Australia

Australia is massive ! They mostly live on the coast but don't expect to always be able to dip your toe in the sea for the box jellyfish. With intoxicating nightlife in the cities like Sydney or Melbourne its a spot the young head for. Its simply one of the best places to go backpacking in the world with the best infrastructure designed for this kind of travel. Discover your hostels in Australia with us and plan your trip. Need a blog just ask and we will set it up for you throw another shrimp on the barbie mate !

Best time to visit - there isn't really a best time so go when its cold where you normally live.

Things to see and do

Ayers Rock
Scuba Diving the great Barrier Reef
The Sydney Opera House
Beaches of all kind
Perth - go pubbing on a Sunday in the famous cot at Cottesloe Beach Hotel.
Surfing in Bondi or Manly Beach
Parks and Museums of Melbourne

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Hunter Valley Australia

Five Things You Absolutely Must Do in the Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley is a short drive – by Australian standards – from Sydney which has made it a popular destination for day trippers holidaying in Australia’s largest metropolis and the point of arrival for many international visitors.
Whilst those who are short on time might be satisfied with spending a few hours in the region, usually visiting a vineyard, sampling a few wines and having lunch, with so much to enjoy on offer here, if you have the time you would be well advised to spend a few days, or even a week, and get a feel for this wonderful part of the country.

  1. Wine tasting

    It is what most people travel here for, or so it would appear, so wine tasting will most likely rank very highly on your list of things to do in the Hunter Valley. You have many ways to go about sampling the fine wines that the region is renowned for, not only domestically but also around the world. However, whatever you do, don’t drink and drive – drink driving is a big no-no in Australia and offenders are punished to the full extent of the law.

    Before you arrive, make a list of the wineries and vineyards you would like to visit. If you are into your wines, as many people are these days, chances are you will already have made quite an extensive list of the wineries and vineyards that you absolutely must visit whilst holidaying in the Hunter Valley. 

  2. Vineyard tours

    You can arrange a tour directly with most vineyards, join one of the many tours, and in some cases even just turn up on the day, though you might find that some vineyards and wineries don’t accept unscheduled visits so it is always best to make arrangements in advance unless you are sure you won’t get knocked back.

    As the region is reasonably extensive, the best way to visit vineyards and wineries is in your own transportation, so hire a car, draw straws to see who will be the designated driver, and have a great time travelling from vineyard to vineyard in a picturesquely beautiful part of the country.  

  3. Dining

    Wine is the perfect complement to a wonderful meal and just as you won’t be disappointed with the wines you indulge your taste buds on, so too won’t you be disappointed with the gastronomic delights the region is fast gaining a reputation for.

    There are many restaurants dotting the exquisite landscape and you will also find that many wineries and vineyards have their own restaurants. There is something here for everyone and wherever you stay in the Hunter Valley you are sure to find something to your liking.

    Modern Australian cuisine is garnering many notable reviews here and abroad, so if you would like to try something a little different you will find yourself well-catered for here. Read a few reviews before you arrive in the Hunter Valley so as to have a good understanding of the best dining options around the area where you stay. 

  4. Rural Accomodation

    Hiring a car isn’t only advisable so as to visit some of Australia’s most famous vineyards, it is also advisable so as to stay in rural accommodation, perhaps even on the grounds of a vineyard as many vineyards and wineries now offer accommodation options, ranging from smart little studios and cosy cottages for two, to expansive villas that are perfect for families and groups.   

    There are many towns in which you could stay whilst holidaying in the Hunter Valley, but as it is such a magical part of the country all year round, the opportunity to stay in comfy rural accommodation is an opportunity that many visitors wisely choose to make the most of.

  5. Local Markets

    As the region’s most famous export is its selection of reds and whites it is all too easy to forget that the Hunter Valley is also the source of some of Australia’s finest produce, including olive oil from the more than 150 olive groves. 

