SECOND PRIZE: An Airwalk bodyboard worth over A$40 from Amazon.

Surfing in Australia is the national sport and as the birthplace of Quiksilver, Billabong and Rip Curl there’s no better place to learn how to navigate the waves.

HostelBookers are offering you the chance to join the Australia elite and hit the waves at either Woorim Beach, Bribie Island (just north of Brisbane) or on the Sunshine Coast with SCSurfSchools.

You’ll get a 1½ hour lesson in your choice of location with all the equipment you need. This includes boards, wetsuits, rashies and sunscreen. All you need to bring is your own water, drinks, towel and swimwear to wear underneath.

How to enter

1. Tweet a picture of your best surfing pose to @hostelbookers + @SCSurfschools using the hashtag #surfsup. Twitpic is an easy way to do this.

‘Hello @hostelbookers + @SCSurfschools check out my surfing pose! #surfsup’

1. No surf board needed for entry, just your imagination.
2. Our favourite pose will win the prize. And our second favourite will win the bodyboard.
3. We’ll announce the winners on Twitter on Monday 19 December.
4. The winner then has one year to use the surf course and we’ll send you the bodyboard asap!

Remember, you can book a wide range of cheap accommodation with HostelBookers. They have cheap accommodation in Australia from Cheap hotels in Sydney to Party hostels in Cairns.

1. Replace the casual ‘hello’ and expect to be greeted with a ‘G’day Mate’/’How ya doing mate’/ ‘You right mate?’ …. You will soon become everyone’s ‘mate’ and everyone will be your ‘mate’.

2. ‘Chavs’ are known as ‘Bogons’ on this side of the world

3. When asking the local guy where the nearest ‘alcohol shop is’ expect to be corrected and directed to the local ‘Bottle O’/ ‘Bottle Shop’.

4. Making out with the hot guy/girl in the club is referred to as ‘pashing’

5. ‘Last night was so much fun’ becomes ‘last night was heaps of fun and totally awesome guys’

6. You will no longer be ordering an ‘orange juice’ at the bar/restaurant but an ‘OJ’ (that’s obv an OJ… with vodka unless it’s before midday of course

7. ‘Plans for “this afternoon” will be abbreviated to ‘what’s the plan “this arvo” guys’

8. The hot guy/girl at the beach/in the club has got ‘spunk’ … and when you want the annoying guy/girl in the club to get lost tell them to ‘rack off’.

9. You will find yourself asking for the local ‘hotel’ and not ‘pub’ when wanting to have a beer (I find this most bizarre, I thought hotels accommodated guests for sleeping!!)

10. Grab your “thongs and sunnies” – Put on your “flip flops and sunglasses it’s time to catch some waves”

11. ”After having a ‘barbie on the beach’ you’ll be feeling “chocka” (aka full-up)

12. When you turn up late and there are no seats left on the Oz Party Bus, it no longer ‘sucks’ but ‘shivers’

13. You’ll be paying with X amount of ‘bucks’ to stay in the hostel, not ‘dollars’

14. When you get to your hostel and your bed hasn’t been made you will need to go to reception and ask for a “doona” … not “duvet”.

15. Need the ‘toilet’…. You now need the “dunny”

16. When you’re daydreaming watching the world go by down by the Harbour you are “away with the pixies”.

17. If you are from England don’t be surprised when the hostel staff/bar tender/shop assistant/random on the bus overhearing you speak, gets excited and says ‘oh wow you’re a pom/pommie/pommy

18. All ‘biscuits’ are known as ‘cookies’ in the land down under… even if they don’t have choc chip pieces in them they are still called ‘cookies’ over here!

19. You will start calling ‘sweets’, ‘lollies’ these include all sweets and not just lollies on a stick aka ‘Chupa Chups’ as we know them back home etc.

20. When all your ‘vests/strap tops’ are dirty/have holes in them you will be re-buying some more in the name of ‘singlets’.

21. When it’s time to up and leave one hostel and move on to the next, it’s time to grab your ‘kit’… not your ‘backpack’!

Written by GYE contributor Hayley Woolf.

