Backpacking Australia: Cairns to Whitsundays

Starting in Cape Tribulation and ending in Melbourne, the East Coast is the destination for backpackers. With a distance of 4,500 kilometres over 3 states, it offers plenty of opportunities for adventure, relaxation and job opportunities for those on a working visa. For me, it was where I decided I was going to let go of my fears and embrace every adventurous opportunity that came my way. Jumping out a plane? Easy-peasy! Diving in the Great Barrier Reef? Hell yeah!

With so many places to visit and exciting activities to do, it can be easy to overlook the hidden gems of the East Coast. It took my friends and I almost 2 months to travel between Cairns and Brisbane and even then we didn't get to experience everything we wanted to. Based on my experiences here is what you can't miss:

- Mission beach: its sandy beaches offer the perfect location for relaxation, or if you are more daring, it is the perfect spot for doing a skydive. Why? Because you see the Great Barrier Reef and land on the beach! It's also a great place to interact with the locals as it is less touristy than other locations. From here you can also do white water rafting, the one daring activity I didn't dare to do. Here I stayed at Scotty's which I thoroughly recommend as it has a good sized swimming pool and they have events to get you to meet new people such as BBQ's. It is about a 15 minute walk to the main part of the town but offers a bus service to get there too.

 

 

 

- Rainbow beach: Hike up the steepest hill I have ever seen (and survived!) for wonderful views of the beach and sunset, fun times sledging down the sand and a hike back down a very steep hill! This unspoilt place might just be my favourite of the East Coast. Here we stayed at Fraser's which is the hostel that offers this free walk up to Carlo Sand Blow. If they hadn't offered this, I probably wouldn't have known it existed.

 

 

 

 

- Magnetic Island or "Maggie Island" is situated near Townsville and is full of adventure and beautiful sights.  I thoroughly recommend staying at Base hostel which has fun competitions in the evenings, offers diving courses and has awesome full moon parties. The locals from Townsville even travel across for full moon.

 

 

Not only is it the ideal place to party, you can hire a jeep which is the best way to travel around the island. A trip to the National Park allows you to see koalas in their natural habitat as well as beautiful views of the Island. Tip - not a good idea with a hangover and a lack of water!

 

 

- Airlie Beach is the stop off point for Whitsunday Islands. This medium sized town is full of hostels and backpackers, all raring to go on their adventures. Despite being little, it offers great shops, a beautiful port and has a great nightlife too. Tip: when choosing what boat to go out on, shop around a little as there are many shops selling tours.

 

 

- Whitsunday Islands are a group of 74 islands which offer the most beautiful views I have ever seen in my life. The boats leave from Airlie Beach port and you do activities such as snorkelling, diving, kayaking as well as sailing past some of the islands. A sailing trip would be incomplete without a visit to the stunning Whitehaven Beach. This photograph does not even do it justice:

 

 

 

 

 

The boat I went out on was called Summertime and we had a blast! Yummy barbeque food, plenty of adventures and fun games in the evenings made for a perfect 3 day trip which I would recommend to everyone. The crew were very friendly and wanted us to have the best experience.

 

 



 

 

 

From Cairns to Airlie Beach, it takes about 8 hours to drive. To explore and make the most of our time here, it took us over a month. There are endless opportunities awaiting here and you might as well make the most of it, it really is a once in a lifetime experience.



Bad altitude

There is nothing more frustrating for me than being in a confined space with 300 people I don't know but with whom I will be spending the next x hours of my life. Luckily my plane journeys usually only last 4 hours or less, but even on short flights you see it all. Cheap airlines are great for those of us who love travelling and want to save our pennies for more exciting things than airfare. However, as they attempt to make more profit, you find yourself practically sitting on the stranger next to you. I'm exaggerating, I don't actually do that, but personal space is a thing of the past. That's why it's important to show respect when travelling by following the tips below.

Source: http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-have-a-nice-trip-9/

 

5 tips for being a thoughtful plane passenger

1. You may be the most interesting person on the planet, but not everyone wants to hear your conversation. Especially not when you are 3 rows behind and we can still hear you. Every single word. Unless you are telling us all a secret to winning the lottery, keep your voice at a reasonable level.



2. Travelling with young kids is never easy and hats off to parents who do a great job of keeping their kids entertained. I love kids but I certainly don't want your kid climbing over your seat and landing on top of me ( true story). Kids equally need to be taught how to behave safely in an airplane and this should start at a young age.



3. Keep your feet to yourself. I get that people need to take their shoes off on a long haul flight. If you really need to take them off, make sure they are clean, not smelly and the sight of them doesn't make me want to puke. Anyone who doesn't like feet will get this, the rest might think I'm being oversensitive!



4. There's nothing more infuriating than the person behind you kicking your chair constantly, even though it is not on purpose. Tip: sigh loudly each time and they will soon get the message. I do sympathize slightly with this as tall people attempt to cram their legs into the tiny space. It's the one time when being short is a benefit.... Plenty of leg room!



5. When the plane lands, everyone relax. Yes it can be a drag sitting waiting to get off the plane. especially when you're going on holiday and just want to get to your destination as quickly as possible. However, there is no need to bounce out your seat the second we have touched ground, knock the person next to you in the face trying to quickly get your suitcase out of the overhead and then occupying so much aisle space that no one else around you can move. We will all get off the plane, they aren't going to kidnap you if you're last off! The best way to start a holiday or trip is stress free so just sit down, wait until the row in front of you is moving and then prepare to disembark.

 

 

 

Confession: As a child, I probably did bounce about on the plane excited and wanting to explore. As for numbers 4 and 5 I am guilty of having done these before, we probably all have at some stage to some extent, whether conscientiously or not.