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If you think this webpage on Australia looks different than anything you've seen so far here at Landed.at, it's because Australia isn't like anything you've ever seen before.

It is an island, a country, and its very own continent. And if you think you're going to see it all in one trip, you'd have to make it one continuous vacation for the rest of your life. There's no way to see it all, but if you know what you're looking for, it'll make it much easier to figure where you want to go.

Suppose you're looking for the best diving sites? Or, what if you're looking for the ultimate Outback adventure? Perhaps wines are your thing? Maybe you want to dive with Great Whites? Whatever you can possibly think of, you can do it here in Australia, and then some.

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This article looks at some of Australia’s great coastal holiday destinations and experiences, namely the Gold Coast, the Great Ocean Road tour and Byron Bay

When one imagines a holiday along Australia’s coast, they think of relaxing on the beach and swimming in the ocean. Our coastal regions, however, offer more than just sand and water! They often have a number of historical sites, majestic landscapes and a variety of fun filled attractions to explore.

Explored below are some of the different things you can do in the coastal destinations of Byron Bay, the Gold Coast and the Great Ocean Road tour, which journeys along Australia’s south east coast.

Touring Byron Bay

Byron Bay is approximately 772 km north of Sydney and is renowned for its excellence beaches and surfing conditions. Yet, there’s more to see and do in the Byron Bay region than merely surf and get a tan. Some of the attractions in and around Byron Bay include:

* Amaze ‘n’ Place: This attraction is located in Alstonville in the Byron Bay Hinterland and consists of a 46 metre square maze and a coffee shop with a number of other mind-boggling puzzles.

* Cape Byron Headland: This Reserve is the most easterly point of the Australian coast and contains the Byron Bay lighthouse. A number of magnificent walking tracks along this headland provide dolphin, turtle and humpback whale sightings.

* Opal and Gem Museum: This Museum, located a short distance outside Byron Bay, offers the largest opal display in Australia. It also has range of other precious gems and minerals displays, such as diamonds.

* Macadamia Castle and Animal Park: This Park, located 10 minutes south of Byron bay, offers train rides, a mini golf course and a playground. There is also an aviary and an animal park, providing hands on experiences with native animals.

There are a number of great holiday accommodation types in Byron Bay. However, as it’s a popular destination for school leavers each year, it’s advised you book your accommodation well in advance.

Amusements on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, located in Queensland, has been described as Australia’s holiday playground. It has garnered this reputation by all the amusement parks and tourist attractions that have been established over the past 60 years.

The Gold Coast has a range of different attractions, besides relaxing along beautiful beaches, such as cultural experiences, food and alcohol tours and the many theme parks! The variety of Gold Coast attractions include:

* Numerous Amusement Parks: There is a range of adrenaline pumping theme parks available. These theme parks include Dreamworld (including Tiger Island and WhiteWater World), Movie World, Sea World, and Wet ‘n’ Wild.

* Surf World: This surfing and beach culture museum contains hundreds of surfboards, spanning across a range of eras (from as early as 1915). This cultural museum also contains photographs, surf movie posters and other memorabilia.

* XXXX Ale House Brewery:  The XXXX Brewery provides tours, offering a rich tasting experience and a chance to learn the history and heritage behind this iconic beer.

If you are looking at spending time on the Gold Coast, there are a number of luxury Gold Coast apartments for families to relax and unwind in!

Road Tripping Along the Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road tours through a number of the coastal towns along the south east coast and begins and ends at the towns of Torquay and Warrnambool. This road tour offers beautiful views of rainforests and unique coastal rock formations. Some of the interesting attractions that can be visited via the Great Ocean include:

* Visiting Unique Coastal Rock Formations: There are a number of scenic views of sandstone and limestone rock formations. The most popular rock formations are the Twelve Apostles, Lord Ard Gorge, the Grotta and London Arch.

