http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au All the latest from THE WORD Australia Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:11:26 GMT en-gb http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-has-fifa-fever http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-has-fifa-fever Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT The 2010 FIFA World Cup is upon us and Sydney, Australia is filled with exuberance and excitement. As one Aussie put it, "It doesn't matter who's playing. It's the bloody World Cup, mate!" This means ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/top-ten-tips-for-surfing http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/top-ten-tips-for-surfing Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Top Ten Surfing Tips 10. Don’t be stupid: I know that this may seem like a basic step, but I feel like I do need to say it. If you are a beginner, it doesn’t matter how many surfing... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-calypso-inn-backpackers-resort http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-calypso-inn-backpackers-resort Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT If you’ve been following my trip for any length of time, you’ll know that I’ve spent a lot of time in hostels over the past three months. It takes a fair bit of differentiation to... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/manly-beach http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/manly-beach Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT Manly Beach is a short ferry ride from Circular Quay in Sydney, and probably one of the greatest free experiences you’ll have in Sydney. As you walk the trail from the Manly Wharf, you’ll ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-feel-at-home-at-orchid-guest-house http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-feel-at-home-at-orchid-guest-house Sun, 06 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT   Welcome home. Not welcome to our hostel or hotel room, but welcome home. Nestled amongst orchids and ferns, Orchid Guest House on Hale Street in Townsville is more than a place to crash, it's... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-party-in-paradise-at-base-magnetic-island http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-party-in-paradise-at-base-magnetic-island Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:00:00 GMT So there’s paradise.The rolling hills of Australia. The beautiful beaches and even more beautiful people. Then there’s paradise.That little-talked about, hidden enclave of peaceful... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/what-to-do-in-the-moo http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/what-to-do-in-the-moo Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Backpackers have a few options of towns to stay at on the Sunshine Coast. Due to money and time, they probably can't stop at them all. Nestled between Pacific Ocean and a marina on the Mooloolah... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-view-from-up-top http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-view-from-up-top Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The pickup time is not ideal (4:15 a.m.), but it's worth it to be up in the air before dawn. Raging Thunder offers hot air balloon rides over the Atherton Tablelands, QLD daily. During the ride... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/absolutely-magnificent-absolute-backpackers-mission-beach http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/absolutely-magnificent-absolute-backpackers-mission-beach Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT   The most well known city in North Queensland, most travelers use Cairns as a central location to visit unique activities located in and around it. They stay at a hostel in the city, book their ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-next-backpackers-hervey-bay http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-next-backpackers-hervey-bay Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The first thing that you notice about Next Backpackers (BOOK Next) in Hervey Bay is that it is bustling.The ground floor is home to the travel desk, reception, kitchen, dining area, cinema room... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/up-up-and-away http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/up-up-and-away Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Have you guys seen the movie Up!? It’s so cute. Like, so so cute.If you haven’t, all you need to know is that there’s a little old man, a cute little chubby boy scout, and a hot air ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/global-gossip-connect-keeps-me-chatting http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/global-gossip-connect-keeps-me-chatting Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT   While blogging about my trip up the east coast of Australia, I've gone to some pretty extreme lengths to find free internet. I've camped out at roadside McDonald's for hours on end. I've even... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pro-dive-liveaboard-on-the-great-barrier-reef-day-3 http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pro-dive-liveaboard-on-the-great-barrier-reef-day-3 Wed, 19 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT 5:25am Twenty minutes left to sleep before we need to be up to zombie our way through the first briefing of the day. Kill me. 5:45am Softly munching on an apple isn’t doing anything to kick... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pro-dive-liveaboard-on-the-great-barrier-reef-day-2 http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pro-dive-liveaboard-on-the-great-barrier-reef-day-2 Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT 3:22am WHY am I awake. Why. I scream at myself for a minute before I drift back to sleep, a process made a little bit easier than usual by the gentle rocking of the boat.6:30am Our wake up time is... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hotel-comfort-at-a-backpacker-s-budget-emus-beach-resort http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hotel-comfort-at-a-backpacker-s-budget-emus-beach-resort Tue, 18 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT   When I first walked into my private quad room at Emus Beach Resort on Pattison Street in Emu Park, my jaw dropped and I paused in awh and appreciation. I couldn't believe my eyes, four big... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pro-dive-liveaboard-on-the-great-barrier-reef-day-1 http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pro-dive-liveaboard-on-the-great-barrier-reef-day-1 Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT 5:30am It’s way too early to be alive much less awake. Like, way too early. It’s a good thing I packed last night or else I’d be living in a world of regret right now. I have 40... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/if-theres-a-heaven-i-hope-i-can-bungy-jump-from-it http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/if-theres-a-heaven-i-hope-i-can-bungy-jump-from-it Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT It didn't hit me till I was on the edge. I'm jumping off a platform 50 meters from the ground in three seconds. Driving to the center I was fine. Walking up the stairs I kept my cool. Waiting for my... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/southern-cross-tourist-retreat-summer-camp-for-big-kids http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/southern-cross-tourist-retreat-summer-camp-for-big-kids Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT From the moment Bobbi-Jo and I drove under the Southern Cross sign into the tourist retreat in Agnes Water, I felt like I was at summer camp. We parked the car at the first spot we found and walked... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-day-in-dreamland http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-day-in-dreamland Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Picture the scene: Your friendly neighborhood travel ninja following a 20-something aboriginal man through dense mangroves, spear in one hand, digital camera in the other.One of these things... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/anticipation-australian-style http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/anticipation-australian-style Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Sometimes, I like to bask in the sunlight of anticipation.I anticipated breaking free of the chains of a desk job, and found myself in London this past year for a cold yet enjoyable winter.I... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/backpackers-by-the-bay-airlie-beach http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/backpackers-by-the-bay-airlie-beach Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT It was Saturday night.Hostel plans had fallen through.I was in Airlie Beach and my boat for the Whitsunday Islands didn’t leave until Monday morning. The only person I could really depend on... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-dream-of-a-tour-daintree-dreaming http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-dream-of-a-tour-daintree-dreaming Wed, 12 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The best tours are ones that don't make people feel like tourists. Tours that lead people to local hangouts and places without plaques or pamphlets. These tours may include a bit of work, but... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/spend-more-than-a-day-in-mission-beach http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/spend-more-than-a-day-in-mission-beach Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT After a few months of traveling to well-known tourist towns and attractions, travelers may long to visit a place off the beaten path. An on-the-rise destination that people can say they visited long... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/more-than-meets-the-eye http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/more-than-meets-the-eye Tue, 11 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Agnes Waters is an interesting little place.For one, it can be a black hole for cell phone reception.For two, the town is so small that there isn’t even a high school nearby - kids have to be... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/chinese-yum-cha-1-20 http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/chinese-yum-cha-1-20 Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT   Hi!! From today, I want to start introducing the best & the cheapest food in Sydney!! Usually, the food here costs much more than our home country does. For me, too. I can get sandwiches... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/skydive-mission-beach-video http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/skydive-mission-beach-video Mon, 10 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Best Backpacking Job in Australia has brought our two Bobbis to Mission Beach for a skydive. Here's Bobbi-Jo (afraid of heights, planes and doing things that might kill her) overcoming her fears... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/skydiving-with-jump-the-beach-mission-beach http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/skydiving-with-jump-the-beach-mission-beach Sun, 09 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT A clear plastic door slides open and wind forcefully invades the plane.Suddenly it hits me. I'm jumping out of an airplane in a few minutes.The first tandem duet inches towards the door. All eyes are ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/cruising-with-benny-hervey-bay http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/cruising-with-benny-hervey-bay Wed, 05 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT The Esplanade in Hervey Bay, Queensland offers drivers, bikers, walkers and runners an open and safe roadway with breathtaking views of the coast. People can spend a half day or more traveling this... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/do-you-want-souvenirs-for-cheap http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/do-you-want-souvenirs-for-cheap Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT When you are in a foregin country, there is always a thing you have to think about... Yes, Buying Souvenirs! It is quite difficult to get the best thing for reasonable price because normally,... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/cheeky-little-devils http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/cheeky-little-devils Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Coming on my first trip to Tassie, who could resist the chance to view Tasmanian Devils in the flesh and even better, at feeding time.  Now there are a few places on the island you can do this,... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-day-at-the-zoo http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-day-at-the-zoo Tue, 04 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Let me preface this with: I’m not a huge fan of zoos.Or animal enclosures in general.I mean, I like seeing things that are cute and cuddly and whatnot. But I can't help feeling a little bit... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/shark-diving-in-mooloolaba http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/shark-diving-in-mooloolaba Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT Sharks are mean. They’ll smell your blood in the water from miles away and sniff their way to you before they snuff you out.I mean, we’ve all seen Jaws, right?The thought of accidentally... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/magnetic-island-in-pictures http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/magnetic-island-in-pictures Sat, 01 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT It might be known for it's famous Full Moon Party, but Magnetic Island is more than just glow sticks and body glitter. National parks, scenic walks and amazing views of the sunrise and sunset are... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/brisvegas http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/brisvegas Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ever wonder why the call Brisbane “BrisVegas”?I did, too.It’s a small enough city that there can’t be THAT much madness going on. But, I should have known that a city that has ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-blue-and-white-world http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-blue-and-white-world Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Hello!! My name is Saori, student from Japan. I came Sydney about two months ago and this month, I did an awesome trip to New Zealand!! Let me recommend some MUST things to do in New Zealand.  ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/can-you-hear-me-now http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/can-you-hear-me-now Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT   Believe it or not, telecommunications when you’re a backpacker are not just limited to calling mom and dad when you’ve run out of money.(Hi, mom and dad!)If you’re part of... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-noosa-backpackers-resort http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-noosa-backpackers-resort Fri, 30 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Noosa Backpackers Resort in Noosa proudly boasts that it’s not a party hostel, but a place where travelers can chill out. With a strict no BYO policy, a hostel bar that closes at 10 p.m. and... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/dingo-encounters-on-fraser-island http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/dingo-encounters-on-fraser-island Sun, 25 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Prior to visiting Fraser Island, many people advised me not to feed the dingoes. Seinfeld jokes aside, I planned to follow their directions and just admire dingoes, rather than my usual routine of... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-sand-islands-of-queensland http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-sand-islands-of-queensland Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT An island is an island, yes?Well. Not exactly.If you’re talking about the sand islands off the coast of Queensland, they are anything but ordinary. Most backpackers shoot straight up from... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/another-aussie-prank-shark-show-hervey-bay http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/another-aussie-prank-shark-show-hervey-bay Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Australians are well-known for their practical jokes. Drop bears. Tall tales. Basically, if there’s an opportunity for a good-natured prank, they’ll pull it. When we asked a backpacker... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/rich-colors-waters-forest-and-knowledge-on-fraser-island http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/rich-colors-waters-forest-and-knowledge-on-fraser-island Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT For a traveler, one of the most thrilling things about Australia is its authenticity. Even places in the country that are most often visited by tourists remain unbusy and sometimes even look... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/mooloolaba-backpackers-an-all-inclusive-hostel http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/mooloolaba-backpackers-an-all-inclusive-hostel Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Enter through a vibrating, red and metal gateway to escape from the busy Brisbane Road.  Some people lounge by a centered pool, as others lay in the shade on balconies one, two, three stories... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/do-a-little-dance-suck-a-little-blood-get-down-tonight-draculas-cabaret-restaura http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/do-a-little-dance-suck-a-little-blood-get-down-tonight-draculas-cabaret-restaura Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT I hold a special place in my heart for things that are moderately to very cheesy.Those little heart candies you get on Valentine’s Day.“SPRING BREAK 2009” T-shirts from Key... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/my-fav-five-brisbane http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/my-fav-five-brisbane Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Brisbane may be on of the most underestimated cities in Australia. People talk about Sydney, Melbourne, even Perth gets a lot of praise, but no one seems to mention ‘Brissie.’ It was an... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-little-naughty-and-a-little-nice-in-surfers-paradise http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-little-naughty-and-a-little-nice-in-surfers-paradise Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT As I mentioned: Surfers Paradise gets a bad name.People drive up from Coolangatta to party there when they want to make a bad decision, basically.If you want to meet locals and have an authentic... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-base-central-brisbane http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-base-central-brisbane Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Passing the corner of Edward and Ann Streets in Brisbane, it’s hard to miss the Victorian-era, brick building marked Palace in large script on front. Though the building is hard to miss amongst ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-surfers-paradise-backpackers-resort http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-surfers-paradise-backpackers-resort Sun, 11 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Sometimes when you’re on the road for a while, you need to lay your head down in a place that feels a little bit like home.Having a little more space than a traditional hostel, having someone... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/facing-my-fear-shark-encounter http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/facing-my-fear-shark-encounter Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT I wouldn’t exactly call myself a daredevil, but not much scares me. I actually enjoy heights. I look forward to flying. Roller coasters are fun. I don’t enjoy public speaking, but I can... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/staying-cool-alone-in-coolie http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/staying-cool-alone-in-coolie Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Traveling alone, as I was for the first part of this trip, can be kind of tricky.Sometimes staying in a hostel by yourself heightens your awareness that, well, you’re alone.You don’t have ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/living-life-on-the-edge-at-riverlife-brisbane http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/living-life-on-the-edge-at-riverlife-brisbane Wed, 07 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT I slowly tip toe my feet backwards on the cliff. Heels dangling over the edge, eyes trying not to look 25 meters down, I lean back until my feet are flat on the side of it. Arms shaking. Body tense.... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/my-fav-five-surfers-paradise http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/my-fav-five-surfers-paradise Tue, 06 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Despite how great Surfers Paradise looks in guide books, some Aussies complain about it being a tourist trap and advise travelers to avoid it completely. Those traveling up the east coast shouldn't... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hold-on-to-your-seats-infinity-surfers-paradise http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hold-on-to-your-seats-infinity-surfers-paradise Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Ok. I’m not sure, days later, if I fully have a grasp on what I’m about to write about.I even went to their Web site to try to sort it out - and just the intro tripped me out.The Infinity ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/photo-tour-brisbane http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/photo-tour-brisbane Sun, 04 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT In the book “Eat Pray Love,” author Elizabeth Gilbert writes that every city and person has a word. She writes that Rome’s word is “sex” and goes on a quest to find her... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/surfing-surfers-paradise http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/surfing-surfers-paradise Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Traveling to Australia, many envision long beaches, bare bodies and great surf. Most tourists come down under with an open mind about taking surf lessons, but end up feeling a bit intimidated when... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/good-happenings-on-good-friday http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/good-happenings-on-good-friday Fri, 02 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT Me: So everything is closed on Good Friday?Tour Guide: Everything.Me: Everything?Tour Guide: EVERYTHING.Me: Even gas stations?Tour Guide: Ev- Well. I don’t know. But everything is closed on... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/coolangatta-the-place-to-be http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/coolangatta-the-place-to-be Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT As I mentioned, the longest stretch of time I’ve spent in any one place since arriving in Australia was the wonderful little town of Coolangatta. It’s pretty tiny, but packed with reasons ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/i-got-here-somehow http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/i-got-here-somehow Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT   The chances of two Bobbi’s, who spell their name exactly the same, being two out of three people to start with in this competition must have been to ironic to avoid. In case you... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-coolangatta-sands-hotel http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-coolangatta-sands-hotel Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT There are so many things that can make or break your stay at a particular hostel.Staff.Location.Cleanliness. (Nothing makes me scream like a little girl and then sleep with one eye wide open like... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/and-then-there-were-two http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/and-then-there-were-two Sun, 28 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT It’s about to get fairly confusing in Best Backpacker Job-ville. For the last few weeks, I’ve been traveling up the east coast of Australia solo. It’s been great, you have to make a ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-day-at-the-sanctuary http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/a-day-at-the-sanctuary Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Confession: I’m not a fan of zoos.They kind of stink and everything feels really artificial. I am, however, a fan of big open spaces, peacocks running around uncaged, and sleepy koalas hanging... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-main-beach-backpackers http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hostel-review-main-beach-backpackers Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Main Beach Backpackers, located right off, well, Main Beach in Byron Bay is a great place to stay if you want a near perfect combination of location, staff and activities.Hostel’s now are smart ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/byron-bay-worth-the-hype http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/byron-bay-worth-the-hype Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT I was going to wait until some pictures came through to throw this post up. It’s much better to see rather than just hear (because you read everything on the Internet out loud. Sitting in a... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/surfest-2010 http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/surfest-2010 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Remember how I “learned to surf” at Bondi Beach a while back?Well, I’m pleased to report that I’m MUCH better at watching surfing than I am at actually doing it.Well,... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/have-you-met-my-friend-benny http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/have-you-met-my-friend-benny Tue, 16 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Road trips?Fun.Driving in a camper van?Extra fun.Driving on the opposite side of the road?Piece of cake.Having to parallel park said van (which is three times the size of your own car)?Scary, but... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-wonderful-world-of-port-stephens http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-wonderful-world-of-port-stephens Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT As I said, there is a ton to do in Port Stephens. You can climb, swim, jump, float, fish, watch, play...you name it? It's there.  Since I only have three months in Australia, and only a few ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/just-outside-of-sydney-port-stephens-has-it-all http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/just-outside-of-sydney-port-stephens-has-it-all Sun, 14 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT There are certain places that are so packed with things to do and places to see that, unless you have an extensive visit planned, you can’t possibly hope to see and do it all.Paris is like... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/let-s-go-surfing http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/let-s-go-surfing Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT I’m here in Newcastle (not the Newcastle that makes the beer, that one is in the UK, fun fact) ready to cover Surfest 2010 in the morning. This might be my chance to meet Kelly Slater, pinch... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-s-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-s-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT There are a lot of things you can accidentally do in Sydney.>> Fall into Darling Harbour.>> Go for days without managing to order a meal that doesn’t come with barbeque sauce, beet... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sleeping-err-swimming-with-the-fishes http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sleeping-err-swimming-with-the-fishes Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT Let’s talk about the list of things I was afraid of before coming to Australia that turned out to be really not that bad since I’ve been here:Heights? Over it.Being alone (in the... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/wednesday-night-jams-at-side-bar http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/wednesday-night-jams-at-side-bar Fri, 26 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT A rose by any other name would...well...still be a rose.So I guess a band without a name would still be a band, yes? Yes, and a rockin’ good one at that.  I think in this instance, Prince... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/leap-before-you-look http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/leap-before-you-look Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Here’s the wonderful thing (well, one of the many wonderful things) about traveling: it can get you to do things you never would have done were it not for the pure intoxication of being in an... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/abseiling-aka-repelling-my-exciting-day-with-bobbi-jo http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/abseiling-aka-repelling-my-exciting-day-with-bobbi-jo Thu, 25 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Bobbi and I had a long day; we met up at 6am and got to Katoomba by 8:30 after a two-hour train ride from central station. The company was conveniently across the street and we met the other people... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hi-my-name-is-bobbi-jo-and-i-m-a-flashpacker http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/hi-my-name-is-bobbi-jo-and-i-m-a-flashpacker Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT True Story: I’m a flashpacker.Don’t worry, I didn’t know what that meant either, until yesterday.Basically, a “flashpacker” is a backpacker who may or may not ditch the... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/waking-up-in-sydney http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/waking-up-in-sydney Sat, 20 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT To state the blatantly obvious: Sydney is pretty awesome.Maybe I’m partial to it because the climate is right up the alley of this Florida girl, or maybe it’s because objectively this... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/let-the-journey-begin http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/let-the-journey-begin Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT Almost 5PM on Wednesday, February 17, 2010. San Francisco time.In Australia? It’s already the weekend. (What? Thursday counts.)And I’m on my way!To the home of The Great Barrier Reef,... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-on-the-cheap http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-on-the-cheap Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT   For most travellers Sydney is more expensive than their home countries so here’s some advice about cheap shopping, eating, drinking... Food: In Chinatown you can find restaurants from... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/culture-shock http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/culture-shock Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT   The first day I came to Australia I had an orientation program and the key lesson of the program was about culture shock. Culture shock is basically the disorientation and feelings that come... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-musical-wicked http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/the-musical-wicked Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT   I went to see the musical Wicked in Sydney at the Capitol theatre a few days ago. The musical tells about the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Those who have seen the movie... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/beaches-in-sydney http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/beaches-in-sydney Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT As we all know, Bondi is the most famous beach in Sydney. The beach is fairly close to the city centre so it doesn’t take such a long time to get there. That’s pretty much all the... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/new-zealand http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/new-zealand Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Before coming to Australia I visited the northern island of New Zealand. New Zealand is beautiful. Immediately I drove the three hours from Auckland to Rotorua and it was definitely worth it. There... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/language-school http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/language-school Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT   Language school   I came to Sydney to study English in an international language school and I feel like I learned a lot, not that much English though. The first day all the new students... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-in-the-summer-moonlight-cinema http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/sydney-in-the-summer-moonlight-cinema Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT It's summer in Sydney, which means you should be spending your time outside! Ford Fiesta is sponsoring Australia's Moonlight Cinema, an outdoor movie experience in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pros-and-cons-of-sydney http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/pros-and-cons-of-sydney Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Pros and cons of Sydney   + The Harbour and Botanical gardens (Circular Quay) - this area is just soo beautiful! The Harbour Bridge, the Opera house, Botanical gardens... It’s nice to have ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/my-trip-to-queensland http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/my-trip-to-queensland Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT   I’ve been living in Sydney for a few months now and I wanted to see more of Australia so I travelled to QLD over the Xmas holidays. First I flew to the Gold Coast with Tiger Airways... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/best-drinking-holes-in-balmain-rozelle http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/best-drinking-holes-in-balmain-rozelle Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Balmain and Rozelle are old working class suburbs with some great drinking establishments.  As a resident for 3 years I have been fortunate enough to frequent many of them. I'll start at the... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/how-to-find-a-shared-flat-in-sydney http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/how-to-find-a-shared-flat-in-sydney Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT If you are planning to stay in Sydney for a longer time, a shared flat is the best option for you. In Sydney it's very usual that young people who study or work share an apartment. The apartments are ... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/how-to-avoid-being-labelled-as-the-tourist-in-sydney http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/how-to-avoid-being-labelled-as-the-tourist-in-sydney Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT When you arrive in Sydney there are a few things you should know if you want to avoid being labelled as "the obvious tourist". I think most people know that taking pictures of and pointing at... http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/birthday-n-oz http://www.thewordaustralia.com.au/the-word-blogs/birthday-n-oz Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT American Birthday in Oz   Woke up this morning tired. 22 doesn't seem as exciting as I thought it would be. In the states it's 21 and then you're basically done with the big meaningful birthdays ...