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Aussie Animal Bucket List

The best part about travelling is seeing new things, and travelling to different countries gives you opportunities to see new wildlife that you simply cannot see anywhere else. ⁠

No trip to Australia is complete without spotting some unique Aussie wildlife and preferably in the wild as you can’t beat the thrill of seeing a wild animal!

If you are travelling to Australia you probably have a vague idea, or a detailed list, of what you’d like to see and do. I’d argue there definitely needs to be some animal encounters on there to get the full Aussie experience. Here are my 10 top Aussie animals to look out for: –

1. Kangaroo

Not just a feature on the Australian Government logo, but found pretty much everywhere in rural parts of Australia.

2. Koala

Easily found in a zoo, keep your eyes peeled up in the trees as you travel around and you might spot a koala. They very rarely move around so can be quite hard to spot!

3. Quokka

Residents of Rottnest Island just off Perth, these adorable little things are worth the ferry ride there.

4. Saltwater Crocodile

Best seen from a safe place and not when you are in the water! Found in the North of Australia.

5. Wallaby

Not to be confused with their larger cousins the kangaroo.

feeding rock wallabies

6. Tasmanian Devil

Noisy little creatures found down in Tasmania.

7. Whale Sharks

Residents in Ningloo Reef up the West Coast of Australia.

swimming with whale sharks
swimming with whale sharks

8. Dingo

This wild dog can be hard to spot but is known to be on Fraser Island

9. Wombat

They are so cuddly! Often found in the Blue Mountains or Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.

10. Kookaburra

From the same family as the kingfisher, these beautiful birds take up residence in a tree and survey the land for prey.

There are a lot more animals to see but start the above are probably the most iconic and the ones people will ask you about when they hear you’ve been to Australia!

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How to find your feet when you arrive in a new city

You know when you arrive somewhere new and you literally have no clue where anything is, I love that feeling. I also hate it! The thrill of seeing new things gets me every time but I also hate feeling like I stick out and have some neon flashing sign above my head that just says tourist right here.

As I have traveled I have realised that over time I have begun to compile what is basically a checklist of things to do when I arrive somewhere new which helps me to feel like a local, get to know my way around and feel grounded in a new place as quickly as possible. Every time I land somewhere new, domestic or abroad, I tend to do all of the below (depending on how long I am staying) and it really helps me get a feel and understanding for the place.

I am sure we all hate that lost feeling so I thought it would be a good idea to share my list and hopefully it will help some others when they travel too.

Tip 1: Explore by Foot

The best way to get your bearing and quickly is to wander the streets. I usually start with the immediate neighborhood to where I am staying, just walking around looking for the nearest supermarket, transport stops, restaurants and cafes to get a feel for the place.

Most cities now have free walking tours or if you hop online you can find recommended walking routes. These are a brilliant way to see some main sites as efficiently as possible.

Tip 2: Find a local cafe to sit and watch the world go by in

Enjoying an iced coffee in the cafe in Kings Park, Perth

I am a BIG coffee lover so finding a decent coffee shop is pretty much number one or two on my list if things to do in a new place. However, I have included it here not just because everyone needs a decent cup of coffee in their life, but because sitting in a cafe and just soaking up the atmosphere and watching people come and go gives you a great insight into local culture and is relaxing too. Take a book with you and properly commit to some time in a cafe, you’ll not regret it.

Tip 3: Visit the supermarket

I always go to the supermarket pretty much on my first day in arriving in a new place. Normally it’s because I need some food and supermarkets are a cheap way to get this, but it’s also a great way to see what kind of food is on offer and get an idea of the cost of things, useful to know when hitting up the restaurants later in the trip.

Tip 4: Visit a cultural site

Whether you are a history buff or not, visiting a museum, art gallery, public building or historic site is a gateway into understanding a bit more about the place you are in and its people. When you understand a bit more about a place’s past you can appreciate its present all the more, and have a shared understanding of history with the people around you.

Tip 5: Hop on public transport

Opt out of the tourist bus and hop on the local transport. You get to see areas of the city you wouldn’t otherwise and can see the locals going about their daily lives. It’s also often cheaper!

Tip 6: Pop to a local market

Sunset Market, Perth

Local markets are a great way to sample local food and pick up the perfect souvenir that isn’t a tacky plastic mass produced item but something locally made and meaningful. They are also a great place for a cheap eat while still having a big choice of food to pick from.

