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Australian Snack Guide

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

One of the best parts about travelling is the chance to indulge in the delicious cuisine countries have to offer. What’s even better is that when you’re on exchange, there’s absolutely no hurry! You can take your time, sampling everything from the weird and wacky to the strange and obscure.

Australia has plenty to offer the foodies of the world, with restaurants offering every cuisine under the sun. Believe it or not: we actually eat more than kangaroo, crocodile and emu.

So if you want to try some true blue, ridgy didge Australian goodies then here’s a couple for you to try.:

Tim Tams

Tim Tams

I know many Australians will agree with me: Tim Tams are as close to heaven on earth as one can get.
Tim Tams were gifted to the world in the sixties by the Australian biscuit company, Arnotts. According to their website, Tim Tams are described as “delicious smooth cream sandwiched between two crunchy biscuits, coated in Tim Tam chocolate and white choc.”
Tim Tams are the perfect snack in summer, winter, dipped in tea or coffee, dipped in milk, when you’re sad, when you’re hungry, during a Tim Tam Slam and just about any other time.

Vegemite

Vegemite

As Australia’s most infamous snack food, Vegemite is a thick black paste consisting of leftover brewer’s yeast and some vegetable additives. It has a very strong salty and bitter taste.

When foreigners try Vegemite for the first time they mistakenly scoop it out of the jar and eat it off the spoon. It’s no wonder Vegemite gets such a bad rap!

The correct way to eat Vegemite is to spread a small amount on a piece of buttered toast, successfully balancing the salty taste with the melted butter.

Fairy_bread

Fairy Bread

What started as a staple at kids’ parties has now become one of Australia’s favourite snack foods.
The greatest thing about fairy bread is that it’s so easy to prepare, you can make it at home. It involves three ingredients: white bread (cut into triangles), butter and hundreds and thousands (sprinkles).

Voila!

ANZAC biscuits

Anzac Biscuits
Anzac biscuits share their name with the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) which were established in World War I.

These biscuits were sent over by soldiers’ wives and women’s groups because the main ingredients were able to keep for a long period of time, even when travelling by boat.
These biscuits are sold in abundance around Anzac Day (April 25^th) and are relatively easy to make at home.

Meat pie

Meat Pie
If someone claims to be Australian but hasn’t eaten a meat pie then they’re probably a liar.

If it’s cold and you’re on the go then a meat pie is the perfect snack option for you. It’s a hand-sized pie usually containing minced meat and gravy, wrapped in a delightfully flaky pastry.

Some meat pie variations also include cheese, potatoes and other vegetables as well as bacon and sometimes even egg.

fish and chips

Fish and chips

There is no better way to finish off a day at the beach than with a stack of steaming hot fish and chips. It’s filling, it’s cheap and it is absolutely scrumptious.

The menu at a fish and chippery can sometimes be overwhelming: fish, calamari rings, chips, potato cakes, dim sims, Chiko rolls, pineapple fritters, Dagwood Dog, the list goes on.

You’ve got time to work your way through the menu but if you’re new to the game then let me help eliminate some of the confusion and offer a safe and delicious option for your first fish and chips order:

-Fried fish: You can usually pick your own fish but if you want to be adventurous choose flake: it’s shark (and it’s delicious!)
-A potato cake: This is essentially a large chunk of fried potato.

-A fried Dim Sim: Also available steamed, this is a vegetable and meat filling partially wrapped in pastry.

-A minimum of chips

Finish off the order with a request to have it all coated in an excessive amount of chicken salt. You’ll thank me later.
Australia has so much deliciousness to offer. Take your time and enjoy it!

7 ideas to Keep Fit on a budget

The article and cover photo by Paola Bianchi

When I arrived in Australia one of the first things that captured my attention was how well were exercise and fitness integrated into the Aussie lifestyle. People were waking up (ridiculously) early to train or spending their time off doing exercise (and having brunch afterwards obviously). I immediately felt inspired to implement a healthy routine.

Keeping your body in movement and your mind oxygenated has so many benefits for everyone, and students should not dismiss this from their lifestyle. I got to know first-hand that doing exercise, especially during exam periods, helps me focus and release tension. Not to mention the overall increased on my good mood and the opportunity to meet new friends.

