Sydney

Best Picnic Spots in Sydney

This article is written by Olivia Inwood

Needing a picturesque location for your next social outing? Enjoy all the comforts of a packed outdoor feast with friends, at one of these superb picnic locations in Sydney!

Royal Botanic Gardens

Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney CBD

The Royal Botanic Gardens is a great location for a picnic, with many peaceful spots right in the heart of the city. Mrs Macquaries Point provides panoramic views of the Opera House to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The gardens themselves feature many exotic flowers and trees, so make sure you also have a walk around and immerse yourself in nature!

Fun Fact: Opened in 1816, The Royal Botanic Gardens is the oldest scientific institution in Australia and has over 8000 different plant species!

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Wendy’s Secret Garden

Lavender Bay

Wendy’s Secret Garden is a unique place with a fascinating story. The garden was created by Wendy Whiteley, the wife of the famous Australian artist Brett Whiteley. After the death of her husband, Wendy purchased wasteland from the NSW Rail Corporation and channelling her creativity and grief, transformed the area into a beautiful, secluded garden. With a gorgeous harbour view, this garden is the perfect secret picnic place.

Fun Fact: Wendy’s Secret Garden has a multi-layered landscape, with zigzag paths leading you through an array of sculptures, plants and overarching Moreton Bay Fig trees.

Barangaroo Reserve

Hickson Rd

Barangaroo Reserve is Sydney’s newest Harbour foreshore park with many great lookouts and activities. There are quiet spots for a picnic, as well as extensive cycling and walking trails. If you don’t feel like bringing your own picnic food, Barangaroo also has a food and drink precinct, with many options to choose from.

Fun Fact: Using innovative technology, Barangaroo Reserve was created by transforming a concrete container terminal into a naturalistic rocky landscape and planting over 75,000 native plants!

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Centennial Park

Centennial Parklands, Eastern Suburbs

Centennial Park is one of Australia’s most famous parks and is a heritage listed site. Spread across 189 hectares, there are many spacious picnic spots to choose from! Centennial Park also has bookable picnic sites, if you want to have access to BBQ amenities and uninterrupted views.

Fun Fact: On 1^st January 1901, Centennial Park was the site where the Federal Constitution was proclaimed, officially establishing the Commonwealth of Australia.

Cockatoo Island

Sydney Harbour

Cockatoo Island is the largest island in Sydney’s Harbour and is a nice place for a short getaway. There are many scenic picnic spots and opportunities to explore the island’s historical artefacts. If you want some entertainment, Cockatoo Island also hosts the Sydney Biennale and Haunted History Night Tours.

Fun Fact: Cockatoo Island is a UNESCO World Heritage listed island and was a convict penal establishment in the 19^th century.

App-solutely amazing! Seven must-download apps for life in Australia.

The article is written by Bronte Segota

Made the big move to Australia? Don’t forget to Aussie-fy your phone! There are plenty of apps out there that make settling in in Australia that much easier. We’ve rounded up eight essentials to help you have the best experiences down under!

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Deliveroo
Hungry? Don’t walk all the way to the kitchen! Deliveroo brings you food from all your favourite places in just a hop, skip and jump! Simply order from the Deliveroo app on your smartphone for delivery straight to your door. It’s a lot like UberEats, but the kangaroo logo has us smitten!

Available to download on Android or iPhone

BOM
Don’t rely on temperamental pre-downloaded weather apps to get you through the day. With many Melbourne cities experiencing four seasons in one day. The Bureau of Meteorology app is a saviour. Providing accurate, government-sourced weather forecasts with an easy to use interface, it is Australia’s most reliable weather app. Bonus points for including a real-time rain radar, so you can know exactly when you’ll be needing that umbrella.

Available to download on Android or iPhone

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Australian Slang
Don’t know your Barbie from your Bottle-O? Australia has more slang words than the entire Oxford Dictionary, and for newcomers, it can feel a whole other language to learn! This App has a comprehensive list of uniquely Aussie words and phrases, so the next time you hear someone say that they’re going on a Macca’s run, you’ll know exactly what they mean.

