#cheap hostels melbourne

[didnt-hear-cold-as-you-live]

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[bikepack]

#2/3/4/5/6

I’m clumping these days into one post because I hadn’t actually started bikepacking, more just being leisurely and touristy. On day two I slept in and then went to Melbourne zoo, it took up most of the afternoon and the sun had set by the time I made it back to the hostel. I topped the day off with a nice rooftop spa. On the third day I biked to Fitzroy to do some op shopping. Didn’t have much luck. In the afternoon I met up with Patch again and we wandered around the city, visiting the art museum, gardens and having some drinks a cool city bar. The fourth day I packed my gear up and left the hostel, bound for Werribee. A decent warm-up ride of about 40km. It was the evening when I arrived and Patch had kindly invited me to stay with them. I ended up staying way longer than I planned and we binged somewhere in the ballpark of 15 movies, went for a walk down the werribee river and most importantly traveled to Footscray to get what was the best sandwich of my life, a Vietnamese Banh Mi. Eventually I said my goodbyes and got to pedalling towards Geelong for the ferry to Tasmania later that evening. I went into shock when I made it two minutes out of Werribee and it was a barren gravel road. Only for 5km then I was on tarmac again. At some point I decided I wanted to go to Tasmania, since it was a fairly cheap ferry and I didn’t know when else I’d ever go. It was 50km or so from Werribee and I made it with half an hour to spare before it departed for the night. The sailing was 11 hours, and as uncomfortable as the seats were I was super tired and slept for most of it.

[alexiusgoesrogue]

Status update: Jan 22nd

After three failed attempts, the main flights were finally booked. The trip to England had to be cut out, because for some weird reason, (at least) one airline kept on being the reason to continuously cancel my bookings before they could even process the payments.

Instead, the trip officially starts on Feb 7th, going from Bremen Central Station by train down to Düsseldorf International Airport. From there, the first flight stops in Dubai for a brief layover (and airplane switch) to then head over to Melbourne, and after one last layover arrive in Wellington on the 9th.

My hostel is only half an hour away by bus, and fairly cheap too for the eleven nights I’ll be staying there. What my friend and I will be up to is still not fully set. I believe we’ll be spontaneous or figure out our plans the day before instead of creating a whole schedule.

Return flight will be on Feb 20th, directly from Wellington to Dubai and back to Düsseldorf on the 21st. The entire trip back will be about 35 hours, making this the longest day of my life.

Many preparations have been made, several others are still waiting to be done. The luggage and backpack near the door are a constant reminder that February is now only about two weeks away, and somehow I feel as if everything and yet nothing is done.

A bunch of things already are packed away to make sure they’re not forgotten. Others still sit in their usual spots because they’re still in use, and I have to hope I won’t forget about packing them. Yet other items are not even in my possession still, such as film for my Polaroid or a decent powerbank.

But since the most scary part had been overcome already, my nerves have calmed down significantly already. The anxiety shoots up my spine on occasion when I remember that this is actually going to happen soon. However, it also excites me that I’ll finally get to fulfil this dream of a younger, 13 year old me who dreamt of seeing the world and meeting the people they chatted with online in English every day.

And equally exciting is having my friends and family getting to see all the stupid stuff I’ll definitely be getting myself into from home, thanks to this blog. It gives me a funny feeling to see my dad made a tumblr account just to cheer me on in the comments. Not complaining at all though, I find it really sweet.

[travelsbliss]

The Ultimate Guide for Backpackers in Melbourne: A Guide for U.S. Travelers Are you a backpacker planning an adventure in Australia? Melbourne is a top destination for budget travelers seeking culture, history, and vibrant city life. This guide is tailored for U.S. travelers looking for budget-friendly tips and must-see spots in Melbourne. Whether you're staying in a hostel, exploring free attractions, or dining at affordable eateries, Melbourne is perfect for a backpacker’s journey. 🎒🇦🇺 📍 Discover Backpacker Melbourne: The Ultimate Guide for Backpackers in Melbourne - A Guide for U.S. Travelers

[backpacking2024]

I BOOKED MY FLIGHT!!!!! HOOOOOLYYYY SHIT ITS OFFICIAL

I have no choice now KAJDJDJSJS I'm DOING IT. 5th of Jan 6:25am baybee!!! one way baybee!! landing in Bali at 9:15!! I knew the flight would be cheap flying from Australia (when u hit Darwin they make you get out and swim lmfao) but I got it for 380 bucks! super happy with that! will be flying from Melb to Adelaide on Dec 20 to have Christmas with family and say goodbye, then flying out of Adelaide. probably could've gotten it cheaper from Melbourne but I wanted to see my family off.

really digging into my planning. starting to compile hostels and stops I def want to do. I think I definitely want to get my PADI license in Malaysia or Thailand. every source has told me it'll be $500, but in most places that includes your accommodation and meals so I do want to splurge on that.

I also want to do a Muay Thai camp in Thailand! I absolutely love boxing and MMA so I love the idea of staying in one of the camps for a few weeks! I think the cost is around 250 for a 2 week stay which again includes a room and meals. there are months long options as well 😳 I wanna get so buff

also sorting my workaways. I definitely want 2 in Indonesia, one is on a village fruit farm in West Java and the other one is another farm in South Sumatra. they both have lots of reviews so I think they're safe options for my first time using it :3

further on is cleaning up beaches in Langkawi Island in Malaysia.

After that it's mostly hostel work. there's a lot of paid positions available in Japan and the working holiday visa doesn't seem too complex to get. only I'll have to have a detailed plan on my Japan travels and can only apply from Australia 😬 so I'll have to apply now and have a bulletproof itinerary for like 10 months from now and I don't even know when exactly I'll arrive! it's a big pickle. you can't even volunteer in Japan without a working visa so even if I don't want to make money, just saving money by working/volunteering for board isn't doable, which is how I was planning to be able to travel Japan without blowing a heap of money 😬😬 will check it out further and ask around.

My Bali, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam itineraries are shaping up. once I train into China though things get pretty rough. and after Japan it's basically up in the air. I plan to fly from Tokyo to Kathmandu, Nepal and do a tea farm workaway. Then India, which I'm super excited but intimidated by and I have no idea what route I'll take aha. Would still love to then do Pakistan, Jordan and Turkey but I'll see how much time/money I have by then. will end in Austria to see my best mate. Might spend Christmas with them 😳

166 days to go 😩

[bestinau-blog]

Best and Cheap Hostels in Melbourne

Find the perfect hostel Melbourne with bestinau.com.au. Join Best in Australia backpackers hostels and explore cheap hostels Melbourne for yourself. Choose from a wide selection of the best hostels in downtown Melbourne.