As a student on a budget, getting fit does not need to be a big issue. There are many free or low-cost options to give a try and to maintain your favourites exercises in the long term.
RUNNING or WALKING

Once you have a good pair of running shoes, there are no excuses not to run regularly or walk at a good pace. You do not need fancy clothes nor expensive gadgets. Running and walking can be done almost ANYWHERE and it’s FREE!

2 Running

Photo by aquachara on Unsplash

APP WORKOUT

There are free and paid apps to help you with a fitness plan. Those exercises can be done not just at the gym but also at home or in a park as they require little equipment. Maybe you need a mat, a bench, a skipping rope or some dumbbells. Even on YouTube, you can find good classes but the app gives you a proper program, a schedule and tracks your progression.

3 App Photo by Bence ▲ Boros on Unsplash

FITNESS TRAILS

It’s like an outdoor gym that has stations for different types of exercise. Sometimes it’s called Parcourse, often have explanation signs and is used as a complement of other activity like running. They are FREE and can be found in parks or biking/running paths.

4 outdoor gym Photo by GMB Monkey on Unsplash

MEETUP ACTIVITIES

Again, technology is on our side. The Meetup app is great to find events, classes and regular meetups for diverse activities. This is a FREE app, although some meetups require a small contribution. The most popular fitness groups in Australia are for Hiking, Bushwalking, Biking, Yoga and even beach Volleyball.

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SKATING

This is also a FREE activity. Just need to practice your balance and get a nice skate. Then find a skate park and have fun! There are plenty of YouTube videos with tips and tricks. Of course, you can also skate to commute on a daily basis!

6 skating

If keen on investing on yourself without breaking your wallet, the following is for you:

INDOOR BOULDERING & INDOOR CLIMBING

This is by far one of the trendiest yet misunderstood fitness activity. It is by no means an ‘impossible mission’ just for fearless people. Climbing will challenge you in a physical and mental level, but because it’s such personal training each one can climb at their own level.

Bouldering is climbing in small rock walls without any ropes, as the maximum high is usually safe. Plus, there are lots of mattresses to fall onto. You just need a pair of climbing shoes to get started. And maybe some chalk to have a better grip in your hands.

Indoor Climbing is more well known by the general public than Bouldering because it’s Rock Climbing first offspring. The walls are pretty high so you definitely need to hang from your harness attached to the rope.

If never tried any before, I strongly suggest that you do an introductory course first. They are usually given for free in any indoor climbing gym. They also rent all the equipment you need but If you really like this sport, it’s better to get your own gear. Always get the most quality gear you can get as it can last for years. Shoes and harness are the basics to keep you climbing for a long time.

Even though it requires some investment in the beginning, later you can get monthly or yearly passes and each visit to the climbing gym will be less expensive than just paying for the day. Students usually can get discount by proving your ‘student condition’.

The benefits are countless. Because it’s required to be %100 immerse at the moment, it has some of the meditation benefits – stress reduction, improved concentration, increase self-awareness and boost your immune system. It also has some therapeutic effects and that’s why it has been recommended for depression patients! I would say it’s perfect for anyone. You can actually be fully present, overcome your fears and get so much confidence!

7 climbing Pic by Paola Bianchi

It is easy to get caught up with climbing, sure I did! You can get more gear, a professional rope and even get outdoors. Rock climbing is IN-CRE-DI-BLE empowering!

Brunch Spots Perfect for Study in Brisbane

The article is written by Nina Sudnitsin

When you get bored of switching between your house and the library while studying for finals, (which is highly possible) the next place to go for a study session is a café.

Cafes possess the perfect ambience for study sessions, and obviously, have enough food to fuel your energy. So, instead of sitting in an overflowing library and soaking in the stress radiating from every single student, spice up your life by dashing to the sweetest brunch spots that are perfect for study.

Miss Jones
A beautiful café in New Farm, Miss Jones has cute pastel pink décor and an atmosphere that will calm your nerves and settle you in for a productive session of study. Order a cappuccino, try their amazing eggs benedict, and then treat yourself to a delectable dessert when you’ve completed your goal!

Address: 1/599 Brunswick St, New Farm QLD 4005

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Ashton & Old
If you’re looking for a cup of amazing coffee to fuel your study, go nowhere other than Ashton & Old. This café with a rustic feel is quiet and calm, a perfect character if you find yourself needing to finish off a final essay. A try of the banoffee waffle or the chorizo and cheese croquettes are a must if you find your way here.