The Snow and Cold on Mount Washington, New Hampshire

This city is located in the White Mountains along the east coast of the United States. It has been labelled “Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” Being 1,917 meters above sea level, the city is known for extremely cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls even during summer months and high wind speeds year-round. Geologically, the reason for the extreme weather is due to the height and the location of the city. Nestled in a high valley among the mountain range, the city is situated in a corridor and receives constant winds from both the Atlantic Ocean, and the western side of the mountains.

Papua New Guinea Volcanoes

The country is known for extreme rainfall and volcanic activity. The country is located 160 kilometres north of Australia and is on the south-western Pacific Ocean. Typically 2,000 millimetres of rain will fall per year but some areas receive more; especially during the monsoon season which occurs in the winter. Papua New Guinea is home to “Ulawan” which has been dubbed the “Decade Volcano” due to its recent volcanic activity and its close proximity to human population.

Typhoons in the Philippines

This country experiences many typhoons and earthquakes throughout the year and contains three active volcanoes. The Philippines is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, which is an area in the Pacific Ocean that is home to high seismic activity and extreme tropical climate. Approximately 30 typhoons will hit the country in a given year.

The Heat in Death Valley, California

Located in the Mohave Desert valley near the California and Nevada border within the USA, this valley has earned its name through its reputation of having extremely hot and dry weather. Temperatures normally reach 49 degrees Celsius during the day. The high temperatures are due to the depth of the valley; the high mountains surrounding it don’t allow for adequate air flow and the air becomes trapped with little room for movement. In addition, the trapped air prohibits clouds from moving in and providing rainfall.

Australian Droughts
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the south-eastern portion of Australia has experienced extreme drought conditions in the past decade. Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland are the hardest hit areas and have had some of the highest rainfall deficits recorded, which in turn affected both domestic flights and tourism within the country. Between the years 2002 and 2010 the area only received 10% rainfall. Scientists at the National Centre for Atmospheric Research partially blame the recent increase in droughts to the global warming, but this area is known to have natural shifts in rainfall patterns which lead to on going drought conditions.

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Apologies for that. Had to be done so that if any of you fall off a cliff you can’t sue me!

During the course of my own travels I have taken certain risks to get that special photo. You know the one people look at and go wow that’s cool. I may or may not have accidentally ignored certain safety signs and got very close to the edge of things or climbed over certain barriers. (Can you see why I needed the disclaimer?). Do I advocate this? Not really, I am a fool. Nevertheless I am a fool with some awesome photos. Let’s take a look…

This photo was taken at the Grand Canyon. I saw a tiny little ledge in which I could shuffle across and stand on while I held on to the edge… tightly. It was a long way down. Called Grand for a reason you know!

Whilst on a tour of the Grampians and Great Ocean Road I took a step to the edge for a closer look.

Similarly, I just enjoy climbing over stuff. At the Blue Mountains it was no different!

Interestingly, there once was a barrier at Indian Head on Fraser Island but all that remains is a little sign telling you to go no further. Well I could see giant Sting Rays and besides, I wanted to try my own adaption of Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker.

During my time Backpacking New Zealand I wanted to get a little closer to the rather interesting rock formations that create pancake rocks.

Depending on your fitness level, doing handstands can be difficult. Doing it on ice is even harder! Whilst hiking up the Franz Josef Glacier I thought I would give it a go. Hint: Ice is slippery.

Like I said at the start. Attempt at your own risk!

“I’ve been coming to the Bluesfest for 14 years, nine of them I have played. I always come for the whole five days and spend all day here listening to the performers, wandering around and buying clothes from the many stores.

Bluesfest is the best Australian festival. There is just something about being here in Byron Bay. It’s as if everyone who walks through those gates suddenly slip into Byron Bay mode. Everyone is on the one level of being chilled out and happy. There are never any worries. In my 14 years, I have never once seen a fight.” – Kasey Chambers

Kasey Chambers

Kasey Chambers’ enthusiasm was contagious as she took a break between songs to tell us how much it meant to her to play once again at the Byron Bay Bluesfest. She summed up perfectly what I had been thinking for the past two days as I too wandered the Tyagarah Tea Fields and listened to so many amazing and inspiring performers.