* Great Otway and Port Campbell National Parks: Both these National Parks offer chances to see a variety of native plant and animal life. Great Otway provides walks through an ancient rainforest, while Port Campbell offers walks across the heathlands and overlooks the coast and a number of the aforementioned rock formations.

*  Victoria’s Maritime History:  There are a number of maritime museums, such as in Port Campbell and Portland. There are also a number of shipwreck tours to explore the porting history of Victoria’s south east coast.

If you are looking for a stop off on your Great Ocean Road tour, you should consider finding accommodation in Port Campbell. This coastal town is a major tourist hub and is close to many of the coastal attractions.

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Sometimes, staying put is the best way to relax and unwind. Here, we show you how to have a ‘staycation’ in the beautiful Harbour City.

Travel is a lot of fun. Exploring new places, armed only with your travel insurance and a guidebook can provide some of the most amazing and enlightening experiences of your life. As great as traveling to another city is, staying put and exploring your own city can also prove to be a rewarding and relaxing experience, especially if the city you live in happens to be Sydney. 


Commonly thought of as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Sydney draws tourists from every corner of the globe with its stunning natural harbour, magnificent beaches and global city center. It truly has something for everyone, but chances are that if you live here, you’ve never really done the ‘tourist’ thing and properly explored your hometown. Here, we’ve put together a guide to having a ‘staycation’ for your next holiday, and exploring all the magic that Sydney has to offer.

Restaurants

When you’re on holidays you tend to treat yourself to the finer things. You go out for meals, order fancy cocktails and generally live it up a little. A staycation in Sydney provides the perfect opportunity to do this in one of the best foodie cities in the world, and because you’re not forking out for flights or accommodation, you can spend more money on dining out in style. Take in that degustation at Tetsuya’s you’ve always wanted to try, sample the famous snow egg at Quay or settle in for a night of cocktails at the Opera Bar. The whole point of a staycation is to enjoy your city in a way you wouldn’t normally be able to, and indulging your taste buds at Sydney’s best restaurants is certainly one way to do this.

Outdoors

If your weeks in Sydney mostly consist of commuting from your house to your job during the week, and then your house to the bar on weekends, chances are you haven’t really taken the time to explore the amazing natural beauty of the city and its surrounds. Take a day trip out to the Blue Mountains, or closer to home, check out a few of Sydney’s National Parks or the Botanic Gardens. You can even take the opportunity to partake in some typically ‘tourist’ pursuits, such as kayaking on the harbour, paddle boarding at Camp Cove or taking a scuba course in Manly.

Attractions

We’re betting that if you live in Sydney, you’ve never climbed the bridge. What about a Sydney Harbour Cruise? Didn’t think so. Most Sydney siders have never had either the chance or inclination to check out the city’s many tourist attractions, but the fact is that Sydney is a city full of treasures just waiting to be uncovered, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve lived here for 50 years or just a day, you will definitely be impressed by what it has to offer.

Not only does a staycation allow you to save money, it provides a much more stress-free holiday. Doing all the things that you never feel you have time to do in your own city makes you much more appreciative of your life, and all the wonderful adventures it offers.

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Sydney is a great city for kids and adults alike, which is why so many people choose it each year as the destination for their family holidays.

Sydney has a range of beaches, theme parks, museums and playgrounds on offer for the kids, and Sydney bars and restaurants (along with the other cultural attractions) are more than enough to convince the parents that it’s a worthy location! If you’re travelling to Sydney with kids (or if you live in Sydney and are looking for some ideas on how to keep them busy), we’ve got a range of options to help you out. Bring on the family fun!

Taronga Zoo

It’s not all that often that you see a giraffe munching leaves against the backdrop of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, but that is exactly what you’ll see at Taronga Zoo. Sydney’s zoo has a strong focus on conservation and, among other things, is home to the most adorable pygmy hippo you’re ever likely to see. The best way to get there is to catch the ferry from Circular Quay in the CBD, and take in all the natural beauty of the harbour as you sail towards your destination. Fun for the whole family, Taronga Zoo is both educational and entertaining.

