cuddle them (which everyone does) it’s best to watch from a distance.

Another amazing Otway location is the Otway Fly, a tour where you can explore the Otways by flying from giant to tree to giant tree à la zipline. Even if you’re afraid of heights the Otway Fly is always highly recommended.

Port Campbell

Image thanks to Visit Melbourne

We don’t think we’d offend anyone if we said there’s not much to do in Port Campbell. This small town of 478 people is a sleepy little area with the main attractions (in the place itself) being the Beach and Jetty. But what draws people to Port Campbell every year is just outside, the Port Campbell National Park. Spanning 1750 hectares this national park features some of the states best coastal scenery and tends to be the main reason that people embark on a Great Ocean Road Trip. Highlights include world-renowned sights like the 12 Apostles, which due to erosion has been reduced to only 8 apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, which features an inlet that is protected from the harsh ocean waves and makes for a great place to swim, London Arch, which was formally London Bridge until it ironically fell down, and plenty more amazing coastal sights. If you’re travelling the Great Ocean Road and you don’t at least come to check out Port Campbell National Park, you’re missing out.

Warrnambool

Image thanks to Visit Victoria

And here we are. The final destination on your trip along the historic Great Ocean Road. Discounting Geelong, Warrnambool is by far the biggest town along the Great Ocean Road. Once a station built on a foundation of whaling and sealing, the town is now a tourist hub and whale-watching hotspot. Warrnambool is a culmination of everything that makes the Ocean Road so great. Great waves to surf? Check. Beaches to lay on? Check. Top-notch natural scenery? Check, check and check.

If nature takes your fancy you’ve got a few options. Head to the very creatively named Middle Island and meet the Maremma Dogs that protect the local penguin population. If you’re more of a fan of mountainous mammals then travel to Logans Beach for some Whale watching. Not so keen on the creatures? Travel north to Hopkins Falls, which give off the sense of a scaled-down Niagra.

Another of Warrnambool's major attractions is the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village. This open-air maritime museum feels like a cousin to Ballarat’s ode to the gold rush, Sovereign Hill. Here you can step back in time and experience the history of Warrnambool’s past as a town making its way in the world through whaling and sealing. Walk down cobblestone streets lined with 1800s style buildings and pass people all dressed up in the historical attire. Chill out by the lake filled with old boats that are open for you to explore. There’s more to do here than your average museum.

Everything’s Bigger in Australia - Australia’s Best Big Things

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 13:12:46 +1000

Australia seems to be obsessed with bigger versions of regular things. There are an estimated 150+ big things littered all around Australia. Some began as tourist traps, while others began as works of folk art, but what all of them are now are a cult smash-hit. From the Big Banana - featuring as a major focus in the Dune Rats magnum opus Dalai Lama Big Banana Marijuana - to the 100 tonne Big Merino, this is one time where size really does matter. But not every big thing is equal, and today we’re the judge, jury, and executioner when it comes to deciding what some of Australia’s best big things are.

The Big Boxing Crocodile

Image thanks to Smith’s Lawyers

With a population of just over 4,000 people, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Humpty Doo. But what Humpty Doo does have is probably our vote for Australia’s best big thing - and if not, number 1 it’s at least top 5. The incredibly underrated Big Boxing Crocodile was built in 1987 by Humpty Doo local, Marcel Britnal. Standing at 13 meters high, this fully stacked semi-aquatic statue was an expensive endeavor. The croc cost $137,000 back in 1987 (or ~$334,347 today after inflation) in order to be strong enough to beat down the competition, as well as stand up to its own Ivan Drago, the savage tropical cyclone. The Aussie Boxing Kangaroo never stands a chance.

The Giant Koala

Image thanks to Melbourne Tourism

That Papier-mâché looking body. Those giant wiry ear hairs. That expression that somehow says “I’m unimpressed by every other koala” and “I’ll fight you if you look at me the wrong way”. And those eyes. Those giant beady discolored eyes. This by far wins the scariest looking big thing in Australia, and we’ve even got The Big Funnel Web Spider.

Image thanks to Guinness World Records

Located in Dadswells Bridge, Victoria the Koala was built in 1989 on the tail end of the big thing boom. At 14 meters tall and a weight of 10 tonnes the sculpture was created by Ben Van Zetton. It’s got a store inside the koala, which feels a bit weird entering a giant animal, where you can buy all sorts of koala based tat. If you’re ever heading between Melbourne and Adelaide, why not stop off and say hey to this big Aussie icon.