Tip 7: Ask a local (or your accommodation or guidebook) for tips on where to eat

Brilliantly authentic middle eastern cafe on Pier Street, Perth

Where the locals go is either cheaper or more delicious or both. When faced with a whole array of places to eat and no clue what is good, you can check out the reviews and TripAdvisor top eats, or simply ask a local for a recommendation. This will most likely take you somewhere you wouldn’t have otherwise known about and even get you trying new cuisines which is arguably one of the best parts of travelling!

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10 Tips for Surviving a Long Haul Flight

We’ve all been there haven’t we, stuck in a recycled air conditioned tube miles above the ground wondering why we are only 6 hours in to a 15 hour flight and how on earth we are going to get through the rest of the flight so we get off the plane in anything more than a zombie like trance.

With several long haul flights under my belt I would have to say the key to surviving such long journeys is in the planning before you even board the plane. It’s all about packing the right flight kit for you and in mentally preparing yourself so you don’t get frustrated or bored but actually sit back and relax, and even indulge in things you don’t normally have time for when your in the land of phone signal and have texts and emails flying at you all the time.

Tip 1: Do some research when booking the flight

Pick your airline carefully, they all have pros and cons with some being known for more leg room, better meals or even higher air quality. So have a little browse and see which airline best fits your criteria.

Think about your seat. Use seatguru or ask an agent for advice, but think about the location of your seat and the leg room. You obviously don’t want to be near the toilets either for the smell or the distracting continuous movement of people past you. Being near the back of the plane may mean your food is a little cool by the time it gets to you or you have less choice as they’ve run out of the most popular option before they even get to you.

Obviously if you can afford to upgrade then do as it could mean a bit more extra sleep for you on that long flight. If you can’t afford an upgrade than maybe consider a stop over, which is often cheaper, just to break up the flight time and allow your body to start adjusting to the new time zone.

Tip 2: Dress for comfort

We all want to look good when travelling but ultimately a long haul plane outfit needs to be comfortable. Think pyjamas but not actual pyjamas . Anything that allows you to move around easily, is soft and warm.

It’s also worth remembering planes get pretty cold. Airlines do hand out blankets but you will be more relaxed if you have your own bits around you. So take a scarf or an extra pair of thick socks and get ready to settle in for that nap.

Tip 3: Pack a sleep kit

For most of us its pretty hard to sleep on a plane so try and take things that might help you nod off. I’d definitely recommend ear plugs and an eye mask. Whenever you start feeling drowsy, pop that mask on and see if you get some shut eye, don’t wait for the end of the movie as it will be there when you wake up but you might not get that chance to sleep again!

You may also want to take a sleep aid, whether that’s a sleeping pill or something natural, depending on your health and desire to sleep!

I have never found a travel pillow that suits although lots of people use them. I have actually found that the seats adjustable head rest is enough for me but if you need a pillow or to take a big jumper to use as a pillow, make sure you pack one.

Tip 4: Take some TLC items

A long haul flight is a long time in which you don’t have any privacy or the chance to have a nice shower. Take anything with you that might make you feel a little bit more indulgent on the flight. I always take lip balm and a good quality hand cream as it’s so easy to get dried out on the plane.

Another good item to take is an essential oil. I regularly take a small roll on lavender oil. It’s tiny so isn’t a liquid issue, is easy to apply and has the added benefit of masking any unpleasant smells on the plane and as it is lavender it helps to relax me. It’s also handy throughout the holiday as a sleep aid if you’re struggling to sleep in those hostel dorms or unfamiliar hotel rooms.

Tip 5: Stay hydrated

Avoid diuretics before the flight, such as caffeine and alcohol, and take a water bottle on the plane with you. You can ask the crew to fill this up and then you always have a supply of water throughout the flight.

Tip 6: Take your own headphones

Airlines do supply headphones but they may well not be as good as your own and you really don’t want to face a 16 hour flight with no headphones! If you have noise cancelling headphones these are brilliant for blocking out the ambient noise and helping you focus or sleep if you can sleep while listening to music.

Tip 7: Plan for boredom

It’s a long time to be in one place so you are probably going to get bored. Don’t stress about this but try and embrace it so you don’t get frustrated. Take some books to read, indulge in the Hollywood blockbusters in the plane’s movie selection, load up your MP3 player or download your favorite TV show onto your tablet and take that with you. You may even want to take a bit of work with you as how often do we get uninterrupted time like this in everyday life.