Luna Park

An historic and functioning amusement park, Luna Park is a nod to times gone by with its antique painted face at the entrance and old-style rides. There are, of course, plenty of modern rides to keep the kids impressed, as well as (wait for it) a number of bars and restaurants to keep the parents busy!

Blue Mountains

Not far out of Sydney and perfect for a family day trip, the Blue Mountains have a range of activities on offer to keep you all busy. Head off on an organised Blue Mountains tour or simply drive yourself around the sleepy villages, stopping for a bite where you feel like it. Undeniably, the biggest attraction in the Blue Mountains is the stunning Three Sisters rock formation, which came about (Dreamtime legend has it) after three sisters were turned to stone for their own protection during a tribal battle in ancient times. Today, the Three Sisters form a tourist hotspot and the walking trails around the area take in some breathtaking local bush land.

Bondi Beach

You can’t come to Sydney without visiting the iconic Bondi Beach, and best of all, it’s a cheap outing for the entire family! Our advice would be to catch the bus or train as parking can be something of a nightmare, but once you’re there and have staked your claim on a patch of sand, the kids will be sure to amuse themselves in the waves or in the dedicated kid’s pool at the North end of the beach. Once you’ve all had your fill of surf and sad there are a range of excellent ice-cream and gelato shops to cool you down with a sweet treat.

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For many young people around the world, the idea of leaving home and working for a year in a foreign city is an attractive one.

Many find themselves planning a trip to Australia, both for its range of attractions and its enviable climate. If you’re planning on taking advantage of a working holiday visa in Australia and doing some backpacking while you’re here, there are a few ways in which you can make it easier for yourself finding temporary work once you arrive. For many, Sydney is the first port of call, and being a vibrant and beautiful city, it is the place where a lot of backpackers choose to settle for a while. Here. We’ve create a list of tips for those looking to find work in the harbour city—from checking with Sydney hostels to which industries best suit your travel plans. Good luck, and enjoy!

Decide What You Want to Do

Your travel plans will impact on the type of work you’re looking for, as well as your plans for how you’d like to spend your time in Sydney. Perhaps you want to make the most of the Aussie weather and choose a job where you can spend time outdoors? Maybe you want to build on your skills in the hospitality industry and want to find bar work or a job in a restaurant? You might want to make sure your weekends are free for exploring, in which case an office job would probably be best suited to you. Some backpackers arrive and decide they want to work in their area of expertise, others take it as an opportunity to do something completely different and outside of their comfort zone—it’s really up to you.

Finding Temporary Positions

One thing that you can do in order to find work in Sydney is to check with local hostels. Not only are there frequently jobs on offer at the hostels themselves, but they also usually have jobs boards on which they advertise short term positions. Another way to find quick work is to register with some local recruitment agencies, many of which specialise in placing travelers for temporary roles.

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

If you’re unsure of things like minimum wage, superannuation, taxation or your rights in the workplace, the Australian government has a good website called Your Rights at Work which is great for brushing up on the laws around employment in Australia. Employers are generally quite fair, but it is always best to protect yourself.

Along with finding good, reliable work when you move to Sydney, make sure you are properly protected with good travel insurance before you leave. Also consider that your experiencing Australia is maybe more important that just staying in Sydney and I preffered to not work instead stay a shorter time but just travel. I saw a good amount of oz like that and didnt get stuck washing dishes in a kitchen.

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Melbourne is easily the most artistic city in Australia, and what it lacks in pristine beaches compared to Sydney, it more than makes up for in terms of culture. Widely regarded as the fashion and arts capital of the country, Melbourne will reel you in with its passion, class and creativity, and you can’t help but be inspired in a city where expression is everywhere.

A day tour of the city is the best way to familiarize yourself with Melbourne’s layout and attractions, and because of its handy grid system, navigation is a lot simpler than in its northern cousin, Sydney. Here, we’ve collected some of Melbourne’s highlights to ensure you don’t miss out on anything while you are there!

