Sydney travel & expat blog: irreverent musings of a life down under and a one-stop-shop for expats and adventurers to Australia & Oceania
It’s no surprise that Hawaii is always a favourite destination of not just Americans but also Australians—world-famous beaches, epic hikes, and the beautiful spirit of aloha keep us coming back (speaking about myself here, it’s one of my favourite places in the world to visit!), but it’s also easily accessible from Sydney via the Hawaiian … Read more
The famous North Shore of Oʻahu is one of the most amazing places to visit in Hawaiʻi! Whether as a day trip or a weeklong holiday, the surf culture, relaxed vibes, and mouthwatering food (hello, garlic shrimp!), makes this one of the most popular places to visit on the island. If you’re planning a trip, … Read more
Winter. It’s not for everyone. I love skiing and would happily spend all winter on a mountain in Thredbo if I could, but it’s not for everyone. It’s an expensive sport, requires a lot of gear and equipment, and one needs to have a high tolerance to cold and snow. Australia, which many may not … Read more
There are few things more incredible than having the good fortune to observe a sea turtle in the wild—these beautiful, graceful creatures glide through the water with ease and are one of the most iconic creatures of our oceans. I recently had the good fortune myself to go snorkelling with sea turtles at Cook Island, … Read more
Thredbo is definitely known as a ski town, I know. But have you ever thought of visiting in summer? Sure, the Snowy Mountains may not be too ‘snowy’ in summer, but Thredbo, the most popular ski town in NSW, becomes completely different in the spring and summer months, an awesome base for outdoor sports and … Read more
Have you been to Jindabyne, NSW? This small town is just outside the Snowy Mountains and is often overlooked in a rush to get to Thredbo or Perisher. I know, I’m guilty of doing the same thing, as getting to the snow is always the best thing! However, this town actually makes a great (and … Read more
Sydney is a seriously cool city, but it’s not always easy to get around. Areas like the CBD and the Inner West are well-serviced by trains, but some of the best things to see and do in Sydney are more remote. There are over 100 beaches in Sydney, probably just as many hiking trails, and … Read more
If you love nature and marine life, look no further than Montague Island for your next weekend away. This small, rocky island is only nine km offshore from Narooma, but feels a million miles away. I recently visited the South Coast of NSW, where Narooma is located—it’s about a 4 ½ hour drive from Sydney, … Read more
Hot Air Ballooning with Floating Images Do you ever have that one amazing experience you’ve wanted to do for ages, but just hadn’t had the chance? For me, it was hot air ballooning. It was hard to imagine anything more amazing than floating across the sky and looking down on the land below from one … Read more
If you live on an island, how do you get your mail delivered each day? For residents of the communities along the Hawkesbury River, the answer is by boat, of course—thanks to the help of the Riverboat Postman. Each day, they deliver the mail (and online shopping) to remote areas along the river that don’t … Read more
Feeling a bit of cabin fever and ready to get out and stretch your legs? If you’re looking for adventure, road trips, and mouth-watering regional cuisine, you couldn’t ask for a better place to explore than the state of NSW. If you’re based in Sydney, you’re probably familiar with some of the more popular day … Read more
Ruined Castle hike I recently had the good fortune to do one of the best bushwalks in the Blue Mountains National Park- the Ruined Castle hike. This challenging hike is rated as hard, and although it can be accomplished by most with a reasonable amount of fitness, it is a really tough walk. The trail … Read more
The Sydney Opera House is by far the most iconic structure in the city—if not the country! If you’re curious about the history and background of the Opera House, consider taking a tour. It gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how the Opera House works and then operate almost every day! If you’re curious to … Read more
If the iconic image of Mount Fuji, emerging between a frame of cherry blossoms, pops into your mind when you think of Japan, as it did for me, then Hakone is the place for you. Hakone is a mountainous resort town, about two hours from Tokyo by rail. Nestled along the shore of Lake Ashi, … Read more
Where to stay in Kauai Hawaii is a massively popular destination for Australians, especially due to the competitive flight deals regularly found by Australian carriers. If you’re planning a trip to Kauai, great choice! This is one of the most natural and undeveloped of the main Hawaiian islands, with spectacular beauty found everywhere- Waimea Canyon, … Read more
Want to visit somewhere off the beaten path? If so, you need to head to Ipswich. Visitors to South East Queensland generally make a beeline to places like the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast, but they might be missing out on a true hidden gem—Ipswich, Queensland. Ipswich is about 30 minutes from Brisbane … Read more