The Big Guitar

Image thanks to TripAdvisor

While not Australia’s biggest guitar - that honour goes to Tamworth’s Big Golden Guitar - this is Australia’s biggest playable guitar (and the world’s second-biggest). Located in Narrandera, NSW this acoustic guitar was built by Robert Palmer in 1988 and took more than 300 hours to complete. The guitar is almost 6 meters long and takes two people to play and is almost exclusively used as a giant Wonderwall playing device. Or at least we hope so.

The Big Banana

Image thanks to Coffs Coast

The Big Banana in Coffs Harbour is said to be one of Australia’s first big things, kicking off the big thing craze. Built by Alan Harvey in the span of just 3 months this 13m long bright yellow berry is about 70x as big as your average peelable plantain. The banana marks the entrance to the Big Banana Fun Park, but nobody really intends to stop off for the park alone. The Banana itself is the real attraction making it an Aussie tradition to stop off and say hi while travelling through Coffs down the East Coast. As always with many tourist traps, there’s a gift shop to mark the occasion you first visited this giant fruity foodstuff. If you’re passionate about your potassium, you’re in luck. The gift shop allows you to buy a bewildering bevy of banana related things. Including fresh bananas, dried bananas, banana lollies, chocolate-coated bananas and more. In the words of the great Gwen Stefani from her masterpiece ‘Hollaback Girl’, “This sh*t is bananas, b-a-n-a-n-a-s”.

The Big Pineapple

Image thanks to Atlas Obscura

Yet another fruity big thing. Fruit and veg seem to be a favourite when it comes to Australia's supersized statues. The Big Pineapple joins the ranks of the Big Apple (not the New York kind), the Big Avocado, The Big Banana, The Big Mango, The Mandarin, as well as many more among the community of big things. The Big Pineapple is indeed one big pineapple. The structure is about 16 meters high or about 64 pineapples high and was built as a kind of roadside advertisement for the tourist destination of the then Sunshine Plantation. The place is now actually pretty cool as it hosts the yearly Big Pineapple Music Festival and features some acts as big (or even bigger) than the pineapple itself.

The Big Wine Cask

Image thanks to Pedestrian.Tv

Alright. We said the Big Boxing Crocodile was the best, but the Big Wine Cask gives it a run for its money. This true blue Aussie icon, a monument to wild nights and bad decisions on a shoestring budget was built sometime around 2010 by the Stanley Winery in Buronga, New South Wales. Standing at 8 metres high, 11 metres long and 7 metres wide this garage-sized goon back could potentially hold 400,000 litres of sweet sweet boxed wine. Gives a whole new meaning to Fruity Lexia makes you sexier.

But now we come to the unfortunate part of this story. A national tragedy and the reason why this amazing monument lags behind the Big Boxing Crocodile in our list of best big things. The Big Wine Cask is no more. After Stanley’s parent company rebranded in 2012 and painted over the water purification plant turned giant wine dispenser, now turning it into a nondescript shed in the middle of woop-woop. We hope that after such a disaster, the Big Wine Cask is enjoying it’s time up with the Great Goon Bag in the sky.

Dishonorable Mentions:

The Big Potato

Image thanks to Claire Garner

Honestly, what are we even doing here. The Big Potato in Robertson gets a lot of flack. And for good reason. This brown lump of condensed concrete disguised as an enlarged starch ball is barely an attraction. The unspectacular oversized spud was built in 1977 by the very proud local potato grower, Jim Mauger, and while the attraction was originally supposed to house a potato information centre it became too expensive and was instead left there, alone to silently contemplate its incompetency. Meaning that this overemphasised beige protuberance is as about as useful as the ‘ay’ in ‘okay’. I will however, give it props for being the target of a pretty great guerilla art installation back in 2010 when it was turned into The Big Mr. Potato Face.

Image thanks to Idiot4Hire

Battle Of The Ride Shares

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 13:06:30 +1000

Let’s play a little game.

Regina Georgie and Katie Heron
Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader
Austin Powers and Dr Evil

You may ask, what do these all have in common? In all honesty, if you spent more than three seconds dwindling on an answer, the door is that way.

Moving on! I invite those familiar with these well-known movie battles to witness an even more disastrous, truly spine crawling and nasty fight of the century.

That is: The battle of ride shares.

What is it that sends these drivers into hour long displays of anger and scrutiny that we as passengers never asked to be told about? Competition. So, instead of spending time with a creepy driver, repulsive smell, or deceitful route that costs a whole lot more, we have come up with the Top 4 ride shares directly competing with Uber in Australia that may or may not be offering you the service you expect.

