My time in Australia was chock full of continuously surreal experiences. How can you not see a kangaroo in real life or learn the lingo? As I reflect back on my time in Australia and plan a future trip, I've created the ultimate Australia bucket list of the experiences you can't visit Oz without … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Australian Bucket List
Byron Bay
Australian Backpacker Bars
Backpacker bars make the travel scene what it is in Australia: "no worries." Most major hostels have their own in-house bars but each one is unique, with cheap drinks, activities and rowdy backpackers abound. They're the only places where you will find a party every night of the … [Read more...] about Australian Backpacker Bars
The Best and Worst of Australian Hostels
**This post has been updated in May 2014 to reflect the places I stayed on my most recent trip.** I stayed in more hostels in Australia than I ever care to count. Some were great, some were disgusting and some weren't really memorable. In this post I will break them all down with you, in complete … [Read more...] about The Best and Worst of Australian Hostels
Where I Slept in Australia
In my almost year in Australia, I slept a lot of places. Dozens of hostels, a few floors, friends' apartments, two boats, tents, swags and countless cities. It all started in Sydney at Tommy's house in Petersham, where he and his dad graciously let me sleep until I found my own pad. I got very … [Read more...] about Where I Slept in Australia
Being a Hippie in Byron Bay
I called my sister in a panic. Only she would know what to do. "Sammi," I asked frantically, "What do I talk to hippies about? I need conversation starters." I had unknowingly booked three nights at Byron Bay's hippie haven known as the Arts Factory. Formerly a slaughterhouse, this … [Read more...] about Being a Hippie in Byron Bay