In a country where knocking back a few tinnies is the norm, especially at festivals and celebratory events, I was totally expecting to find many inebriated people stumbling around the fields, acting obnoxiously and getting into drunken fights.

I was so pleasantly surprised to see the total opposite. People were celebrating with alcohol, but it was all done sensibly and respectfully. I did not see one person misbehaving. Everyone was there with the intent to listen to their favourite artists from around the world and have a great time with those standing beside them.

Michael Franti

It was during the highly energetic Michael Franti concert that I found myself in quite a precarious position, and stood ready to feel the impact of a frenzied music worshipping crowd. Franti’s boundless energy threw itself into the crowd as he jumped, not just about the stage, but into his enthralled fans below.

I had managed to secure a position right along the fence, Craig was fortunate enough to be on the other side in the photographer pit below the stage taking incredible up close photos. I was not quite on my own; my growing baby poking out my stomach joined me.

I was, understandably, a little nervous with where I was standing and was ready to jump the fence should a frenetic crush ensue. My heart went into overdrive, when Franti jumped off the stage and came to hang off the fence right in front of me to greet those gyrating around to his music. I was ready to scale and thought I was in trouble.

Franti grabbed my hand in a warm welcome, and that was the only time I was touched during his whole minute standing with us. My personal space was not invaded; I was not pushed or shoved by those desperate for just one finger touch of the Funk God in front of us.

Franti in the crowd

This is the Byron Bay Bluesfest. Even the security guards were friendly, gentle and calm and actually worked with the crowd instead of egotistically trying to show their power of them.

The festival stuck out to me as being incredibly well organized. For a six day festival, with constant performances from noon to midnight on five separate stages, there is a lot that could go wrong, but didn’t. I’m sure that I will spend the next 14 years attending the festival myself.

Bluesfest Music

Byron Bay Bluesfest has now been running since 1990 and is responsible for kick starting the careers of many up and coming artist, including Ben Harper, who often talks of how it was this festival and Australia that helped bring him to the platform that he has now.

Xavier Rudd

As a result, he can pretty much be seen playing here every year, as can Kasey Chambers, Xavier Rudd, the now gaining-in-popularity Kim Churchill, and the sadly-missing from this year John Butler Trio and Jack Johnson.

Each year the Blues fest draws major headline acts from around the world. This year it was musical legend Bob Dylan and the six-time Grammy award winner John Legend, who absolutely blew me away with his stage presence and a magnetic performance that put him in a league slightly above the rest.

John Legend

The Bluesfest literally has something for everyone, which can be seen in the attendees both young and old, dressed in the styles that reflect all walks of life. It was so comforting to see many families with small babies attending having a safe and memorable family experience. Festivals don’t have to end when children arrive into your life. Bluesfest makes this possible.

The Bluesfest is not as the name suggests. You might be deceived into thinking that it is all about the urbane jazz based music with a heavy, insistent beat typically found on the streets of New Orleans. Of course with acts like BB King you can find a lot of Blues artists on the stages of this festival, but it incorporates so much more and not just of the music genre kind.

The Bluesfest was responsible for catapulting Blues and Roots- a non-pop music style into the mainstream. Bluesfest continues to evolve and now incorporates surf culture, Latino Music, African music, rock, country, soul and political and environmental message artists.

I’m not a big Blues fan preferring more folk and roots music which features quite heavily over the six days and always draws big crowds. Kasey Chambers country music had me toe tapping especially to her cute Bluegrass renditions of classics such as “Beat it” and her own “Am I not pretty enough?” and when Wolfmother burst onto the stage, I was careful to place myself outside the vicinity of the hard-core young rockers thrashing about in the mosh pit. Although I could not help but bounce around a little once they closed out with “The Joker and the Thief.”

Wolfmother

The majority of the artists I watched were inspiring and uplifting and gave me an unforgettable music experience. How could I ever forget having the opportunity to stand with about five other people as my favourite Ben Harper warmed up for his set later that evening, singing to me my favourite song, “Gold to Me.” (Excuse me? Yes he was singing it just to me.)