DiDi

Image thanks to The Weekend Edition

DiDi, which launched in 2018 onto Melbourne’s streets is a ridesharing app and is now considered one of the largest taxi services operating in Asia, Australia and South America. The website is clean, informative, and hosts the slogan “Start driving towards better earnings”. So yes, for people like me living out of home and trying to save my pennies for that extra magnum ice-cream before bed, it screams pick me!

Where: DiDi is a low fare rideshare available in, Melbourne, Geelong, Newcastle and Brisbane.

Cost: Move aside Uber, DiDi offers a similar pricing structure but with cheaper rates. Looking at the nitty gritty details, Didi’s minimum fair is 52 cents less than uber, it's time fair is 5 cents less than uber and its base fair is 2 cents less than uber. For the first 7 kilometres they charge a $1.08 distance fee which drops down to $0.98 cents while Ubers remains at $1.10. Avoid the $10 uber fee and sleep well at night knowing DiDi’s cancellation payment sits at $6.

Perks: Share the app to anyone and everyone and reap the benefits of a generous $20 referral fee.

Safety: The mobile app offers a 24/7 emergency hotline.

Verdict: DiDi conquers.

Ola

Image thanks to ET Auto

Ola, is a ride sharing app that arrived in early 2018 and has been growing throughout the Australian market ever since. The website claims it’s more affordable, puts safety first, and is fairer for all. Let’s take a little look at if this app is a true competitor or can be put in its place by the prospering Uber.

Where: Available in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Canberra and Adelaide.

Cost: Ola, like Uber is highly competitive, however it offers identical rates. The base rate of $2.50, minimum fair of $9, and $1.45 charge per kilometre is mirrored.

Perks: Ola offers launch fare discounts when it opens up in a new city as well as first-time rider deals. Just like Uber, Ola also rewards its users with credit for referrals and targeted promo codes on occasion to expand in Australia.

Safety: Ola has included many safety features built into the app, for example inviting family and friends to follow the journey of the passenger to ensure their travel route is monitored.

Verdict: Uber has won the war over Ola who cannot provide as many locations or ranges of vehicles.

GoCatch

Image thanks to GoCatch

Considered the two leading players in cab technology in Australia, GoCatch battles with Uber for the title using their slightly different operating model. Considered a more deluxe service which offers airport transfers, hotel transfers, executive and luxury transfers – as listed on the website, GoCatch targets both affordable everyday rides, and premium leather seated quality services.

Where: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Adelaide and Perth

Cost: GoCatch, unlike those previously mentioned runs its services using registered taxi drivers and metered fares. Unlike Ubers surcharge pricing, where rates increase at peak hours, GoCatch operates using official metered taxis that remain the same at all times. This in mind, both Uber and GoCatch have their pros and cons, with Uber proving to be more affordable overall, using their own vehicles and GoCatch ruling over Uber in the peak hours.

Perks: GoCatch offers no surge fees, and free ride credit for first time riders. They also have a simple and convenient loyalty programme, GoCatch Rewards where you can earn and redeem GoCoins for future rides.

Safety: Of all the services, GoCatch takes the cake in safety measures. All GoCatch drivers are cross checked for driver accreditation, relevant regulations, and full insurance in case of an accident. Any drivers that miss a fare consistently, are known to be rude, or overcharge will be penalised or banned immediately

Verdict: For a premium service that provides high standards of safety and removes the undesirable surcharge, GoCatch is on the ball, however the strong app payment process and the overall cheaper pricing of Uber means that the two end in a friendly draw.

Taxify, now known as ‘Bolt’

Image thanks to TechCentral

Fairly new rideshare service Taxify, based in Estonia, offers affordable lifts throughout the world that comes into direct competition with Uber. Initially, the company boasted substantial discounts to create word of mouth and woo over Uber clients but this has slowly decreased over time. In saying this, the company is considered a viable option for rideshare passengers. We’re here to take a closer look.

Where: Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.

Cost: The cost of Taxify is very similar to Uber with a $9 minimum fare on all rides, $1.45 charge per kilometre and $2.50 base fare. In terms of cancellation fees, Taxify soars above Uber, slashing their prices in half, however Ubers booking fee removes the $0.10/km booking fee that Taxify includes.

Perks: Both Uber and Taxify offer first-time users free ride credit, along with unique deals and discounts at irregular times. Uber, however offers a $12 sign up bonus off unlike Taxify.