Federation Square

A meeting place for the entire city and a stunning piece of design in its own right, Federation Square is often the site of concerts, gatherings and other city events. Lined with wine bars and restaurants, it is the perfect place to meet up with friends or simply watch the locals as they move through their gorgeous city.

Chapel Street

For those who love shopping, Chapel Street might see you stretch your credit cards to the max. Lined with boutiques, thrift stores and cutting-edge designer labels, Chapel Street is a Mecca for the fashion and design-conscious.

Lygon Street

Here is where your taste buds will be rewarded for all that walking around—Lygon Street was originally the site of a lot of Italian immigrant settlement, and as such it is the place in Melbourne to go for quality Italian fare. Lined with some of the best restaurants in the city, your nose will lead you hear without our advice, but once you’re there, be sure to indulge!

MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground is the main sports arena in the city and it is where much of the city’s favourite sport—AFL—is played out. Melbourne is a city of football-crazy locals, so do yourself a favour and take in a match while you’re visiting, if only to see the passion of the crowds.

Brunswick

Formerly a bohemian stronghold, Brunswick has become increasingly gentrified over the years, although the edgy, funky vibe remains. With a plethora of grungy, cool bars and clubs, as well as live music everywhere you look, Brunswick is guaranteed to be a good night out and a nice alternative to the gaudy, cologne-soaked crowds you may encounter in the middle of the city on a Friday or Saturday night.

Melbourne never fails to impress, and its layout, friendly locals and thriving café culture mean that making your way around to see everything it has to offer is a delight.

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Australia’s northeastern state of Queensland is undeniably a great place to visit. Enviable weather, pristine beaches and laid-back locals make it a domestic and international tourism favourite. If you’re planning a trip down under and plan to spend time in Queensland, it’s a good idea to bring a bit of knowledge about its cities, (along with the travel insurance and sunscreen!). Queensland’s cities are incredibly diverse in what they have to offer, and we’ve created a brief ‘cheat-sheet’ on a few of Queensland’s cities to give you a bit of context before you arrive.

Cairns

Queensland’s most northern city, Cairns is the gateway city to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands, and attracts a huge tourism industry. It’s a party town that is also supported by the local sugar cane industry, and is known for its tropical climate (there are only two seasons, wet and dry) and its lush rainforests.

Gold Coast

Queensland’s Gold Coast, while not technically a city, is still classed as one, though it would be more correct to call it a collection of small villages and communities. Within the Gold Coast, Surfer’s Paradise can be classed as the ‘city centre’, a town that exists almost entirely for tourism, something it is very good at! With gorgeous stretches of sand and a thriving nightlife, Surfer’s Paradise is the place to be for a decadent holiday in the sun.

Rockhampton

The beef capital of Australia, Rockhampton lies directly across the tropic of Capricorn, about 600km north of Brisbane. Rockhampton experiences almost 300 days of sunshine per year, which means that there’s never really a bad time to visit. A thriving country town with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere, Rockhampton is the place to get a steak and enjoy the weather.

Brisbane

The capital of Queensland and the third-largest city in Australia, Brisbane is a contemporary city with a country town feel. Brisbane apartments and hotels are world-class in their quality, and yet there is a friendliness and openness to the locals that you won’t experience in cities like Sydney or Melbourne. With a host of tourist activities and an enviable climate, Brisbane is well worth a visit. After the devastating floods that inundated the city in early 2011, Brisbane has shown its spirit and determination by rebuilding itself, and not only is it now well and truly open for business, the optimism and strength of the locals will leave you truly touched

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I have travelled a lot, been to many countries, and know flying like it is a common cold to be caught on regular occasion. For a short holiday from Australia to Fiji or the Pacific Islands, a cruise is a way better option, as I just found out. This article is a comparison of two similar holidays… Read on.

