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6 TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY WHEN TRAVELLING IN AUSTRALIA

This article is written by Jane Churchill

When you realise how big Australia truly is, it can seem incredibly overwhelming when trying to arrange some cheap travel plans. Unlike Europe, trains are incredibly expensive here and buses are less accessible. However, don’t fret! Here is some advice on how to travel within Australia without breaking the bank!

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1. Flying

Flights between major cities is actually incredibly affordable in Australia. On websites such as Google Flights and SkyScanner, you can fly return between most major cities (excluding Perth) for under $100.00 on discount airlines such as Jetstar and Tiger Airways. If you jump onto SkyScanner, enter your destinations and search “Whole Month” the cheapest travel dates will pop up for you. Flights can be as cheap as $25 from Brisbane to Sydney or $50 one way between Sydney and Melbourne.

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2. Ride Sharing
If you’re really trying to squeeze on costs, ride sharing is another great option. Some great websites to use are:
Share Ur Ride – shareurride.com.au
Life Social – lifesocial.com.au

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3. Utilise Social Media
Facebook and Instagram are great tools for connecting with other travellers. For example, a Facebook Group titled “Les Francaise en Australie” has over 23,000 members of active travellers who are constantly posting about different opportunities/car pooling. Other groups such as Melbourne Australia Backpacker/Traveler have almost 50,000 members! Search Facebook for groups from your country!

4. Stay in Hostels and Airbnbs
If you’re trying to travel cheaply then staying in a hotel will blow most of your budget. Hostels are not only cheap, but a great way to connect with other travellers. So don’t be afraid if you’re travelling solo, because you will be surprised how easy it is to make friends! A great website to search for hostels is Hostel Word.

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5. Couch Surfing
Couch Surfing is an app available on Android and iOS which allows you to connect and even stay for free with locals in your desired destination. This is a great way to get an authentic experience, however do be careful with who you choose. A good indicator of safety is through the reviews and ratings left by previous travellers who have stayed/met with this person.

6. Venture out from major cities
Although the major cities might seem the most attractive and accessible, if you’re trying to save money they won’t be your best bet. The average cost for one night in a dorm style hostel in Sydney is about $50-$60. Try some other destinations still within a close proximity to a major airport such as the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Wollongong, Newcastle & Nelson Bay and Byron Bay. All these places accomodate to travellers with sights to see and places to stay, but you will be spending significantly less on food and accommodation.

And for the best deals for courses for international students, you better check Study Anywhere or you can contact them directly to hello@studyanywhere.com.au

Must-try Activities in Brisbane

The article is written by Kelsa McIntyre

Don’t know what to do this weekend in Brisbane? From Ghost tours to Kangaroos, we’ve got you covered.

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Wine and Painting

If you like the sound of Wine combined with Painting then this might be the perfect activity for you. BYO wine or beer and enjoy a night of creativity at Cork and Chroma. Sessions are $55 and include all of the essentials for you to get your creative juices flowing including a qualified artist to guide you along the way. So grab a friend, your fave bottle of wine and enjoy a night of tipsy creativity.
Where: 4 Montague Road, South Brisbane.

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Guided Tour

Whether you’re new to Brisbane or think you know the city well. A free guided tour is a way to explore new parts of the city and offers a chance to meet new people. The tour will take you through the Brisbane Arcade, the Botanical Gardens and many more of Brisbane’s attractions. Tours run seven days a week departing at 10:30am. Oh, and did I mention they’re FREE.

Where: Meeting point is the Brisbane Visitor Information and Booking Centre, 167 Queen Street Mall.

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Ghost Tours

If a free-guided tour doesn’t excite you maybe a GHOST TOUR will. Established in 1998, Ghost Tours takes you on a historical adventure through some of Brisbane’s and surrounding suburbs scariest sites. A tour guide will entertain (or give you nightmares) with their ghoulish storytelling as they take you through the haunted sites. Brisbane Ghost Tours have themed tours or cemetery tours depending on what interests you. Prices range from $15 for Students to $20 for Adults, with speciality tours incurring higher prices. There’s a ghost tour every weekend and some on weeknights so be sure to check out the Brisbane Ghost Tour website for all the details.
Where: Dependent on what Ghost Tour you choose, each tour will have a different meeting point.

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Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

If you haven’t held a Koala or pet a Kangaroo yet, there’s no better place than the World’s First and Largest Koala Sanctuary. You can experience a free meet and greet with a Koala every day, where you are able to pat and stand next to a Koala in order to get the classic Koala tourist pic. The Sanctuary is home to 100 species of Australian native wildlife, including platypus, Tasmanian Devils and many more. If cute animals aren’t enough to get you excited maybe free movies after your adventure filled day will help. Every 1^st and 3^rd Friday of the month there are free outdoor movie screenings at 5:30pm. Check out The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary website for all the details. The Sanctuary is open 7 days a week with student prices of $24 or $36 for Adult admission.
Where: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket.