Safety: Although Taxify includes a list of safety tips in their support section of the website which advertises the commitment they provide to the safety and security of their passengers, they have been scrutinised multiple times over their “vetting standards” that are considered below average.

Verdict: Taxify may have come to the battle with early victory, however after a few years, Uber has eventually taken back its spot above Taxify.

There we have it, the full run down on Australia’s ride share market and never-ending battle. Uber may or may not still be one of the most popular rides share app, however DiDi takes the top position on the throne with its unbeatable pricing.

A Beginner’s Guide: Things To Do In Bali

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 13:00:39 +1000

From exotic temples and volcanic mountains, to bustling streets and local cuisine, Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Indonesian archipelago. Fear not; For the Bali novice, we’ve put this ‘beginners guide’ together to help you get the most out of your first and definitely not last visit to this fascinating Island.

Getting Zen in Bali

Canggu:

Image thanks to A Broken Backpack

Whether you’re a yogi, or just a traveller wanting to escape to a tropical paradise, Canggu is your prime destination. Located a short twenty-minute drive from Seminyak, Canggu is Bali’s Byron bay. It’s boho atmosphere, warm hospitality and café culture makes it one of the most relaxing and delicious visits. Be sure to try out a sunrise guided meditation at the Yoga Barn overlooking the ambient rice fields before heading over to Peloton Supershop for an aesthetically pleasing and rather indulgent breakfast.

Seeking a spot to wind down and read a book? Spend the day exploring Canggus Batu Bolong or Berawa beach before catching the magical sunset at 5:30pm.

Ubud:

Image thanks to The Travel Brief

At the heart of Bali is Ubud’s Sacred Monkey Forest, a natural forest sanctuary home to some very playful monkeys. Devote a day to admiring the animals nibbling on bananas and swinging through a fairyland of canopies while you walk past beautiful ancient temples and leafy statues.

For the people staying outside Ubud, be sure to make the most of the trip by visiting the renowned Ubud Art Market and sweeping rice fields. Locals from neighbouring villages come each day to display beautiful silk scarves, leather souvenirs, handwoven bags and other hand-crafted goods as a way to highlight their Balinese artistry and talent. Tegalalang Rice Terrace is one of the more popular tourist hotspots in Bali featuring sweeping fields of lush green rice terraces.

Uluwatu:

Image thanks to Viator

Positioned on a frighteningly tall limestone cliff edge, Uluwatu’s Temple, locally known as Pura Luhur - Uluwatu offers an exotic seascape, and is a beautiful late afternoon activity to wander through twisting pathways where monkeys playfully sit. At 6pm every day, the locals showcase the traditional Sunset Kecak fire dance which features the story from the Ramayana epic. The absenteeism of accompaniment, and the male polyrhythmic singing makes it a very unique artistic rendition performed in the open amphitheatre overlooking the ocean below.

Nightlife in Bali

Image thanks to Time Out

After exploring the rich culture, and relaxing beaches, Bali offers a row of bars, pubs and nightclubs to drink, dine and dance well into the night. Each spot offering their own unique experience, it becomes challenging to know where to begin. Our advice:

Seminyak:

Image thanks to The Beat Bali

Motel Mexicolaas the name suggests is a dining fiesta filled with bright colours, loud music, and traditional plates of tostadas, tacos and quesadillas. Be ready to dance the night away… on tables, with a margarita in hand.

Mirror Lounge and Club offers a chic partying scene with neon lasers that spotlight the gothic cathedral inspired interior. Inviting world class DJ’s to perform, this club is signature for its youthful crowds, and signature cocktails.

La Favela is one of Bali’s most magical and superb spots to appreciate vintage interiors, and stencil art inspired by the forests of Indonesia. At night, the bar lights up the sky with beautiful fairy lights and glowing pools making it a popular spot to have a drink or three.

Legian:

Image thanks to Bali Go Live Guide

Dominating the southern edge of the rooftop, the Sky Garden bar is renowned for its triple vodka fruit shakers and sky shisha menu that offers visitors fruity flavours overlooking a 180-degree view above Legian. Once you've pleased your appetite, head to the Sky Dome, Legian's main club, hosting international guest DJ’s, free flow Bintangs, and pumping music. Take note: this spot isn't for the faint hearted. It remains packed and lively well into the night, occasionally blasting showers of confetti onto the party goers.

Canggu:

Image thanks to Tripadvisor

Dine at The Lawn for a relaxing beach front restaurant experience with the soundtrack of waves and music as the sun goes down. The beach lounge is perfect for guests to share food and drinks while an intimate dinner in the dining area is perfect for a romantic and indulgent display of the island’s freshest ingredients.

