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)
- 4x4 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