[myaustralia5-blog]

35 Things You Want to Know Prior to Traveling to Australia

My Australia

1. Due to its enormous size, Australia provides a broad selection of climatic zones - in the temperate climes of Southern Australia into the tropical humidity of north Queensland and the arid desert heat of the inside. The summer months (December to February) are usually the very popular for seeing coastal regions like Sydney and Melbourne, while winter (June to August) is a fantastic time to explore the Red Centre.

My Australia

2. Winters are usually mild across the southern countries, but temperatures could be surprisingly nippy in Tasmania.

3. Back in Australia, the very long summer, particularly the 2 weeks around Christmas Day, is the busiest period of the season and also you need to book flights and accommodation well in advance if you'd like to be in Australia during this period.

4. Also Keep in Mind that resort lodging  Is at a premium throughout major sporting events like the Melbourne Cup (first Tuesday in November), the Australian Open (also in Melbourne, each January), Adelaide's engine occasion in March and the Australian Grand Prix held in Melbourne during March.

5. Unless You're an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you'll require a visa to enter Australia.  It is possible to apply for a selection of visas, such as tourist visas and working holiday visas, but you have to do this prior to leaving home.

6. Back in Australia, tipping is becoming a lot more common, particularly in pubs and pubs. Giving 10 percent of the Entire invoice Is Usually considered proper

7. Back in Australia, driving is on the left, therefore many UK guests will feel at home.

8. Australia is a casual society - do not be surprised to be known as"partner" by strangers.

9. Dress codes are both relaxed: when exercising, except in smart restaurants, most guys wear shorts and T-shirts.

10. Australians have a strong sense of humor.

11. If you are aged between 18 and 30 you might be qualified to apply for a Working Holiday Visa, letting you live, travel and work anywhere in Australia for a year.

12. You can apply for vacation working license if you meet the following requirements

• Be aged between 18 and 30 (inclusive) in the beginning of employing

If You're awarded a Working Holiday Visa, you are able to:

• Input Australia anytime in 12 months of the visa grant

• Stay for up to 12 weeks in Australia

• Leave and re-enter Australia any number of occasions in the 12 months from the date of original entry

• Undertake temporary employment in Australia for up to six weeks with any company

13. Having another Working Holiday Visa you can extend your stay in Australia or return again for one more year until you turn 31. To acquire the next visa, you want to have done a minimum of 3 weeks'specified work', such as fruit harvesting, in a qualified regional place.

14. Australia is a remarkably varied island, continent, and country- both culturally and geographically speaking.

15. Virtually all of Australia's population lives within 50 kilometers of the shoreline.

16. As a former penal colony, the nation is currently a combination of contemporary cosmopolitan civilization and historical Aboriginal customs.

17. A trip to Australia guarantees excellent nightlife, sightseeing, and daring adventures to remember forever.

18. The very best time for Australia travel is involving mid-April to late August, when airfares are the cheapest, although the peak travel season in many areas of Australia is through their winter, the very pleasant time to go to Australia is from April through September.

19. Daytime Temperatures are hot, and it seldom rains. September and October are perfect, once the heat is enough to protect you on the shore in the southern countries and the wildflowers of Western Australia have been in blossom.

Hostels Begin at 20 AUD per night for a dorm room, although they get as large as 40 from the large coastal cities.  Personal rooms with a double bed and a shared bath in hostels array between 80-100 AUD each night.

20. For budget resorts, you're seeking to spend around 75-95 AUD to get a double room, private toilet, TV, and breakfast. Larger, string hotels cost nearer to 200 AUD. Camping prices between 15-30 AUD each night (cheaper if you bring your own tent, more costly if you are parking an RV).

21. Food is not cheap in Australia! Most decent restaurant Eateries price at least 20 AUD.  The ideal value food would be the Indian and Asian restaurants where you could find a really satisfying meal for under $10 AUD!

22. Local city buses and trains price 3-4 AUD. The hottest and most affordable way to travel would be to push yourself.

23. Flying can be quite expensive as a result of limited competition, particularly if going from shore to shore. I normally avoid flying in Australia unless I'm pressed for time or there's a sale.

24. Multi-day Tours and activities are expensive, usually costing 400-540 AUD. Day excursions will cost approximately 135-230 AUD. As an instance, a one-way visit to the fantastic Barrier Reef can price 230 AUD as a two-night sailing trip round the Whitsunday Islands can cost up of 540 AUD. A three-day Visit to Uluru out of Alice Springs is about 480 AUD. Walking tours are approximately 50 AUD and afternoon excursions to wine regions are between 150-200 AUD.

25. Suggested daily funding - $60-80 AUD / / 43-57 USD (Notice: This is a proposed budget assuming you are staying at a hostel, eating a bit, cooking all your foods, and utilizing local transport. This also depends heavily on the amount of excursions you're doing! Employing the budget suggestions below, you always have the option to reduce this amount. But should you keep in fancier lodging or eat more frequently, anticipate this to be greater!)

26. The amount of crime is not any greater than in the united kingdom. Be cautious with personal possessions and travel records in towns and popular tourist destinations.

27. Avoid carrying everything in 1 bag. Do not  Leave bags unattended in vehicles, public areas or nightclubs.  Theft from safety deposit boxes is normal in the more affordable hotels and hostels.  Be particularly attentive at night at the busy tourist regions of Sydney such as Kings Crossdown city George Street, Hyde Park and Centennial Park.

28. There have been a few significant sexual assaults against British nationals in Australia.  Be careful at the city center of Alice Springs in the nighttime. There have been quite a few incidents of harassment, robberies and attacks (including sexual assault) on overseas tourists.

29. Alcohol and drugs may result in you being alert, less accountable and not as conscious of your surroundings. If you're going to drink, know your limit.  Drinks served in pubs abroad tend to be more powerful than people in the united kingdom.

30. Beware of scams where potential tenants Are requested to move a deposit into an overseas bank accounts in exchange for keys into a rental home in Australia. British travellers have fallen prey to such scams.

31. You can reduce the danger of  Losing your passport by acquiring a proof of credit. This can be a recognized form of ID for several services such as opening bank account or entering licensed premises. By acquiring a card shortly after you arrive you may limit the requirement to take your passport with you.

32. In case your passport is stolen or lost you could have the ability to acquire an Emergency Travel Document in the nearest British Consulate. .

33. Australia is a massive country. If you are researching national parks it may take some time to get help in the case of an emergency.