Address: Shop 5/459 Old Cleveland Rd, Camp Hill QLD 4152

Cafeine Café
This small and cosy café that is just off a busy road is refreshing. Feel free to tuck into a corner and work the day away. Endless mugs of coffee and toasted sandwiches will keep you going throughout your study session. If you ever need a break, do some people watching to give your eyes a break from your intense revision. Looking out onto the main road through the enormous glass windows is almost like meditation (if you can forget the stress of studies for a second).

Address: 186/188 Cavendish Rd, Coorparoo QLD 4151

coffee

Coffee Anthology
Located in the bustle of the city, Coffee Anthology is a café that hosts a large selection of teas to calm taut nerves and a plethora of food to choose from while revising notes or practice exams. In the city, it’s nice to find a little peaceful study haven, hidden in plain sight, so check this gem out next time you’re in need of a desk with some peace and a cup of tea.

Address: 126 Margaret St, Brisbane City QLD 4000

Three Epic Foodie Hubs in Brisbane

The article is written by Nina Sudnitsin

Whether you’re a self-declared foodie or a hungry student, Brisbane has three epic locations for food that can satisfy any craving. So, calling all gourmands and connoisseurs to grab some mates and head to these hubs whenever there is a need for a foodie intervention (goodbye instant noodles) or salvation for hungry stomachs.

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Eat Street Northshore

180 colourful shipping containers light up at dusk and open to provide the best foodie experience you could ever imagine. Fairy lights line the walkways and dangle from high roofs as countless bustling bodies shuffle around the enclosed area that serves THE best street food in Brisbane on weekend nights.

With live music playing as a soundtrack for diners, people hungrily order their next plate of honey puffs or their last few oysters. Different food regions present endless options to choose from, so deciding what you want, whether it’s Italian or Mexican, will be a struggle.

Entry: $3 per person

Address: 221D Macarthur Avenue, Hamilton 4007

Opening hours: Fri and Sat 4pm to 10pm and Sunday 12 noon to 8pm

Check their website for more information!

foodie hubs4

Eagle Street Pier

Located in the heart of Brisbane city and right on the river, Eagle Street Pier is a bustling area that is filled with hungry visitors looking for the ultimate wine and dine experience. With over 15 restaurants concentrated in one sweet spot and with an unrivalled view of the Story Bridge, it’s the best of Brisbane’s classy food on one riverside precinct.

If you’re not shy to spend your earned dollars, head to George’s Paragon and the Jade Buddha, which are highly recommended, and be prepared to leave the night with an extra few kilos under your belt…

Address: 45 Eagle Street, Brisbane 4000

Opening hours: dependant on individual restaurants

Check their website for more restaurants!

foodie hubs2

Welcome to Bowen Hills

Welcome to Bowen Hills is a newly opened outdoor space that hosts the best food trucks Brisbane has to offer. Street eats and international deliciousness grace this new precinct since the visiting food trucks rotate daily, no one visit will ever be the same! A new addition to the Brisbane food scene, it has made a splash so head over, and grab a tiki cocktail!

Address: 631 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, QLD 4006
Opening hours: Wed & Thurs – 5PM to late and Fri-Sun – 12PM to late

Check their website for daily food truck schedules!

‘Pay as you feel’ restaurants in Australia

The article is written by Paola Bianchi All pics are from Lentil As Anything Media kit

Not everything in Australia is ‘super expensive’, as many says. There are strong community-focused organisations and projects offering inclusion and opportunities. Lentil As Anything is one of them.

In 2000, the first restaurant Lentil As Anything was born in St Kilda, Melbourne. The founder, Sri Lankan Shanaka Fernando, had the idea of a restaurant where the menu has no prices and a ‘pay as you feel’ modality. The vision state that everyone deserves a place in the table.

3 table

I have to admit, is rare to see such an open-heart and risky strategy for an enterprise in a city. With the help of volunteers, his vision succeeded.

This no-profit restaurant multiplicated and opened 2 more locations in Melbourne and 1 in Sydney.

4 location abbotsford
Without a doubt, Abbotsford location is amazing. It’s within Convent premises!

The first time I went to one of these restaurants I judged. I expected to be dull and insipid food. I assumed that nobody was going to pay. But I was wrong.

5 food

I was surprised by the high-quality food, the beautiful dishes presentation and the remarkable flavours. Simple and delicious vegetarian food. Nice and cosy ambient where people were enjoying. And the Contribution-Box was full.