What is the TSS Earnslaw? All aboard Queenstown’s heritage steamship. Built in 1912, the TSS Earnslaw is only a year older than the Titanic and was first commissioned to transport people and animals, namely sheep, to and from the high country farms and stations in the Otago region. After many years of service in various … Read more
Best Instagram Spots Canberra Canberra is a seriously cool city. It was named as one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Cities 2018, and was the only Australian city on the list–while also being The Australian capital! If you want to make the most of your time in Canberra, ACT and take some epic photos, here … Read more
Best Hikes on Oahu The Hawaiian islands are unlike anywhere else- in minutes you can go from sparkling Pacific beaches to rugged, volcanic terrain. If you’re heading to Waikiki, Honolulu, or elsewhere on the island of Oahu, you’re in luck- Oahu has so many good hikes, and has something to suit all levels. Whether you’re … Read more
The Southern Downs and Granite Belt region, in southern Queensland, is one of the most unique parts of Australia to visit. Quirky wines, giant granite boulders everywhere, and Australia’s only pyramid…what’s not to like? Yes, there’s also incredible produce, gorgeous wineries to visit, and plenty of restaurants, but I love the uniqueness of the region … Read more
Q Station Ghost Tours Manly’s Q Station, originally known as Quarantine Station, was just as the name implies- a place for passengers arriving in Sydney who were sick, potentially exposed to disease, or were known to have a communicable disease, so that they could be separated from the general population until they were healthy again … Read more
Brisbane, the Queensland capital, is a fun and vibrant city with plenty to offer. But if you’re visiting Brisbane as a solo traveller, not to worry—the city is really welcoming and easy to navigate, so it’s a great place to explore on your own. You’ll find plenty of tourists, backpackers, and business travellers in the … Read more
What are the best backpacker jobs in Sydney? Australia offers an amazing visa type for citizens of many countries- the work and holiday visa. This allows you to, well, work and travel, across Australia. It’s certainly an amazing opportunity and can allow you to earn money while traveling or it can open the doors to … Read more
When you think of Queensland, you imagine sun, surfers, and coastline, right? Well, get this—there is so much more to the state than just the beaches. Yes, Queensland beaches are amazing, but if you head a few hours inland, you’ll find a region where it not only snows, but also produces amazing wine! Snow and … Read more
“And if you look over there, you can see Hawaii’s state bird”, said our guide on the Na Pali coast. He was, of course, referring to a helicopter. Sightseeing helicopters are a very common sight around Hawaii and they are a sensational way to observe the natural beauty of the islands. Seeing a helicopter dart … Read more
Top tips on staying in a Japanese ryokan as a single female traveler
With the announcement that Australia’s international borders are reopening on February 21, 2022—for the first time in almost two years, there’s honestly never been a better time to plan a trip to Australia! Take in a show and enjoy the iconic beauty of the Opera House, explore the majestic red centre of the Outback, and … Read more
Kayaking with dolphins in Byron Bay Kayaking with dolphins in Byron Bay is one of the best things to when visiting Australia’s most famous surf town. Byron, located in northern NSW, is about a nine-hour drive from Sydney, or about a two hour drive from Brisbane. It’s also easy to access from Ballina, Gold Coast, … Read more
It’s one of the most iconic surf towns in Australia, if not the world—Byron Bay. Set in Northern NSW, not far from the Queensland border, it’s one of my favourite places in the world for relaxing. Swimming, ocean kayaking, diving, and exploring the inland area known as the Hinterland (check out Killen Falls, pictured above) … Read more
Australian cuisine is unlike anything else, thanks to its diversity, endless coastline, and vast size. If you’ve just moved down under or are planning to visit in the near future, what are you going to eat? While you can find cuisine from just about anywhere in the world in Australia, there are a few quintessential … Read more
It was a dark and stormy Halloween, literally. Could there be a more perfect opportunity to go on a ghost tour? I’ve always loved Halloween and can never resist a haunted happening, so when tickets went on sale for Ghost Territory Tour’s inaugural event, I knew I couldn’t miss out. They’re a new dark tourism … Read more
Would you believe I started The Accidental Australian way back in 2013!? I know, where does the time go? It was originally just a little hobby, started to let friends and family back in the US know what life was like in Australia, but it has grown into a viable business over time. With content … Read more