There was only one artist I could say was unforgettable in its horribleness, sending a clear message that there comes a time in our lives when we have to let age open up a door to a new horizon. Bob Dylan proved that to remain “Forever Young,” it is best to let your fans remember you for the time of your greatness and not when you are a husky, barking dog turning classic hits into unrecognizable tunes.

Buskers, Food and Shopping

In a small tent on the periphery of the major stages, amongst the stalls, small crowds gather and dance to the inspiring tunes of the buskers scheduled to appear through the event. There have been many artists who started their careers this way, and some of the acts here may even be better than those performing on the big stage. The busking tent is a great way to fill in time between shoes and discover new artists.

The greatest thing about having this festival in Byron Bay is that you are bound to have a wide variety of eclectic food choices, including vegetarian. There was food on offer from every corner of the globe. If I wasn’t so busy attending to media duties and listening to so many great bands, I would have been wandering from stall to stall gorging on the delicious food on offer.

The vegetarian nachos stand acted like a magnet drawing me in for some of the simplest, yet tastiest bean nachos you could ever eat. What better place to eat it then next door sitting on hay bales at the makeshift café with a cup of coffee and the tunes of Indigo Girls playing in the background?

The limited free time we had was spent wandering the fields and exploring the many stalls and shops surrounding the stages. Kasey Chambers could not help but point out that her adorable stage outfit was bought from one of the clothes stores at the festival. In fact she told us she had already spent the same amount as the performance fee she received in the stalls. The shopping at Bluesfest is good, and you can find some really cheap deals.

Style

Bluesfest has style, but not in your usual clothes fashion sense. What makes Bluesfest so great is that it is not a catwalk opportunity for young fillies to strut their latest fashion wears. You can turn up wearing whatever you like and you wouldn’t receive a second glance. There is however one very important piece of clothing that you need to be seen wearing at the Bluesfest and is what distinguishes the novices from the regulars.

A pair of gum boots.

Not just any pair. You’ve got to make them as colourful and patterned as you can get. Make them stand out through the mud that will soon be caked all over them.

The weather is unpredictable in Byron Bay; the fields are emerald green for a reason. And with all those feet stomping through the sodden fields the mud starts to deepen and thicken. A pair of gum boots are the perfect accompaniment to a day at the Bluesfest.

There is a reason why Byron Bay Bluesfest has been recognized as one of the World’s best festivals. As Kasey Chambers says, there is just something about Bluesfest that is so magical. Where else can you have such a personal and intimate experience with some of your favourite artists from all around the world in a relaxed, peaceful and happy atmosphere? I can’t wait for next year and am now on the hunt for some pretty gum boots.

The Logistics

Where and When: Bluesfest is held every year over the Easter long weekend at the Tyagarah Tea Fields just outside of Byron Bay.

Accommodation: Book a long time in advance as this whole region will sell out quickly. The Bluesfest offer camping facilities surrounding the entire event area. This is for the young and the brave; it will be noisy, squashy, and muddy. My suggestion, if you are driving, is to stay on the Gold Coast in Queensland only about a half an hour drive away. That way you can enjoy more than just the festival.

Transport: Regular buses run from Byron Bay and nearby towns to and from the festival. If you drive there is ample free parking available at the event.

Cost: There are a variety of ticket options, ranging from single day tickets, to family packages, camping packages and full five day options. Starting at $159 for a single day ticket. Children under 6 are free.

Written by Caz Makepeace. Photography by Craig Makepeace. This post was sponsored by the Byron Bay Bluesfest.

Sydney Skywalk
In the very heart of Sydney’s city centre, the Sydney Tower has introduced a rather special addition to its rooftop – a transparent viewing platform, the Skywalk. Visitors can enjoy the view at 880 feet, twice the height of the Harbour Bridge, while strapping in to a safety harness attaching them to the walkways. Incredible 360 views follow for those brave enough!

Down Under Jet Boat
While you’re in Sydney, you may notice a bright green jet boat speeding up and down the harbour area. Performing incredible 270 spins at break-neck speeds, a trip on the Down Under Jet Boat lasts 35 mins including a souvenir photograph. If it’s all a bit much, don’t worry: your screams will be masked by the roar of the engine.