Available to download on Android and iPhone

Gumtree
The perfect place to buy, swap and sell goods online with people in your locality. It’s like eBay, but much more community focussed, meaning you won’t have to pay international shipping costs on items you can buy from vendors in your neighbourhood. Gumtree also has a ‘jobs’ section on their website, where you can search for, and post, jobs in your area.

Available to download on Android and iPhone.

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ABC
Stay up to date with Australian and International news with the ABC App. The ABC itself sets out encourage awareness of Australia and an international understanding of Australian attitudes on world affairs, which makes it the perfect news app for international citizens new to Australia. Unlike many other news apps, it also allows you to customise your news and stories so you can read about what interests you.

Available to download on Android and iPhone

Triplify
Triplify is dubbed ‘the travellers what’s on guide’ and is the perfect app to find events and experiences available around your locality. Listing everything from beach parties to local markets, make sure you don’t miss out on the most exciting events with Triplify. It provides the perfect opportunity to get out and explore your city in social situations.

Available to download on Android and iPhone.

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Party With A Local
This app, partners you up with real-life locals to provide a unique, local experience within the party and entertainment scene of the city. This App is especially good if you’re new to the city and keen to make friends and expand your social circle. Party with a local is a wholly different way to discover your city, with a knowledgeable guide, and potential new acquaintances along the way.

Available to download on Android and iPhone.

Fun Summer Day Trips Out of Sydney

The article is written by Olivia Inwood

Wanting to venture out of the city this summer? These day trips are a perfect chance to explore the wonders that are just out of Sydney and not spend a fortune on transport! Here are our top 5 summer day trips out of Sydney:

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Hunter Valley
(2.5 hours north of Sydney)

The Hunter Valley is Australia’s oldest wine region and produces some of the best wine in the world. You can drive along the M1 highway and stop at the many wineries in the area for some cellar-door wine tasting. Many bus tours also depart from the Sydney CBD in the early morning, providing affordable wine tasting opportunities and tours of the region.

Fun Fact: The Hunter Valley has over 150 wineries, with some of the most famous including Brokenwood, Scarborough Wine Co Tasting Room and Tulloch Wines.

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Jervis Bay
(3 hours south of Sydney)

Jervis Bay is located on the NSW South Coast and is known for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Besides spending a relaxing day by the beach, you can go scuba diving along the bay or join the dolphin watching cruise from Huskisson Wharf. And if you don’t see any dolphins, you get a free return cruise!

Fun Fact: Jervis Bay has over 20 kilometres of the whitest sand in the world.

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Kangaroo Valley
(2 hours south of Sydney)

Kangaroo Valley is part of the Southern Highlands and features picturesque mountain views. There are plenty of bushwalking opportunities and the Mortan National Park has a trail leading to the popular Fitzroy Falls. The only pub in Kangaroo Valley ‘The Friendly Inn’ was built in 1892 and is one of the oldest in the region, with a beer garden that provides breathtaking views of the rolling valleys and mountains.

Fun Fact: ‘Kangaroo Valley’ refers to the region and village, both named after the surrounding Kangaroo River.

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Grand Pacific Drive
(2-hour drive along the South Coast)

Travel along the 140km of the Grand Pacific Drive; one of Australia’s best-known driving routes. Starting from the Royal National Park, this road heads south along the coast through Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama. Don’t forget to see the Blowhole, a natural rock formation that spurts water 20 metres into the air.

Fun fact: The engineering highlight of the Grand Pacific Drive is the Sea Cliff Bridge. From the viewing platform located near the bridge, migrating whales can occasionally be seen!

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The Blue Mountains
(2.5 hours west of Sydney)

The Blue Mountains is an easy escape from the city, with the option of driving, catching the train or going on a group tour. Although there are many bushwalking tracks and sights to see, the highlights for a day trip are Katoomba and Leura. Katoomba features The Three Sisters rock formation, a legend of the Aboriginal Dreamtime, that can be viewed from Echo Point. The town of Leura is also a popular stopover point, with many boutique cafes and a well-known candy store.

Fun Fact: The Scenic Railway located at Katoomba, is the steepest passenger railway in the world, offering 360-degree views of the Blue Mountain ranges.

How to Get Motivated After Holidays

The article is written by Loren Howarth

It’s always a struggle to find motivation after a relaxing holiday. Whether you escaped to the beach or enjoyed some downtime at home, studying was probably the last thing on your mind.