Famous for its multiple pools, bars, 150 metres of beachfront and daily DJ’s, Finns Beach Cluboffers beds in the day and party beds at night. Enjoy the share boards with friends while knocking back the assortment of cocktail jugs on offer, all with a view of Bali’s famous surf break, Berawa break.

On a Wednesday night Old Man’s Bar becomes a very trendy beer garden enthralled with Balinese parasols, cosy lounges and a combination of both locals, and visitors. The fun atmosphere that is “Dirty Ol’ Wednesday invites anyone and everyone to party the night away with drinking games, DJ’s and endless amounts of table tennis.

Conclusion

One last thing to take note, avoid the rain and book your next trip to Bali during the Island’s dry season: May to October.

Thank us later.

Woman Incredibly Nervous Going Through Airport Security Despite Doing Nothing Wrong.

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 11:33:57 +1000

Denpasar International Airport, Bali - On the final day of her ‘Bali trip with the girls’ Australian backpacker, Karen Desmoines wandered through the Balinese international airport with unease.

“I know I’ve done nothing wrong” stated Desmoines as she began visibly sweating “but I’ve seen Border Security. They’ll get anyone.”

Above: Karen Desmoines as she starts to consider how she would survive a harsh Balinese Prison. Photo by Charles and Allie

Desmoines noted that she had recently partaken in some of the ‘Devils Lettuce’ while on a self described ‘wild night with her mains’ while partying on Kuta Beach just 7 nights ago. “Maybe I accidentally got some drugs in my luggage, or that shady looking guy I saw before stashed something in my bag. I don’t want to be the next Shapelle Corby. Oh god, I’m going to jail.” Desmoines stated as she started to have the onset of a panic attack. “I’ve got so much to live for, I just wanted to come to Bali and get absolutely waste… I mean to do yoga and find myself.”

Later reports state that Desmoines proceeded through Balinese customs without a hitch, and was even told by guards by how incredibly uninteresting her luggage was.

3 Places you have to Visit in Australia’s “Top End”

Fri, 01 Feb 2019 13:49:22 +1100

Three and a half years ago I came to Australia for the first time. Like most backpackers, I started with a tour in the East Coast, checking out Cairns, the Gold Coast, Whitsundays, Sydney and even ventured down to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup. It was incredible! I was in love!

I was perfectly content to spend the rest of my time in Australia in and around Sydney, the idea of visiting the Northern Territory didn’t even cross my mind. But then, I met my current boyfriend who convinced me to move to Darwin (the capital city of the Northern Territory or the “Top End.”) It wasn’t until I was camping under the stars, in the red dirt, next to a waterfall that I felt like I experienced the “real Australia.” I loved it so much in the NT that I stayed there for the remainder of my two-year visa!

Why did I like the Northern Territory so much? The great outdoors is where it is at in the NT! Camping, fishing, and hiking just to name a few. I have visited so many magical places it would be nearly impossible to name them all, I’ll have to focus on some of my absolute favourite places to check out in Australia’s “Top End.”

1) Litchfield National Park

Image thanks to NT News

Litchfield is only a short one hour drive from the Northern Territory’s capital city of Darwin and has some spectacular waterfalls, all within only a couple minutes driving from each other! Due to its close distance to Darwin, a day trip is very easy. However, for those with a tent, great camping grounds right next to the waterfalls are available for only a couple dollars per person.

Some of the best places to check out in Litchfield National Park are:

Buley Rockhole

Image thanks to Photoart

Several small natural swimming pools connected by little waterfalls and natural slides. It’s a great place to relax after you’ve done a bit of exploring around the park. Go for a swim in the cool water while being surrounded by stunning scenic bush surrounds.

Wangi Falls

Image thanks to Daniel Courtney

Wangi Falls is one of Litchfield's most popular attractions and the biggest of the falls. In the dry season, it is possible to swim here and you dare, swim to the waterfall and climb the cliff up to a little natural pool. There is also a short hike to the top of the falls for an amazing view of the park!

The Termite Mounds

Image thanks to The Nomadic Explorers

You won’t see any waterfalls here, but if you’ve never seen massive termite mounds in Australia before then this is the place to be. The termite mounds are huge and can be as tall as 4 meters high. It’s the kind of thing you’ll have to see to believe.

