Australia
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Australia
While Singapore was more of a transfer stop for us, Australia was the first real destination of our travels. Five whole weeks that led us through beautiful beaches, almost dried-out places, never-ending streets and vibrant cities. We gained so many different impressions as we were discovering this country in some quite alternative kinds of traveling. For example, getting to know the locals in Chidlow, near Perth, within our Workaway at a cozy little hobby farm, or our road trip with a rented camper van all the way from Perth to Melbourne. I think it is possible for everybody to have a really good time in Australia, but it differs every time depending on what you expect from your trip. For now, though, we will tell you a little bit about our experiences, as well as what we liked or expected to be different in Down Under.
Accommodation
Ocean Reef Homestay 8/10
It turned out that reading is a skill that must be learned. When we arrived at our first accommodation we found out that "homestay" indeed means that you stay at somebody's home. It wasn't too bad though, because we hardly saw the owner, except at check-in. That was a funny one, as it was a lady in her late 40s wearing shorts and a very colourful top who welcomed us into her home. She and her husband (or boyfriend, I'm not sure if they were married) lived upstairs, while we, a couple, shared the ground floor with a family with a five-year-old girl and two girlfriends. Everybody had their own private room. Bathroom, kitchen and outdoor area, including a swimming pool and a jacuzzi, were shared.
The stay included breakfast, but that was actually one of the minus points. It consisted of bread, spreads, milk, cereals, juice, coffee and tea, which seemed like too small a selection for us back then. What irritated us a little more was that even though it was on a self-service basis, access was limited to 8 to 10 am. But since we prefer a different kind of breakfast anyway, we went to the supermarket and bought our own groceries.
Which brings us to the next topic: the location. It didn't bother us too much, because we didn't plan on doing much the first few days and just wanted to get rid of the jet lag. That said, I have to mention that the homestay can't be recommended to people who travel without a car. The accommodation is outside of Perth; it took us about 25 minutes to get to the nearest metro station by bus, and almost another hour to reach the city center. We did go to the beach, but it was still a half-hour walk each way.
What we really liked about the homestay was that you had generous room for everything; the living room and kitchen were nicely decorated and very open, with a view of the pool. One perk the place offers is its very own home cinema.
Workaway Chidlow 7/10
Our very first Workaway! We didn't really know what to expect, but we knew it would be interesting for sure. We arrived while our host was still at work. It felt a little strange to intrude into someone's home that we had never seen before. We were greeted by three adorable dogs, eager for attention and belly scratches. After the first hello we wandered around and discovered our new home for the next two weeks. To cut it short, we were a little disappointed: everything was really dusty, the dogs carried a lot of dirt into the house, and our room reminded us of the cupboard Harry Potter lived in when he was younger.
We weren't sure if we wanted to stay at first, but since our host turned out to be a nice lady in her early 50s, we decided to stay and help her out a little. After investing our time in cleaning and tidying up the garden the first few days, we started appreciating the routine of taking care of the animals, working and cooking together. We started feeling at home, and when a German girl joined us in the second week, we had an even better time. Still, we left two days early, because it took 1.5 to 2 hours to get to the city center, which was far too much time wasted for us.
The Emperor's Crown Hostel 6/10
We hadn't had much experience with hostels before starting our travels, but we did have different expectations of them. It appeared to be an old school building, everything white and boring. There was something like a shared area, but everyone who used the space did so only to use one of the several computers located there, so it wasn't as social as we had imagined a hostel to be. The staff were nice, except that they didn't want to help us with a parcel we had ordered to their address, which arrived after we had already left Perth. "Clean" would be an exaggeration, but "tidy" describes it well. The best part about it was the location, just a five-minute walk from Perth Central Station.
Indie Camper Van 8/10
The reason for this good rating comes mainly from our excitement for the camping lifestyle. We actually bought a Citroën Jumper and started converting it last year. Australia is a great destination for camping, as there are lots of public facilities like off-road parking and free BBQ spots.
Sadly, there were many inconveniences with the vehicle, which was strange for me, since I'd only had good experiences with Indie Campers so far. The Ducato motorhome wasn't in its best shape anymore, even though it was only a few years old, and the cruise control didn't work from the very start of our trip (a real annoyance on the long, straight roads through the Nullarbor). We had to pay extra for the gas used for cooking and the fridge, and even though the website states there's no mileage limit, the staff at pickup informed us it was actually only 500 km per day. In the end it was still enough, since we extended by three days, but it's good to know in advance.
The road trip itself was great! The only thing we really regret is not planning more days for it, as we had to hurry most of the time to make it to the drop-off destination in time. The stretch through Western Australia is truly beautiful, then comes a looong stretch of nothing (and a lot of flies). It does get boring at times, but it's still a unique experience. And after that you're rewarded with lovely beaches, the Great Ocean Road and the Twelve Apostles.