But with the festivities officially over, it’s time to start getting ready for the year ahead. Here are our top 5 ways to kick laziness to the curb and achieve all your goals.

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Get organised

An organisation is a key to regaining motivation after a long break. This can include buying new equipment for your studies (who doesn’t love stationery?!), planning out a new routine, or checking out what’s happening at your institution. By doing this, not only will you be prepared for the year ahead, but you’ll also start looking forward to any exciting projects which you didn’t know about before. Getting a diary is a good place to start!

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Create goals and then rewards for completing them

Sometimes it can be daunting going into another year after having such a long time off studying. The best way to combat this? Create goals for yourself. By doing this you’ll have a game plan and feel eager to complete them. But that’s not all! Don’t forget to also plan rewards for completing any goals you achieve. For example, schedule a fun day out with friends after submitting a big assignment. This will make you more motivated to get back into the swing of things.

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Check out your classes for the year

One of the best things about starting a year of study is the new classes you’ll be able to take. There are usually so many interesting electives to choose from and often the choice can be overwhelming! But by looking into what you’ll be learning for the year, this can make all the difference in being motivated to learn.

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Watch motivational videos

You’ve probably had someone tell you to watch motivational videos before, but they really do work. If you finding yourself lacking the enthusiasm to begin your studies for the year, watching a couple of this videos will really leave you feeling inspired and eager to gain new knowledge. They will want to make you take over the world!

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Catch up with your study group

We’re not going to lie, getting back into study mode can suck. But having a great support group can really make you motivated to want to learn again. This is a great opportunity to talk about all your goals for the year, any worries, and even to help pick electives. After this chat, you’ll feel more prepared and ready to conquer your studies!

Best of luck for 2018!

5 things You Need to Know About Switching from a Work and Holiday Visa to a Student Visa in Australia 

One or two years not long enough for you in Australia? No worries! Here’s all you need to know if you want to study in the land down under.

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1. Is it better to apply onshore or offshore? 

Long story short: Onshore if you can, although the application might be a bit more expensive.

At the moment, a standard single Student Visa application fee is $560 plus a credit card surcharge (that’s the fee that the Immigration charges, Study Anywhere won’t charge you anything extra). But, if this isn’t the first time you’ve applied, you will also be charged $700 on top of that by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Typically, if you are switching from the second year of Work and Holidays, you will pay $560 + $700 + credit card surcharge.

But before you book that flight to Bali or New Zealand to apply from there, consider this: Most of our Work and Holiday clients still prefer to apply for a Student Visa onshore. Why?

Bridging Visa is your friend. When Student Visa is lodged onshore, the applicant typically receives a Bridging Visa A almost instantly. This allows them to not only stay in Australia but with the same conditions as their current Visa. Essentially, until you hear from the Immigration regarding your Student Visa application, you can work under the same conditions as you have on your Work and Holiday Visa. How neat is that!
Last minute lodgment is possible. If you are running out of time and your Work and Holiday is about to expire in a few days, we probably can still make it.
Waiting offshore could be frustrating. Itʼs hard to know how long it will take for the Immigration to let you know about your Student Visa application. And while drinking smoothies in Seminyak might sound like the perfect way to kill some time, your holiday could be longer than you would like it to be while you wait to hear from Immigration. So mindful exercises in Ubud wonʼt be helping that much if your bank account is getting slimmer every day.
If something goes really wrong. Should your onshore student visa get refused you have the option to appeal this decision with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). When you are applying offshore, you donʼt have this option.

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2. Not everyone can apply onshore

 If youʼd like to apply onshore, you need to check your current Visa conditions. Just find your current Visa in your e-mail, and check if you have or don’t have ‘No further stayʼ listed among your Visa conditions.

If not, happy days! You can apply onshore. If yes, book that flight to Thailand or back home and surprise your parents. Our registered migration agent can lodge your Student Visa application from anywhere.

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3. Your course must start no longer than 8 weeks after your Work and Holiday Visa is about to expire

If you have made a firm decision and would like to apply for your Student Visa onshore, you can get into the course selection. Finding and enrolling in a course is pretty easy with the Study Anywhere platform and you can always send us a message if you have any specific requirements.