Tip 8: Think about your health

This is someone who has been on a plane and got off with one of the worse colds I’ve ever had. Don’t let this happen to you but try and make sure you think about your health throughout the plane journey.: –

Take hand sanitizer or baby wipes to keep your hands clean

Take some Echinacea  tablets or vitamin c tablets with you just to help your body’s immune system

Don’t forget to move around the cabin and stretch those leg muscles

Take a toothbrush and toothpaste in your carry on so you can brush your teeth, it’s surprising how much better you feel with a clean mouth!

Tip 9: Take your own snacks

Plane food isn’t as bad as it used to be, and if you have picked a good airline it can be really quite nice. However, they may still serve food you don’t like, you may sleep through a meal, your body is used to a different time zone so will get peckish when it wants to and plane food isn’t really that healthy with a bias on carbs.

So make sure you take some snacks with you so you don’t go hungry. I’d suggest a mix of healthy snacks like almonds and the odd indulgent chocolate bar as a bit of a treat, but pack what suits you!

Tip 10: Don’t take too much carry on

It’s so easy to take lots in your carry on these days as you try and save weight for your main luggage. But think carefully about what you are taking and which pockets to store things in. The more you put down by your feet the less leg room and maneuverability you are giving yourself. The more your cram into the bag the harder it is to find things when you’re sleep deprived and getting the bag down from above to try and find something.

My tip would be to have everything you need throughout the flight – water bottle, sleep stuff, snacks, headphones, baby wipes, phone charger – in one small bag that you can easily take out and which doesn’t take up too much space around your seat.

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Sightseeing in Sydney – 10 Travel Tips

So I pretty much fell in love with Sydney in the first day or two, and I guess it’s the similarities to home that help. The geography is things like George Street, Hyde Park, Sussex Street etc and it’s all a grid system so is really easy to navigate. (Although not for everyone, I have a friend who kept getting lost and calling me for directions!) On top of that, there’s a beautiful harbor and you can travel places by ferry, and the novelty of this never wore out.

1. Getting Around

The public transport is great. You buy an Opal card (like the UK oyster cards) and this works on buses, trains and ferries. You can top up in newsagents or at the machines in the stations or ferry quay.

2.    Sydney Opera House

Did anyone else not know the Opera House is more than one building?! It’s actually separate buildings which make up the iconic outline. It’s so photogenic, and you see it from so many different vantage points as you explore Sydney, I’ve got a ton of photos of it. One of best places was sat out at Mrs Macquires Point near the Royal Botanic Gardens watching the sun set behind the Opera House – so pretty.

3.    Beaches

There are a lot – Bondi, Manly, Coogee and more. Top tip, Bondi Beach has free wifi which makes it a great place to hang out for the day or a good location to pop too if you need to skype home. If you fancy a day of beach hopping then head along the walk from Coogee to Bondi Beach, there are lot of little beaches along the way you can chill out at. My favourite beach has to be Manly just for the ferry ride to get to it.

4.    Food

So a big part of going to another country is trying all the food right?! These are the places I’ve been to which were great: –

Foodcraft and Espresso Bakery – amazing milkshakes

Bourkestreet Bakery – yummy pastries

Guiylan Cafe – didn’t know these existed! Their range of desserts is all so tempting, and you get a seahorse chocolate with your coffee.

Australian Heritage Hotel – in the Rocks this pub has pizza with some truly Aussie toppings, including kangaroo, emu and crocodile. One for the Aussie food bucket list.

5.    Blue Mountains

This is a day trip from Sydney and it’s absolutely beautiful. It’s a national park and it has a blue haze from the eucalyptus hence the name. It was so windy when we went but still stunning. We went to Echo Point (the rocks echo sound which is how people used to communicate with each other over long distances), the Three Sisters (supposedly 3 sisters turned to rock by a witch-doctor) and did a walk down to Katoomba Falls.

6.    Luna Park 

This is just across the harbour and is a small carnival style theme park. The rides and food were a bit expensive but the highlight is walking through the clown’s mouth entrance and the views back across the harbour of bridge and Opera House. If you are around at New Year this is a good vantage point to watch the fireworks but make sure you get your ticket early. 

7.    Surrey Hills

I used to live in Surrey in the UK so I couldn’t resist having a wander around this suburb of Sydney given its name. It’s actually a really nice tree lined street area with old buildings that have wrought iron balconies. The best bit is that it’s full of little coffee shops and eateries so you can spend a whole day just exploring and munching on snacks.

Surrey Hills

8.    Free Fireworks

There is usually a free fireworks display on Saturday nights in Darling Harbor so it’s a great place to eat, drink and be entertained on a Saturday evening.