Paragliding
Another activity where a head for heights may come in handy, paragliding is hugely popular in Australia and there are many great spots across the coastline to try this. A tandem ride with an experienced paraglider will set you back around $160, and many companies take photos of you up in the sky as a memento of your flying experience.

Skydiving
What goes up must come down: skydiving is regarded by many adrenalin enthusiasts as the ultimate buzz. For those who want to experience speeds of 200 km per hour coupled with some birds-eye views, this is the one to go for. Don’t close your eyes under any circumstances – the trip only lasts a few minutes, so make the most of it.

Swimming with crocodiles
Something more down to earth now, though only literally, as taking a dip with the fearsome crocodile is not exactly your average holiday activity. Come face to face with the crocs huge gnashers from the safety of ‘the Cage of Death’ at Crocosaurus Cove Animal Park in Darwin. In actual fact should be renamed ‘the Cage of Life’ as it will very much keep you in one piece.

Surfing
The classic Aussie pastime, surfing the waves on the country’s thousands of beaches is a way of life. Check out Surfer’s Point in Western Australia where the waves can reach 20 feet high, or enjoy a glass of the local Margaret River wine if you’d rather leave the locals to it.

Diving with sharks
For those who want to come face to face with the world’s most feared predator but would rather do so in a controlled environment, many aquariums offer shark diving trips in huge enclosed tanks where you’re able to look the sharks in the eye.

Bungee jumping
Back to another white-knuckle ride here, and another one of Australia’s favourite adventure activities, bungee jumping. One of the oldest bungee locations is at Gold Coast, where jumpers fall from 14 floors high next to Surfers Paradise.

White water rafting
The original white-knuckle ride, many of the best of Australia’s rafting can be found in the tropical north of the country. Beginners need not be afraid, as there are river rapids to suit all levels which are still sure to thrill.

Zorbing
Saving the most bizarre till last, zorbing is a craze which has increased in popularity in recent years but has been a hit in Australia for some time, again in the holiday hotspot of the Gold Coast. Strap in to 3m rubber ball and propel yourself in whichever direction you choose; just beware if you’re on the edge of a hill, as these things can easily pick up speed. You can even zorb with a friend or two inside with you!

This is a sponsored guest post.

Have an unforgettable day out in Sydney’s top major attraction, Taronga Zoo, home to around 340 species and over 2500 individual and fascinating animals. Only 12 minutes from the city by ferry with breathtaking views across Sydney, from the Harbour Bridge to the Opera House and free shows and keeper talks throughout the day. With splashing seal shows, elephant soccer and memorable animal encounters, you don’t need to be a kid to walk away from Taronga Zoo with a huge smile on your face!

Image: sydneydawg2006

2. Cheap Tuesdays

Make Tuesdays the new Thursdays in Sydney and take advantage of heaps of great offers that won’t break your backpacker bank balance. Tuesdays in Sydney offer BOGOF’s and plenty of discounted rates, from 30 per cent off cinema tickets at most Event Cinemas to Happy hour drinks in numerous bars across the city. Go to Helm Bar in Darling Harbour for Cocktail Tuesday which offers $7 cocktails from 12.00pm onwards and $10 steaks or head to The Kings Cross Hotel for $4 beers and $4 burgers all night. Whoever said staying in was the new going out clearly hadn’t had a night out in Sydney on a school night!

3. Sydney Aquarium

Discover the world’s largest collection of all-Australian aquatic life at Sydney Aquarium in Darling Harbour. At Sydney Aquarium, underwater viewing tunnels allow you to witness close ups of Australia’s spectacular sea creatures including giant turtles, catfish and a variety of reef sharks. If this isn’t close enough to the sharks for you, step on to the ‘Shark Explorer’ glass-bottom boat for an unforgettable experience where you will have the opportunity to feed huge grey nurse sharks, lemon sharks and more! Visit two of only six dugongs on display in the world in the Mermaid Lagoon and take a mesmerising journey alongside the colourful species that live in and around Sydney Aquariums stunning Great Barrier Reef. An exciting and engaging day out for any backpacker, whether flying solo or in a group.