There is just one thing to keep in mind: make sure your course will start no longer than 8 weeks after your current Visa is about to expire.

Before you start searching for courses that commence exactly 8 weeks after your current Work and Holiday Visa expires, consider this: In the case your onshore application for a Student Visa gets approved really quickly (which doesnʼt happen very often) and your course has not commenced yet, you are not allowed work at all because the work permit on a Student Visa only starts when your course has started.

Not a situation you would like to be in, right?

Applying for a course that starts within 4 weeks after your Work and Holiday Visa expires, is usually the best option.

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4. How expensive it really is to study in Australia?

 Long story short: It can be really expensive but it doesn’t have to be.

Majority of our Work and Holiday clients who are applying for a Student Visa pick a course from a sector that is called Vocational Education and Training (VET): Certificates, Diplomas, Advanced Diplomas…

These courses are usually much more affordable than universities and much more flexible with the attendance. You can find your ideal course via Study Anywhere, see the reviews and apply to get the free Visa assistance by the migration lawyer.

All the courses listed on the page are part of CRICOS, which is a must for a Student Visa application.

The most popular courses for people switching from Work and Holiday Visa are Leadership and Management, Business, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Travel and Tourism, Event Management, and Early Childhood Education and Care (eligible for a Graduate visa).

Some of these courses only cost around $1,350 every three months and would allow you to study and to apply for a Student Visa for up to 4 years.

The minimum upfront payment for a course would be somewhere around $1,550 ($1,350 + $200 enrolment fee).

Then you just need to take in account that you will need an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to be able to apply for a Student Visa in Australia which cost around $500 for a 1-year policy when we wrote this. Prices have gone up since, so check today’s cheapest OSHC prices before you budget.

Only some applicants from Sweden, Belgium and Norway donʼt need to get an OSHC to be able to apply for a Student Visa. Feel free to send us a message for a free quote so you can see the full breakdown of costs you need to expect when transitioning from the Work and Holiday to a Student Visa.

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5. Myth busted: ‘You can only work 20 hours per week on a Student Visaʼ

Long story short: There is a work limitation, but in some cases, you can work more.

This is where people often get it wrong. Australian Student Visa will let you work up to 40 hours fortnightly (e.g. you can work 20 hours one week and 20 hours the next week) when your course is on. What people often forget though, is that during the holidays you can work unlimited hours, which is when students usually try to save up some money. Most of the VET courses have up to 16 weeks of holidays per year to give students the opportunity to work and travel.

Please note: This article is an observation of questions that our Work and Holiday applicants usually have and answers our migration lawyer gives them. Feel free to send us a message or an e-mail (hello@studyanywhere.com.au) if youʼd like to get a migration law advice from a registered migration agent.

How to Spend New Years Eve in Sydney

The article is written by Loren Howarth

With 2017 almost over (the years just seem to go quicker and quicker!), it’s time to start thinking about how you want to bring in the New Year. But with so many celebrations happening across the city, it can be hard to put together a list of what to see and do. Don’t worry! We’ve done all the work for you, with some must-see events as well as the top spots to see the fireworks. Let’s welcome 2018 in style!

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Celebrate at Barangaroo Reserve

For just $40 a ticket per person, you and your friends can bring in the New Year in style. From 6pm, you will be able to access the park, lay down a picnic blanket and secure a great spot to watch the fireworks. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy the delicious food options available, from freshly shucked oysters to smoking burgers and ribs. The event is limited to 10,000 people, so book in quick to avoid missing out!

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Party into 2018 at Victoria Park

If you want to dance your way into the New Year, look no further than Victoria Park. The Park is hosting a giant garden party with a host of Australian and international performers, including Hot Dub Time Machine, Tiga, and an aerobics set from Retrosweat. With gourmet food available, music, and an epic view of the city’s skyline and fireworks, this is perfect if you’re looking for a fun night out! Tickets are also reasonable at just $79 per person.

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Scoring the Best Fireworks Spot

If this will be the only time you’ll be in Sydney for New Year’s Eve, then you definitely should try and get a good spot to watch the fireworks. But it isn’t as easy as it sounds because everyone else has the same idea. For the ultimate viewing spot, try and get down to the area in front of the Bridge and Opera House. There is a maximum capacity set for this area, and so once it starts looking full it will be closed off. So try and get there around 12pm, and although this seems like a long wait, it will be totally worth it.