34. The terrain and extreme heat could have a serious influence on your capabilities. Take loads of water and also a way of rigging up shield from sunlight.

35. Australia is home to some of dangerous Animal species, out of crocodiles, jellyfish and sharks to venomous  Insects, snakes and spiders are present in many areas of the nation.

[shelleycollinsna]

How to Plan the Perfect Toronto Itinerary (1-4 Days + Tips from a Local)

Residence to over 5 million people in the city and surrounding location Toronto is a varied and also really modern city, filled with hip bars, lot’s of shopping, and all of the common tourist destinations every large city deals like a fish tank, sporting activities stadiums, art galleries, and also galleries, all terrific additions for any type of Toronto plan.

It is, in my point of view, the very best city in Canada, though a lot of people in Vancouver will certainly differ keeping that! I contrast it to Melbourne for its trendy roads, art scene, districts, and also road art. When you visit Toronto you might just assume the very same.

There are numerous points to do in Toronto, the city was generally constructed for home entertainment with new occasions and events occurring nearly constantly. This Toronto travel guide will have you totally planned for a short or vacation Toronto journey.

So whether you get on a cross-Canada trip or checking out as a weekend journey to Toronto I’m sharing a detailed schedule for a Toronto journey in 1-4 days plus what to do in Toronto on each day to maximize your time.

Best Time to Check Out Toronto

Toronto experiences 4 unique periods and while the city has continuous activities to do through all of them it’s ideal to check out throughout the off-peak traveler period. You’ll locate most tourists crowding the city and also locals pouring off of the patio areas in the summertime (June-August).

Summertimes can get to above 30 ° C or greater with the moisture while springtime and fall temperatures are around 5 ° -15 ° C. Winters can be extremely cold or mild with temperature levels getting to as reduced as -25 ° C (or cooler if it’s a poor winter months!). Toronto also gets a fair quantity of snow.

The most effective time to go to Toronto is during the shoulder periods springtime (April-May) as well as autumn (September-November). From personal experience I would certainly advise September when the weather condition can typically still be warm, the rates have dropped off from peak vacationer period and also there is much less of a possibility of rainfall or snow than in the spring.

Toronto Budget

All rates in this message remain in Canadian dollars.

Toronto is sadly not a cheap city like all large cities aren’t. It is, however, worth it. By remaining in hostels, food preparation on your own as well as taking public transit you can endure on an everyday budget plan of $75-100.

Hostels start at $28 as well as up with some using cost-free morning meal and Wi-Fi is always consisted of. Spending plan hotels can be located for around $90 an evening while nicer hotels will certainly cost you upwards of $400.

Food can get costly in Toronto but if remaining for longer you can acquire grocery stores and also spend $50 a week or more depending on your tastes. A dish out at a take a seat dining establishment will set you back $18-25 while at better dining establishments expect to pay $30+. Alcohols are $8 or more but happy hours have beers for $5.

Toronto Transit

Getting around the city is easy with the general public transit, TTC (Toronto Transportation Commission) so an auto is not necessary nor suggested because of the severe traffic in the city. Numerous locals will complain concerning TTC as it is often late yet it gets the job done. For the most part Toronto is a really walkable city if you stay in the city centre however even downtown can be large and also depending on what you wish to see and do you will certainly more than likely take transit eventually (and also it is suggested that you provide for this travel plan).

Getting around Toronto: Toronto has subways, streetcars and also buses. You’ll have the ability to reach every one of the significant destinations by subway or streetcars. If you intend on utilizing transit a great deal the easiest means to pay is by getting a day pass that is unlimited as well as legitimate on the initial day you use it up until 5:30 AM the complying with day. The cost is $12.50. A single flight is $3.25 if paying by cash (exact change is called for) while tickets or symbols are $3 as well as have to be purchased in quantities of 3 or 5. You can pay upon boarding all kinds of transit or purchase symbols or tickets at metro terminals or licensed TTC merchants. You can find up to date price information and also sellers here.

Toronto Flight terminal to downtown Toronto: The most convenient way to receive from Toronto Pearson International Airport to the city centre is taxi yet it is likewise one of the most costly. Uber is readily available at a minimum of $66 with pick up factors at door An outside terminals 1 as well as 3.

The most inexpensive alternative is by public transportation but it will take over an hour and also numerous transfers, buses and also subways. You can locate the paths that offer the flight terminal from terminal 1 and also 3.

The very best method to get to the city centre from the flight terminal is the UP Express that takes 25 mins to Union Station, a center for transit as well as near numerous prominent resorts. Tickets set you back $12.35 one-way and can be acquired beforehand online or at the airport.

Billy Diocesan Toronto City Flight terminal to city centre: This flight terminal lies on among the Toronto Islands and also serves national trips as well as worldwide trips from the United States. Free shuttle bus are offered from the airport terminal to Union Terminal. The airport terminal is so close to the city centre that it will not cost you a ton of money to get hold of a taxi. Uber is also available.

Where to Remain in Toronto

I list the very best Toronto accommodation for all spending plans (Toronto is a terrific city to spend lavishly in) in my detailed post on the very best places to stay in Toronto for any budget plan.

Toronto Travel plan

Toronto is a substantial city so as a bare minimum I recommend investing 2 days in Toronto. Nevertheless it time enables strategy to invest 3 days in Toronto or even 4 to do greater than simply scratch the surface. Toronto in a day can’t truly be done but if you need to squeeze in the most effective sites from the days below as well as make certain you consume great deals of food (Toronto has an incredible choice of global food).

DAY ONE: Get touristy on the very first day and also obtain Toronto sightseeing. Make your way up the Toronto CN Tower, one of the modern 7 Wonders of the Globe for epic sights over the city (from 553m high!). You can stand on a glass flooring as well as see all the way to the ground or be daring as well as do the Side Walk outside along the tower. You can additionally pick to dine in the tower as it rotates and also you can see simply how much the city lights expand at night.

After that you have a selection. You can cross the street (Bremner Blvd.) to take an excursion and attempt tastings at the Vapor Whistle Brewery. Of if you love sporting activities you can catch a Blue Jays game (among the most typical Toronto tasks) at the Rogers Centre right beside (tickets can be acquired prior to the game for as affordable as $15). Or if you’re with children the Ripley’s Aquarium which is just listed below the tower is just one of the very best areas to go to in Toronto.

From the tower make your means up to Queen Road where you can after that capture a tram or begin shopping your means down the street. Even More down Queen Street West you’ll locate Kensington Market, a bohemiam and hipster area full of classic shops and lots of ethinic cuisines. It’s a fantastic area to stop for lunch or you can wait as you make your means to Chinatown.