2) Kakadu National Park

Image thanks to Northern Territory Indigenous Tours

Kakadu National Park is a fair bit more remote than Litchfield and much bigger. If you want some breathtaking lookouts, waterfalls, and a peek back in time at Australia’s aboriginal history, then Kakadu is the place! It is world famous, and for good reason. It could take weeks to properly explore the entire park, but within a couple days (especially with a guide) it is possible to check out the highlights.

My highlights of Kakadu National Park are:

Jim Jim Falls

Image thanks to Daniel Courtney

Rising over 200m high Jim Jim Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park. There is a bit of a hike to get to this one, but it is worth it! The waterfall hangs over the edge of a deep cliff and falls into a round swimming hole which is a great place to chill out after hiking all the way there. Do be aware that during the wet season (or when there’s any heavy rain) the area becomes submerged and can only be seen by air, so plan your trip beforehand!

Ubirr

Image thanks to Journey Era

Here is where visitors can see traditional artwork that dates back thousands of years. There is tons of information available here to learn about the traditional ways of the Aboriginal people who once lived here. In addition, there is a small hike to a lookout over the valley where you can see amazing views while getting a mysterious selfie of you staring off into the sunset.

Gunlom Falls

Image thanks to AAT Kings

Gunlom Falls is great because it is two experiences in one place. There is a swimming area at the bottom of the falls which is a nice place to relax. But there is also a hike to the top of the waterfall with an amazing view! It is possible to swim here as well in the pool known as “nature’s infinity pool.” You won’t want to miss this one.

3) Katherine and Area

Image thanks to ABC

Katherine is a small town about 3 hours driving from Darwin. The town of Katherine doesn’t have too much to offer, but it is a great place to spend a couple of nights to explore the surrounding nature areas. The places you cannot miss when visiting Katherine are:

The Katherine Gorge

Image thanks to Venture North Safaris

This gorge is world-famous and featured in tons of movies! You can take a boat ride along the gorge or rent kayaks and spot crocodiles for yourself. The boat stops off at a waterfall which is a really great place to swim. There are also many different hikes in and around the gorge.

Edith Falls

Image thanks to Katherine Times

Another amazing waterfall! This waterfall has several levels to explore. There is a nice campground here too with great facilities so it makes for a nice place to spend the night.

Bitter Springs (Mataranka)

Image thanks to We Are Explorers

This is essentially a slow-moving river through the greenery. The river is warm and has a sandy bottom. Visitors start at one point and then float down a few minutes to another area. I have never seen anywhere else like it before.

For many, Australia’s top end is the real Australia. Sparse sandy deserts broken up by rusty red rocks combined with stunningly beautiful gorges and waterfalls. These are only a couple of the amazing places I explored while in the Northern Territory. There is so much to do outdoors, and so much adventure! I will forever recommend travelling to the Top End to everyone. I can’t believe I almost didn’t go! But, I’m sure glad I did.

Bailey Busslinger

About the Author

After her two years in Australia, Bailey has set off travelling around the world. She has been to over 40 countries and is always in the search for her next adventure. Bailey writes about her experience on her travel blog, Destinationless Travel.

Why Cairns Should Absolutely Be On Your Travel List

Wed, 09 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +1100

When it comes to great Australian cities, Cairns is often forgotten about. Now Cairns is not big by any means but like the saying goes, it’s not the size that matters, it’s what you do with it. And for such a small place, Cairns has a lot to offer. Located in the Tropical North Queensland is this comparatively little city is a dream to adventurers and tourists alike bringing a mix of coral reefs and tropical beaches nearby lush rainforests and mountain views. There really is a little something for everyone and every bit is as exciting as the next.

The Great Barrier Reef

Image thanks to The Great Barrier Reef Foundation

People who say the Great Barrier Reef is overrated are wrong. The place is out of this world amazing and really one of a kind. With it’s mix of unique and sometimes rare wildlife with the colourful coral reefs makes this place amazing. The best way to see the reef is to go snorkeling or scuba diving at any of the 2,900 individual reefs that make up the whole Great Barrier Reef. In the end you’ll probably end up going back because after going one time, you’ll still have barely scratched the surface. Many excursions offer extra activities on the day trips like helicopter rides, semi-submarines and guided snorkel trips which are great if you’re curious to learn about what you are actually seeing instead of just looking at this beautiful place.

Fitzroy Island

Image thanks to Fitzroy Island

Fitzroy Island is a small resort island 45 minutes off the coast of Cairns. If you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy some water activities, get a great view of the mainland or experience some beautiful reefs then this is the place to be. Fitzroy Island has 4 different hiking trails for all skill levels, 3 beaches to relax and enjoy, 2 reef locations to snorkel at, and 1 awesome water trampoline! Plus a bunch of other fun activities.