Image: My Left Ventricle

4. Pancakes On The Rocks

For pancakes that are bigger than your face visit Pancakes on the Rocks, gold award-winner for best casual dining restaurant from 2003-2009. Famous for their fantastic pancakes, order the ‘Strawberry Patch’ or ‘Devils Delight’ (every chocoholics dream) or simply their traditional ‘short stack’ buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup, which are equally impressive. Also established as Sydney’s favourite destination for pizza’s, salads, crepes and ribs, if it’s a savoury treat over something sweet that you’re after, Pancakes on The Rocks has something on their menu to suit everyone.

5. Check out the beaches

No trip to Sydney is complete without a day spent at the beach so get ready to Slip-Slop-Slap! Sydney hosts a number of beaches, with Bondi being the most famous of them all, attracting thousands of backpackers each year. (Although some say it’s a bit like Paris Hilton; famous for being famous and everybody has laid on it!). If you’re going to be in Sydney for a while it’s also worth venturing a little further out from the city and visiting the stunning Northern Beaches, including Mona Vale, Newport and the famous Palm Beach (where Aussie Soap Opera Home & Away is filmed). Surf, swim, walk or simply enjoy relaxing in Sydney’s sun, sea and sand.

Image: MiqsPix

6. Max Brenners

If you are a chocoholic and you are on George Street make sure you don’t walk past worldwide, award-winning Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. Thank me now, or thank me after you have tried and tasted one of their amazing chocolate creations. From stacked Belgian waffles drizzled with pure melted chocolate, Choc-Banana Pizzas with white chocolate droplets to their famous hot chocolate in a ‘hug mug’. Dark, Milk or White, Rich Italian or Spicy Mexican, it’s all about rich, indulgent, luxurious chocolate at Max Brenners.

7. Take a Ferry

A ferry ride is an excellent opportunity to witness the beauty of Sydney Harbour and will provide you with incredible views of Sydney’s infamous Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, extending from the city centre across to North Sydney. Whether you go on an organised cruise or simply take a thirty minute ferry ride from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for some surfing action, both will provide you with idyllic scenery and endless photo opportunities.

Image: jdegenhardt

8. Eat Sushi!

In Sydney you will struggle to avoid some of the freshest and tastiest sushi and sashimi around. From fine dining in an exquisite Japanese restaurant, to hand-selecting an array of fresh dishes as they spin round you at ‘The Sushi Train’ to simply buying a $2 hand roll from the Japanese guy selling it on a stall down the road. When in Sydney – try Sushi!

9. FREE – Sculpture by The Sea Exhibition

Between the 27^th October- and the 13^th November 2011 the world’s largest free-to-the-public outdoor sculpture exhibition is being held along the coast. If you are fortunate enough to be in Sydney during these dates make sure you take advantage and enjoy a scenic coastal walk from Bondi to Tamarama Beach. Here you will witness a giant sculptural park with over 100 spectacular sculptures by artists from Australia and across the world.

10. Great Bars for Backpackers!

Sydney has heaps of places to drink and party and a huge offering of pubs and clubs. Irish Pub, Scruffy Murphy’s, Side Bar and The Scary Canary, all located in the city are a huge hit with backpackers worldwide along with World Bar & O’Malleys in Kings Cross. The Coogee Bay Hotel which is just opposite Coogee Beach is also a great place to hang out and chill either during the day or of a night with fellow backpackers, locals and tourists alike.

11. FREE – Get Fit for FREE

Whether travelling and backpacking or living and working in Sydney, forget the gym membership and get fit for FREE! Make the most of the Sydney sunshine and scenery by engaging in some outdoor exercise. Go for a brisk walk or light jog each morning in Hyde Park, located right in the heart of Sydney city, train on the beach, or run across the unique Sydney icon that is the Sydney Harbour Bridge. All are great ways to explore Sydney and will ensure that you get to see all the sites before you leave.