Chinatown is back in the instructions you came from however is only a short leave. Chinatown in Toronto is huge and also worth a stop if you want to try some unique foods. You can also do a mixed scenic tour of Kensington Market and also Chinatown.

Invest your afternoon in the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) where you can see various collections of art from all over the world as well as the largest Canadian art collection.

There are numerous points to do in Toronto so next up is Nathan Phillips Square where you can take a picture with the legendary Toronto indicator and also see the brand-new city hall. The Old Town hall is simply to the right, an old Romanesque building. If you’re going to in the winter season you can go skating in the square for free.

The last location of the day is Dudas Square which resembles a mini Times Square. Right here you’ll discover the Eaton Centre, the city’s largest mall and also lots of dining establishments. Throughout from the Eaton Centre there are some dining establishments a few floor’s up where you can order a put on the patio and neglect all of the action in the square.

To end your evening with some beverages or dance I suggest heading to the Entertainment District (around King and also John) where you can find a wealth of dining establishments, bars as well as clubs.

DAY TWO: If you’re only spending a weekend in Toronto start your 2nd day by going to Toronto Island. It’s loaded with paths for walking and cycling and is where numerous locals just loosen up as well as where you get a bird’s-eye view of the city’s skyline. There are beaches on the island however understand in advance that Hanlan’s Beach is a naked coastline. You can catch a ferryboat to and also from the island.

After the island make your method to the Distillery Area, an area loaded with lots of shops that market art, garments and jewelry. The structures are from the 1800’s as well as are commercial Victorian style. The location also comes active in the evening with restaurants and home entertainment.

I directly believe among the best points to do in Toronto is visit the St. Lawrence Market. It was called one of the most effective grocery store’s worldwide as well as has actually been around because 1803. It houses over 120 vendors so I advise dropping in below for lunch.

After or before lunch (as this is close by) you ought to visit the Hockey Hall of Popularity due to the fact that it is one of the most Canadian things you can do. Inside you can posture with a reproduction of the Stanley Mug.

One of the coolest locations to go in Toronto is the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum) which is just one of the biggest museums in North America. The dinosaur exhibition is quite trendy even if you’re not a kid and the ROM frequently organizes really amazing exhibits.

After the ROM it’s time to head to an abundant location in Toronto, Yorkville. Along Bloor Street you’ll discover all of the high-end shops, some that are wonderful for window shopping. Yorkville was as soon as where the city’s artists, authors and also artists utilized to collect and today is home to quite roads and also Victorian residences.

If the Victorian homes weren’t enough for you after that stop by Casa Loma, Toronto’s very own castle. Constructed in the very early 1900’s it is currently a gallery and a spots that you can explore with enhanced spaces and secret passages.

For the night you have a few alternatives. One is to have a dinner and program at Medieval Times (seriously it’s also fun if you do not have kids). You eat your 4-course supper with your hands like they would have in the 11th century and also you get designated a group to applaud behind for you knight during the competition. See to it to acquire tickets beforehand.

Or you can dine at one of the many awesome dining establishments in Toronto. Try an one-of-a-kind experience like O.Noir where you eat in complete blackness. After dinner check out one of the hip bars in the city (there’s also a Harry Potter themed bar!).

DAY 3: The first two days are really packed so I would recommend taking it easier on your 3rd day. You can choose to visit the Toronto Zoo or the Ontario Science Centre. Nevertheless, I very advise doing a bit of research to see what is happening in the city as Toronto almost always has some sort of occasion or event on.

For the night discover some amusement at The Second City, a funny club where a variety of Canadian comedians as well as actors first started. Or view a dip into one of the many theatres in the city.

DAY FOUR: Your last day in the city is perfect for some Toronto outing. If you’re up for some thrilling rides then head over to Canada’s Paradise which is the most effective amusement park in the nation that is furnished with a water park for warm summer season days.

If you’re a wine enthusiast after that a trip to Niagara-on-the-Lake is a no-brainer where you can taste test white wines from among Canada’s ideal a glass of wine areas. The area is most well-known for ice a glass of wine, a wonderful after-dinner drink that you must try!

One of the most preferred journeys from Toronto are to Niagara Falls which is one of the most checked out attraction in all of Canada. It’s not a surprise as it really is a view to see. The Canadian side of the falls are referred to as the Horseshoe Falls and are over 50 metres high as well as have 2,271,247 litres of water pushed over the edge every second.

You’re all prepped to check out Toronto due to the fact that you recognize where to enter Toronto, the top Toronto vacationer attractions and also where to remain in this fantastic city. Locate much more handy posts listed below and also appreciate your time in among my preferred cities!

The article “How to Plan the Perfect Toronto Itinerary (1-4 Days + Tips from a Local)” was first seen on Taylor’s Tracks

Functional and Naturopathic Medicine Clinic - Toronto Functional Medicine Centre

[didnt-hear-cold-as-you-live]

i just googled "melbourne hostels" and most of them are 20ish dollars??? where are you getting 60

The generic Expedia / Kayak / etc results look cheap but when you put in actual dates the prices skyrocket - typically those websites display a random cheap price for SEO, not the actual price:

[simeon-takes-a-break]

Not everything will kill you in Australia - but it goddamn tries to - Part 1

After my stressful departure from the Philippines I was more than ready to have a festive, joyful and happy Christmas time at the sunny beach in Sydney. Well, Australia was not. First of all where the hell was summer? Seriously, I stepped out the airplane and immediately got hit by a blizzard and temperatures not seen since Roland Emmerich’s “The Day After Tomorrow”. OK, I might exaggerate a bit but this was supposed to be summertime in Australia. Instead it was more or less the bloody same temperature as back in Zurich (they had an unusual warm Christmas). Also, due to me missing my flight in Manila, I arrived late on Christmas Eve and by the time I checked in at the outrageously expensive hostel pretty much everyone had left the nest. I however had a plan and would stick to it, come what may. That was a couchsurfing community gathering at the beach to be precise. I hopped on the bus and got all the way out to famous Bondi beach only to encounter a pitiful group freezing their asses off on said deserted beach. The scenery reminded me of Jack Nicholson’s last shot in “The Shining”. I joined the last Mohicans for a round of festive holiday drinks and fucked off within 30 minutes. No way I would catch my death here.

Back in the city I found the hostel deserted so decided to venture out to find a cozy restaurant where I can be forever alone and eat my first ever Christmas dinner apart from my family and - much more catastrophically - without delicious home made Bulgarian food. Luckily, I found a small restaurant that served Croatian food.