Drop-off was completely easygoing, but remember to refill the gas, empty every other tank and leave the vehicle clean! Overall, we wouldn't want to miss this memory, though it definitely was the most expensive one. Thanks go out to my dad, who sponsored this for us 🙏🧡
Saint George Accommodation 9/10
We really loved this one! The first impression was a little strange, as you have to go through a very small, dark alley to reach the entrance. But then you come to a normal-looking staircase leading up to the studios. It was a cozy little paradise, everything neat and comfortable. It isn't the biggest apartment, but it has everything you need. We were really into the bathroom, hidden behind what looked like closet doors. Our absolute favourite, though, was the queen-size bed, which felt like the softest we had slept in after several nights on the hard cushions of the camper van. The studio is located near the city center and has good options for going out on weekends nearby as well.
Workaway Foster, NSW 5/10
Sadly, and I have to emphasise it, our accommodation at the Workaway in Foster was utterly bad. Even so, it was still a highlight of our trip through Australia, because we got to feed wallabies and observe them at close range, though we didn't stay for the full time we had planned and left early. The "accommodation" consisted of an old military container with a few cupboards and an old bunk bed. The bathroom was in the host's former house, and the usual way to do one's business was simply to use nature. That was communicated beforehand, but it turned out to be more of an ordeal than we had imagined. What we could deal with the least was that we couldn't close the door, since we'd been warned about creepy crawlies. We found makeshift ways to build a barrier to keep them out, but we still weren't happy with the situation. In a nutshell: the experience with the wallabies was amazing, but as long as the host doesn't get rid of that container, we really can't recommend staying there (unless you have a self-sufficient van).
The Lakes Hotel 7/10
Since we'd left the second Workaway early, we needed a substitute place to stay. As we planned on visiting Sydney next, we looked along the coast on the way there for something suitable. The Lakes Hotel matched the criteria of being affordable and close to the beach.
It wasn't quite as close to the shore as it looked on the map. More interesting was that it turned out to be a pub with a casino. When we arrived there was live music, and we found earplugs on a shelf in our room, so at first we were afraid it would be very noisy all night long. But the musicians finished around 8 pm, so it wasn't too bad. We didn't want to go out for dinner since we were still a little tired from the days before, so we just went downstairs and got food from the pub. We can't remember anymore what we ate, but it was decent food and the atmosphere was chill and comfortable.
There was a shared bathroom, with two showers next to the toilets. We didn't really mind, since we're budget travelers, but it's worth knowing in advance, as you don't usually expect that in a hotel. One more negative point: they seem to use a cleaning liquid we couldn't stand at all, and every hallway had a strong smell of it. Thankfully there was none of it in the rooms. In the end, the Lakes Hotel was fine for one night, but we wouldn't exactly plan on going back.
Azzuro Pod Hostels – Central Sydney 6/10
For our time in Sydney we wanted to stay somewhere central. I'm easily persuaded by names and titles, so "Central Sydney" sounded like the right place for me. It probably was quite centrally located, but public transport in this city is so good that you don't necessarily need to stay in any specific place. Still, that's a positive aspect worth mentioning.
Beyond that, we were relatively disappointed. Again, a hostel that didn't really encourage sharing space, time and experiences together. Some people did make the best of it and chatted over the included dinner, but the rest of the time it was just living alongside strangers. The interior design was very minimalistic again, and every wall had one of those annoying feedback sheets.
The dinner I mentioned was a disappointment too. On booking.com you could see a beautifully prepared buffet with at least three different dishes. In the end it was just one low-cost meal, and even though I told the staff at check-in that I'm vegetarian, there wasn't even a veggie option for me. After I told the guy serving the food, he had alternatives ready for me on the following days. In hindsight, we would have preferred cooking for ourselves, but then we'd have been in each other's way, so we let it be. For three nights it was bearable. All things considered, Azzuro Pod Hostels won't see us again.
Airport Hotel Sydney 8/10
Even though this hotel didn't have the best rating, we gave it a chance, and we were absolutely happy with that decision: it was only two bus stops from the airport, clean, and we had our own bathroom. What more can you want from an airport hotel? I believe breakfast was included too, but we left early in the morning and didn't get to have it.
Many reviewers complained about the location, since there's a busy road next to it, and described it as noisy at night. But with the windows kept shut, we didn't find it that big of a deal. For us, it was the perfect accommodation for one night, when you want to leave early the next day and only have a short trip to the airport!
Food
We cooked for ourselves most of the time to stay within budget. But there are still two places we tried that we want to share with you!
Grill'd 9/10
This was our all-time favourite burger restaurant, and it's a franchise, so you'll find several locations. Their concept is making fast food in the healthiest way possible, without downgrading the taste. Our first visit was the best, so if you ever visit Perth, don't miss the chance to grab a burger from Grill'd at Central Station. The cooks there know how to make their customers happy! They also have a great variety of options for vegetarians and vegans. On top of that, the interior design makes you feel like you're getting lunch or dinner in a proper restaurant, without the usual fast-food-shack vibe.