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Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (QGOMA)

With over 17,000 works of historical, modern and contemporary art QGOMA is the leading gallery of South East Queensland. There are new exhibitions every couple of months so even if you’ve visited in the past the exhibitions are sure to have changed. Entry to QGOMA is free however some special events may incur an entry fee. Spend the day strolling around the gallery then the night exploring South Bank. South Bank is just a short stroll from the gallery and features many delicious dinner options as well the famous Wheel of Brisbane.

Where: Stanley Place, South Brisbane.

Anyone of these activities is sure to engage and excite you in different ways. Be sure to let us know if you partake in any of the activities mentioned by tagging us in your post! @studyanywhere

SYDNEY EXPLORED: YOUR HIGHLIGHT GUIDE TO VIVID 2018

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

Sydney’s Vivid Festival is back! From May 25 – June 16, Sydney will light up as Australia’s biggest art and culture festival transforms the city into an array of colour and sensory experience. The best way to explore Vivid is by foot. Here’s a guide to some of this year’s must-see locations.

SEE:

Harmony Valley – Rainbow of Peace & Trees of Friendship
The Rocks
I’m guilty of having already selfied with this site prior to the official Vivid Launch, but once you set eyes on this masterpiece of warm-and-fuzzy’s, you’ll understand why.

The piece by numerous Australian, Iranian and Asian artists represents harmony, joy and happiness through a set of large inflatable sculptures. The Japanese ‘kawaii’ references are obvious, as are feelings of youthfulness, friendship and vulnerability.

Event organisers are encouraging visitors to interact with the sculpture by forming a human chain that connects with each end of the rainbow. The sculpture responds to this show of connection with sounds, animation and pulsing light.

Hidden Art
Kings Cross
Created by TAFE NSW students, Hidden Art takes visitors on an augmented reality journey through the imaginative worlds of some of Australia’s greatest sculptors and visual artists.

Simply visit the Fitzroy Gardens and open up your Vivid Sydney app to unlock Hidden Art. The stories behind the new-age, media sculptures will come alive as users scan the area.

Installations change weekly throughout the Vivid Festival.

Lighting of the Sails: Metamathemagical
Circular Quay
To celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the Vivid Festival, Australian artist Jonathan Zawada has transformed the Sydney Opera House sails into a series of kinetic digital sculptures.

Zawada’s inspiration for the concept came from imagery inspired by the Australian environment. Everyday objects and natural specimens will undergo metamorphosis in Zawada’s creation, featuring alongside a canon of Australian artwork.

Skylark
City and Surrounds
There’s little chance you’ll miss this installation by Iain Reed of 32 Hundred Lighting. Skylark incorporates interactive lighting of the Harbour Bridge and Circular Quay skyscrapers. For the first time this year, a fully interactive custom-built laser has been incorporated into the installation.

Every 30 minutes the beacon, skyscrapers, pillars of light and the Harbour Bridge put on a two-minute sky show.

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
City and Surrounds
The iconic Australian characters of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie are celebrated in this year’s event, on their hundredth anniversary. Australian’s are familiar with May Gibbs’ famous children’s characters, who dropped out of a gumtree to a world of adventure.

Gibbs’ work is celebrated on the façade of Sydney’s 1845 Customs House.

Tumbalong Lights
Darling Harbour
Tumbalong Lights features four under-the-sea-themed, interactive-play installations. This year’s installation is all-inclusive, meaning that people with disabilities have full access to interact with the displays.

The display features the following works: ‘Beneath the Sea’ by Matt York; ‘Enchanted Garden’ by Lucka Slatner; ‘In the Scale of the Sea’ by George Buchanan and Govinda Webster; and ‘Ride into the Night’ by Antony Neeson and Mark Vincent.

Virtual Vibration
The Rocks
Fans of modernism should head to the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia to view the evolving light display created by the Spinifex Group in collaboration with Australian artist Jonny Niesche and composer, Mark Pritchard.

The display transforms the exterior façade of the MCA, lighting up the building with a psychedelic, sensory experience, accompanied by a mesmerising score.

All light installations begin at 6:00pm and finish at 11:00pm from May 25 – June 16.

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EAT:

The Squire’s Landing
Circular Quay, The Rocks
Take in the sights and sounds of this year’s Vivid Festival at the newly opened, The Squire’s Landing. The microbrewery and bar is the latest venture by a master brewer, James Squire. Offering striking views of both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, The Squire’s Landing serves up an array of on-tap beer and fresh food.

For a limited time only, The Squire’s Landing is home to the world’s oldest surviving beer, The Wreck Preservation Ale. The beer is crafted using 220-year old yeast discovered upon the wreckage of Australia’s oldest merchant shipwreck, the Sydney Cove.