9.    Paddy’s Market

Stocking anything from fresh produce to clothing and trinkets, Paddy’s Market is a good place to pick something up on the cheap. It’s especially worth a visit if you are seeking out those typical souvenirs to take home but want to find them a bit cheaper. It’s only open Wednesday to Sunday though so do check before you head there. It’s an indoor market located near China Town, on Hay Street.

 

10.Cockatoo Island

A World Heritage Site, this island used to be a convict prison and then a naval dockyard. Today you can wander through the disused buildings which are fascinating. It’s only a 30 minute ferry ride from the main quay too.

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Top Tips for Visiting Exmouth, Western Australia

After unexpectedly spending over a week in Exmouth I definitely found my way around and actually fell a bit in love with this spot up the west coast of Australia. Despite being pretty small and fairly in the middle of no where there are some real gems of activities to do and places to visit that make this a must stop location on any west coast road trip.

Swim with Whale Sharks on Ningloo Reef

One of the few spots in the world where whale sharks (don’t panic they are veggies) are known to frequent, there are many tours from Exmouth out to Ningloo Reef to snorkel with the whale sharks.

This was a big one on my Aussie bucket list and did not disappoint. it is not cheap but is worth every dollar in my book. Be warned, it is all dependent on the boat crew spotting a whale shark but they normally have planes in the sky spotting them so you generally see at least one.

swimming with whale sharks
swimming with whale sharks

Chill out at Turquoise Bay

In Cape Range National Park, s short drive from the center of Exmouth, is Turquoise Bay, a beautiful beach to spend the day chilling out on or snorkeling in the water.

Turquoise Bay

Take in the view from Vlamingh Head Lighthouse

Another short drive from Exmouth is this lighthouse which has absolutely stunning views over the ocean. Head up with a bevvie and watch the sun set for the ultimate relaxing end to a day.

Sunset

Get a coffee and cake from the bakery

Not big on shop choice, the bakery in Exmouth is a great place to grab a coffee and a snack.

Dive at Navy Pier

My one regret from Exmouth is that I never got to dive at Navy Pier as I came down with a cold. This is meant to be a fantastic dive spot so and everyone I know who has been says its awesome so if I go back I’m heading straight there!

Hop on a boat at Yardie Creek

Just a day excursion out to Cape Range National Park and you can learn all about the wildlife and fauna on a boat trip down the creek.

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Tips for when you are sick while travelling

Stock up on food known for it’s vitamins and nutrition

First thing to do is make sure you fuel your body with what it needs to help you recover so think anything with vitamin c and zinc – fruit, fruit juice, vegetables etc

Raid the pharmacy section in the supermarket

If you don’t have anything on you, hit a supermarket as soon as you can. Most roadhouses will have the basics too, it will just be a bit pricey.

I’d recommend travelling with some basic vitamins, cold remedies, muscle rubs and pain killers anyway, as you never quite know when you’ll become under the weather and it could be in the middle of no where!!

Tell those you are travelling with

Definitely let those you are travelling with know and don’t feel you have to keep up with them but take time out if you need it and chose easier activities or walking routes.

If you are travelling solo, strike up a conversation with others staying in your accommodation, or even the staff where you are staying, as you never know what they may have in their first aid kits that could help.

Stop and rest

When you are ill your energy often plummets. It’s really easy to keep going when you are travelling and power through so you don’t miss out on anything or because you have a trip already planned. This can potentially knock back your recovery and it might be wise just to stop and relax in one place for a bit so you can rest up and let your body heal, allowing you to hit the road with more energy and probably more enjoyment!

Use Medicare and go to a bulk billing doctor

If you are from the UK, and some other countries (check the Aussie government website), you can sign up for medicare which gives you free appointments with the doctor. I would definitely recommend making this a priority when you arrive in Australia and before you set off travelling around the country. If you do go, make sure you go to a bulk billing doctor which you’ll be able to find on Google, otherwise you could be charged.

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6 Things Every Good Traveler Needs in their Backpack

I’ve been on the road a while and over time have added and thrown things out of my day bag. As you know, when you are carrying your whole world on your back while backpacking around, space and weight are of a premium! In this post I wanted to touch on what I now regularly take in my day bag in the hope that it helps you decide what to buy, pack and find a way to squish into your pack. I am also keen to hear what you guys have discovered are travelling essentials.

