Final Thoughts: Australia

Kangaroos, surfing, and the Outback were all I knew of Australia before I visited in January. I quietly hoped it would surprise me, and as you'll see below, there were no shortage of favorite moments!

Highlights –

• couchsurfing with Ben in Brisban
• doing nothing in Byron Bay (and watching Green Street Hooligans)
• 4×4 safari on Fraser Island (and swimming in freshwater Lake McKenzie)
• surf lesson in Agnes Water (and watching Bra Boys)
• impromptu porch party at Magnum Backpackers in Airlie Beach
• sailing the Whitsundays (and getting to steer the yacht)
• first SCUBA dive
• staying with Michael and Ann in Trinity Beach
• hugging a Koala Bear at the Cairns Tropical Zoo
• snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef
• Sydney FC vs. Melbourne Victory soccer match at Aussie Stadium
• sipping wine outside the Opera House with the Germans – Andy and Constantine
• the views at Bondi Beach (and the cliff walk to Coogee)
• couchsurfing with Bonnie, Tom, and Eliza in Newtown
• hot milk chocolate at the Lindt chocolat cafe
• watching the 2008 Australian Open Men's Singles Final on the jumbo screen outside Rod Laver stadium
• taking in the amazing architecture (modern and Victorian) around Melbourne

Discoveries –

• Australia may well have the prettiest blonde women in the world (I'll keep you posted as I have to give California and Sweden a fair shot)
• Australians love their designer sunglasses (aka “sunnies”)
• Australians love to drink beer
• like New Zealand, mixed liqour drinks are sold in cans and commonly consumed (rum and cokes, gin and tonics, etc), yet I didn't manage to try them in one month's time
• it rains a lot in Queensland during the summer

# of Nights Couchsurfing –

4 – two in Brisbane and two in Newtown. I also spent 2 nights with a friend's relative in Trinity Beach, 2 nights aboard a sailboat, 1 night on Fraser Island, and 2 nights aboard buses. Couchsurfing was tough due to high demand, and the holidays (New Year's in early January and Australia day later in the month).

Eating –

Heaps of chocolate, one plate of nicely prepared kangaroo, meat pies, gelato, ham and cheese sandwiches, and almost daily cappuccinos.

Average Daily Budget –

$98

Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.