Sydney Harbour cruises, most people’s minds are a trip around the harbour and maybe an additional look out into the ocean, to catch a look at a whale or a dolphin if they are lucky. Well, there is a whole more going on. If you want to get away from winter, there is a very easy way to do it. I just did it. Cruises out of the harbour and onto Fiji and the Pacific Islands are leaving all the time. The prices are amazing and we had a wonderful time. Everything is just so immediate, and when you realise the costs are very inexpensive and the cruises are available very regularly. All those Fiji Islands are not a distant image in your mind. I have flown extensively in my life, and I have been to many places, but I had never been on a cruise before. I wasn’t aware of them leaving all the time from Sydney, until a friend suggested we take a cruise for four days and make our own long weekend. No one at the office even knew. I took the days off as a matter of course. No one had any idea I was having a smashing time on, well, what I have to say was the holiday of my life. At 10 am in the morning, we were getting on the ship, and our party and holiday started precisely a minute after. Compare that with a flight or long drive to any other destination. That is what I call full value, and prompted me to write this article, a comparison of a cruise against a holiday, including a flight and hotel for the same amount of time to a similar destination.

  • Travel Time. Travel time to the cruise is as long as it takes to get to the terminal. I live by a train line, so it was a quick ride into the city, and then a short taxi to the terminal. A pass through immigration and we were away. All in all, it was very inexpensive and over before we knew it, and our holiday had already started. For a flight, you have your travel time to the airport, airport waiting, and check-in early because it is an international flight to a similar location, a flight of 4 hours to Fiji, more airport waiting and then transport to the resort or hotel. Just the airports and flight come to about 8 hours without including any other time. Being very generous, that is about a total of 10 hours. Both ways that is a total of 20 hours, which is basically a day. Not forgetting that flights don’t leave throughout the night, and so you lose more than a day of your holiday when you travel.
  • Perspective. There is something about seeing those huge views across the ocean. There is something spectacular about seeing an island as a dot on the horizon. The calmness and deep blue of the open ocean. I had never experienced anything like it. That kind of feeling is very hard to find, and is not going to be found if you are flying there. You can see the Fiji Islands out of a small aeroplane window if you are lucky enough to be sitting in the right spot.
  • Friendliness. Resorts and hotels are great places to stay, but there is something indifferent about them. It is rare to make friends or feel anything about anyone else who is staying in the hotel. The cruise ship is very different. Whether it is said or not, there is a bond between everyone on the ship. There is a sense of togetherness, which manifests itself in a warmth and friendliness. There is just no comparison. Service. 5 star hotels and resorts have excellent service. You still need to time carefully when to order your drinks at the pool, because the local serving staff have come from a culture that is mellow and slower. They have been standing in the sun their whole life. No one could have people running around and serving you like it was a business lunch in Tokyo. Cruise staff, are a little different. The cruise is on a ship. Ships have a very strict and manner to them. A Captain is always a Captain. There is no excuse on a ship, and there is nowhere anyone can go missing. The service is different and it is a little better. ‘Service with responsibility’ is the best way to describe it. 
  • Price. This one is very surprising. Let’s look at what the hotel with breakfast and flight package costs. The best deal on a packaged deal of hotel and flights will come to no less than 800 dollars. You could easily spend another 100 dollars per person, per day, on food for 4 days and 3 nights, and that is being very reasonable. We are not going to include any other transit costs. That means 1200 dollars per person. Our 4 day, 3 night deal, including meals and taxes was about 600 dollars per person. Our actual holiday was longer, had fewer hassles, and we visited so many places.

 

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For most people in Europe and America, Australia is surrounded by the mystique of the “land down under”. Australia is a Westernized country, but it is so far from the Western centers that it developed its own unique personality. That may be why Australia is a very popular tourist destination. Visiting Australia might seem like an unrealizable wish for a lot of people, but it can be cheaper than you ever thought possible. From traveling at the right time to staying at backpackers hostels, there are a lot of ways to save during your next trip in Australia.