This island is not to be missed! Great for a day trip or head to the island resort to stay a few nights. You can even be extra adventurous and camp next to the beach! If you’re after a challenge, hike up to the trail to the summit and get beautiful panoramic views of the island.

Travelers tip: If you’re going to enjoy the beach make sure you wear shoes since the beach is crushed coral instead of sand.

Daintree Rainforest

Image thanks to Destination Daintree

Thought to be the oldest rainforest in the world, the experience you’ll have here is almost magical. Head up to the Mossman Gorge to walk across the suspension bridge. Reward your bravery afterwards with a nice dip into the Mossman River below. Other activities in the rainforest include Crocodile River Cruises, hiking, and looking out for wildlife like koalas, cassowaries, and kangaroos! The Daintree should definitely earn a spot on your to do list.

Palm Cove

Image tanks to Peppers

If you are looking for a beautiful beach town with that resort life vibe check out Palm Cove. It’s about 45 minutes public transport from Cairns and is the definition of paradise. With the beach lined with quaint, boutique type restaurants and cafes (we recommend the Fish’n’Chips at Chill Cafe) ,there is plenty to do here.

Fish ‘n Chips at Chill Cafe-Image thanks to TripAdvisor

Take a kayak tour around the nearby island aptly named Double Island, go window (or real) shopping, hire a standup paddle board, or just take a well deserved nap in a hammock on the beach. Whatever you decide to do will be a great choice.

Cairns is absolutely a gem of a town. With a free lagoon right in the middle of town that kids and adults can cool off in, to street performers and tasty food there is something for everyone. If Cairns isn’t on your list of places to go you are doing yourself an injustice.

Your Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Xmas and New Year in Australia

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 10:23:06 +1100

While most of the world spends their white Christmas and New Year’s bundled up like a burrito, Christmas and New Years in Australia is different. It’s a unique experience where you can catch Santa surfing in his board shorts while you fire up a BBQ by the beach. Put away the scarves and check out these 15 fantastic ways that you can spend Christmas or countdown to the New Year in the land down under.

1. The Ultimate Xmas Eve Cruise by OzParty

Image thanks to Ozparty

Where: Cargo Bar, King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour

This is the ultimate party for you to enjoy a fun boozy packed night on Christmas Eve while cruising by the beautiful Sydney Harbour with 850 other partygoers. Get your most festive Christmas outfit ready for a selfie on the split level glass island boat and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner with all-inclusive drinks. Tickets also include FREE after party entry and epic prizes to be won! Tickets are selling fast so grab them ASAP for an unforgettable Xmas eve night with your mates.

2. Falls Festival at Marion Bay

Image thanks to Life Without Andy

Where: Marion Bay, Tasmania

Kick off the end of December with Falls Festival and if you don’t know what all the hoo-ha is about, you should. You can’t actually say you have partied in OZ unless you have been to one of the Falls Festivals. Tickets entitle you to 3 days of camping onsite and three endless days of entertainment with the hottest DJs and top bands. We can’t think of a more wicked way to welcome in the New Year.

3. Island Life NYE Party

Image thanks to Nomadsworld

Where: Magnetic Island, Townsville, Queensland

Australia’s very own answer to Thailand’s Koh Pha Ngan Full Moon Party ever since 2004 and every year they are bigger and better. Say goodbye to the past and be sure to never look back. With fire twirlers and dancing vibes flying between the mass of 3000 bodies on an island beach with a sick view, this is Australia’s most iconic outdoor party that will be a night that you may or may not remember.

4. White Party NYE Party at Gold Coast

Image thanks to White Party

Where: Gold Coast, Queensland

Did you keep that sexy white dress stashed somewhere because you can’t find the occasion to wear it? Whip it out and strut it in style at the White NYE Party on the Gold Coast where you party from sunset till sunrise on a two-levelled spacious boat cruise. Tickets are very limited, so jump on board now to welcome the new year on a high note.

5. Woodford Folk Festival

Image thanks to Woodford Folk Festival

Where: Woodford (just outside Brisbane)

The Woodford Folk Festival is an Australian New Years mainstay that has been drawing people to Woodford from the 27th of December to the 1st of January for over 30 years. Each year construction starts in early December while people work hard install bars, food places, craft and merch stalls and more before hosting more than 2,000 local and international artists and musicians. The place is puts out more good vibes than the Dalai Lama making it a magical experience not to be missed.

