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48 HOURS IN: ULURU

The article is written by Candice Locklee

If you’ve ever seen a photo of Australia, chances are you’ve seen Uluru before – it’s a massive red sandstone rock rising out of the desert in the heart of the Australian Outback. Believed to be over 500 million years old, the site is sacred to Indigenous communities and draws over 250,000 people from all over the world every year.

If it’s not at the top of your bucket list – it should be! Uluru is the ultimate Australian experience and a once in a lifetime chance to immerse yourself in the ancient culture and history of our Indigenous people and their land. The best part is that even after you’re done marveling at Uluru, there’s still plenty of other activities and sites to soak in while you’re there.

With so much to do and 48 hours to do it in, here’s our guide to making the most out of a memorable trip to the Red Centre.

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THE FACTS

Uluru sits in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is approximately 450km from the nearest major town – Alice Springs.

The monolith stands at an incredible height of 348 meters above the ground (that’s higher than the Eiffel Tower!) and if you were to walk all around the base you would find yourself walking a circumference of around 10 km.

If Uluru is a must-see, the domes of Kata Tjuta are a close second. Also known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuta is a group of 36 large domed rocks that are located about 50km from Uluru and can be visited on the same day as both major attractions are in the same park.

The highest dome, Mount Olga, stands at an awe-inspiring 546 meters above the plain which makes it almost 200 meters taller than Uluru itself!

It can get scorching hot here in summer and reach temperatures of 47 degrees Celsius. However, the area also receives a ton of rainfall each year and temperatures can get as low as 7 degrees Celsius during winter nights.

The park is also home to a huge range of native flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the different species – including 21 mammals, 73 reptiles, 178 birds and 4 frogs, as well as over 400 species of plants in the area that are often used as traditional medicines by the Indigenous communities.

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THINGS TO DO

ULURU AND KATA TJUTA SUNRISE AND SUNSET

Watching the sun rise and sink behind Uluru and Kata Tjuta is our number one pick of things to do in the area. Pick a spot, get your camera ready and see both the sky and the rock slowly change colours in a magical experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

There are a number of main viewing areas for watching the sunrise and sunset.

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku is considered the most popular viewing platform in the area. It offers 360-degree views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta set against the desert with a few kilometers of walking track so you can pick a secluded spot and snap as many pics as you like without interruption.

The Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing area is another popular spot where you can have access to panoramic views of Kata Tjuta with Uluru in the background. It’s a fantastic spot if you want to capture the sun on the rocks at sunrise and the beauty of silhouettes against a red sky at sunset.

There are also bus viewing carparks available. After 4pm, the area is reserved for buses and coaches only where you are free to walk the 500m Dune Walk to a platform that offers scenic views of Uluru and the dunes of Kata Tjuta. There is also a carpark for car sunset viewing if you arrive in your own vehicle.

For a map of the area that includes sunrise and sunset viewing locations, check out the helpful link at the bottom of the post.

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WALKS

Climbing Uluru is disrespectful to the ancient Indigenous tribes who inhabit the area. However, there are plenty of walks available that will take you around the monolith and off into the stunning Australian outback.

One of the most popular is the Uluru Base Walk that will take you around the bottom of Uluru in a 10 km circular track that will take about 3 and a half hours to complete. This is the best walk to do if you’re looking to experience a range of awe-inspiring landscapes – including woodlands, grasslands, and waterholes – as well as any number of native animals and plants that inhabit the area.

It’s recommended to start in the morning at the Mala carpark, where you also have the option of joining a ranger-guided Mala walk for free where you can learn all about the Anangu culture and the history of the rock art in the area. From here, you can continue on to the Uluru Base Walk.

For those who truly want to experience the spirit of the Red Centre and the meaning of solitude, why not take on the Valley of the Winds? This is a challenging 7km walk that takes you through steep and rocky terrain with many steps, valleys, and creeks along the way. There are a number of lookouts, including Karu and Karingana, and we guarantee the jaw-dropping views at the end of it will make the effort worth it!

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TOURS

Uluru and the surrounding areas are rich in Indigenous history and cultural traditions. Taking a tour will ensure that you really get the most out of the experience by learning from a local expert of the land.