6 food variety

It does not matter how much you are willing to pay. Lots of people frequent these restaurants paying just as little to cover their dessert, to as much to cover their own and other’s meal!

Bookings, catering and ever Uber Eats accepted in some locations!

The venues are run by volunteers mainly, although there is some paid stable staff. You are welcome to offer your time to just help or pay for your meal, get training or get experience in the Hospitality Industry.

7 volunteers

Watch this short film about Lentil As Anything to have a better understanding of this amazing project that combines generosity and inclusion through their meals.

48 hours on the Great Ocean Road

The article is written by Paola Bianchi

Do you understand this is a MUST see when visiting Victoria, right?

Let me be honest with you. One or two days may cover the main spots of the Great Ocean Road. However, you can easily spend a week or more here. If you have the time, please do so. There is plenty to explore and enjoy.

Being said that, if you just have a weekend to spend, make the most of it. This is what I and some friends did in 48hs exploring the Great Ocean Road oceanic route.

Wake up early, hire a car if you do not have one already, grab a coffee to go and put the radio on. From Melbourne city, head west via M1 freeway towards Geelong.

DAY 1

First stop: Torquay Surf Beach

Just about 100km from our starting point, Torquay is a seaside town famous for its surfing options, especially for beginners and intermediate levels. If keen on sports, give surf a try. There are several rental options in the area.

2 torquay beach

If watching others get smashed on the water is your preference, the best spot to do so is the green grass hill in front of Torquay Surf Beach. Which was what we did while half of the pack went for a swim. You will get awesome views without any danger as it is far away from the sea. I totally recommend to bring sunglasses (even if it is cloudy as the light is full on here), spread a beach towel and enjoy a picnic. Nearby is a great kiosk that sells cheap hamburgers!

Second Stop: Anglesea Golf Club

Don’t get confused, playing golf is not part of the tour… Although kangaroos are! It happened that around this golf there are lots of wild kangaroos living around. This makes this place unique because of the proximity to this huge population (around 210-270). The eastern grey kangaroos hanging out on the golf course are highly habituated to humans, and a tour is provided if you are keen on jumping on a golf trolley for 20 minutes.

4 kangaroos Image source from Anglesea golf club facebook page

Don’t worry about the tags and collars that several kangaroos have. This doesn’t hurt them. They even have names! Tagging them is part of the studies that Zoologists from the University of Melbourne have been conducting since 2005 for population surveys, movements, birth control and parasites.

Image source by Tom Walter

Third Stop: Kennett River

Nearby this river there is popular café called Kafe Koala, just in the entrance of the ‘Koala walk’. This is a short walk full of Eucalyptus Trees, the preferred ones of the little creatures. It is super easy to spot them sleeping and hugging brunches. It was no joke when someone told us that the koalas were ALWAYS there, like waiting for you to go and say hi.

6 koala in tree Image source from Jade Craven

Fourth stop: Twelve Apostles

This is why we came for! Make sure you get there before the sunset! It is the BEST.

Take a look:

7 apostles Pic by Pao Bianchi

Try to get there early to reserve your spot. It can get crowded!

8 apostles Pic by Pao Bianchi
Getting the best photo is a goal we all have but remind yourself that it’s not worth risking your life or damaging the environment to get it, like these guys:

10 apostles

Fifth Stop: Port Campbell

Because of its proximity to the 12 Apostles, is a great place to stay overnight. This lovely little town has grown so much and offers great food and accommodation. We rented a house in Airbnb and woke up to this peaceful beauty:

12 peace Pic by Pao Bianchi
Plus, it has a gorgeous bay where you can have your breaky and shot some cute pics.

Looking down over the beach at the little seaside town of Port Campbell.

Pic by Shiny Things

During the morning hours, there is also a beautiful light on the incredible Twelve Apostles. That was our Airbnb’s host recommendation. Unfortunately, was too late when he told us but it is indeed a great excuse to come back!

Bonus: another great location to spend the night is Bimbi Park. ‘Bimbi’ means ‘a place of many birds’ in the local Aboriginal language. This place is located in the forest of Otway Park surrounded by Koalas! You can rent a cabin or a camping site and enjoy nature. More info here.

DAY 2

Take it easy now. You did lots of km the day before, and you still need to go back while enjoying the trip.
If you sleep as good as we did and had breaky in front of the bay getting fresh air, you most likely have the energy to continue exploring.

You may go up north to visit other natural rock forms like The Arch or London Bridge. But that means more driving hours to go back. So, you can choose to spend some quality time in nature without deviating too much.