Yo-Chi 10/10
Not really a restaurant, but definitely a place worth visiting, is Yo-Chi: a buffet-style frozen yoghurt store with everything a small or big child's heart could possibly want. We went there probably ten times or more. First you choose from 5 flavours of frozen yoghurt, then from about 30 different toppings: crunches, chocolate sprinkles, sauces, fruits, and cakes or cookies cut into little pieces. You can take as much as you like of everything, and at the end you pay for what it weighs. They also have free tap water, which was actually the reason we first went there, and we never regretted it.
Attractions
All of Australia, and almost every beach there, has a great vibe and is worth visiting, of course. But most people simply don't have the time to see all of it. So here come our highlights from our trip through Down Under.
Fremantle Markets 9/10
When you come to Fremantle, it feels like entering a different place. You leave the city vibe behind and enter a completely laid-back port town atmosphere with loads of cute little cafés, bars and restaurants. They all looked so welcoming that it was genuinely hard to choose which one to go to. In between are many small shops and bookstores that make you want to linger and stroll from one shop window to the next. At the heart of it all you'll find the markets, with any fresh food you could think of: fruit, fresh bread and flowers make it a perfectly picturesque scene. After picking up some good snacks, it's only a few more steps to the harbour, where you can enjoy your food with a view of the sea.
Coogee Beach 8/10
At some points it seems to have no ending, just an ongoing beach, white sand as far as the eye can reach. Only one or two beach shelters, in whose shade we hid from the sun. There were only a handful of people, which made it feel almost like a private beach: no stores or vendors to distract you. It might be boring if you're after some action, but it's the perfect place if you have good company and want to get away from the crowds. The cherry on top is a shipwreck near the shore that you can snorkel out to.
Point Sinclair Pink Lake 8/10
We visited this special place during our road trip through the outback of South Australia. At first we were a little skeptical, as the road there isn't the best, to put it mildly, and even less so when you're driving a camper van. But after conquering the gravel road, maneuvering around the potholes, you reach a lake right next to the road. It does seem pinkish at first glance, though we weren't entirely sure. After the first few hundred meters, though, a second lake appears on the other side, its blue water making such a strong contrast with the first that the pink one now appears a bright rose colour. It was definitely worth the ride!
Twelve Apostles 10/10
This one's an old favourite, but a good one. I'm sure everybody traveling along the southern coast of Australia has come across the name of this ancient monument, and there's a reason for that: everyone who has the chance should go see it! We made the effort to see them at sunrise and were rewarded with beautiful colours framing these majestic rocks. We wouldn't have wanted to miss it!
Wharf Promenade, Melbourne 9/10
We more or less came across this by coincidence. We had just put our stuff in a locker near Melbourne's central train and bus station and were looking for a place to eat and spend some time, since our bus to Sydney wasn't leaving until 10 pm. Since I love having a view of any kind of water, I suggested heading toward the harbour. It turned out to be a great idea: a nice little walk with beautiful scenery, all the modern office buildings mirrored in the river beneath them. In the middle of it all was a man-made island lined with cafés and restaurants.
We still had some time to spare, so we went to the cinema at the Crown mall and watched The Hail Mary Project (which we can really recommend as well!). By the time it finished, the sun had already set and we were welcomed into the night. To our surprise, the way back to the train station was now full of life: people, music and colourful light installations everywhere. We stopped at one of the pubs for a goodbye Melbourne beer and felt a little sad that we couldn't stay longer to enjoy the nightlife of the area.
Secret Garden 8/10
I don't think I need to tell anyone that Sydney is an amazing city with an intriguing vibe. Everybody knows that the Sydney Opera House is a must-see, as well as the botanical gardens next to it. But here I want to tell you about a garden experience that is just as unique, and one you'll have almost to yourself, since hardly anyone seems to know about it. Many little paths lead into the Secret Garden, and it doesn't look like anything special from the outside. But once inside, it feels like you've fallen down the rabbit hole into some sort of little dwarf-and-fairy land, covered in beautifully colourful flowers and exotic plants. There are a couple of tables that invite you to take a lunch break in peace and quiet, even though it's almost in the center of the city. It's also just a stone's throw from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so it's easy to fit into your sightseeing itinerary.
Observatory Hill Park 9/10
There are multiple spots with a good skyline view over Sydney, but we liked Observatory Hill the best. We went there after crossing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and it was really rewarding to get such a beautiful view of the bridge right after walking all the way across it. Several lovely old trees provide nice, big shade for a little break.
Overall, we were happy to have made so many different experiences and to take so many unique impressions with us. We didn't see as many poisonous animals as my grandmother expected, and not as many German people as we thought. We would have loved to have more time exploring this interesting, wild and beautiful countr