Some of our faves are –

Camel rides: What better way to experience the desert landscape than on top of a great, friendly camel? Take a camel ride into the Central Australian Desert and explore this breathtaking region just like the early pioneers did from $80. Tours run from morning to afternoon. Check this link for more info and to book a tour.

Art Tours and Workshops: Maraku is a locally owned organisation teaching and celebrating the ancient arts of the Anangu people that specialise in paintings and wooden sculptures. One of the best ways to understand Indigenous art and its history is to take a dot painting workshop. These are taught by a local Anangu artist who will guide you through creating your very own masterpiece while explaining the significance of the tradition to you. Adults are $69 and classes run twice daily. Check the link.

Free Tours: Ayers Rock Resort offers a number of free tours and workshops in the area. Sit in on a Bush Yarn and listen to an Indigenous Storyteller tell you all about the history of the land and traditional bush tucker. Take an Ecology and Museum Tour to educate yourself about the flora, fauna, and geography of the area or visit the Mani Mani Indigenous Cultural Theatre for a thrilling performance of ancient Aboriginal stories. Follow the link to book the daily activities.

THINGS TO KNOW

The closest airport is Connellan Airport, located about 10 minutes away from Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara). Flights from Sydney and Melbourne will take about 3 hours to 3 and a half hours to fly to the Red Centre. Free shuttle buses are available to take you from the airport to Yulara.

All accommodation is located in Yulara, just outside of the park boundaries. Yulara offers a range of different types of accommodation to suit your budget – from hostels and camping to hotels.

There are a number of ways to get from Ayers Rock Resort to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park but using the Uluru Hop On Hop Off shuttle service is a great option. A return transfer starts at $49 and you can choose from between a 1, 2 or 3-day pass. You can hop on and hop off as many times as you like and the bus stops at all major attractions along the way. Check the link for more info.

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HELPFUL LINK

Follow this link to download a digital version of the Uluru Visitor Guide – it’s packed full of interesting things to do and details on how to do them, maps, helpful tips, historical information and need-to-know info before you begin your trip.

You should also visit the Cultural Centre located at the base of Uluru where you can pick up a copy of the Visitor Guide, ask about sunrise and sunset times, book tours and get an introduction to the land from local experts.

If you’re an international student living in Australia and want to explore this amazing country of ours, visit website Study Anywhere for more info, tips and tricks.

48 HOURS IN: BYRON BAY

The article is written by Candice Locklee

Nestled along the Pacific Ocean about a 45-minute drive south of the Gold Coast airport, the super chilled coastal town of Byron Bay in NSW has earned its reputation as one of Australia’s coolest places to live in the country.

There’s a lot to love about Byron Bay, from the food and the fashion to the iconic beaches and annual festivals held in the area, and it’s the perfect place to escape to for those looking to experience a healthier, alternative Australian lifestyle. While you won’t find massive shopping centres here (or even a McDonalds!), there’s plenty to keep you entertained no matter what time of the year you arrive.

So pack some thongs and sunscreen and let us plan your trip with our guide to spending 48 hours in Byron Bay:

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THE SHOPPING

Byron Bay is a town that calls all free spirits to its shores and it’s safe to say they’ve developed their own unique fashion style that can only be described as beach-bohemian. While you’re bound to come across countless surf shops all over town that stock all your favourite international beachwear brands, it’s the local independent fashion boutiques that really grab your attention and offer something special to stand out in a crowd.

Check out local brands like Spell & the Gypsy Collective and Arnhem Clothing for dreamy collections of summery clothes that embrace that inner hippie and perfectly sum up the breezy-boho vibe of Byron Bay.

If you’re the creative sort, you’re going to want to head to Byron Bay’s Art and Industry Estate – a mini shopping extravaganza for those looking to find something that really showcases the talent of the town’s thriving art community. Walk around the Estate and stumble upon everything from artist galleries, handmade jewellery and accessories, emerging indie fashion designers and a bunch of quirky stuff to really remember your time here. There are also some great healthy cafes that use local, organic produce to serve homemade meals, smoothies, and coffee for whatever mood you’re in.

DIRECTIONS

SPELL BOUTIQUE:

Spell Boutique is located at 15 Browning St, Byron Bay. From Jonson St (Byron Bay’s main shopping street in the heart of town), just walk south towards Carlyle St and make a slight left onto Browning St.