Image: Gary Hayes

12. FREE – Galleries & Museums

With numerous galleries and museums that are free of charge in Sydney, why not have a day out hopping from one to another and see how many you can fit in for free in a day? Learn how Australia’s currency notes have reflected the country’s economic and political development and explore displays of both Aussie coins and banknotes from the early days at The Museum of Australian Currency Notes in Martins Place, open from Monday-Fri day, 10am-4pm. Visit the Australian National Maritime Museum at Darling Harbour from Tuesday-Saturday from 11am for a free guided tour and relive Australia’s maritime heritage and culture. Alternatively, there’s free entry to many wonderful art galleries in Sydney including the Art Gallery of NSW in the Domain, and the Museum of Contemporary Art at The Rocks.

13. FREE – The Royal Botanic Gardens

Located just a short walk around the water’s edge from the Sydney Opera House with a great vantage point for harbour views are the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Gardens are a place of natural beauty and are excellent for escaping the noise of the city, attracting over 3 million visitors each year. Entry to the Gardens is completely free except for special or ticketed events and opening times are usually from 7am-6.30pm, closing a little earlier between May and July.

Image: Kate Ferrara

14. Shopping in Sydney

Sydney has some fantastic places to shop in and around the city from discount department stores to designer labels. Visit Bondi Junction and shop till you drop in Westfield’s; the second largest shopping centre in NSW or go to the impressive QVB (Queen Victoria Building) on George Street where you will find high-street to high-end fashion. If it’s a unique and traditional market experience that you’re after then make sure you check out Paddy’s Market from Tuesday- Sunday between 9.00am-5.00pm; dirt cheap and souvenirs galore! Finally, for backpackers who are after throw away fashion on their travels, look no further than stores, ‘Supre’ and ‘Cotton On’. Supre – great for ‘fun fast fashion’ as well as picking up a last minute budget party outfit (although sorry guys this one’s just for the girls). However, Cotton On caters for both guys and girls and has all the basics any backpacker could wish for, such as vests, tees, ‘thongs’ and outerwear.

15. Go to a Festival

Summer time in Sydney is the start of sundrenched days drinking alcohol, amongst huge crowds at some of the most epic festivals around – every backpackers dream ey?! Kicking off with Field Day on the 1^st January at the Domain, there’s no better way to start the year that at one of the most anticipated events on the Sydney dance music calendar. Other mega festivals to look out for include Big Day Out, Summerdayze and Steresonic, all renowned for their legendary line ups and attracting thousands of raving fans each year. And if it’s live music, theatre, comedy and dance that are more your scene then you’ll absolutely love Sydney Festival First Night. Held on the first Saturday in January each year from 3pm-11pm, Sydney Festival First Night is welcome to all the public and is absolutely FREE.

This post was written by GYE contributor Hayley Woolf, an avid traveller currently living in Sydney, Australia.

Australia is a sun drenched haven, so unless you really want to keep your English rose complexion the best time to head to Australia is from October to December, when the average temperature is around 30 degrees. Make sure you book your flights to Australia early to get the best deals and be warned that prices will shoot up around the Christmas period.

Australia is massively diverse, so it’s well worth doing a bit of research before you go. Most travellers head to the East Coast – where you’ll find the delights of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays and buzzing cities like culture rich Melbourne and thriving, stylish and sophisticated Sydney.

But if you get the time there are plenty of places that should be on your must-see list that are slightly off the usual trail; track down crocodiles at the prehistoric Kakadu national park, be entranced by the mystical Uluru; one of Australia’s most iconic sights, head to Tasmania for ghost walks and hikes to the stunning Wineglass Bay or turn south to the Great Ocean Road for the roadtrip of a lifetime. The West Coast shouldn’t be neglected either – visit stunning Broome, where the desert meets the sea in a psychedelic explosion of colour, or head to Perth for cosmopolitan bars, restaurants and stunning parkland and beaches.

There really is something for everyone Down Under – so unless you really hate the sunshine, beautiful landscapes, fine wine and fantastic food, not to mention a friendly welcome – then there’s no doubt that you’ll have a brilliant holiday. If you’re worried about the long haul flight, you can always break up your flight to/from Australia with a stopover on the way; common stop off points include Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. If you do decide to go ahead with your holiday down under this year, then make sure you book your flight to Australia with Cheapflights.co.uk.

This is a sponsored post.