Choosing the right moment to fly. Summertime in southern Australia is between December and February. The plane tickets are most expensive during that time. Consider traveling just before (October and November) or just after (March and April). The plane tickets are cheapest during this time, and it is still warm enough to go to the beach. If you’re going to the north of the country, go during the dry season; otherwise you will have to spend most of your time inside because of the heavy rains and dangerous storms. Unless that’s your thing, of course!

Managing your transportation. It might seem like a silly idea to buy a car in a foreign country, but if you plan on staying more than a few weeks, it might be worth your while to buy a used car and resell it before you leave. A rental car will cost you so much more on a long-term basis than buying a used car. A lot of backpackers and work-travel students buy and sell cars in Australia; make contacts in Sydney hostels or in whatever city you are landing in and you will find a car that will suit your needs. If you plan on going in the outback, you will most definitely need a 4WD-type car like a Jeep.

Sleeping for cheap. There are many ways to save on accommodation. Couch surfing is a very popular way to find places to crash. Staying in hostels instead of hotels or motels will also save you a lot of money. If you plan on staying in certain cities for a few weeks, you can also get a short-term apartment or house rental. If you are traveling with a group, sharing the cost of an apartment will feel like you’re paying almost nothing to live in a fully furnished home.

Don’t eat out too much. If you stay in a rental apartment or in certain hostels, you should get food from local markets and groceries instead of eating in restaurants. Of course, you can try a few places, but for long-term traveling, eating out all the time will (literally) eat away at your budget. Buy non-perishable food. Make sandwiches for the road. Stop at farmer’s markets or at fresh produce stalls on rural roads. You will get fresh, tasty food for a fraction of the restaurant prices. And you don’t have to pay tips.

If you plan your trip properly and use the tips laid out in this article, you can probably afford to go to Australia sooner than you thought. Happy traveling, mate!

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I found this link as being a good source of information though the website is not so well laid out its ok.

An excerpt about Airlie Beach follows

"The small town of Airlie Beach lies a few kilometres from the Main Highway East of Proserpine. When driving into Airlie on The Shute Harbour Road you will encounter magnificent views of the Abel Point Marina and out to Pioneer Bay on your left.

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G’Day all..

Well my 3 weeks in Aus is up, not that long really but I only came here to fill in the gaps from my last visit – Ullura (Ayres Rock), and Darwin.. and so that’s exactly what I did. Spent the first couple of days chilling, and catching with someone aussie I met in USA, went to see one of his mates play in a band, and then to see cricket (aus v world x1).. pretty bad cricket really! Left Sydney to head to the little red pebble in the middle of Australia, and en route had one of my worst flying experiences – the turbulence, never happened to me before! Spent the next few days in and around Ayres Rock, The Olgres and Kings Canyon before heading to Alice Springs and a day wondering around West Macdonell Ranges – which are awesome! The day I was leaving Alice to head to Darwin, yet a new flying experience – my flight got cancelled, got put up in a hotel for the night so couldn’t complain too much but it did mean I had one less day in Darwin to see Kakadu National Park (which is bigger than Israel).. so only had 2 days there, wondering around , swimming in some plunge pools – don’t worry, no crocs around. Spent one day doing the same at Litchfield NP too, so all in all a good few days.. even with the unbearable weather in the high 30’s!, Left Darwin and headed to Melbourne, were I was catching up with an ex work colleague, which was really cool as he and his girlfriend kindly let me stay at there place, was nice to get off the backpacker trail for a few days! Went to see Australia v Ireland at International Rules ( a mix between Aussie Rules and Gaelic Football).. Aus won, but they were dirty, and used very rough house tactics! The other highlight in Melbourne has to have been Neighbors Night (wont mean much to the non UK/Ire lot).. on the night we had Dr Carl, Boyd and Cindy to meet and great, and then Dr Carl and his band rocking away.. a good night as my two friends come out to experience it all, and also met up with some dude that I last met in Peru.. small world as they say! Some of you had have a more detailed update of the night, and also seen some pictures.. sorry, not going to make that available to all.Last few days lounging around Sydney, catching with family and friends.. enjoying the weather…

Saturday off to Malaysia, so the next adventure begins.. lets up it can match South America for adventure and experience because USA, NZ and Aus haven’t..