ARNHEM CLOTHING:

Arnhem Clothing is on Lawson St. On Jonson St, head towards the beach and turn right at the roundabout onto Lawson.

ARTS AND INDUSTRY ESTATE:

The Arts and Industry Estate is a walkable district that includes a lot of small streets and hidden gems. Head down Ewingsdale Rd and turn right into Sunrise Boulevard where you can then wander your way all over the maze of boutique shopping and galleries in the area.

Check out this useful PDF of a map of the Estate with highlights

THE BEACHES

No trip to Byron Bay is complete without a visit to one of its famous beaches. Main Beach lives up to its name and is the one you’re most likely to step foot on first. Situated directly in front of the town, Main Beach is a glorious stretch of white sand and glittering ocean – perfect for swimming, surfing, snorkeling or just plain lazing around. The beach is very family-oriented, there are surf lifesavers around in the summer and you can (must!) make the trek up to Cape Byron to visit the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse that towers over the headland with stunning views of the coastline.

Just next to Main Beach is Clarkes Beach. This beach has some great rocky areas that are perfect for snorkeling. For the adventurous, there are also opportunities for windsurfing, body boarding and paragliding, as well as amazing whale spotting if you arrive at the right time of year.

For all the surfers out there, check out the Pass – a famous gap of water between Fisherman’s Lookout and the headland. This is the most popular surf break on the Northern NSW coast and calls surfers far and wide.

Another must-see beach is Wategos Beach – a sheltered, picturesque beauty of a beach that is fantastic for gathering a group of friends and making use of the BBQs on the site after a full day of soaking up paradise. For a bit more privacy, continue on to Little Wategos Beach situated beneath the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

There are plenty more beaches in the Byron area, both tourist-friendly and hidden, so check this website for more info.

DIRECTIONS

All of the beaches listed here are within an easy walking distance of each other. If you’re in the heart of Byron Bay, just head to the main street in town – Jonson Street – where you’ll find the iconic Beach Hotel at the end of it. From here, Main Beach is easily accessible and stretches into Clarkes Beach, the Pass, and Wategos Beach.

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WHALE WATCHING:

If you’re in town between June and November and want to try spotting some whale-watching, book a tour with one of the many companies offering half and full day tours. This company is a great option.

If you’d rather go solo, you can head up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for free which provides a popular vantage point to spot some whales as they head past the headland. Just don’t forget to bring your binoculars!

THE HEALTHY LIVING

The folks in Byron Bay enjoy a generally healthier way of living and there’s a whole range of activities on offer if you want to try living it up like a local.

Why not try out some surfing lessons? There’s a lot of surfing schools in Byron Bay that can get you up on a board and on the water in no time, no matter what your level of experience. We recommend Soul Surf School – they offer a half day lesson with all equipment included for just $65. Or if you’re really keen, go ahead and book a multi-day pass and learn to surf like a pro.

If you want something a bit more relaxing, take a yoga class. Yoga is huge in Byron Bay and it’s a great way to unwind and put a little balance back into your mind, body, and soul. The Byron Yoga Centre has over 30 yoga classes on offer each week starting at $18 for a casual class, whether you’re an early morning person or late afternooner. Check their schedule for classes.

Of course, you’re going to need to eat during your stay and what better time to try out some healthy options than at one of the many super trendy organic cafes around town? There’s a lot to choose from – walk around and read menus to find one that really makes you drool. Whether you’re in the mood for a raw vegan cheesecake, a turmeric latte or kombucha on tap, Byron has it all. Check out our top picks: Combi Byron Bay, Folk Café, and The Roadhouse.

DIRECTIONS

COMBI BYRON BAY:

Combi Byron Bay has an amazing assortment of healthy and delicious vegan dishes. Find them on Fletcher St – From Jonson St, turn onto Marvell St and then left onto Fletcher.

FOLK CAFÉ:

Gluten-free, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, raw…you can find it all here at Folk Café with a funky 70s interior design to match. They’re on Sunrise Boulevard, just off Ewingsdale Rd.

THE ROADHOUSE:

The Roadhouse is a popular coffee house and healthy café famous for their wholesome dishes using fresh organic produce. They are located on Bangalow Rd, just 5 minutes from town.

THE FESTIVALS

Byron Bay is home to three of Australia’s most iconic annual music festivals and if you plan your trip ahead of time, you could find yourself in town when one of them is going down.