I ordered some familiar dishes which tasted quite acceptable (no worries Mom, no one is even close to your impeccable cooking skills). Also I managed to facetime with la familia and some friends back in Zurich, bringing the overall depression level considerably down. After that my only friend was alcohol. That and karaoke. Entertainingly performed by drunk gays, drag queens and fag hags. Considering my situation this was to be assessed as a pretty good outcome.

The next day it only could go uphill as I met my sister’s friend Anja who pretty much started her world trip the same time as me but in the opposite direction and here we were on the other side of the world criss-crossing each other’s path. That girl has a voice of a 90 year old man who’s been smoking two packs of cigarettes since childhood. She seriously belongs in a jazz band or in a studio dubbing movie trailers.

The weather remarkably improved and we finally were able to fully enjoy Sydney as intended. Anja and her friend even let me crash their fabulous Airbnb flat so I could save a thousand or so dollars (goddammit Down Under got really expensive). I in turn introduced them to the equally fabulous and crazy Sydney gay nightlife. I am now in possession of some pretty interesting pics that will insure my pension should she indeed break it into Hollywood. (She already is on her way as she organizes by now Switzerland biggest award show - go gurrrl!).

And then it was time to meet a colleague from the bank I used to work at who had mentioned that he was planning his holiday in Australia. He thus suggested to join forces for two weeks and explore the South. I did share my concerns with him as we had totes different mindsets: I was backpacking for a year and he was a successful banker ready to spend my month's budget for a night at a fancy hotel. Eventually I gave in. Big mistake.

Our first days in Sydney were actually pretty great. The flat he booked was amazing, the parties we went to as well and I even go to see Yannick, whom I spent crazy days with back in Singapore as well as Irwin, whom I met back in 2008 during my first Aussie Aussie oi oi oi experience. Yes, I am that international. #humble #blessed #iknowhowhashtagswork

New Years Eve was a hoot. First of all we were amused how on TV they were showing some batshit crazy tourists who would queue for 24 freaking hours to grab the best viewing spot for the fireworks and then wait for another 18 hours for the spectacle to actually begin. Ain't nobody got time for that. Instead we decided to have a nice meal at the flat when suddenly we heard fireworks. What time was it? Did we miss something? Was our vodka diet kicking in (Lose 3 days in one week)? Was it really after midnight? Frantically checking our phones we realized that this was a family fireworks display at 9pm. Oh how goddamn unnecessary to confuse us just so little Timmy can get his own special fireworks.

Midnight was however approaching fast and we had no idea where to go. A special Sydney fireworks app came in handy displaying in real time which spots were still open. Not many as it turns out - 30 minutes before the clock was about to strike Cinderella hour (those crazy tourists were probably laughing now). It was already a miracle that we managed to get a cab to one of the locations we deemed suitable. 5 minutes before showtime we got there, managed to get in and out (the view was worse than seat 1 in row 1 in a movie theater) and just before we lost hope miracle number #2 kissed us: we discovered a small wall: and once gracefully climbed granting us full view at the famous harbor bridge. The fireworks were mesmerizing. Fueled by this great experience and cheap vodka red bull in oversized plastic cups we were ready to hit Sydney’s nightlife and properly celebrate the arrival of 2014. For some reason I have no clear memory of that night however I do remember that we somehow ended up in the backstage dressing room at a gay club. I felt like a kid in a candy store. Remember that movie “The Sweetest Thing” with Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate?

Yeah, exactly like that. With the slight difference that the wigs must have been worth thousands of fabulous gold coins. Those drag queens have set their priorities straight. I’ll probably never will look as fabulous as I did in that moment. Long story short we got caught red-handed, screamed at and thrown out. Fantastic night, sweetie.

New Year’s Day was obviously very quiet so my body could rest… I’m just kidding. We went to “Daywash” a day party that cost us an arm and a leg, which equaled to precisely AUD 110, or 55 per limb. And it was absolutely utterly boring. The party crowd consisted of piles of sweaty muscled up flesh clones either self-absorbed or crazy due to questionable substances.

Time to ditch the day-zombies, bemoan the hard-earned and ill-spent 110 Aussie dollars, waive Sydney goodbye and check out Melbourne where the nightmare would slowly unfold…

[lucillelawlors]

Crossing the Tas-Man

Recently, I went to Tasmania for an arts festival and holy moly, I feel for my sister tasmanians as on my usual dating apps it was a veritable desert of men... I’m talking 8 matches for all of Hobart. This led me to cross over to the last dating app frontier... Tinder. I only started using it on my last 2 days and started chatting to a native Tas-man. I do have quite the chat skills so I seemingly beguiled him and without any prompting, 1 day after leaving he had informed me he scored a cheap flight to Melbourne in... 2 days time! I was flattered and a bit nervous, I’d never met him yet here he was doing this complete leap of faith. He assured me he’d book into a hostel not far from me to take the pressure off, which somewhat relaxed me. 

Now I have to disclose one very important detail: I was somewhat pent up and feeling quite ravenous at this point, so as long as he was a decent guy, I was keen to go to poundtown with him. So we meet and he’s a sweet guy, bit of a dork but I decide I can work with this. I suggest we get a pizza and watch a movie at mine and Tas-Man is happy to oblige. He’s pretty affectionate which is sweet and before long we’re doing the wild thing and overall I’m very impressed with his skills, the seemingly quiet polite guy is quite the sexual fiend. He asks if he can stay and I’d feel pretty bad sending him out into the cold so I say sure, he can stay. 

Next night we hang out again as he’s here for three nights and the affection he’s showing me starts to feel... well intense. We watch a movie at mine, I opted for one of the greatest girl films of all time, bridesmaids, which he’s happy to watch. My lady parts are a little tender so he opts to go down on me which I do not mind. Then afterwards he says something to me that stops me in my tracks “I don’t know where this is leading but I’m enjoying the intensity.” Oh no... no, no, no.... That said coupled with overwhelming affection leaves me feeling somewhat freaked out, I’m starting to feel that he’s feeling things, things that I’m not feeling. 

I flash back to the scene in bridesmaids where Jon Hamm’s character says to the main character after hooking up “I really want to ask you to leave but don’t know how to say it without sounding like a dick” oh god, the struggle is real.... I use my adulting skills and say to him “Hey, I’m enjoying spending time with you but not used to having someone in my space so much, because I want to enjoy hanging out with you tomorrow night, would you mind spending tonight at the hostel?” He says he understands yet I still feel like a bad person as only half an hour ago I was practically straddling his face... 