Next Stop: Great Otway National Park

Such a magical place! Lakes, waterfall, forest.

14 driving forest

Pic by Pao Bianchi

Trekking, camping, fishing and even swimming. SO MANY OPTIONS. All the details here
We would need another week to explore, right? Absolutely recommended! As we had just a couple more hours to enjoy, we decided to visit the historic Cape Otway Lightstation.
15 ligthhouse Pic by Pao Bianchi

Yeap! You can climb to the top!
This place has a rich history that you can discover while walking around the huge campus that surrounds the lighthouse. It is told that, during the 19th century, Cape Otway was the first land to be seen by migrants travelling to Australia by ship. Isn’t that curious? Today migrants see the airport first.

Top 5 YouTube Vids By Expats About Life in Australia

The article is written by Bernadette Sanfilippo

They say experience is the greatest teacher of all so, in this list, we’re counting down 5 outstanding YouTube videos made by expats residing in Australia, that are certain to help prepare you for a move to the land down under.

#5. Adjustments as an American in Australia – Brittany Bryant

In this video, Brittany Bryant is a relatively new arrival to Australian shores. As she recounts her initial 12 days in the land down under, she exhibits that relatable twang of nervousness that typically accompanies any foreigner adjusting to life in a foreign land. Her observations about life in Australia are not necessarily atypical or groundbreaking, but her retellings are sympathetically honest and sentimental, and her skittish nature serves to remind us that, no matter how abnormal we may feel in an unfamiliar cultural setting, we are not alone.

#4. 6 Things I Wish I Knew About Australia Before Moving Here – Ashley Kristina

If what you’re seeking is the emotional realities of living abroad, then look no further. Ashley Kristina delivers a video that summarises a number of hard truths, coupling her worded experiences with the utmost of careful sensitivity. Choosing to steer away from debunking Australian stereotypes, she discusses the difficulties of living vast distances from family, carving out new interpersonal relationships in a contrasting culture and the hefty price tag that accompanies the Australian way of life. Be warned, Ashley shatters any illusions you may have of Australia’s iconic landmarks, kindly pointing out that most pictures are usually given the heavy Photoshop treatment.

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#3. 5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving To Sydney, Australia! – Lauren Meisner

Lauren Meisner’s almost 17-minute long video offers highly detailed depictions on subjects such as the housing market, working conditions and the national health care system. While her advice is practical and noteworthy, it should be noted that, as the title of the video suggests, significant portions of the content are specific to the metropolitan areas of Sydney and do not necessarily reflect life in neighbouring states or wider Australia. This is particularly true of the rental price figures she quotes, as these really are only a reflection of what you could expect to pay living in the central suburbs of Sydney, not in the greater suburban areas. That being said, this is a wonderfully insightful, well-researched video, highly beneficial to anyone looking to live long-term in New South Wales.

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#2. 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before…Moving To Australia – Elizabeth Beemer

Elizabeth Beemer proves she is a well-versed, seasoned traveller in this humorously light-hearted, entertaining video. Elizabeth exhibits a relaxed, laid-back level of honesty as she provides practical guidance and cleverly debunks several Australian stereotypes. At one point, she ingeniously describes the country as the lovechild between the USA and UK and makes some compelling statements regarding weather, social habits and the general cost of living in the land down under. Though this video was filmed and uploaded on April 1^st, rest assured that the content is sincere, genuine and a highly reliable account of life in Australia!

#1. 11 things I didn’t expect about Australia – Mai’s Journey

Kicking things off with a brief dance number, Mai’s video tops this list, due primarily to its laugh-out-loud humour, honesty, integrity and Mai’s ability to capture the quintessential Australian spirit. While the content speaks specifically about Melbourne, the vast majority can easily be associated with surrounding states, broader Australia and the national way of living. Mai’s persona is fun and relatable and her counsel is offbeat, quirky and totally amusing. This video offers a fantastic insight into Australia’s worded slang, verbal anomalies, cultural diversity and daily realities, with a delightful dose of foreign observation and reflection.

Roomie Diaries

The article is written by Rebecca Todesco

So you’ve made it: you’re on the other side of the globe, you’re about to start your exchange program, the world is your oyster and you just can’t WAIT to stay up all night talking in your room with your new best buddies.

And then your new roommate walks in.