There’s Bluesfest – Australia’s biggest annual blues and roots music festival – held every year over the Easter weekend that draws huge crowds from all over the country to see the biggest international and local acts around. Then there’s the Falls Festival that comes around at the end of December (without a doubt the coolest way to bring in the new year), and Australia’s favourite winter music festival – Splendour in the Grass.

The best thing about these festivals is that they are spread over multiple days, so it’s the perfect excuse to get yourself a multi-pass ticket and spend a few days camping (or glamping) with friends, lazing in the sun and listening to some scorching tunes.

If surfing is more your thing, Byron Bay also hosts the three-day Byron Bay Surf Festival during the summer. The festival combines surfing with music, art, film, and lifestyle so have some fun and celebrate the surf culture that makes Byron Bay famous.

There’s plenty of other fun festivals in and around the Byron Bay area every year including film, fashion, food, writing, art, and culture – you name it, there’s something for everyone.

Check out their website to stay in the know.

IMPORTANT WEBSITES

http://www.bluesfest.com.au/

https://www.fallsfestival.com/byron-bay/

https://www.splendourinthegrass.com/

http://www.byronbaysurffestival.com.au/

PICKING THE PERFECT PHONE PROVIDER

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

While studying abroad you probably want to know who the best phone operator is to go with so you can keep contact with your family and friends back home as well as get the greatest deal on data, international calls, and the best mobile service. So we’ve come up with a few phone providers and tips to make your decision just that little bit easier.

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Phone Tips

While studying and living here in Australia it is best to purchase a SIM card or an Australian mobile number when you arrive here, as using your home phone number can actually be quite costly.

There are two types of mobile phone accounts you can choose from:

Pre-paid:

A pre-paid service gives you heaps of flexibility because you can control how much you spend and can stop using the service anytime. You simply top up with credit as needed which can be purchased at service stations, shops and even over the phone and online. You can purchase pre-paid SIM cards in many shops and supermarkets as well as the mobile phone providers listed below.

Contract:

If you’re going to be studying and living here in Australia for a long period of time then a contract might work out cheaper for you. There are numerous mobile phone operators such as the ones listed below which offer phone plans with a fixed price per month for a certain number of calls, texts, and data.

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Telstra

Staying in touch with loved ones and friends is the most important thing, no matter where either of you is. Telstra is Australia’s largest mobile network and they have some amazing international packs on offer allowing you to make calls as often and as long as you like.

Telstra also offers the best service even when you’re in the most rural and remote areas, they will have you covered. It’s also the best in case of an emergency.

To check out what coverage and data speeds are available in your area head online to Telstra.

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Optus

If you’re calling overseas a lot in Australia then an Optus International Minute Pack is what you need! An International Minute Pack is an easy and inexpensive way to save on calls to mobiles and fixed lines in 32 countries while you’re here in Australia.

For more information head over to Optus online on how to create an account and start making those phone calls!

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Vodafone

Vodafone offers easy and affordable calls from Australia either on a plan or pre-paid.

If you’re after a plan with no lock-in contracts check out more information here and if you want something where you recharge on the go then a pre-paid Vodafone gives you a 35-day expiry on selected Data and Talk Combo Packs and recharges. This is a cheap and effective way to go.

Tip: Data combos have heaps of data, and Talk Combos give you 1000 standard international minutes from Australia to either 15 or 25 selected destinations. How good is that!

Virgin Mobile

Virgin mobile includes standard international calls as part of all of their post-paid plans. You can check out their call rates here.

One of the best things about Virgin Mobile is that they offer International SMS. Sending a text to anywhere overseas from Australia should not cost much more than sending one to your neighbour!

Tip: You can find more info on how to set up mobile plans or how to use pre-paid at Virgin Mobile.

WHERE TO FIND A SUMMER JOB THAT SUITS YOU

This article is written by Alanna Tomazin

Looking for a job over the summer? Great, because we’ve come up with a few handy tips on how and where you can find the perfect summer job while staying here in Australia that suits you!

The thought of looking for a job for the summer can put a buzz kill on your holiday vibes, but the truth is having employment means having money, plus you can meet new people and make new friends. While over here in Australia you’ll need the extra cash to enjoy your time while on a break as sometimes the fun things Australia has to offer aren’t always cheap or free.

