I'm travelling Australia for the first time at the end of the month alone and it's only just hit me.. I have done as much research as possible and am staying with relatives to start with but would really appreciate some advice...
I'm interested in doing something like the Oz experience because i'd really like to meet new people and see as much as Australia as possible - the thing is my geography is terrible.. people keep asking me what parts of Oz i want to see and telling me i must go here and there, but to be honest i'm not sure of many places out there.
Basically i just want to get the most out of my 6 months as possible - i have a working holiday visa, and plan to work in Sydney for the first month - then I was thinking about doing the Oz experience from Syd round wherever it goes.. how long do you suggest i go for and will it take me back to Sydney when i want to go back?? Would you say this is the best way to meet new people and see Australia?
Sorry for all the questions - i've just never done anything like this before and don't know anyone who has so haven't got anyone to ask.. any advice/suggestions/reccomendations would be really appreciated.
thanks xx
Reply to this Head from Sydney north all the way to Cape Trib. You will meet heaps of people all the way travelling just like you and they will tell you all the great spots.. Plan Coffs Harbour (my home town, except I will be in Vietnam for a month) Byron Bay, Brisbane, Fraser Island, Whitsundays, Cairns just a few not to miss...
Reply to this Thanks so much for getting back to me - I've been offered some work at a koala rescue centre in a place called Lismore - which i believe is about 10hour drive-away from Sydney... do you think i'll be able to stop of there on the Oz experience? Forgive me if all this information is on the Oz experience's website - i'm not very good at navigating my way around websites, something I should really work on if i'm going to be travelling I know. x
Reply to this The koala rescue centre is about an hour away from here.. All workers are volunteer and usually its about 2 hours work a day. Lismore is close to the alternative lifestyle area here in OZ including Byron Bay - Nimbin - Mullumbimby etc. Worth a look and a major drawcard for tourist with Byron Bay having more tourist / Backpackers than aussies..!!
Very easy to find by train, bus or travel co,.. Most travel tours will go through Byron Bay, this is only about 30 - 40km's to Lismore by bus or car,
Reply to this definately take a look at the shared housing in sydney - much cheaper option than hostels and you sort of feel a bit like your a local person rather than a tourist! they have a website but im not 100% sure what it is - either www.sleepingwiththenemy.com or there might be an "au" on the end, cant remember however i know you can find it via google cause i did. Recommend these guys !!!
Reply to this If you want to get off at Lismore, then maybe you should look at a Greyhound bus pass. They offer all kinds of flexible passes for travel all over Australia.
Reply to this Lismore is much closer to brisbane and very close to Byron Bay which is a very popular beach town... you will be happy in Lismore when you can escape from your job to the beautiful areas near by. I think by being friendly and very open you will find people to stay with/be with/ move in with... there are lots of backpackers here, and australians are pretty friendly.
if you have 6 months you will be able to do the east coast easy. If you make the effort to go to uluru or the outback or WA it is possible if you like the dessert/outback small town in the middle of nowhere type thing.
Reply to this Thanks thats really good advice!
Ive finally arrived in Sydney just a few days ago - really enjoying myself, done so much already .. one thing i'm struggling with though is finding some casual work, does anyone know any good sites for casual work round Sydney South near Cronulla way?... I'm going to get the RSA and RCG qualifications next week so ill be able to work behind a bar and in a restaurant so maybe it will be easier to find work once i have these qualifications? Just a bit worried as I was relying on getting some work for the first 3 weeks to keep me going - any help would be sooo appreciated..., thanks x
Reply to this hey libby, i recommend making a stop at airlie beach up the far north coast of queensland, its full of travellers from all over the world as well as plenty of aussies so its a great place to meet people, plus its the gateway to the whitsundays which is a must see! book one of the many organised boat tours out to the islands...i can even recommend a great place to stay - beaches backpackers... you can rent a private room for pretty cheap if dorms arent your thing and there is a bar downstairs that serves meals and is a top spot to make a few new friends... 😊 i absolutely loved it up there! hope that is of some help to you!
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