It’s funny how most peoples’ exchange fantasies don’t factor in that they might be sharing a room with a complete stranger.

There are two ways you can be lucky: if you’re assigned a room without a roommate or if your roommate is someone you already know. But more often than not, you can expect to be living, breathing, sleeping and eating within mere feet of a total stranger.

If the thought of that scares you then fear not!

Here are some easy steps to living making it work with a new roommate.

Step 1: Get to know each other
In those early days take the time out to get to know your new roomie. Sometimes the university you’re at will organise events to take do just that but sometimes you’ve got to do it yourself.

Whether you sit and chat in your room or head out for dinner together it’s incredibly important to chat with your roomie and learn a little about them. What do they like? What do they dislike? Do they like the room to be hot or do they sleep with the windows open?

All of this information can help you guys understand each other a little better and get rid of some of those cultural differences and problems you may encounter further down the track.

Step 2: Establish Boundaries

It’s crucial that you do this as soon as possible, preferably before you’ve been living together for an extended period of time.

It doesn’t matter how small they are, setting boundaries is a great way of eliminating the chance for future arguments and hostilities.

With different upbringings, it’s very likely you and your roommate will not see eye to eye on everything. They might not want members of the opposite sex in the room and you might not want them to play their music out loud after a certain time. These are the kinds of things you need to flesh out before it’s too late.

Trust me when I say it’s better to get these things out of the way as early as you can!

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Step 3: Compromise
You’re sharing a room with a total stranger: you’re not always going to get your way. The sooner you accept that, the better.

That being said, it’s important that there is equality in the room. You have to be willing to make some sacrifices but your roommate should also be willing to compromise.

Remember that you both have a common goal: coexisting peacefully.

Step 4: Communicate
I can’t stress how important this step is. There’s no use complaining to your friends about your roomie’s habits because it’s not going to change anything.

Sure, it’s always going to be scary confronting someone and it might even make things a little bit awkward between you for a while but it’s going to save you a lot of trouble in the future.

My past roommates have never had a problem voicing their concerns and you shouldn’t either. After all, it’s your room too!

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Step 5: Acceptance
This step doesn’t apply to everyone but is more for the people who find they don’t really get along with their roommates.

Unfortunately, not everyone is going to be friends with their roomies: that’s just how it is. But it’s not something you should sit and dwell on or lament about.

No matter what your relationship with your roomie ends up being it’s essential to accept it. You guys might end up being best friends who spend all your time together. Or you might be polite strangers who coexist.

There is no “right” way when it comes to roommates.

So when that total stranger walks into your room and introduces themselves, don’t be afraid. Just remember these steps and you’ll be fine.

Fun Indoor Activities to try in Sydney this Winter!

This article is written by Sachithri Kodagoda

Look, in all honesty, I am the biggest advocate for staying indoors and binge-watching cooking shows for all of winter, because let’s be honest winter really and truly is the worst. However, getting outside and being meeting your friends really is the better option for both your social life and your mental health. So here are 5 fun INDOOR activities that you can do during the winter time to try and stay warm, while also making sure your social calendar isn’t looking like a great big sandy desert with tumble-weed rolling across.

1. Archie Brothers Cirque Electriq (Alexandria)

This cool little fun house is jam-packed with cool activities that’ll keep you and your buddies entertained for hours. It’s got bowling, dodgem cars, laser tag and all kinds of arcade games. Bonus there’s cute little cocktail bar that is designed after a carnival where you can get the most extravagant boozy milkshakes.

2. Sky Zone (Miranda and Alexandria)

Sky Zone will have you bouncing off its walls. Literally. This indoor trampoline park is filled with over 100 interconnected trampolines that’ll leap all over the place. It’s also got a pretty neat little climbing area, for you to live your mountaineering dreams. So, grab your bestie and bounce away!

3. Ice Zoo (Alexandria)

Okay, this one is a little cold. But get yourself all rugged up because it’s definitely worth a visit. This indoor skating is open 7 days a week and focuses on entertainment, fun and safety. You can choose to go for a full-on ice skating class or join in during the public skating hours. Bonus tip makes sure to check the timetable to see when the ‘Ice Disco’ sessions are on to have a fun boogie with your pals on the ice.