Tip: If you’re ever wondering what events are on in Sydney or other areas, head over to Visit NSW.

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Cafes/Restaurant

Living in busy city areas you will find that there are a huge number of cafes and restaurants to choose from when you’re after a nice cup of hot coffee or dinner with friends. But have you ever thought about working in one? Working in a cafe and/or restaurant is a great experience, you can make coffees and be a waitress or a waiter taking food and drinks out to customers. These kinds of places have a busy atmosphere so if you’re up for a challenge then this is the right area of work for you.

To apply for a job at a cafe/restaurant, you should print out a few copies of your resume and walk around to your local businesses, dropping them in.

Tip 1: Be sure to walk in with a smile and say that you would like to drop your resume in and ask if they have any jobs going at the moment.

Tip 2: When working in a cafe employees are usually required to have a barista certificate, meaning that they have basic coffee making skills and know how to use an espresso machine. Not to worry if you don’t have one yet, just jump online at TAFE NSW or Barista Basics for more information.

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Pubs

Gaining bar work is another great place to get some extra cash in your pocket. All you need is your RSA and RCG to guarantee getting hired in this area of work, where you will be pouring beers, making drinks and dealing with gambling games. If you don’t have either you can head online and find a location near you.

Most places such as CBD College offer packages that are cheap and affordable for students like you.

The best bit about working in a pub is that the hours are super flexible and the money is pretty good, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy other activities with your friends.

Retail

With Christmas coming up over the summer break there are always more jobs available for those interested in clothes and jewelry. This is mainly because the shops can get pretty hectic with everyone wanting to buy gifts and do their Christmas shopping.

If you think you would like to work in retail you should definitely print out your resume and drop them into local shops that you are interested in. However, a more efficient way to look for a job in retail is to use job sites such as SEEK, Indeed, and Adzuna.

Tip: Job sites allow you to create a profile and add a CV which you can send through to employers when you apply for a job online. They also send you emails with jobs that suit you.

Harvest/Fruit Picking

Harvest and fruit picking are extremely popular for backpackers and international students who are looking for a change of scenery and love to travel. It is becoming increasingly popular and work is available all over Australia, especially in the summer. The farming industry needs tens of thousands of casual laborers to help pick fruit.

You can work and play by traveling around to different locations and often, you will be paid calculated by the amount of fruit you pick to per full bucket or cart. However, sometimes it is $10-$30 an hour depending on speed.

If you’re interested in experiencing something new and exciting then head online to Harvest Trail for more info and to find the next fruit picking location for you!

How to balance study and a social life

The article is written by Loren Howarth

Trying to keep on top of your studies, having a social life, and exploring Australia can be difficult. Although maintaining good grades is important, it is also essential that you have time doing your favourite things and hanging out with friends. Finding this balance can seem daunting, but don’t worry we have you covered with our top tips to have the best of both worlds.

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Plan a weekly schedule

Leaving assessments to the last minute creates unnecessary stress. Instead, create a weekly schedule so you can plan what assessments you need to do. You’ll be able to see how much time is required for each task, also allowing you time to consider what can be left until a later date. This will help you organise your social life as well, as you will be able to work out when you are free to hang out with friends.

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Know your limits

Sometimes trying to balance study and a social life can become a bit tricky, and seem completely overwhelming. This is when you need to look at everything you have planned and see where you can cut back, to ensure you don’t overwork yourself. This can be as simple as taking some breaks during a study or having a night off from doing assessments to go out and have fun with friends. It will ensure you come back refreshed for study with a clear mind, as well as having the social life you deserve.

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Eat at home, but not alone

When you catch up with friends, you don’t have to go out to a cafe and spend money on an unforgettable meal. Instead, why not invite some friends or people in your course over for some lunch? This way you will be fitting in some social time and you can also help each other study. Plus, you’ll have much more fun trying to put a meal together!

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Do one thing every day

For some students, just the thought of studying can send them into a wave of procrastination. Instead, break up your workload into smaller chunks and do bit by bit each day. This is also useful to do if you are struggling to stay on top of your studies. This will also help you to maintain your social life, as you can dedicate time to hanging out with friends. Your list might look something like this:

social: catch up with Samantha
studies: read one chapter of a textbook
studies: write down notes from a reading for another subject
relaxation: watch an episode of a favourite tv show

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