Cycling in Victoria: how to ride like a local

The article is written by Paola Bianchi Cover photo by pixabay.com

From early morning to late evening is common to see cyclists sliding all over the city. Students ride for their everyday commute to their studies, workers cycle to get to their office or workplace (using comfy shoes that will be swapped later for adequate working attire), and amateurs cycling groups ride together for several km wearing the team’s cycling uniforms (they may even have sponsors!).

Cycling in Victoria is fantastic. It’s not a new thing but is getting trendy!

1 riders Pic by Mr Michael Phams

Riding a bike is a pleasure, a great way to keep fit and it is a truly sustainable form of travelling.
Plus, you get to know the city with other ayes.

Melbourne residents had embraced this way of living, and everyone is welcome to join them!

Leading up to 31 October 2011, communities across Victoria and other states of Australia will be passing a human sized earth globe from suburb to suburb and town to town until it reaches Canberra. This is the Earth Relay. The hope is that the relay will generate media and community attention along its passage to parliament and the Earth Dome will act as a symbol of hope and optimism for a cleaner, safer world.
Climate Action Moreland hosted a leg of the Earth Relay on Saturday 8 October 2011 from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm outside the Brunswick Mechanics Institute, corner of Glenlyon Road and Sydney Road, Brunswick. Members of Climate Action Moreland sent a message about how we think the carbon price can be improved, particularly increasing the 5% target.
Once the legislation is passed through Federal parliament in Canberra, the Earth Dome will be packed up and shipped to Durban for the Durban Conference of the Parties climate negotiations – COP17 – to be held in South Africa from 28 November – 9 December 2011, and with it will go our pride that finally Australia is acting on climate change and our hope that this will help deliver progress on climate change on the international stage.

Pic from Takver

To be part of this lifestyle is good to know basic (but crucial) tips:

Know the local rules.

Bicycles are considered as vehicles, meaning that riders have same rights and responsibilities than a car driver. As a cyclist, you are required to comply general road rules as any car or moto would do. For example, keep your ride on your left, stop when passengers are getting off a tram, understand when you need to give way and how to enter a roundabout. Most bike accidents occur at intersections, so watch out here!

A car uses the light signal to do a turn, uses the blinker. When riding, you must use your right hand to signal when turning (you are not obliged to hand signal when turning left but it is a good idea to do so)

Oh! and no holding your phone in your hands, please! You can hook it to the bike and use the hands-free mode for calls, GPS or music.

Read the signs.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the beginning with so many new road signs, but pay attention, and you will find them easy to understand.

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The mandatory stuff.
In many countries, using a helmet is not compulsory and is even considered a silly practice. But in Australia safety is a primary public concern. And we are glad that it is taken seriously!

Helmets are mandatory and need to be securely fitted and fastened. Be aware that police can issue a warning or a fine if not wearing a proper helmet. Don’t get upset; it’s in your best interest!

Also, proper bike brakes and a warning device like a bell are required. You may understand clearly why brakes are needed, but a bell? Keep reading!

Share the path.
Bicycles are not allowed to ride on footpaths, but sometimes cyclist lanes and pedestrian’s paths are mixed. In these cases, keep left and always give way to pedestrians. You may need to warn them with the bell!

5 shared path Pic by Paola Bianchi

Light your bike.
At night use a white light on the front, a red light on the back (they can be flashing or steady lights) and a red reflector on the back.
Be seen at night is not to be taken lightly. Look at this short video.

Use your lanes.
Where possible always use Bike Lanes. They are marked in green colour on the road. Bikers have priority and cars are not allowed to drive on these lanes (unless they are turning into an intersection). Also, you can use the Bus Line (unless otherwise signed) but you must give bus priority.

6 bike lane Pic by Paola Bianchi

Check out this great video that summarises all these recommendations.
We hope that this encourages you to go out and happily ride your bike!

Your quick guide to student accommodation

This article is written by Suka Junin

Student accommodation seems like the dream: you’re abroad, you meet new like-minded people, and who can forget the frequent social gatherings and parties? You’re at home away from home, and definitely not as alone as you think you are.

Of course, with those amazing highlights comes to some lowlights to living in student accommodations. Before diving headfirst into a tenancy application, here are some of the pros and cons you should consider before moving into a student accommodation.

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Pro: It’s super convenient

As much as it’s expensive, it’s also extremely convenient. Living so close to campus with little to no commute time, it can be worth paying a slight premium for it. It also comes in handy when you have long breaks in between lectures and tutorials.

Student accommodations also tend to be located in close proximity to transport, food and shops, which makes day-to-day needs very easy. You should never have to feel lazy to get groceries or have an excuse to miss dinner.

Con: It’s expensive
Rent is generally expensive in Australia, especially if you’re coming from a country where a standard of living costs is lower. But student accommodation is very expensive when compared to living in a normal unit or house.

Generally, most students opt to share their flat or room and the rent is lower compared to having your own private studio room. However, considering the room size and general areas like the kitchen and living area, you will be paying a lot of money for very little space.