The next night Tas-Man says he’ll buy me dinner, which is lovely and god knows after my trip this girl is hoarding her pennies. We go back to mine and I put on a comedy series we both enjoy, knowing he flies out relatively early the next morning. In a way I’m using it as distraction yet he is smothering me with affection, I figure I’ll welcome his inner sex fiend as the first time was quality. This time round, his inner sex fiend is set to shock, he asks me during sex to tell him about another guy I slept with, ummmmm I honestly don’t know how to answer this so I say that I once had a threesome... then he asks me “have you ever cheated on a boyfriend? did it make you feel naughty?” I reply only once and only making out and say that I did it because I was unhappy (probably not the hot as hell answer he was anticipating). After, Tas-Man is once again super affectionate, I feel smothered, it’s practically death by big spoon he’s leaning into me so intensely and once again says how much he’s enjoying the intensity, showering me with little kisses and constantly caressing hands. I say I’m feeling too warm and ask for some room which he obliges thankfully, finally falling asleep an hour later, knowing that very soon I’ll have my complete freedom once again. 

I’m hoping that in the morning his alarm will go off at 6:45 and he’ll get dressed and depart. The reality is he wakes up 20 mins before his alarm and decides he wants to be affectionate. Ugh, I don’t want this yet I absolutely do not want to be a bitch so I endure and say to him “hey if I wake up too much I won’t get back to sleep again” as a nice way of saying “back the fuck off” yet he doesn’t get this! He continues the caressing and kissing saying he just needs a bit more before he leaves. The minutes tick away super slowly as I lay there and wait for his alarm to go off and once it finally goes off, instead of getting up, he continues! Finally, he makes a move and I’m feeling relieved, sweet sweet freedom! Crossing the Tas-man, what a crazy ride....

[ivanebaddeley-blog]

Need a cheap Melbourne hostel for PAX Aus 2019?  Overpriced accommodation shouldn’t stop you from attending PAX Aus 2019! Enjoy Urban Central's budget accommodation at our cheap Melbourne hostel! As Melbourne’s premier convention centre, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is host to a diverse range of events ranging from massive world-class events down to the ultra-niche.  

[bestinau-blog]

Before you decide on your cheap accommodation melbourne, make sure the place is a reliable one. However, if you are looking to save money on accommodation, choosing the precincts surrounding the city is best. In fact, the precincts have a unique ambience.

[tamboradventure]

My 5 Favorite Hostels in Melbourne

Posted: 1/5/2020 | January 5th, 2020

Melbourne is the backpacker hub of Australia. It’s laid-back vibe, awesome live music scene, and rowdy nightlife make it a favorite for backpackers and budget travelers alike.

Whereas many cities Down Under are worth visiting for a few days, you could easily spend weeks here without getting bored.

Since it’s a popular spot for budget travelers, the city boasts dozens of hostels to cater to the growing tourist numbers. In my decade-plus of visiting Melbourne, the hostel scene here has changed drastically. There are tons more hostels here than there used to be — and there are lots of upscale and boutique options too. These days, you have so many choices it can be overwhelming.

To help save you time, here are my top five hostels in Melbourne. If you stay at any of these, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing experience!  

1. United Backpackers

United Backpackers has everything I Iike in a hostel: it’s affordable, has comfortable dorms and private rooms, is secured by key-card entry, has a kitchen and dining room, includes free breakfast (with pancakes), and has tons of places to relax and hang out.

Its basement bar hosts events throughout the week and there’s also a TV room and a common area with a pool table. The hostel also offers a free walking tour of the Central Business District (CBD) which is packed with street art, restaurants, bars and clubs.

This hostel is large so it’s easy to meet people as well. However, since it’s so large there are occasional lines for the bathroom and the hot water can run out in the morning (so wake up early or shower at night). If you’re staying in a dorm, choose one of the smaller ones — the 12-bed dorm can get crowded.

Located across from Flinders Street Station, it’s easy to get anywhere in the city. It’s also just a seven-minute walk to Eureka Skydeck which provides amazing views of the city.

Beds from $35 USD, rooms from $126 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at United Backpackers!  

2. Flinders Backpackers

Another hostel next to Flinders Street Station, Flinders Backpackers offers massive 16-bed dorms — a popular choice for budget backpackers traveling on a shoestring. For those looking for privacy, there are also private rooms here but they are rather small.

Free breakfast, which includes a make-your-own pancake station, is included. The hostel also has a large common room, TV room with movie nights and free popcorn, and a kitchen for cooking your own food. Every week, they make a family-style dinner for the guests to enjoy (a nice way to save some money if you’re on a budget).

If you’re staying in the dorms, bring earplugs (especially if you are on the lower floors) as there is a club nearby that can be loud.

They also have a bar and restaurant on-site which has events almost every night. On Fridays, they make a huge batch of Goon Punch, an Aussie cocktail, so things get lively. Not surprisingly, this hostel is quite social so if you’re looking for peace and quiet, you probably won’t find it here.

Beds from $25 USD, rooms from $81 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at Flinders Backpackers!  

3. Base St Kilda

THE ABOVE PHOTO WAS TAKEN FROM ANOTHER POST BUT IS TECHNICALLY NOT LEGAL TO USE Base St Kilda is far from the center of Melbourne, but it’s in a perfect location if you want to stay near the water. Like most hostels in the city, it has a free pancake breakfast, a free walking tour, and is own bar. The hostel is definitely a party hostel so don’t stay here if you’re looking for quiet.

They host regular activities like karaoke and foam parties and the huge common room here has pool, foosball, and board games. As for the rooms, they’re a bit cramped but still comfortable enough. Every dorm has en-suite bathrooms and the private rooms here all have their own balcony.

There is also a kitchen but it isn’t huge (there are no ovens so you just have basic options when it comes to cooking your own meals). The Wi-Fi works best in the common room, but it’s not great in the dorms. If you need decent Wi-Fi, head out to one of the cafes to use theirs instead.

This hostel is great if you want to hang out and party by the beach. You can take public transit into the CBD, which is easy to do and takes around 30 minutes.

Beds from $26 USD, rooms from $79 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at Base St Kilda!  

4. Tramstop 14 Backpackers

If you want a chill place to stay that caters to long-term stays, Tramstop 14 is the place for you (they even offer discounts for guests staying longer than a week). If you’re passing through, it may feel a little bit like you’re crashing someone’s house because so many people are staying long term — but don’t let that deter you! With dorms that sleep up to 10, as well as single and double rooms, it’s quite affordable and a lot smaller than most of the other hostels on this list.

As with many hostels in the city, there aren’t enough bathroom facilities so plan on a wait in the morning if you’re not up early.