Mins

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Byron Bay is the place to be if you want to relax and enjoy some scenic beauty. You have the option of getting to Byron Bay by plane, car hire, bus, and train. Car hire would take you around 9 hours from Sydney, 2 hours from Brisbane, and about 1 hour from the Gold Coast. There are many things that you can do in Byron Bay and the following points list a few of them: 

• Byron Light House – Visiting the lighthouse is recommended to all the people who are visiting Byron Bay. Just start walking along the walking track from the town to the light house. The walk in itself is amazing and after you reach the top, there is a café where you can take a breather and relax with some snacks.

• Surfing – There are many beaches around, and if you are not surfing when you visit Byron, then you would be missing out on a lot. 

Tallow’s Beach is on the south of Byron and is full of breaks that dot its length. It is not that known but its huge waves swell into the air, which makes it perfect for a day of surfing for advanced surfers. You can only see it from the top of Byron headland, which is why most tourists miss it.

Wategos Beach lies on the north of the Byron Point and is not that noticeable either. As compared to other breaks, the waves do not have that much push, which explains the long-boarding crowd at this beach. The surf here is smaller as compared to the Pass. When the winds are right, the place is full of beginner surfers, which could be risky for wayward boards. 

Byron Main is the most well-known beach of Byron and close to the shore, you’ll find many small waves breaking. The Pass lies at the south of Byron Main and is the most crowded place during the summers. It is also the perfect place to surf. 

• Marine Fun Activities – You can go for Whale Watching in Byron Bay during September and October for most fun. There is also a lot of scuba diving you can experience in Julian Rocks. This place is also apt for snorkeling as the depth around it is around 5 to 25 meters. For more information about snorkeling and diving trips to Julian Rocks, you can always contact Byron Bay Dive Centre. 

• Swimming and Sunbathing on the Beach – If you are going with kids, choose Clarkes Beach, which is situated at the east of the main beach. It is sheltered, making it perfect for summer. However, during the winters it can get a bit chilly. For swimming, the main beach is perfect because it is patrolled all through summer, which is safe for you and your family. Byron also allows topless sunbathing, and it is pretty common. Belongil is a beach that has optional clothing. 

• Cycling – You can hire bicycles from Byron Bay Cycleway and enjoy the beauty of the Bay along the beach in Byron by cycling. Most of it is a scenic beauty, and consider taking an early day when the heat is not much and the sun is down when you can enjoy your cycling trip the most. 

• Music Festivals – If you are in Byron Bay during the Easter, you can enjoy the East Coast Blues & Roots Music Festival. In July, they have the Splendour in the Grass Music Festival. The place is full of laid-back music and is perfect to enjoy and take the stress out of your system. 

• Shopping – For shopping, you can visit The Retro Shop, which has a lot of cute stuff. There are craft markets on Sundays, which have a great variety and you can buy all the souvenirs for your friends back home from these markets. There is so much to see, and you will definitely end up making your luggage heavier if you stay at the craft markets for too long.

If you want to surf some artistic stuff then Art Park is a must visit. Not only do they have interesting clothes but they also hold wonderful art exhibitions of some of the coolest artists. The Arts and Industry Park is if you want to buy some delicate bohemian labels, glass blowers, and silver smiths. There are vintage stores, soap makers, and candle makers as well, which you should definitely check out. 

Eat the local cuisine and talk to people because the local crowd is wonderful and would guide you about the best things to do while you are at Byron Bay.