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
Last Updated on
Stu says
February 6, 2008 at 1:57 ambali should remedy your daily budget! glad you liked my country, but dont tell my wife about the blondes ;)
Stu says
February 5, 2008 at 8:57 pmbali should remedy your daily budget! glad you liked my country, but dont tell my wife about the blondes ;)
Kango Suz says
February 6, 2008 at 1:40 pmThat’s an awesome picture! I’m glad that you enjoyed Australia so much, are you sorry you didn’t get into the interior?
-Suz
Dave says
February 8, 2008 at 3:47 amNope – I have lots I want to do and Australia’s outback is not something that had me too curious.
Kango Suz says
February 6, 2008 at 6:40 pmThat’s an awesome picture! I’m glad that you enjoyed Australia so much, are you sorry you didn’t get into the interior?
-Suz
Dave says
February 8, 2008 at 8:47 amNope – I have lots I want to do and Australia’s outback is not something that had me too curious.
alison says
February 7, 2008 at 2:46 amHey, I just discovered your awesome blog! I recently traveled around the world for a year…spent most of it in New Zealand and SE Asia. Reading your entries makes me want to do it again. There is nothing better than travel!
I drank a lot of the mixed drinks in a can while in Fiji and NZ…you didn’t miss anything. Although, I will say that the gin and tonic one grew on me.
Have a great time in Indonesia…I shall be tuning in for more stories!
Dave says
February 8, 2008 at 3:52 amThanks for checking out my travel blog! Please let me know if you have any advice for the places I’m headed – you can see the trip itinerary link on the upper left side (RTW Pre-Trip Plan).
alison says
February 7, 2008 at 7:46 amHey, I just discovered your awesome blog! I recently traveled around the world for a year…spent most of it in New Zealand and SE Asia. Reading your entries makes me want to do it again. There is nothing better than travel!
I drank a lot of the mixed drinks in a can while in Fiji and NZ…you didn’t miss anything. Although, I will say that the gin and tonic one grew on me.
Have a great time in Indonesia…I shall be tuning in for more stories!
Dave says
February 8, 2008 at 8:52 amThanks for checking out my travel blog! Please let me know if you have any advice for the places I’m headed – you can see the trip itinerary link on the upper left side (RTW Pre-Trip Plan).