The hostel has a small kitchen and a comfy lounge with Netflix and is much calmer and quieter than most other hostels in the city. It’s a good choice for anyone looking to relax and get a decent sleep.

The hostel is close to the Rod Laver Arena and Melbourne Cricket Ground, as well as the Melbourne Museum. It’s also a short tram ride to the CBD. Located in the more bohemian Fitzroy neighborhood, there’s plenty to do nearby, such as checking out the art and live music scene or relaxing at one of the local cafes.

Beds from $27 USD, privates from $68 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at Tram Stop 14 Backpackers!  

5. fa

The history of The Nunnery is one of the things that makes this Melbourne hostel so interesting. Built in the late 1880s, it was an actual nunnery for over six decades. The hostel has both dorms and private rooms, and also offers some extras like hair dryers and hair straighteners if you ask for them. They also offer free bike rentals too.

The rooms aren’t always super clean and depending on what you book, they vary from spacious and nice to basic and cramped. They have a small kitchen so if you want to cook make sure you get there early or there won’t be any space. There’s also a lounge, balcony, and courtyard for hanging out with other travelers.

They host free events every day, such as pub crawls and movie nights so there is always something to do. Free breakfast is included too.

It’s Fitzroy location is close to Brunswick Street, the Melbourne Museum and Carlton Gardens, and it’s only a 10-minute walk to the city center.

Beds from $28 USD, rooms from $89 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at The Nunnery!

*** While there are now over 30 hostels in Melbourne, these hostels are the best the city has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a long-term stay as you sort out a working holiday or just visiting for a few nights, a stay at these hostels will ensure you have a fun, safe, and social experience.

After ten years of traveling the world, I still love to stay in hostels. They add character to your experience and make it easy to meet other travelers. If you want to make the most out of your time in Melbourne, be sure to stay at any of the hostels above. You won’t be disappointed.

Book Your Trip to Melbourne: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. Those are your two best resources.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!

Looking for more information on visiting Melbourne? Check out my in-depth destination guide to Melbourne with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo credit 2 – Ashton 29, 4,

The post My 5 Favorite Hostels in Melbourne appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

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[shilohgarrett]

rent a camper in New Zealand cheaply from & euro; 39 / day

Jucy Camper has small campers in the Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne rental locations - but also in New Zealand. You will recognize the vehicles everywhere by the color alone and are enjoying increasing international popularity! The rent is cheap. If you already have your apartment with you, including a filled refrigerator, in your motorhome, you have the freedom to stop at every beautiful spot and spontaneously prepare a meal or even a cup of coffee. Especially the larger RVs with self-containment options - i.e. a self-contained sewage system with a toilet and fitted kitchen - have it particularly easy in New Zealand. Yes, Freedom Camping only where it is allowed. And then be sure to clarify beforehand which cars are allowed to stand there. These tips will help you save money while traveling through New Zealand. Buy items that are on offer. This will surely save you the most costs. The ski areas usually close at the end of September and temperatures can reach up to 19 ° C. Although it is, the air is sometimes cooled by rain showers. This time of year is in the off-season and therefore only a few tourists can be found there. Many large manufacturers, such as Knaus, Dethleffs or Hymer, have specialized in the production of mobile homes.

⇒ More important information about our New Zealand vacation

From hip hostels in Sydney to chic hotels in Bangkok, we have the right accommodation for every budget . STA Travel is an absolute expert when it comes to Around the World tickets.

How much does a cigarette packet cost?

Oceania. In geopolitical terms, New Zealand is part of the so-called continent of Oceania, along with Australia and the islands in the northwest and south Pacific.

You don't want to miss any blog posts and take a look behind the scenes?

Mid-range campers like those from Britz, Wendekreise and EuroCampers are available from the age of 21 and are relatively rare Age restriction increased to 25 years.

If you want to drink a bottle of wine from time to time or dine in the take-away, you should rather calculate NZ $ 320 a week.

It is especially mild during the day, but the nights are very cold.

Because then the rents for campers in New Zealand are cheaper. I will show you a camper price comparison of the individual seasons in the overview below.

How much is 4 weeks New Zealand?

This also includes vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) for adults, and possibly also against polio (Polio), mumps, measles, rubella (MMR), influenza, pneumococci and herpes zoster (shingles).

In the winter months you can also go skiing in the Alps. If you are then ready for longer distances, you can, for example, drive to Akaroa, about 80 km away. There are around 30 dolphins with whom you can swim in the nature reserve.

Service and the community concept are very important at Urlaubsguru.de. The vacation guru team does its best every day for your cheap campervan hire NZ perfect vacation. More than 1000 positive reviews speak for themselves. We look forward to your feedback at Trustpilot.

How to save money during your New Zealand trip - 7 tips

Nature and culture await you on the North Island of New Zealand. This is where the political history of New Zealand began, where the Maori culture is everywhere. Discover the bustling cities of Auckland and Wellington, volcanoes and beaches ... and a hobbit village. Would you like some insider tips for your camper trip in New Zealand? No problem!

[roundtheworldrambles]

Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands

Day 80  - Airlie Beach

The overnight bus to Airlie beach was a long one – clocking in at 12 hours, with stops in Townsville, Mackay, Aye and Bowen. I rolled into the beach town mid afternoon, and crashed immediately upon arrival to my hostel. Fresh after a few hours of shut-eye, I finally set off to explore Airlie Beach. This relaxed resort town is on the coast of Queensland, and is the gateway to the nearby Whitsunday Islands. The town was fully decorated for Christmas in tropics style  - which in most cases involved a Santa with a surfboard and boardshorts!

Christmas Down Under!

The main street of Airlie Beach was packed full of swim stores, patios, and dozens of tour desks. I grabbed fish and chips at Boatys and wandered along the shoreline to Abel Point Marina, the departure point for most of the sailboats into the Coral Sea. The scenery around me was spectacular, with hundreds of white sailboats bobbing on the brilliant turquoise waters of the bay. As the sun began to go down, I meandered back to my hostel, stopping to grab groceries for the next few days, and pick up some Vegemite to send home to Canada! (A favourite product of my family – what happens when you have an Australian grandmother!)

Abel Point Marina

In the evening, I made friends with a few girls from Holland and Amsterdam at my hostel, and we ended up winning the hostel’s trivia night. Sitting on the outdoor patio enjoying our prize – a free bottle of champagne! – we chatted late into the evening, with gentle tropical breeze from the nearby ocean rustling the ceiling of palms above us.