Finding the best Sunshine Coast attractions can be easy. This spectacular part of Queensland is known for its surf beaches, hinterland, and resorts, making it the perfect spot to enjoy the iconic relaxed Aussie way of life, even just for a few days. If you enjoy relaxing on the beach, enjoying local markets, going on … Read more
Are you heading from Sydney to London? It’s a super popular route for expats, either for business travel or holiday. Unfortunately, as anyone has travelled to Australia knows, it’s a long way to go. One of the best ways to stay sane and give your body a rest from air travel is with a … Read more
The Bali Swing If you’ve been on Instagram lately (or really, ever), and searched hashtags for #travel, #bali, #girlswhotravel, or something along those lines, you’ve probably come across the iconic Bali swing photos. Although often accompanied by a girl in a long, flowy dress, these shots are popular with a wide range of travellers. The … Read more
If you’re visiting Sydney, or even if you’re a local, you may have noticed the costs of dining out in the city can quickly escalate. Brunch for two with coffee can easily be over $50, and even pub meals tend to range from $20-30 per person, before even thinking about drinks. Although I love my … Read more
Queenstown, New Zealand- it’s famous for being the extreme adventure capital of the world. Bungee jumping as an organised activity started in Queenstown, and now the region attracts adventure-seekers and backpackers from all over, keen to bungee, skydive, paraglide, or take on the giant swings that can be found throughout the region’s canyons and mountains. … Read more
Best craft breweries in Sydney Long gone are the days when Australia’s drink offerings included VB and Carlton, and red or white. Although amazing wineries have been in Australia for ages, the recent years have seen an explosion in the popularity of craft beers. (Also, as an aside for my American readers, Foster’s beer literally … Read more
Unique Hotels in Australia Sometimes you just want to get away on an adventure, and, let’s face it, the average, cookie-cutter chain hotels don’t always cut it. If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, check out these unique hotels in Australia- from bustling cities to remote outback spots, you can find incredibly unique … Read more
Sydney ocean swimming. Sharks. Deep open water. Riptides. At first glance, it might sound like the start of a bad horror movie. However, open water ocean swimming is really popular in Sydney, and ocean races are huge events here. I’ve always loved swimming and used to swim competitively, so the idea of entering an ocean … Read more
There is so much to see and do in Sydney, it can be a bit overwhelming when you first arrive. All visitors and new expats hit the major spots first- the Opera House, Manly and Bondi, or Circular Quay. But what next? Not to worry, there’s so much more to explore in Sydney beyond the … Read more
Northern Thailand is a unique and beautiful part of the country, unlike anywhere else in the Kingdom. I recently had the chance to visit Chiang Rai, a lush, green province in the country’s north. Chiang Rai is rich in colourful temples, ancient culture and tradition, and provides access to the Golden Triangle, where the borders … Read more
The Ultimate Guide to Amritsar, India Why go? Amritsar, located in the north-west Indian state of Punjab, is most well-known as the home of the Sikh faith. It’s home to the Harmandir Sahib, or Golden Temple, and attracts religious pilgrims from across the world. Amritsar offers a fascinating experience into Punjabi and Sikh culture, and … Read more
City2Surf If you live in Sydney, chances are high that you’re familiar with City2Surf. This 14km race is billed as the world’s largest ‘fun run’, with nearly 80,000 participants entering each year. Held every August, the race starts in the city, close to Town Hall, and then winds through Rushcutters Bay, Vaucluse, Double Bay and … Read more
Haunted History Tour, Cockatoo Island A former convict prison, dry dock and industrial work site, as well as a reformatory school for girls, Cockatoo Island is a fascinating place. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, set in Sydney Harbour, where the Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers meet. This popular island is easy to get to … Read more
Day trip to the Southern Highlands from Sydney Due to a fortuitous circumstance of events, I had the opportunity to head out on a last-minute road trip with some friends over the Queen’s Birthday Weekend to go bushwalking at Fitzroy Falls, part of Morton National Park. This stunning part of the world, just near Kangaroo … Read more
I’ve just never been a gym person- I prefer being outside to exercise over the monotony and stale sweaty sock smell of the gym. But, what are the best ways to exercise in Sydney besides the gym? Luckily, if you’re living in Sydney, or just visiting, you’re in luck- there are lots of unique ways … Read more
9 Travel Hacks for Surviving a Group Tour I’ve always been an independent traveller, preferring to travel on my own, with family, or loved ones. I like to do my own thing, arrange my own schedule, and sometimes take naps. Despite this, I recently spent about three weeks in South Africa and Namibia, on two … Read more