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Pro: You get to meet so many new and different people
There’s a high flatmate turnover at student accommodations and because of this, there’s a high chance you’ll meet someone new every few months. More often than not, you’ll be surprised as to how much you learn about the different cultures and places your flatmates come from.

It’s not only the people you share a flat with but you get to mingle with others in the residence, too. Most student accommodations organise weekly gatherings like nights out on the town, barbeque weekends, and movie nights.

Con: Living with other student flatmates can be difficult
Most students staying in these types of accommodations are international students and there can often be differences in the way we live, which can prove to be challenging. This isn’t always the case and most students understand shared responsibilities like cleaning.

Because you aren’t friends at first, it can be difficult to speak out if there is an issue (playing loud music, never cleaning up after cooking) but you have to stand your ground because you pay rent and expect certain conditions. If it does get out of hand, always let one of the accommodation representatives know.

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Pro: You can make the best out of what you get

And what you get is plenty. Student accommodations like Urbanest and Iglu have shared facilities like a gym, study areas, as well as around the clock security. Make the most of these as they’re not so common in non-student housing.

Con: Once locked in, it’s hard to leave

You would probably never want to leave your student accommodation, but if you choose to end your lease early, it can be tricky to get out of it. Make sure you plan and know how long you intend to stay, otherwise you’ll end up struggling to find another student to take over your contract (yes, it has to be a student!).

Before agreeing to anything, make sure to have a viewing of the place. Some flats won’t look like the photos shown on the website and you could be given a false impression, so it’s essential to check the accommodation out in person.

For every downside to living in a student accommodation, you should use these facilities to your advantage because where else will you find a more comfortable student life when you’re new to Australia?

6 Free Walking Distance Places to visit in Adelaide City

The article is written by Rachel Ganczarczyk

If you live in Adelaide or plan to visit this beautiful city, then you’ll know that there’s plenty of fun things to do. Adelaide is a city that is much smaller than Sydney or Melbourne, but thanks to its ingenious and practical grid design, it’s a city made for you to easily walk around and explore its sights.

Lucky for you, we’ve thought of 6 places to visit in Adelaide city that are all free and within walking distance from each other.

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Botanic Gardens
Why not surround yourself with nature and stroll through green fields and exotic flower gardens in Adelaide’s Botanic Gardens? It’s a perfect setting if you simply want to relax and admire the natural scenery or shoot some awesome close-ups if you’re an avid photographer.
Location: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000 (north-east corner of Adelaide City)
When: Open from Monday-Friday 7.15am to 5.30pm, and Saturday-Sunday 9am to 5.30pm.
Entrance: Free

Adelaide Central Market
Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of a fresh produce market and indulge in an array of international cuisines and multicultural eateries. Adelaide’s Central Market offers something to satisfy everyone’s appetite, whether it be finger-licking pastries and desserts, tasty treats, wholesome health-foods, or fresh and deliciously filling soul-food.
Location: 44-60 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Open from Tuesday 7am to 5.30pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9am to 5.30pm, Friday 7am to 9pm and Saturday 7am to 3pm.
Entrance: Free

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Chinatown
Walk through Adelaide’s Chinatown and see for yourself the well-established presence of Asian culture and cuisine. Enjoy authentic Asian food or wander through countless greengrocers and supply stores.
Location: Within the Adelaide Central Markets (between Grote and Gouger Streets)
When: Open 24 Hours
Entrance: Free

Art Gallery
Surround yourself with all things art and creative by entering the South Australian Art Gallery. Wander through quiet halls and dark lit exhibition rooms as you gaze around visual displays and abstract expressions.
Location: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
When: 10am to 5pm every day
Entrance: General admission is free, but some exclusive previews and exhibitions require entry fees.

Museum
For curious minds and history buffs, why not explore the South Australian Museum and see what historical treasures it has to offer. There’s so much to see around every corner, so make sure you spend enough time to see as much as you can!
Location: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
When: 10am to 5pm every day
Entrance: Free

Victoria Square
At the heart of the city is Victoria Square, a public parkland and space featuring a fountain and where a number of festivals and events are held annually. It’s the perfect space to read a book and relax while surrounded by Adelaide’s stunning cityscape and heritage buildings.
Location: Grote St, Adelaide SA 5000
When: Open 24 hours
Entrance: Free

A glance in the Aussie espresso culture

The article is written by Paola Bianchi Cover photo by Sacha Fernandez

Coffee culture in Australia is a big deal and entirely different from other heavy-coffee-drinkers countries around the world like Brazil, USA or Finland. Not better or worse, but different.

Even though people buy lots of instant coffee (ugh!) from the supermarket, if we are looking for quality and real flavour, what Aussies care about a lot, we should check out the glorious cafe culture that has been arising in Australia since immigrants arrived from Italy and Greece with their coffee expertise.

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Alpha on Flickr

ESPRESSO IS (STILL) THE KING

Espresso is the main (often the only) brew method used to drink coffee in every cafe. Espresso machines are kind of the heart of the coffee shop and require a knowledgeable barista to run it, or two or three baristas during peak hours! Yeah, you hear right.