6. Christmas Day on the Beach

Image thanks to Bondi 38

Where: Bondi Beach, Sydney

Spend your Christmas day relaxing by the beach and enjoy a Christmas day picnic under blazing blue skies. Unwind at the iconic Bondi Beach by day where all the action happens and catch the Sydney Harbour Fireworks at night. If you are looking to escape the crowd, head to one of Sydney’s secret beaches. You can snorkel off the coast of Shelly beach or just watch the world go by at the hidden sandy spot of Milk beach for a truly unique Australian Christmas.

7. Freedom Time

Image thanks to Freedom Time

Where: Roe St Carpark, Northbridge, Perth

Get your dancing shoes on and party like it’s the end of the world at Freedom Time. A certified good time and NYE mecca for people who love to dance. Head on down to Roe St Carpark in Northbridge (because when you think about it, an empty car park is the perfect place to party) for a Day/Night party featuring a booming sound system with good vibes and a line-up of amazing DJ’s to match.

8. Space Ibiza NYD Party

Image thanks to ER Productions

Where: Greenwood Hotel, Sydney

Start the New Year with a bang at the biggest Underground house and Techno party in Sydney. The no.1 club Space Ibiza is bringing the Annual NYD Party and each year they boast the biggest line-up ever with many international artists and the best local supporting acts. This is one event you absolutely cannot miss so grab your tickets right now to start the year right here in sun-soaked Sydney!

9. NYE Party at Gilligans + The Attic in Cairns

Image thanks to Gilligan’s

Where: Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort, Cairns

Dress to impress at the Las Vegas themed party at Gilligan’s NYE Party. Book a stay at a great backpacker hostel accommodation located in the heart of Cairns and get a discounted rate for a crazy night of fun without breaking the bank.

10. NYE at Monsoon, Darwin

Image thanks to Monsoons

Where: Monsoons, Mitchell Street, Darwin

Monsoons Bar at Darwin is bringing their very own party this Christmas in the Northern Territory and the atmosphere is hot as ever. Put on your favourite clothes and go twinning with your BFF at the NYE Party and have the time of your life with resident DJ’s and special guests!

11. New Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular

Image thanks to Viator

Where: South Bank Parklands, South Bank

If getting as physically drunk as possible is not on your new year wish list, enjoy an evening of free fireworks shows and ring in the New Year with a complete list of entertainment at Brisbane’s Fireworks Spectacular in South Bank. Celebrations start as early as 3pm where you can catch free live music performances by City Sounds Artists and free movies at the Cultural Forecourt. Grab a bite at the many food trucks serving up all sorts of food from around the world from 11am onwards. Savoury sausage sizzles or sweet Nutella filled donuts? You name it they got it. The first fireworks show starts as early as 8:30pm so be sure to arrive early to secure a good spot!

12. New Years Eve Backpacker Party

Image thanks to Wicked Club Crawl

Where: Surfers Paradise Life Saving Club

Let loose to welcome the new year with hot backpackers and the best local DJ at Gold Coast. Party hard at the massive balcony and see the Midnight Fireworks right in front of your eyes! The music is pumping at this exclusive private beach front party and there is no better way to bring in the New Year in style at the Gold Coast.

13. New Year’s Eve @ Loop Roof Melbourne

Image thanks to Loop Roof

Where: Loop Roof, 23 Meyers Place, Melbourne

Get front row seats to Melbourne City’s New Years fireworks on the top of the best open air rooftop bar with and make sure to start your night with an exotic Espresso Martini. The view is bonza and the atmosphere is awesome so get dressed and dance till the early hours upstairs, then head down and keep the party going well into the new year at Loop Roof’s very own Laneway nightclub.

14. New Year’s Eve Night Garden Party in Melbourne

Image thanks to Melbourne Food Festivals

Where: Hopscotch, Riverside Quay, Southbank, VIC 3006

Countdown to the New Year under the stars at Hopscotch’s magical night garden festival. Enjoy house spirits and pork tacos or have a nitro ice cream while watching the riverside fireworks lighting up the Melbourne skyline.

15. New Year’s Eve with the Taste of Tasmania

Image thanks to ShowFX

Where: Princes Wharf Shed No. 1, Hobart

Hobart is one of the coolest places to spend the New Year in Australia as you see the usually sleepy city burst into life during the New Year’s Eve party featuring the island’s sensational food and beverages, captivating entertainment and the best view of the midnight fireworks you’ll find on the waterfront.