1. Bags in Bags!

So as well as the nearly obligatory pack-able shopper bag you need these days, I have also taken to making sure I have a waterproof dry bag in my day pack which I can put all my valuable electronic items in. This not only keeps them safe but is also a great carry case if I just want to take those with me and leave the backpack behind – brilliant on group travel tour buses when you are constantly nipping off the bus to take photos or buy snacks at the roadhouse and don’t need all your stuff, just the essentials.

2. Water Bottle

A re-useable water bottle is a must and I have attached a caribener to mine so that I can secure it to my bag.

3. Traveler’s Handy Kit

So I now regularly carry a small kit of essentials and handy items that literally get me through the day and I’d be stuck without them. In this small bag I carry: –

  • Tissues
  • Small pack of baby wipes
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lip balm
  • Hand cream
  • Plasters
  • Pain killers
  • Nail file (for the ladies!)
  • Anti-allergy pills

4. Electronics

We can’t really live without them now. I always have my phone, phone charger and power bank as a staple.

On top of that I have my camera and Go Pro and SD cards, plus their power cables so I can charge up from my power bank as needed.

Plus, for the long bus journeys, I have a kindle. I also now buy my guidebooks as ebooks to save on space and weight!

5. Items to make you comfy in any climate

Being protected and comfortable in any climate is key to enjoying travel. In my pack I always have everything I need for the sun – always important in Australia – which includes sunnies, sunscreen, hat and an umbrella (good for shade as well as keeping you dry in rain). I also have bug spray and a long sleeved top in case it gets chilly or I feel myself burning and need to protect my skin from the sun.

6. Snacks

You can’t head out on the road without any snacks! As you are never quite sure when the next stop will be and what will be there, I have found having my own supply of snacks and keeping them topped up is vital. I tend to go down the road of some unhealthy sweet stuff like chocolate and some healthy energising food like almonds and fruit. Pick whatever suits you.

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Tips for choosing accommodation while travelling

When you don’t know the country or area it can be really hard to figure out where to stay and what type of accommodation to go for.

For me, it is always a tug of war between cost and location and I have to admit that I tend to balance out budget hostels with something a little more luxurious now and again so tend to look at quite a wide variety of places.

Here are my tips for choosing accommodation: –

Budget

First and foremost, ask yourself what your budget is and then search within that.

Secondly, I love the map function on Airbnb and Booking.com that allows you to see the prices of everything around the area you are looking at. Definitely check this out to get a bit of price comparison as some areas are just more expensive than others and some months are more expensive than others, so relating it to the ‘competition’ is a really helpful gauge.

Check the neighborhood

Any place I am considering I hop straight on Google maps to check the following:-

  • Street view – what does it actually look like now compare to the marketing photos on the website I’m looking at
  • Distance – how far is it to the key sites I want to go to
  • What’s around – general browse of what is around in terms of shops, supermarkets, landmarks and sights

What experience are you looking for

I always check in with myself and just see what vibe I am after. Sometimes it’s city center dirt cheap and practical, other times its beach side with a spa bath.

I would definitely say don’t be afraid to go for variety and see how you’re feeling. If you can splash out now and again it’s worth it and can really improve your experience and memories of a place.

It’s also really important to think about how you are going to use the space. If you are planning on being out all the time then just a bed or room is probably fine. If you want chill time or to self-cater then you are probably looking for apartments or chalets.

Check the reviews

Always always check the reviews or seek recommendations. reviews are great to get up to date feedback on the place you are looking at and especially useful if you are concerned about light or noise as these are often what people comment on in the reviews.

Do be slightly cautious when reading reviews though as some can just be too old to be relevant any more and some could just be from very picky people!

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How to visit an Australian beach like a pro

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Beaches are pretty much a mainstay of Aussie culture and really who can blame them when there are so many amazing beaches to go to so close to home.

Backpacking, holidaying, living or travelling in Australia, you are probably going to hit up a beach at least once. Having visited a fair few myself now, I wanted to share what I’ve learnt to help you fit in like a local and have everything you need to have nothing but an enjoyable experience on the beach.

Coming from a landlocked home in the UK, I was pretty unfamiliar with beach etiquette and then Aussie beaches have their own safety rules that you just don’t have in the UK (thinking sharks and jellyfish here!). So from beach novice to beach novice, here is what I’ve learnt travelling around Australia.