An Ode to Flying Economy Who are the most troublesome people you meet on economy flights? Qantas just completed the first ever direct Perth to London flight, at a duration of 17 hours. The only direct service from Australia to Europe, and currently the world’s longest flight, this route has been getting a lot of … Read more
Luna Park Luna Park Sydney photos- the best way to capture a feel for a place is through photos, and Lunda Park is no exception. Luna Park is a throwback to a bygone era, perched on Sydney’s northern harbor. This amusement park, first opened in 1935, is located in Milsons Point, under the shadow of … Read more
If you’ve ever visited any of the beachside resort towns on America’s east coast, then you are probably very familiar with the classic Americana pastime of putt-putt, or mini-golf. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, holds this particular claim to fame, owning the title of ‘Miniature Golf Capital of the World’, with over 50 courses. If you’ve … Read more
My Top Gear Recommendations for Improving Your Blog Photography Over the past 12 months, I’ve been doing a lot of analysis to the blog, in an attempt to make it the best it can be. My blog’s content was on track, but I felt the accompanying photographs were lacking in quality, and weren’t on par … Read more
As even the most casual reader of The Accidental Australian would know, I am a big fan of living in Sydney. It is beautiful, full of opportunities, and a really amazing place for many reasons. However, in the interest of fairness to anyone thinking of moving here, or visiting, I thought I’d point out some … Read more
Why skin checks are important It is stating the obvious to say that the sun is strong in Australia. Growing up in the US, I always wore sunscreen at the beach, sometimes wore a hat, but other than that, didn’t give it too much thought. The sun makes for great beach days and picnics, heats … Read more
Follow my blog with Bloglovin How to spend a day in Fremantle I didn’t know much (ok, anything) about Fremantle before a recent trip to Western Australia. However, I had come across the very intriguing Fremantle Prison, and knew it had to be on my itinerary when I was out west. However, I thought I’d … Read more
How to make friends as an expat in Sydney Moving to a new country is a big deal, and one of the hardest things is the feeling that you have to ‘start over’, in terms of making new friends and connections, and building up your social circle. If you’re moving to Australia for work, a … Read more
Sydney travel- what to save on and what to splurge on Sydney travel- what to save on and what to splurge on- Australia definitely has a reputation for being expensive, especially within the major cities. However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit, or shouldn’t move here. Sydney is one of the most amazing cities on … Read more
How to Plan a Day on Rottnest Island Rottnest Island, located off the coast of Western Australia, about 19km from Fremantle, had caught my eye for years. Vibrant turquoise beaches that literally don’t look real, kilometres of car-free terrain and coastline to explore, and small marsupials called quokkas, found nowhere else on earth except for a … Read more
I originally planned on visiting Fremantle solely to check out the Fremantle Prison, a convict-built prison and World Heritage site. However, once I stepped off the train and into the town, I was blown away by the architecture there, itself a good enough reason to visit the area. Fremantle, or ‘Freo’ to the locals, is … Read more
Where to stay on the Gold Coast- Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach? Where to stay on the Gold Coast- Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach? The Gold Coast, a popular beach and resort area in South East Queensland, is not far from Brisbane and is nicely reminiscent of Florida and US beach towns. Think long strips of sandy … Read more
There’s nothing better than the first few days of spring, no matter where you live. The sweet smell and beautiful purple of blossoming jacaranda (possibly followed by intense allergies, but maybe that’s just me), longer days, and tossing aside the winter woollies for shorts can’t be beat. Bust out your flip flops and slap on … Read more
West Head Army Track- Why Go? This challenging walking trail, officially opened in 2016, offers beautiful views, a glimpse into Sydney’s history, and a steep (but not too unbearable) cardio challenge. Located in Ku-ring-gai National Park, north of Sydney, West Head Army Track is a short walk, at .45km each way, but still packs a punch … Read more
Where to buy American food in Sydney – If there’s one thing expats tend to miss living overseas, it’s food from their home country. As an American expat living in Sydney, being in a major international city means food choices and cuisines are nearly unlimited, which is fantastic, but there’s still always a few things … Read more
The Gilis are three tiny islands located between Bali and Lombok and make up a small part of the Indonesian archipelago. Gili Trawangan (also called Gili T), Gili Air, and Gili Meno, just off the Lombok coast, are near-perfect slices of paradise, perfect for diving, swimming, or just doing nothing. After spending a few days … Read more