One barista will be doing the shots of coffee, this means grinding and weighing the coffee with the aim to hit the perfect extraction by balancing grams of coffee grounds and ml of water and avoiding under-extracting the coffee (resulting in a sour flavour) or over-extracting it (getting a bitter flavour).

Another barista will be steaming and frothing the milk. The milk should be silky and shiny. Each type of milk has different tolerance to the heat, and therefore soy milk will burn faster than full cream milk for example.

Market lane coffee facebook page

Pic from Market Lane Coffee Facebook page

ART LATTE BECAME MANDATORY

In super busy cafes there may be another barista just doing the milk pouring! This person would be the ‘art latte master’ of course. The forms made with milk is absolute no requisite for a flawless coffee, but it has become a required aesthetic in the Australian coffee culture. Hearts, tulips and rosettes. This is known as ‘free pouring’ and there even are competitions!

BARISTAS CAN AGREE ON THIS

Some will say that doing the shots is the most critical part of the job, and others will state that the milk is the most delicate part. But everyone will agree that there is one thing that makes the difference: coffee beans must be ground as close as possible to the moment of the brewing process. The aroma and flavour of the coffee starts to degrade as soon as hits the air.

Barista

Tristan Kenney on Flickr

STARS IN THE FLOOR

It is fair to say that (good) baristas are essential to the industry, some courses provide certifications, and any café’s regulars customers will want to establish a friendly relationship with the barista. After all, they are making their coffee hit every day!

Usually, they are called gun-baristas, because of their efficiency in the espresso machine. It’s normal that they will remember almost every face, name and coffee preference of the café’s regulars. Yeap! Good memory these Hospo workers!

Note that saying ‘expresso’ is a common mistake you do not want to make in front of your barista.

Single Origin coffee

Joanne Wan on Flickr

TRENDS ON BEANS

When the coffee is sourced from various producers and countries and then mixed to take the best of each bean is called ‘blend’ and it’s by far the most sold coffee and you will find it in 99% of the coffee shops. Each cafe will use one particular blend that will be distinctive to that specific shop, and what customers will come back for! (besides their friendly service)

Each brand or coffee company has a few blends and cafes that roast their own coffee will often have seasonal blends. Speciality coffee they say! This is what distinguish top-notch trendy cafes from others. These cafes will often have ‘single origin’ coffee which means that the coffee is sourced from one single producer or region in one country, and purists will swear that is the best quality you can find.

Purists will also argue that decaffeinated coffee should be erased from a menu and that alternative kinds of milk like soy, coconut and almond are not acceptable. In reality, most cafes offer them to adapt to what customers actually want, which is their ultimate goal, right?

coffee selection

Alpha on Flickr

BLACK OR WHITE

Do you drink coffee to wake up? Or you wake up to drink coffee? Either way, here are three steps to order your coffee like a genuinely mature, well-informed coffee drinker in Australia.

1. Know your espresso options: ‘black’ or ‘white’.

Black options:

– Espresso or also known as ‘ short black’ (just one shot of espresso)

– Short macchiato (one espresso and a drop of milk)

– Long black (hot water and double espresso on top, like an Americano but the water goes first to avoid breaking the crema)

– Long mac/ long macchiato (double espresso with a drop of milk, some places serve it with a little of hot water at the bottom)

Milk-based drinks are:

– Latte (more steamed milk than foam)

– Cappucino (lots of foam, little-steamed milk, chocolate on top)

– Flat white (no milk foam at all) – This type of milk coffee was actually invented in Australia!

– Mocachino (milk foam, espresso mixed with chocolate and more choc on top)

2. Know how much actual coffee to order:
By default, a regular size of coffee (8oz) has one shot of espresso, and a large size (12oz) will have two shots unless you ask your preference:

– Strong, for two shots in regular or 3 shots in large size.

– Weak, for half shot in regular or 1 shot in large.

3. Know how to express your desired coffee:
All the adjectives of your coffee should be said before the type of coffee itself.

For example, don’t say ‘please a latte with skinny milk, with 2 shots and 3/4 full’.

Better say ‘a strong, 3/4 full, skinny latte please’. Sounds nicer, right?

Oh! When doing takeaway, if you are having sugar in your coffee (yes, you are allowed) make sure you ask for it before the barista makes your coffee. Not wasting barista’s time can be much appreciated during peak hours!

Okay, are you ready to make your order? Pay and sip!

SYDNEY EXPLORED: CRONULLA AND THE SUTHERLAND SHIRE

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

Australia’s most populous city is a goldmine for adventurers. While most visitors stick to the Sydney Harbour, CBD, and Bondi areas, Sydney is actually made up of 658 suburbs, 40 local government areas and 15 contiguous regions. So much of Sydney’s beauty is outside of its main tourist hubs, and with a little research and insider knowledge, you can experience an authentic Sydneysider experience.