  1. What to Pack for a Beach Day
  2. Arriving at the Beach Etiquette
  3. How to Cope with the Sun
  4. Swimming Safety
  5. Leaving the Beach Etiquette

What to Pack

You can go to the beach with just a towel or you can go to the beach with a beach bag, it is really up to you. Bear in mind that many beaches are a bit of a walk (although totally worth it), so you might not want to take too much. Personally, my beach kit always includes: –

Swimmers/Bathers – I normally have these on already

Towel – you need something to sit on and while you can take chairs to try and get less sandy, a towel doubles as a means to dry yourself as well as a place to lie down

Hat – I tend to plan to be on the beach a while but I definitely don’t want sunstroke so a hat is a must

Sunglasses/Sunnies – with the sun bouncing of the ocean it’s going to be bright. If you are planning on reading or using your phone you’ll want sunnies so you can actually see what you are doing!

Umbrella – sounds odd I know but as I don’t want to cart around a beach tent shelter, I carry a regular umbrella with me. It’s part of my staple backpacking kit anyway, normally for the rain, but it’s perfect as a temporary sun shelter if I start to get too hot.

Water – it’s thirsty work sunbathing!

A book – the beach is my chill out zone so I tend to take a book to read

Music – I tend to prefer the sound of the ocean but I always have some music with me just in case I get bored of reading. I tend to use headphones rather than a speaker as a courtesy to my fellow beach goers.

Sun Cream & Lip Balm – to avoid burning and getting dry lips. I tend to apply sun cream before I am at the beach as there is nothing worse than applying once there and ending up rubbing sand into your skin in some weird and uncomfortable sun screen body scrub!

A Cover Up – sometimes it can get a bit windy and chilly on the beach, or you might just feel that you are burning. So I tend to have a long sleeved cotton shirt in my bag so I can cover up if I need to.

Spare Clothes – if you’re going swimming don’t forget some underwear and clothes to change into! You’ll also need to get dressed if you want to go to any beachside cafe as they tend to not want half naked people wandering in!

Thongs/Flip Flops – these are the easiest beach shoe, although if you walk in them on the sand they have a tendency to flick sand up the back of your leg which is rather unpleasant. If that sand isn’t too hot I tend to take them off when walking on the sand.

Waterproof Bag – I either take a large waterproof bag for all my things or just a small one to put my phone and any electronic stuff in. Generally this is pretty safe on the beach, although there are thefts, but the main danger is water and sand!

Arriving at the Beach

All beaches are public land so you can pitch where you like. Generally speaking where you lay out your towel becomes your spot and is generally respected as such by everyone else.

It might not seem windy but trust me, at some point a gust of wind will pick up your towel. When you get there, anchor down the corners with your stuff – a shoe, a bag, your water bottle etc.

Once you’re settled in, sit back and enjoy!

Sun Smart

Have a Break – Australian sun is very strong, which you don’t quite realise until you’ve got burnt. Generally everyone says stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. If you’re at the beach it might be wise to hit a local cafe for lunch and return to the beach when the sun is a little less strong.

Be Protected – don’t forget your sun screen, hat and sunnies

Take Extra Precaution – whether you forgot to reapply, haven’t drunk enough water or simply just start feeling a bit too hot, it pays to have some extra precaution sun items with you. Many locals take sun shelters or big umbrellas with them just for this occasion. However, as a backpacker this might not be so feasible. I therefore tend to just have a regular umbrella on me that I can pop up for some instant shade. I also take a cover up so I can cover my skin as much as possible if I start to feel it burning.

Wear a UV Rashie – the easiest place to burn is actually out swimming. You may want to get a UV rash vest. Yes it will stop you getting that bikini tan but it might also stop you burning! You can always sunbathe on the beach after your swim!

Swimming in Safety

When you go to Australia everyone says to watch out for sharks, stingers and rip tides. Well shark attacks aren’t too rare and they are pretty good at spotting them. Stingers are pretty common so just keep an eye out. And rip tides are possible but generally, where they have put the flags out tends to be the safest place to swim, it is also where the lifeguards are. So my main tip – swim between the flags!

Leaving the Beach

The beach is public land so it’s good manners to leave it as you found it and take any rubbish with you.

No matter how hard you tried, there is probably sand on your towel. Try to assess where the wind is before you pick your towel up and shake it as your neighbors will not be best pleased with a sand shower.

Look out for the showers – most beaches have showers or foot showers on the way of the beach so you can wash the sand off.

So that’s it, my tips for tackling an Aussie beach like a pro. Hope it helps and you have lots of enjoyable beach visits. Comment and let me know which beaches you’ve gone to, would love to hear about it.