You might be thinking, Katie, this is a weird article for you to write, since you’re not particularly into yoga (or retreats). However, you stand corrected, dear readers- read on for clarification. But, believe or not, here’s my guide to a DIY yoga retreat in Ubud, Bali Eat, Pray, What? After organising a pretty last minute … Read more
Note- This piece is a longer read, but worth the time for anyone planning a trip to Indonesia. I’ll start by saying what happened to me wasn’t even that bad, and I am not even completely sure if I was scammed or not. But when you’re put in an uncomfortable situation, as a solo traveler, … Read more
I discovered a beautiful irony while traveling alone through Japan. Solo travel in Japan, it’s really something incredible. Despite the country’s reputation for innovation, robots, and the latest in everything high-tech, it’s the perfect place in which you can relax, unwind, and collect your thoughts. Contrast can be found almost anywhere; the lightning speed of … Read more
As an American expat in Sydney, I often write about my own experiences as an ‘Accidental Australian’, in an attempt to help others who have made the move down under, or are contemplating doing so. However, despite my own opinions, and those of some of my fellow friends from overseas, I’ve often wondered about other … Read more
Sydney BridgeClimb: What It’s Really Like If there’s one place in life I never expected to find myself, it’s balanced precariously on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 meters above the harbour below. Hooked on to the bridge by a climber’s lead, I scan the crystal clear blue sky, completely free of clouds, providing … Read more
A common language, shared cultural interests, large geographical areas – Australia and the US have a lot of things in common. Well, if that’s the case, what’s the deal with light beer, and why can’t I sleep in an Australian hotel? After a few years of living here, I’ve noticed a few subtle, but peculiar, … Read more
How to visit an onsen as a solo female traveler How to visit an onsen in Japan as a single female traveler- Visiting an onsen, or traditional Japanese hot springs bath, is a rite of passage when in Japan. The culture of soaking in an onsen is quintessentially Japanese, and is a relaxing and restorative … Read more
Moving to Australia If you’re considering moving to Australia, you’re no doubt excited but probably also slightly terrified. With a million things to consider, from visas to packing to where to live, it can be overwhelming. Gathering as much information as possible, in advance, will help you most prepared for taking the plunge down under. … Read more
Cool down on a hot Sydney day with the city’s top 3 1/2 ocean pools.
What are the 50 best places to see in Australia? Where in Australia should I go? Tough questions to answer, but we have done our best. Here it is: The Accidental Australian’s top 50 most interesting, beautiful, and quirky places to see in Australia. While there are, of course, many more places to explore, the … Read more
Editor’s Note: This guest blog is courtesy of Suzie Dundas, founder of the travel website HikeUpYourSkirt. “Ugh, no,” said our newfound Dutch friend, when we told them in Ho Chi Minh city that we planned on taking multiple sleeper trains during our trip through Vietnam. “I think they are very small,” her boyfriend chimed in. “And … Read more
How to buy a used car in Australia as an expat.
Smashed avo on toast, brekkie sanga, skinny flat white? Welcome to café culture in Australia. In America, we hold the humble, well-loved family diner in high esteem, when it comes to breakfast. All-you-can-drink black drip coffee, bacon and eggs, pancakes by the stack served by Edna in the coffee-stained smock, checkered tablecloths on Formica completing … Read more
If you are like me and lack the common sense to live in an air-conditioned house in Sydney, where temperatures in summer are regularly in the 90’s and upwards, getting wet is one of the best ways to cool off. Sure, a cold shower would do the trick, but there’s not much marine life in … Read more
Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park: Uluru, a place of sacred importance to the Anangu (the traditional land owners of this area). Kata-Tjuta (translates to “many heads”), also known as the Olgas. The beauty, awe, and spirituality of this place can be done no justice with words or images, at least not by me, so I’ll … Read more
As I’ve mentioned previously, the Aussie fauna are big, bad, and deadly. And prevalent. That being said, the jellyfish was far from my mind the first time I visited the sandy white tourist haven in Sydney’s backyard, Bondi Beach. Bondi is a beautiful place, worthy of its international reputation as the quintessential Australian beach, made … Read more
It may surprise you that not only does it snow in Australia, but it snows enough to create some fantastic ski resorts. 16, in fact. However, if you’re based in Sydney and wondering where to ski in Australia, you’ll probably come across the two largest resorts in NSW, Perisher and Thredbo. They are within a … Read more