The Sutherland Shire is located 26 kilometres south of the CBD and borders Australia’s oldest national park, the Royal National Park. The seaside town of Cronulla is a real highlight of this region, combining white, sandy beaches and lively restaurants and cafes. Cronulla can easily be explored in a day by rail from Central Station using the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line.

ESPLANADE
Grind Espresso – Shop 4/15 Surf Road, Cronulla.

Start your adventure early to catch a glimpse of the sunrise from the Cronulla Esplanade. The 4.5km paved walkway showcases Sydney’s longest stretch of beach. Grab a coffee from local favourite, Grind Espresso, and begin your journey at South Cronulla beach, walking southward. Stop along the way at Bass and Flinders Point to take in the scenery across the ocean at Bundeena and the Royal National Park and make sure to take a dip in the sparkling water at Salmon Haul or at one of the many ocean pools dotted along the coastline.

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BLACKWOOD PANTRY
Blackwood Pantry – Shop 5/33 Surf Lane, Cronulla; Next Door – 2/4-6 Kingsway, Cronulla; Pilgrim’s Cronulla – 97 Gerrale St, Cronulla; Ham Harry & Mario – 3/17 Gerrale St, Cronulla; LOAF Sandwiches – 89 Cronulla St, Cronulla.

Cronulla truly has something for everyone when it comes to food. Grab your appetite and head up to Cronulla Mall to check out the options.

If you’re after a brunch option that will be sure to appease your Instagram followers, hit up Blackwood Pantry and try out their all-day menu offering. The Surf Lane venue delivers food that tastes as colourful as it looks. Menu highlights include the smashing pumpkins and miso glazed Atlantic salmon. Other noteworthy cafes include Next Door, Pilgrim’s, Ham and Loaf Sandwiches.

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GREENHILLS
One of the best things about Cronulla is the vast array of beaches on offer. If you’re after a quieter spot to try your hand at surfing or just to relax on the sand, Greenhills Beach is the perfect place. The beach can be reached by following the Esplanade north or by car. Greenhills and neighbouring Wanda are also great locations to watch local surfers when the swell is up. Those feeling a little more adventurous might wish to follow the path from Wanda Reserve towards the sand dunes. The natural dunes are believed to be 15,000 years old and are a great workout for those willing to climb them.

CAPE SOLANDER
Just north of Greenhills is Cape Solander, one of Sydney’s best whale watching spots. Stunning, white-rock cliffs and panoramic ocean views surround the lookout point. Cape Solander is located in the Kamay Botany Bay National Park so car entry is recommended. Park entry fees apply.

HAZELHURST GALLERY
Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre – 782 Kingsway, Gymea.

For those seeking a little more culture, the Hazelhurst Regional Gallery and Arts Centre is the hub for art in the Sutherland Shire. Featuring works from local and international artists, the gallery is set on tranquil gardens and is easily accessible by rail to Gymea Station (also on the T4 Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line).

CRONULLA RSL
Cronulla RSL – 38 Gerrale St, Cronulla; Northies Cronulla Hotel – Kingsway & Elouera Rd, Cronulla; Brass Monkey – 115A Cronulla St, Cronulla; Fusion Nightclub – 84 Cronulla St, Cronulla; Sting Bar – 3-7 Kingsway, Cronulla.

There’s no better way to end a day of sun and sand then with a beer or cocktail overlooking the ocean. Head to the historic Cronulla RSL and grab a courtyard table for an unbelievable sunset. The RSL offers food but for those looking to broaden their horizons, Low & Loftys, Alphabet Street, Eat Burger, Queen Margarita and Beach Burrito all put on great dinner offerings.

If you’re keen on continuing into the night, Northies Cronulla Hotel and neighbouring Old Joes are sure to get you in the mood for dancing. If live music is more your thing, hit up the Brass Monkey. Finish your night off at Fusion Nightclub or Sting Bar, just in time for the final train back to Central Station.

SYDNEY EXPLORED: VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN EATS

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

With year-round sunshine and bikini-clad beaches, it is no wonder that Sydneysiders are some of the most health conscious in Australia. There is an array of amazing dining options for vegan, vegetarian and conscious eaters alike on offer all over the city. We’ve compiled a list of a few local favourites to try, at your tasting pleasure.

CHEAP EATS

Funky Pies
2/144-148 Glenayr Ave, Bondi Beach

There’s nothing more Australian than the humble pie, which is now vegan, thanks to Funky Pies. The 100 per-cent vegan, pastry-creators have a café in Bondi where they serve their fresh baked pies and fair-trade organic coffee.

Bestseller The Funky Chunky, and 15 other pastries are on offer at the Bondi store. The Funky Chunky is filled with gravy, mashed potato, onion, garlic and shiitake mushroom.

Funky Pies also sells wholesale to a number of health food stores and cafes. Head to their website to find your closest outlet.

