Monday, April 9, 2012

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Down under!

For about two years ago I spent one semester studying in Sydney, Australia. This was a dream come true! The land of plenty has a lot to offer to adventurers. You can drive around in the desert, sun bade at the crystal white beaches, surf at the blue waves or even jump out from a plane!
I have made a list on the top 10 things you should not miss out on if you are going to the east coast.

1. Sydney Opera House


The Opera House is located next to the Rocks in the heart of Sydney. The Opera House opened in 1973 and is designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon.
I recommend you to join a guided tour or even watch the Australian Ballet Company preform in one of the worlds most famous landmarks.
You can get more information about tickets and opening hours here: http://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/

2. Bondi Beach


Bondi Beach is one of Australia´s most known beaches and is located 8 km outside the city center of Sydney. The beach is patrolled by the two surf clubs: Bondi and North Bondi (you have might seen them in their yellow speedos on the TV-show Bondi Rescue). Close to the beach you can find cozy cafes/restaurants and surf shops where you can rent surf boards.






3. Boat trip to Manly


Manly is celebrated as Australia´s first resort destination, and is located 15 minuets outside Sydney. The "island" offers more than 30 attractions and activities, many restaurants and boutiques.
The famous Manly Ferries is the best way to get there, and they go from Darling Harbour. At this boat trip you will discover the Sydney skyline at its best. The Manly Festival of Surfing takes place in November.
If you have a hunger for some Norwegian waffles, the Norwegian Church is located on Manly.
More information about Manly: http://www.manlyaustralia.com.au/
Information about Sydney Ferries: www.sydneyferries.info

4. Byron Bay

Byron Bay is located in the north of New South Wales, and has a population of about 9 000. The small beach town has a charming atmosphere with amusing small shops and restaurants. A walk to the lighthouse and a bus tour to the hippie town Nimbin is some of the many activities I recommend.
http://www.byron-bay.com/






5. Surf Camp
If you are backpacking in Australia I strongly recommend you to join a surf camp. Here you can meet a lot of people and learn how to surf by professionals. I went to Seal Rocks for a weekend with Waves Surf School, and had a great time! Even if I did not become an expert, I learned the basics.
More information about the surf school:
http://www.wavessurfschool.com.au/



6. Skydive
If you dare it, Skydiving is a must when you go to Australia. There are a lot of professional companies that offers tandem skydiving, and the price varies from 250-350 AUD.
I skydived in Cairns, and landed on Mission Beach. This is one of the greatest things I have done!
Link to the company I used: http://www.skydivemissionbeach.com.au/




7. Snorkeling on Great Barrier Reef

Great Barrier Reef is located along the northeast coast. I went to the city Cairns in North Queensland to snorkel. There are a lot of companies that offer guided boat trips and snorkeling equipment.












8. Blue Mountains
Hiking at Blue Mountain is a perfect day trip if you are located in Sydney. In 2000 the mountain was listed as one of the Australia´s World Heritage Area.
http://www.bluemts.com.au/












9. Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays consists of 74 islands located in the hearth of Great Barrier Reef. The beautiful Airlie Beach is known as the backpacker mecca, where you can find budget accommodation and guided tours.










10. Shopping and culture in Melbourne
Melbourne is located in Victoria, and is known as the city that never sleeps. The city has a European look and has a lot of art galleries, theaters and different festivals. Melbourne is perfect when you need a break from lying out on the beach.




Enjoy Australia!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

My first post!


Travel is something I love to do! Discover new places is amusing! In this blog I want to share my experiences and moments from my trips and living abroad. 

“A shared experience is more than a bond; it is a joint discovery of unexpected possibilities” (Theodor Zeldin, The French, 1983).