Here are some other great spots which you can visit for free:

Birchgrove Park
Bradfield Park
Campbells Cove
Cremorne Point
Duff Reserve

Tip: Before arriving, bring along a picnic blanket as well as heaps of snacks and drinks to share with your friends! However, some locations prohibit BYO drinks, so always check in advance.

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Throw your own party!

If you don’t want to spend the night out in Sydney, then why not throw your own New Years Eve party? You can start up a BBQ, play some music, and have the TV on for the 9pm fireworks and then also the midnight ones. This way you can save money, avoid the busy city crowds, and bring in the new year the way you want to!

5 CHRISTMAS MUSTS

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

While studying and living here in Australia you will find that us Aussies love Christmas time. So we’ve come up with a few things you must see and do while spending the jolly season down under.

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Christmas Decorations and Lights

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, you’ll see the shops become filled with decorations and lights for your home. If you’re feeling in the Christmas spirit already then go ahead and decorate your house and home with pretty, colourful lights and be sure to hang a wreath on your door.

Tip: You can find great, inexpensive decorations and lights from stores such as Kmart, Big W, and Target.

Another Christmas must is to grab a few friends and go Christmas light looking in your local suburbs! You’ll find that some people go all out and cover their houses from top to bottom in bright lights.

Tip2: Head online to Christmas Light Search to find the best displays near you.

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Christmas Tree

Here in Australia, it is a tradition that we put our Christmas Trees up on the 1st of December and leave both our trees and lights up until the 1st of January. Decorating your tree can be super fun to do with your housemates and friends and really gets you into the spirit of Christmas.

Tip: Put on some Christmas carols so you and your friends can dance and sing-a-long while you decorate.

Tip2: You can also experience the magic of Christmas at the Martin Place Christmas tree in Sydney, where you will find a huge tree that will light up Martin Place from dusk till 1:00 in the morning starting on Saturday 25th November 2017.

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Christmas Carols

One of the best things about Christmas time is Christmas carols! These definitely a must for a jolly season and you can experience them first hand, singing with Australian stars at the annual Woolworths Carols in the Domain 2017.

Tip: Bring all your friends and pack some nibbles and a picnic rug. You’ll have a great night out under the stars singing along to some great Christmas classics.

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Pavlova

Pavlova is a meringue-based dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit and extremely popular at Christmas time. Pavlova is a D.I.Y dessert meaning you can top your pavlova with anything such as berries, mangoes, kiwi fruit, peaches, and passionfruit. There has been a long debate as to whether the Pavlova is originally an Australian or a New Zealand creation but who cares? The main thing is that it tastes absolutely delicious!

Tip: You can purchase all your ingredients for a Pavlova at your nearest Coles or Woolworths. Check out this simple and easy recipe on how to make your own Pavlova.

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Aussie Christmas Day BBQ

If you’re unsure of how you want to spend Christmas Day then having an Aussie BBQ is the best way to go! Just gather around with friends and/or family and cook up a giant feast. It’s always good to cook some chicken, prawns, sausages, and steak on a BBQ. Having a range of food is always good especially if you want to eat yourself into a food coma.

Tip: A BBQ is always best accompanied by some alcohol such as beers, light spirits, and wines. Be sure to make some summery garden salads which will go down nicely with your meal as well.

Gathering around with friends and food to celebrate Christmas is a great way to sit back and relax, to enjoy the company of others. Be sure to have nibbled on the table such as crackers, cheese, and salami and finish off with a Pavlova for dessert.

Tip2: Learn how to make the perfect cheese board platter here to entertain your guests.

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Study Anywhere wish you MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! MAY ALL THE DREAMS COME TRUE.!

SYDNEY ATTRACTIONS YOU NEED TO VISIT

The article is written by Loren Howarth

There is so much to see and do in Sydney, and the seemingly endless range of possibilities can be a bit overwhelming. But if you’re planning to visit sometime soon, there are some iconic attractions which are a must see. So we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite spots to check out. And best of all, visiting these locations won’t send you broke!

