It was a completely last minute decision for me to fly to Brisbane. I booked my flight the day before, following the strong recommendations from both my host and friend that I HAD to go to Byron Bay. And I’m glad I did. Aside from accidentally booking a bus from the wrong airport (classic Jackie~) Byron Bay was worth the drive out the ways. It’s a hippy little beach town where they hold tons of music festivals throughout the year, and is a spring break hotspot for surfers and college students alike.
It reminded me a lot of my college town. Super charming and small, you could cover the ground “downtown” in an afternoon (or probably even less than that!). It was fun to stroll through the different shops and eateries all just a few blocks from the beach. And if you’re traveling on a budget, there’s also an Aldi near the town center where you can grab everything you need for a cheap, easy meal or some snacks. I also recommend an Asian grocery store called Red Ginger. They sell sold homemade dumplings and steamed buns (they even had vegetarian and vegan options!) and serve complimentary tea with your order. This was really close to the bus station, and just what I needed after traveling from the airport.
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Take a stroll to the beach and watch the surfers surf the waves as you swing on the swings not too far from the shore, and if you’re up for it, tackle the trek to the Cape Byron Lighthouse. It’s about 2km from the center of town, so definitely dedicate a morning or afternoon to the walk up there. It was gloomy and rainy the day I hiked the lighthouse, which made it beautiful in it’s own way.
I had about a day and a half in Brisbane, and one thing on my list: visiting the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and holding a koala. Mission. Accomplished.
It’s the world’s largest and oldest koala sanctuary, and they housed a few other friends, from platypus to dingos and kangaroos you can feed! I cuddled a koala named Spoon… I should’ve been good to fly home right after, right??! C;
If you know me, you know I have a bit of a sweet tooth. Whenever I travel, I look up where I can find the best frozen dessert in town. So I *conveniently* booked a hostel my first night that was within walking distance of the best gelato place in town: Gelato Messina. I tried their Salted Caramel & White Chocolate + Coconut & Lychee. Amazing. They have a few flagship stores throughout NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.
Gelato Messina: Salted Caramel & White Chocolate + Coconut Lychee
I have to say, I didn’t realize how multicultural Australia was. They have a huge Asian population, which I should have realized when I was doing research and saw how large their Chinatown was… the fact that even had a Chinatown should have told me a thing or two! Let’s just say I felt like I was reliving my Asia travels last year.
Chinatown is every budgeting-backpackers best friend when traveling. Think fresh, cheap, Chinese baked goods, and souvenirs. Chinatown is enough to make me wish I lived in a larger city. Stop by Emperor’s Garden Cakes & Bakery for a pineapple bun (or whatever your pastry-craving desires) and if the queue isn’t wild, pick up an Emperor Puff (a custard-filled cream puff) right next door. You’ll know you’re in the right place if there’s a line for it. That’s what piqued my interest! The puff was served piping hot, and tasted okay, but it’s personally not something I’d queue up for again.
For food, my host took me to a favorite local place known for it’s dumplings. If you are looking for authentic Chinese food and homemade dumplings at a really good price point, wander about to 8 Quay Street, “Chinatown Noodle Restaurant.” Most dishes are under 10$, making it a hotspot for students. Also, don’t be surprised if you’re seated next to a stranger. In true Chinese fashion, they’ll try and accommodate you however they can!
I would never have found such a place if it wasn’t for my host. If you haven’t tried Couchsurfing, I definitely recommend it. I’ve posted about it a few times on my Instagram, but through Couchsurfing I’ve made friends from all-over. A special shout-out to my Sydney Couchsurfing host, Hang!
Hooray for new friends!
While in Sydney, one has to do their famous Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk. I enjoy Denver, but being landlocked feels pretty restricting sometimes. I never appreciated the beach when I lived in Florida, but goodness gracious was I so head over heels for these views on my hike.
It was about 6 kms, and without stopping, should take you less than 3 hours return. But if you’re leisurely (really, really leisurely) strolling and are just in complete awe of the views, and taking a million pictures every few yards like I was, it can easily take you an extra hour. And I say to completely enjoy and take it all in. Bring lunch (or pick up something along the way), people/surfer watch, and pack your swimsuit if it’s nice out. You’ll pass multiple beaches and baths that are so beautiful that even though it’s “winter,” you’ll be so tempted to dip your toes in.
And ~*girls*~ there is a women & children’s only bath a little past Coogee called McIver’s Bath. It’s the last one left in Australia and only takes a gold coin donation to enter the Girl’s Rooooom (The Amanda Show, anyone??!).
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MANLY BEACH
My last day in Sydney, Hang and I adventured to Manly Beach. It’s a ferry ride from Sydney, and it was a beautiful day that day. Manly reminded me of Venice Beach in California, where you had an area of shops and buskers, and places to eat at, but you were never more than a stone throw’s away from the beach. You get the best of both world’s over there.
It was interesting to see that for Australia’s winter, there were locals laying out in swimsuits, while some people were bundled up in sweatshirts and beanies… all within a few feet of each other! Of course, there were a decent amount of surfers and loads of crowds to people-watch.
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I had asked a few locals what (aside from marmite & Tim-Tams, haha) would be considered an “Australian dish.” A couple of them had said fish ‘n chips! Hang’s favorite fish ‘n chips place on Manly is a place called Fishmongers. So of course, we had to go! They have a set menu, but also catches and specials that change every so often. We both went for their ginger salmon, and it was amazing. A great location really near to the beach, we did takeaway and had ourselves a picnic.
Walk along the main beach and towards the end you’ll find yourself climbing to the top of a peak with an incredible view of the sunset. Perfect way to end my trip.
I spent two weeks “down under” this past June. The flight there took a little over 14 hours (thank goodness for in-flight entertainment). I left on a Saturday, but with the time difference, I started my trip off in Sydney on a Monday. And it was the Queen’s birthday! I had flown in just in time to celebrate, obviously.
I visited at the start of winter. So that meant more layers, and less tourists (most of the time). I was told that it can rain quite a bit during this season, and there had been torrential downpour in Sydney the week prior to my arrival. But the day I got there, it was sunny and gorgeous. I stayed in Potts Point, about 20 minutes from the Botanic Gardens and a stunning view of the Opera House and Harbor.
Woolloomooloo (say that three times fast)
View from the McElhone Stairs in Potts Point.
Lookout from Lady Macquarie’s Chair of the harbour.
I could continue chronicling this my travels listing all the sights I saw day to day, the places I ate at… but I’ll touch on the highlights for me, and for what I highly recommend you fit into your Australia travels as well.
To start, the territories I visited were New South Wales (Sydney, Byron Bay, Katoomba, Newcastle, Manly Beach), Queensland (Brisbane), and Australian Capital Territory (Canberra). If you look at a map, that’s all along South/Southeast Australia. Now, if you look at a map and compare the size of Australia to the rest of the world, you won’t be surprised as to why I decided to focus my trip within a specific area of this giant country (it would be worth another trip to return and visit a different part Australia, trust me).
I’ve got some posts in the works, but I hope you’ll read on and enjoy what I have so far of my little travel diary about my visit down unda!
The national flag in the capital of Australia: Canberra.
JACKIEXPLORES 