Day 81-82 – Airlie Beach

I spent the following two days in Airlie Beach relaxing and enjoying this picturesque town, and planning for the next legs of my trip. In the mornings, I became a regular at Sidewalk Café, a beachside coffee house, where I took advantage of their strong Wifi and (equally strong!) coffee and do my research for Tasmania, Melbourne and Sydney. As it got progressively hotter and humid in the afternoons, I would head to the nearby manmade lagoon, located next to the ocean, for a refreshing dip. As it was still stinger season in Queensland, swimming in the ocean was not an option in Airlie beach without wearing a stinger suit.

Airlie Beach Lagoon

The lagoon was a lovely place to spend an afternoon – between dips in the many pools, I would read my book, lie in the sun, do some yoga, and listen to music. My friend Rosa from Amsterdam would come and join me in the afternoons. It was a pretty lovely place to spend a few days!

Day 83 – Whitsunday Islands

With a small bag packed for my next two days of sailing, I headed to Abel Point Marina in the morning to board Freight Train, a former racing sailboat in the famous Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. An annual event that has taken place since 1945, this sailing race is considered to be among the most challenging yacht races in the world. The Freight Train won this race in 1983, and later retired from racing. The boat has since been retrofitted with stacked berths and a galley kitchen to take passengers out into the Whitsunday Islands.

As we set out on to the sparkling coral sea, our jovial and sarcastic Aussie skipper Kevin introduced us to the crew and gave us a briefing about the boat. We had a full sailing, complete with 3 crew and 18 passengers – who were mostly Germans, Americans, Spaniards and Austrians! The boat was not large, and the below deck area was designed for communal living, with small berths built into the side of the boat hull. This was not a problem in the least, as our group got along splendidly, relaxing above deck with our feet dangling off the side of the sailboat, and listening to music under the blue sky.

Kevin and his crew hoisted the sails as we approached open water, cutting the power to the motor. The wind whipped through our hair as we sailed towards the Whitsundays, occasionally seeing dolphins spashing in distance. The Whitsundays are a group of 74 magnificent Islands in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, most of which are uninhabited and part of a national park. The shores of these islands are lined with sparking white beaches, and have impressive coral gardens hidden beneath the turquoise waters offshore.

Whitsunday Islands

We first anchored in a sheltered bay off Hook Island, and prepared for our snorkelling adventure in the fringing reef around the island, complete with gearing up in stinger suits! Large colourful reef fish circled our sailboat as we bobbed along the surface, occasionally diving down for a closer look at the reef. After such an immersive diving course less than a week ago, it was a bit of an adjustment to return to snorkelling – though the beauty of these coral gardens and unique fish was stunning at any depth.

After checking out a few other snorkel sites, each with coral gardens and marine wildlife just as stunning as the last, we finally arrived at our mooring for the night at a quiet cove off Border Island. After more swimming and diving off the boat, we  finally brought the goon out of the cooler! “Goon” is what Aussies call cheap boxed wine, and it has a bit of a mixed reputation in the country. Although it is a backpacker staple, it is also known to be a notoriously bad wine – and often a recipe for a hangover! “Slap the Goon” is also a famous tradition of backpackers throughout Australia, a fact that did not take me long to learn! For a reason that remains unknown to me to this day, it is customary to slap the bag of goon before having a drink, a tradition that our sailing crew readily attempted - with much hilarity!

We ended the day with a delicious dinner prepared by our crew, which we ate on the boat deck, watching the sun go down over the Whitsunday Islands.

Day 84 – Whitsunday Islands and Whitehaven Beach

We woke up early in the morning to set sail to Whitehaven Beach, the iconic white sand beach that the Whitsunday Islands are best known for. Riding large ocean swells between Border Island and Tongue Bay, our skipper Kevin got us to help with hoisting sails, rigging and steering (a surprisingly effective way to keep us from getting seasick, as I had already felt a bit nauseous when walking below deck that morning!).

Tongue Bay, Whitsunday Islands

As we sailed towards our next anchorage point, a few pounding rainstorms quickly came and went, lasting for no more than 15 minutes before returning to clear blue sky. I personally found these brief downpours to be a welcome reprieve from the scorching heat of the Whitsundays – with the strong sun beating down on us and reflecting back off the water.  The UV index in Queensland is very high, and it was easy to get sunburnt even if we were wearing sunscreen with over 50 SPF!

Dropping anchor at Tongue Bay, a picturesque cove off of Whitsunday Island, we shuttled over the mainland to begin our short hike up to Hill Inlet Lookout. As we walked, kookaburras cackled overhead, swooping to and from the hoop pines and cedar trees. Looking into the scrubby bush alongside the path, we were also lucky to catch a glimpse of a goana, a large lizard native to Queensland.

The Hill Inlet Lookout was simply spectacular, providing us with an excellent overlook of the swirling white sands below, streaked and mixed with the turquoise waters of the coral sea, which rise and fall with the tide. The pure white sand of Whitehaven Beach is made almost completely of silica, which has been brought to the beach by sea currents over millions of years. This silica sand is so fine that we were warned to be very careful with our cameras, as it is very easy for small particles to get into lenses and actually break them!

Whitehaven Beach

Descending from Hill Inlet Lookout to North Whitehaven beach, we walked towards the water, the fine white sand squeaking beneath our feet! In Hill Inlet, the waters are very shallow and protected by the tide and sandy beach.  Because of the unique geography of this inlet, baby lemon sharks and baby stingrays can often be seen swimming through the shallow waters. Wading near the shore, a few swam within only a few meters of our feet!

After hanging out on the beach and swimming in Hill Inlet for a few hours, we returned to our sailboat for lunch, before gradually beginning the voyage back to Airlie Beach. The wind carried us to one final dive site on our return trip, where old cars were sunk offshore in 1965. Surprisingly, this was done intentionally to encourage coral growth and provide a habitat for reef fish. It was fascinating snorkelling in this beautiful coral garden, as you could still faintly make out the shapes of cars, buried deep under the coral. We spent the rest of our afternoon relaxing on the sailboat as we returned to port. Back on dry land, our group headed to Beaches bar in town, with free drinks courtesy of our hilarious skipper Kevin!

Day 85 - Airlie Beach to Brisbane

I finished my final morning in Airlie Beach with another visit to Sidewalk Cafe and the lagoon, before catching an airport shuttle to Proserpine airport, a tiny bush airport that only has 2 departures per day. I boarded a short flight to Brisbane, where I would be taking a connecting flight the following day to Hobart, Tasmania. I was looking forward to staying with the Mulcahys in Tasmania – long-time friends of my family, after my sister and their daughter Alice did a school exchange over 11 years earlier!