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Gelato Blue
318 King St, Newtown

Gelato Blue is Sydney’s first plant-based gelateria is a favourite for dairy and non-dairy eaters alike. Since going entirely plant-based in 2016, the family-run business has used coconut milk and cream as a base to create their gelato flavours.

Menu highlights include Banana Split, Peanut Butter Fudge and Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie. Be sure to keep an eye on their social media however as new and limited flavours are released often.

Looking for another reason to fulfil your ice-cream desires? They’ve just added 8 refined sugar-free options to the menu.

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Lord of the Fries
10A Henry Deane Plaza. 18 Lee St, Haymarket
537 George St, Sydney
159-175 Church St, Parramatta
Dreaming of the fast-food you ate before going vegan? Look no further than Lord of the Fries, Sydney’s cult, vegan, fast-food outlet.
Lord of the Fries promotes ethical fast-food across their outlets with 100 percent vegan menus as well as low gluten, kosher and halal options. Menu offerings include a vegan Parma burger, Chicago hotdog and a range of fries with dipping sauces.
They’ve also just introduced the world-first Beyond Meat burger patty to their Original and Spicy Burger.

MID-RANGE EATS

The Green Lion
726 Darling Street, Rozelle

The Green Lion is Sydney’s first exclusively vegan pub. The menu features all the classics from your typical Aussie RSL, except with a plant-based twist. Think ‘chicken’ parmigiana, loaded Mexican fries and ‘schnitzel’ burgers, enjoyed alongside a glass of wine or a schooner.

Yulli’s
417 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Yulli’s is one of Surry Hill’s best known, plant-based dining hubs and offers a relaxed space where diners can feast on share plates and Asian-infused mains, free from meat.
The menu is extensive, featuring options including tempura beetroot roulade and stuffed roasted eggplant, and there’s also a great selection of craft beers on tap. While the restaurant is entirely vegetarian, it also offers up a dedicated vegan menu and vegan wine list.

TREATS

Alibi
Ovolo Woolloomooloo
6 Cowper Wharf Roadway

Sydney’s latest plant-based venue is the brainchild of renowned chef Matthew Kenney. Alibi is inspired by Kenney’s clean approach to food without compromising on elegance and taste.

The venue, at the stunning Ovolo Woolloomooloo, features an informal lounge setting and bespoke bar, where unique and experimental cocktails are on offer.

Menu highlights include kimchi dumplings and zucchini lasagna in the mains, and coconut cream pie and hibiscus strawberry cheesecake in the desserts. The venue opened in late March and has been met by commendable reviews.

Gigi’s Pizzeria
379 King Street, Newtown

A few years ago, Newtown icon Gigi’s made the bold move to shift its menu to an entirely plant-based offering. Since then, it has all but added to its cult-status and is arguably one of Sydney’s best-loved (and busiest) vegan restaurants.
Each menu item is carefully curated and there is no recommended dish to try here. Simply grab a group of friends and order as much as you can to get a real taste of why Gigi’s is loved so much.

Be sure to arrive early as the venue does not take bookings and it is not uncommon for lines of hungry millennial’s to wrap around the building’s corner.

Road Trip to the Isa

The article is written by Ebbony Lawman The cover photo by Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

You possibly say g’day mate on the daily, reference The Castle in a convo and wait for your mates to tout one back whilst you all proudly listen to Triple J. Maybe you subtly name drop that time you’ve seen Thor in Byron Bay. Not to mention the Gold Coast is your weekend escape and your hikes are through conveniently mapped and pathed national parks, so much so you can proudly say you’ve seen the best parts of Queensland. But there’s one part of Queensland that not many people talk about, which unlike the above, rings closer to what you know Australia is famous for, is the land down under, the actual outback, littered with kangaroos, cattle and cowboys, where grassy greens are traded for prickly spinifex and distant water is later realised to be just an inferior mirage from the dry desert heat, sound fun?

Well if you point your google maps towards North-West Queensland, burrowed among the Selwyn Ranges and the banks of the Leichhardt River there’s a small town called Mount Isa which is affectionately known as the ‘oasis of the outback’. Mount Isa is the town where you’ll quickly appreciate downing an ice-cold beer and at the end of the day and indulging in the best steak sourced locally from the stations. This town is far different to what Thor feels on the coast with a mine at the town’s fringe. So why should you visit this small town in the middle of nowhere? Well, it’s home to the world’s third largest
rodeo which occurs annually in August and this year happens to be the 60^th anniversary!

unnamed-10 Photographed by Tane Cadman

The Rodeo has been around since 1959 and is sure to give you the true Aussie experience you can’t get anywhere else;
‘It’s where the romance of the Australian Outback meets the grit of a mining town, east meets west and man meets beast’ Isa Rodeo 2018.

