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