Destinations While Abroad in Australia

Hey everyone, 

I'm excited to share my incredible travel experiences from my time studying abroad in Australia. During this unforgettable journey, I had the opportunity to explore not only Australia but also nearby countries. I worked to save up for these adventures and it was absolutely worth it. I highly encourage anyone studying abroad to prioritize travel because it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Rather than writing a separate blog post for each destination, I've decided to compile my favorite places along with some insider recommendations and cost-saving tips. Let's dive in!

Sydney

Located in NSW, Australia, I had the opportunity to explore Sydney through a tour my housing program set us up with. As part of the Semester in Australia experience, all participants were offered professionally organized trips with a knowledgeable guide and we were given the itinerary beforehand. During the Sydney trip, I met over half the students attending Griffith for the semester in SIA, making it an unforgettable experience. The cost was surprisingly affordable given the amount of activities we enjoyed. It was honestly a relief not having to plan these trips myself in an entirely new country.

On our first day, we walked from our hostel to the Sydney Opera House, soaking in the city's vibrant atmosphere. The next adventure took us on a ferry ride to Manly Island, where we spent time relaxing on the beach and walking around. Our itinerary also included a visit to the breathtaking Blue Mountains National Park, where we were treated to spectacular views. On that very day, we had the chance to explore Featherdale Wildlife Sanctuary, encountering a diverse array of native Australian animals and even feeding kangaroos.

Cairns 

This excursion was also organized through SIA housing, and I opted to go before the university term began to minimize missed classes. Joining me on this adventure were my friends from Hawaii and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. One of the highlights was a full day spent diving at the Great Barrier Reef, immersing ourselves in its stunning underwater world. On another day, we explored the rainforest with a guide showing us picturesque waterfalls and scenic spots, reminding me a little bit of  Hawaii. This was only about a two-hour flight from Gold Coast and very cheap considering everything we got to do. 

Brisbane 

Me and my roommates planned this trip because it was only an hour train ride from Gold Coast making it super easy to do a weekend trip. We ended up renting a car so we could drive just outside of Brisbane to Sunshine Coast, where the Australia Zoo is located. This was the best zoo I have ever been to because all the animals had large areas to explore and you could just tell they were happy. 

Ended up renting scooters to ride around the city of Brisbane which I highly recommend and it wasn't too expensive. Also if you have time make sure you watch an AFL game or Rugby match while you are in the city.

Bali

Out of all the trips I went on I think Bali was my favorite. It's unlike any other country I've visited, offering incredible sights and experiences. Some of the girls I met through SIA housing and I planned this week-long adventure ourselves, and it exceeded all expectations. Every day was packed with activities that I thoroughly enjoyed, from visiting the Monkey Temple and exploring rice terraces to chasing waterfalls and venturing to Nusa Penida Island. It was a journey filled with unforgettable moments and new discoveries at every turn.

What's particularly great about Bali is how affordable everything is. The food is delicious, and accommodations are incredibly budget-friendly when shared among a group. While flights to Bali were among the pricier ones I've taken, the destination more than makes up for it once you arrive. Getting around using the Grab app was convenient and cost-effective, eliminating the need to rent a car. The flight from Brisbane was about six hours, but time flies when you're looking forward to such an amazing destination!

New Zealand (South Island) 

This trip was truly an adventure of a lifetime. My friends and I made an itinerary that involved navigating a camper van across New Zealand over six days. Initially nerve-wracking, especially since we were driving on the left side of the road and handling such a large vehicle for the first time, but we managed without a scratch. Focusing mainly on the South Island, we opted to skip Auckland, flying into Christchurch from Brisbane instead making a quick three-hour flight.

This was definitely our most expensive trip because even though a van seemed like the cheaper option it still ended up being pretty pricy. Well worth it though because of the breathtaking hikes in untouched landscapes, enhancing New Zealand's natural beauty. As we worked our way south to Queenstown from Christchurch we stayed at amazing campsites where the stars were incredible. Once we reached Queenstown we explored the cool town and did nearby hikes. We also drove the furthest point south so we could do the Milford sound tour, which we ended up seeing dolphins so definitely worth the drive. 

A trip during my lecture recess

During lecture recess in April, I had a great opportunities to do a little bit of traveling. I decided to visit Brisbane, Gold coast, and Melbourne. It was definitely a change from northern Australia in many aspects. It was a good change though. I made my first stop in Brisbane. Visiting Brisbane means spending a lot of time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine the city has to offer. There were a lot of art communities and a very diverse range of cuisines from around the world. For example, 

Gold Coast was my next stop. From theme parks to shopping malls, and even SURFING to ancient rainforest, this city has it it all! I think Gold Coast reminds me a lot of Waikiki or the east coast. Surfers paradise is a stretch of sandy beach - you see a lot of people chilling on the side, some are walking around the farmers the market, people are swimming and surfing etc. Possibly being Australia's most iconic holiday destination, the city is certainly fast-paced and busy, compared to the other cities. With that in mind, I think Gold Coast has to be one of the most multicultural city out of these three that I visited. 

My last stop was at Melbourne, where I did a bit of solo traveling. It was so much fun. I think Melbourne was my favorite city out of all of these. The city felt more open and free. There are so many brunch places and boutique cafe EVERYWHERE. They also have the best coffee. Melbourne is a surprise. You never know what you are gonna find as you walk up the rooftop or get lost in the art-alley. I think that's the perks about traveling. You can't really prepare for anything. The experience you're gonna get is all depending on you and your surrounding.