4. Break the Code Escape Room (Sydney CBD)

This venue has 4 super cool themed rooms to choose from so you and your buddies can play detective. You and your team are locked in a room with just 60 minutes to figure out all the clues to find your escape, so channel your inner Indiana Jones and set the clock, you got this!
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5. Spitfire – Indoor Paintball & Go Karts (Concord West)

If you’re an adrenaline junkie this is the perfect indoor activity for you. Fire up some healthy competition and race against your mates, through wide lanes, long straights and tight bends. This venue also has some epic paintball fields to plan strategic attacks with state of the art equipment, so get you and your pals a session to get that blood pumping!

The Weekender: Crescent Head

The article is written by Maddison Reynolds

The New South Wales coastline is full of beautiful, hidden-gems often disregarded by the typical traveller. While many opt to undertake the famous east coast road-trip during their time here, much of the coast can be explored on weekend trips from Sydney.

This June long weekend, I grabbed a bunch of mates and headed north to the small, coastal town of Crescent Head. My boyfriend, an avid surfer, had visited here many times before and had raved to me about the beautiful beaches, spectacular surf and piquant pies from the local bakery. Packing in Sydney on Thursday night, the weather report looked grim, so I prepared my study notes in the event that this would be a fairly average weekend spent indoors. To my surprise, Crescent Head had plenty to deliver (even unseasonable sunshine).

The Drive

Crescent Head is located 440km north of Sydney. The best way to get there is, of course, by car.

The drive can take anywhere between 5 and 6 ½ hours, depending on Sydney’s (very unpredictable) traffic. Be wary of peak travel times and try and avoid travelling during school holidays and long-weekend periods.

If you’ve ever travelled up the east coast before, you’d know that there are plenty of places to veer off the highway, grab a bite to eat (Heatherbrae pies are my personal favourite) and stretch your legs.

Once you reach the Kempsey turn-off, pass the Crescent Head signs and follow the road into the main street of Kempsey. Be sure to take advantage of the shops here and grab all the food and drinks you’ll need for your stay. Crescent Head only has one convenience store so this is your last option to grab that 1kg tub of hummus you’ll no doubt be needing after a day of long-boarding.

Accommodation

The Crescent Head Holiday Park is located right on Crescent’s famous main beach, home to one of the best right-hand breaks in the world. The park offers cabins as well as camping options and is situated in the middle of town. It is a convenient walk to cafes, shops and restaurants.

Alternatively, Crescent Head is home to plenty of rental properties, depending on the size of your group. We chose a property just out of the main town centre that housed a group of 6. The property was secluded and private, making it perfect for impromptu dance parties in the early hours and quiet bonfire sessions.

For those feeling a little more adventurous, beach camping is available in the Goolawah National Park. Visit the Visit NSW website for more details.

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Things to Do

If you’re going to Crescent Head, chances are you’re already a keen surfer or you’re at least keen to give it a try. Crescent Head is world-renowned as one of Australia’s best breaks and is perfect for beginners and those more experienced. It is also the perfect place for longboarding and stand-up paddle boarding if these are your chosen crafts. The best thing of all about Crescent Head is that even in the early weeks of winter, the water is still warm enough to surf in without a full wetsuit. There really is an almost endless summer on the mid-north coast.

Crescent Head is also home to beautiful national park land. If you’re in a 4WD, head into Hat Head National Park, Goolowah National Park and Lime Burners National Park. There are ample amounts of secluded beaches and picture-perfect lookout points to be discovered. The best advice in this region is to head out and explore. Pack an esky full of snacks and beers, grab your surfboard and get out there!

Some of the roads in this region are unsealed so be sure to check the Visit NSW site before heading out.

Places to Eat

Crescent Head is a small town so there are a limited amount of options when it comes to dining.

Barnett’s Bakery is famous for its pies and pastries. Expect to see queues of locals lined out the door if you visit between morning and late afternoon rush. Australian’s know good pies, so a pie shop as busy as Barnett’s is generally worth your wait.

If you’re after a coffee or café brunch, head to Blackfish Café or Green Room Café. Blackfish Café is also home to one of the friendliest cattle dogs I’ve ever met and there’s plenty of time for canine cuddles while you’re waiting for your coffee.

The Crescent Head Country Club is a great option for a pub-feed and beers after a long day of exploring. In peak periods the Country Club fills up quickly so be sure to arrive early to grab a table.

Despite my original misgivings, Crescent Head turned out to be the perfect place for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This quiet, and secluded town had so much to offer for those willing to look for it. And even though I left covered in surfing bruises, Crescent Head was truly the perfect place to get salty, have a laugh and recharge with friends.

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