All the famous Australian icons will be there from Nolesy (Shannon Noll) to Barnsey (Jimmy Barnes) and many more. You’ll be able to get up close in the action including; ‘saddle bronc, bareback bronc, bull riding, rope & tie, steer wrestling, team roping, ladies barrel racing, ladies breakaway roping’ Isa Rodeo 2018.

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Photo by Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

*TIP Be sure to book your accommodation in ASAP, as this time of year hotels fill up fast!

Right, so you’re ready to leave the coast and head to the outback, you’ve got your RM Williams boots and cowboy hat ready! It’s going to be a long but exciting trip to get there.
There are three ways to travel and we’ve got all the best tourist spots to keep your journey memorable.

unnamed-6 Photographed by Tane Cadman

Brisbane to Mount Isa (Flying)

The quickest way to get to the Isa is flying, the two-and-a-half-hour flight which will set you back about $600 return, exy I know but, they do have specials.

*Tip Subscribe to Virgin Blue Happy Hour email alerts.

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But why not hit the road and experience the true blue, fair dinkum Aussie way to go bush? You don’t need to be an expert off-roader to explore the legendary Queensland Outback and get a taste for life on the land.

Brisbane to Mount Isa (Inland)

Say goodbye to the dairy cows, grassy pastures and ocean air and tip your hat towards dry desert heat and craploads of kangaroos who will happily flex their pecs at you on the road, make you stop, and slowly hop off like they won ‘that one’. You’ll also learn to appreciate a quality roadhouse steak burger, as franchises fade away when you cruise inland through Toowoomba, Roma and Longreach.

*Tip Be careful driving at night though as there are a lot of kangaroos, emu’s and they will do more damage to your car then you will to them, trust they will hop out of nowhere and in front of you.

Furthermore, it’s important to take lots of pit stops and fuel up, snacks and drinks during your trip, we recommend stretching your legs at Roma (478km) and experience the Roma Saleyard Australians largest cattle selling centre. Tours of the Saleyard are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the raised walkways give you an excellent vantage point to catch the excitement of cattle sales.

Next stop Tambo (900km) Teddy Bear shop perfect for a quick cuddle and a collector’s item. Then onto Longreach (1200km) where you can check out the Australian Stockman’s Musem and if you plan it right, attend The Stockman show which celebrates the stockman’s skills and horsemanship.

From Longreach it’s a long hall as it’s 6hrs drive to Mount Isa, we recommend stretching your legs at Cloncurry Rotary Lookout and soak up that country air if you have time to spare you can drive out the Ernest Mine, it’s a site worth seeing. Then you’re only one hour left to your destination Mount Isa.

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Driving from Brisbane to Mount Isa (along the coast)
This drive via Townsville is longer – 2300km – but has the beautiful Queensland coast and way more attractions to see. First, stop Hervey Bay (283km) stay the night and explore Fraser island with shipwrecks and stunning beaches, this place will leave you in awe and wanting to move here permanently.

Next stop Bundaberg the birthplace of Bundaberg rum visit the Bundaberg Distillery (110km) and learn about how this famous rum has become such an Australian icon. Then on to Rockhampton, you can take a nightcap here as there is plenty of accommodation to choose from, plus you can explore the Capricorn Caves (288km) this is a must-see.

Next stop the famous Airlie Beach (481km) soak up the sun, visit the Airlie beach lagoon grab a bite to eat. Then onto Townsville (275km) where there is plenty of fun to be had, book a hotel and enjoy the various amounts of restaurants, shopping and the Reef HQ.

Then inland to Mount Isa (904km), make sure you’re well rested, fuelled up and got lots of snacks as this is going to be a long drive. If you get there early make sure to book a tour down a mine shaft at Hard Time Mines, you’ll learn first-hand what it takes to be a miner and what life is like underground.

unnamed-8 Photographed by Tane Cadman

As we mentioned earlier Mount Isa has some of the best steaks in Queensland, be sure to book yourself a table at the Isa Hotel and try their Wagyu steak it won’t disappoint! If that’s not up your alley check out The Ovi, Mount Isa’s favourite pub known for the affordable-yummiest crumb steak in town. If that’s not your thing, grab a picnic basket and head down to Lake Moondarra and grab a selfie with the peacocks.

unnamed-9 Photographed by Tane Cadman

*Tip Make sure to get a selfie at the famous crossroads and check out the view on Telstra hill.

Then onto the Mount Isa Rodeo, were your days and nights will be filled with outback entertainment, country folk and good food and beverages.

unnamed-2 Photographed by Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo

By the end of this trip, your Instagram will be flooded with some of the most unique photos of Queensland and you’ll have hundreds of stories to tell your friends and family for years to come.

Just remember that Queensland’s Outback is connected by both sealed roads and dirt tracks. Before you head off, don’t forget to brush up on the road rules, grab a first aid kit for the car to ensure a safe and successful road trip and most importantly have fun!

I would like to thank my Fiancé and his family for sharing their experiences of Mount Isa with me, to create this wonderful post that I can share with you.

Let us know in the comments, about your Outback adventure!

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