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Sydney Harbour Bridge

You might have seen the Sydney Harbour Bridge in pictures, but in real life, this Australian landmark is even more impressive. The bridge is the world’s tallest steel arch bridge and runs across the Sydney Harbour carrying rail, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. You can walk across the bridge and get amazing harbour views, or if you want to an experience a once in a lifetime opportunity, you can also climb the bridge. But it will set you back a couple of hundred dollars.

Fun fact: The bridge is nicknamed “The Coathanger” because of its arch-based design.

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Sydney Opera House

Along with the Harbour Bridge, there’s no doubt you would have also seen the Sydney Opera House. This multi-venue performing arts centre is one of the 20^th century’s most famous and distinctive buildings and is also the land down under’s most recognisable. You can view this architectural icon from the air, from a ferry, or even get a closer look on foot. If you’re interested in seeing a performance, there are several which run throughout the year.

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Queen Victoria Building

A real gem of Sydney, the Queen Victoria Building (known as QVB for locals) is a late nineteenth-century building which retains historical charm in an area filled with modern skyscrapers. A number of shops now occupy the premise, but even if you don’t spend, this is one unique shopping experience. And be sure to head up to Level 3 on the hour to watch the building’s clock chime!

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Luna Park

With free entry, Luna Park is certainly something to check out. The amusement park has heaps of fun rides from a Ferris Wheel which overlooks the Sydney Harbour, to more thrill-seeking ones such as the Tumble Bug. If an attraction catches your eye, you can buy single tickets or there are unlimited ride passes available.

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Bondi Beach

Our list would be incomplete if we didn’t include one of the most famous beaches in Australia: Bondi Beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches with great sand and strikingly clean water, all while sitting close to the largest population centre in the country. Although the beach can get quite busy due to its reputation, this is a must-see attraction. And don’t forget to slip, slop, slap!

Hint: At the southern end of the beach, is the Bondi Icebergs Pool which is the most photographed ocean pool in the country, so don’t forget to check it out!

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Sydney Tower Eye

This is Sydney’s equivalent of New York’s Empire State Building, offering magical 360-degree views of the city. It is only $26.50 to be 250 metres above ground level in the heart of Sydney, with binoculars also available at the top of the tower free of charge, as well as a bonus 4-D show which is included in the ticket price.

Hint: The tower was formerly known as Centrepoint Tower, and many people still call it this. So if someone refers to the Centrepoint Tower, they are referring to Sydney Tower Eye.

TIPS AND TRICKS WHEN IT COMES TO SAVING MONEY

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

Living and studying abroad is not always cheap. Sometimes you might find it hard to be saving a bit of extra cash in your pocket. When there is constantly payments going out of your bank that you require living comfortably, it can sometimes be a struggle. To help you out we’ve come up with a few handy tips that might be worth your while when it comes to saving money and smarter shopping. One of the easiest savings happens before you even arrive: every basic OSHC policy meets the visa requirement, so compare OSHC prices and buy the cheapest cover.

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Money Boxes
Now it might sound like a thing you would have done when you were a little kid trying to save some pocket money, but having a money box is actually a really fun and effective way to save those dollars. Simply find an old jar or you can purchase a cheap money tin from a discount store. You can decorate your money box however you desire, and the best way to make sure you don’t go picking out those unnecessary dollars from your savings is to put a little lock on there and hide the key in a special spot. Any spare change you have, just keep putting it in your money box. You will be surprised how much you can actually save over time from this little trick.

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Smart Shopping
Sometimes when you are doing your regular grocery shopping you will find that things can be quite expensive. Not to worry though, because there is an easy solution to finding bargains on the shelves. Check out the best places to shop below:

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ALDI

If you are someone who loves bargains then you should definitely give shopping at ALDI a good go! ALDI is a discount supermarket and offers you with smarter shopping, giving you high-quality items at the lowest possible prices. That’s definitely what you want to hear!

Tip: Not only will you find cheap groceries here, ALDI also offers some great outdoor equipment, clothing, and other accessories, including household items.

Coles
If you like reduced prices then a trip to Coles later at night is for you! Coles usually have marked down salads, sweets, and savouries of a night time and this is a really great way to stock up for those late night nibbles you get.

Tip: If you are going to stock up on these insanely good treats for an insanely good price, just be sure to remember that the expiry dates on them are fast approaching. They usually last a day or two before you have to throw them out, which is why they become reduced in the first place. Just remember to shop smart!

Farmers Markets
Farmers markets are another great way to find cheap goodies. Most areas hold regular farmers markets on weekends. Here you can find farm fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, as well as local wines and other delicious goodies, all for a great price.

Tip: If you are up for it, traveling around to different farmers markets in different areas could turn into a great day trip, so be sure to bring a few friends along for some market shopping fun!

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Extra Tips

If you’re living in shared accommodation, sharing bills as well as paying for groceries is an effective way to keep living comfortably on a budget. Be sure to split grocery bills equally to ensure there is fairness for everyone.

If you ever feel the need to grab dollars out of your money box be sure to evaluate whether you really need the money or if it is just for something you want. Only break into your money box if there is an emergency need for some cash.

When shopping at Coles or Woolworths buying the no-frills brands which are the brands provided by the companies can actually be cheaper than buying big brand name products. It’s always best to compare prices when shopping in supermarkets.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRIVING IN AUSTRALIA

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

When making the decision to move overseas to study, you will find yourself making lots of plans and decisions. It can get hectic organizing your things and ensuring you have all that you need while studying abroad. One of these things is knowing what to expect when it comes to driving a motor vehicle in a different country other than your own. To make it easier, we’ve come up with a few handy tips that could help you out when it comes driving while living and studying here in Australia.

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Getting your International Drivers Licence

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is proof that you hold a valid drivers license in your home country. Most countries require you to have one so you can legally drive a car or ride a motorbike, it also comes in handy if you need to rent a car.

In Australia, driving regulations differ from state to state because some states require that you carry an international license along with your current license from your home country. Other states request you carry your current foreign license together with an English translation of your license.

Tip: Here you can check the state you’re living in Australia (for example, NSW) and find out which laws relate to having an overseas license in that location.

Drivers in Australia require a valid driver’s license. You can drive with a foreign (English language) license for three months. But if you are here for longer than that, you need to get a license from an Australian state.

Tip2: If your license is not in English, you’ll need to get an International Driving Permit from the Automobile Association in your home country before coming to Australia.

SA_markets blog

Finding yourself a cheap car

While living here in Australia it can be a bit hard to get around with no car, especially if you’re wanting to head out on your own for an adventure or simply drive to the shops. Rather than catching public transport, a car might be the easier option for you, depending on your budget of course.

There are heaps of ways to find a cheap car, including online sites such as Car Sales where you’ll find new cars and used cars and prices ranging from $2000 to $30 000 and are posted regularly. Everyday people and car yards post cars on this site to be sold, so even if you don’t find something that catches your eye immediately, just keep refreshing.

Thanks to the evolution of social media, Facebook is another great way to connect and find yourself a cheap car on buy, swap and sell sites. Wherever you are living, be sure to join the available groups in your location. People are always posting their vehicles that they’re wanting to sell. You could even post that you’re looking for a cheap car to run around in. You’ll be surprised by the power of social media.

Tip: Social media like many things in life, can be a risky business so be sure to take someone with you if you plan on going to look at a car. Never go by yourself.

Tips for driving on Australian roads

Australia is a large and beautiful country and usually, it takes long distances to get between different towns especially away from the city. It is important when driving long distances to Stop Revive Survive every 2 hours.

Here in Australia we drive on the left-hand side of the road and use the metric system of distances and speeds. Speed limits are clearly sign-posted and you will find that 50km/h is the speed limit that applies in suburban areas. School zones are also something to watch out for between the hours of 8-9:30am and 2:30-4pm where 40km/h is the limit. If you succeed the speed limit you will find yourself in trouble with the law as speeding is an offense.

Australian cars are right-hand drive, with automatic and manual transmission both available.

While travelling away from the city you will see signs of Australian wildlife such as kangaroos, possums, and wombats. It is important, especially at night to keep your eyes peeled for these furry friends out on the roads. Here in Australia, we share our home with these animals too. Hitting a kangaroo can cause some serious damage not only to them but to your safety and car too. So always drive carefully!

Tip: For more tips on driving while here in Australia head to TripAdvisor.

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