Using Spanish abroad

It is no wonder Spanish is fast becoming the language to learn, with over 400 million people speaking it. That's more than the whole population of the USA! It is used as the official language in 21 countries, so statistically speaking 11% of the world use it on a daily basis.

Source: http://goodpixgallery.com/flags-of-spanish-speaking-countries-photos/

Why you should make an effort

You are in a foreign country, it is the polite thing to do. Whether the locals can speak your language or not, it is still always preferable to speak to them in their own language where possible, even if you can only say the basics. I guarantee they will appreciate this gesture and you will feel good for making an attempt. As you become more confident, you can try new phrases.


Furthermore you can't assume that everyone will speak English or another language, and you might just need help in a sticky situation. Recently in Barcelona, I heard the French couple in front of me talking about what bus to get to the airport. From listening I could tell they were about to get on the bus to the wrong terminal. I didn't want them to miss their flight so told them in French that they needed to get the other bus. Knowing I had helped someone made me feel happy. In the interests of disclosure, I am a polyglot so it was easy for me to do so. But even if I had only known some French I still would have tried.


I haven't yet been to Latin America, but I know from living in Spain that the Spanish are very proud of their language. The majority of the time, and especially outside tourist areas, they will always speak to you in Spanish, even if they can tell you are foreign. Why? Because to them, their language is a huge part of their culture. They appreciate when foreigners make an attempt to communicate with them in their language, more so than any other country I have been to. I may be wrong, but I get the impression Latin Americans would also react in the same way. I certainly hope so anyway!

Source: https://www.pinterest.com/saundzcom/inspiring-language-quotes/

Tips for using Spanish

- Before your trip use the website www.duolingo.com to get you up to speed on the basics. Be careful though as the Spanish they teach you contains many Latin American words that may not be understood in Spain and vice versa.


- There are many other websites and Youtube videos you can watch to help you learn some phrases. Find one that suits how much you want to learn.


- Get a cheap language guide, even the small one would help you. Sometimes, charity shops have these at really cheap prices. Avoid buying at the airport as you will pay a lot more for one. If not, use the Internet to find some phrases you may need and write them down. I'd start by searching greetings, asking for help, asking how much something is and asking for directions.


- Make the flight time pass quickly by practising phrases, remember the pronunciation is easy as most words sound the way they are written. Small tip : the h is always silent so to say hello we say "ola" instead of "hola".


- Listen to the locals use their language - how does someone ask for the bill? how do they order a beer? Or if you're a beginner how do they say hello/goodbye? With Spanish, it is probably easier to pick up on the spot than many other languages.


- If you are unsure of a word, ask whoever you are speaking to ¿Cómo se dice (insert word) en Español? Then by learning it, you will know it for next time.


- Be prepared to make errors but don't let it affect your confidence. It's part and parcel of learning a new language.

My adventure stories from Australia

I have always, since a young age, had a fear of death and for a long time that put me off doing many things. But after a close family member died way before their time, my fear turned into dying without having properly lived, having let opportunities sail me by. Since then, I've stopped saying no to things and instead saying maybe or yes.

Adventure stories from Australia

Back in 2009, I headed to Australia on a holiday visa for three months with two aims: visiting as much as I possibly could and being more adventurous. You might not see these as an adventure, but for me they certainly were!

Diving

My first attempt at diving in Cairns did no go so well... a newbie diver diving in open water is not the best idea. I sat through the safety demonstration, got all the diving gear on and got into the water. With the safety checks all done, I was ready to go. The instructor started deflating the buoyancy, I looked below me at the vast ocean and panicked. So I got back out of the water and went snorkelling instead. I might not have succeeded but at least I tried.


By the time I got to Airlie Beach, I was determined I was going to dive. I could not come all the way to Australia and not see the Great Barrier Reef. The way the dive was carried out was much better for newbies like me. From our boat we climbed into a dinghy boat which took us to a shallow bit where we could stand. It was much easier to be in control here and I managed to do the dive. Not only that but during the course of our 3 day boat trip, I even did 3 more dives..... from the open water. Go me! My dream of seeing a turtle was accomplished!

 

Diving at Whitsundays

Boat recommended: http://www.summertime-whitsundays.com/


Jungle surfing

At Cape Tribulation, in the heart of the rainforest, stand 6 tree stations of varying heights. All that awaits is for you to hold on tight and embrace the thrill. With my upcoming skydive, this did not really faze me. The fact that you stop at stations makes it easier to get through. Not only do you get a huge rush of adrenaline, you also get wonderful views of the forest and where it meets the Reef. I loved this activity and now wouldn't think twice of doing it in other locations.

 

 

Here is the link if you are interested: http://junglesurfing.com.au/. 

 

If you are going to overcome fears, Australia is the place for it. The best tip I can give is to start off small and build your way up to the more challenging activities. In this way, you will certainly build on your confidence.  I did far too many thrilling activities to mention in one post so look out for part 2 soon.

Places I would not go back to in a hurry

I always believe that our impressions of a place are based on how much we make of each particular experience. Those who open their mind to all types of new things will reap the most benefits. If you go travelling and immediately dismiss opportunities, you won't be getting an accurate feel for the place. It often depends on the company too, a particularly bleak place can be made better by good memories with friends.

 

I'd like to think I always go to a place with a blank canvas, although at times I may have listened to other people's accounts and thought "I hope it's not like that". Yet, in the case of the following cities, I truly have no desire to return and wish I had spent the time elsewhere. Some bloggers believe no travel is a waste, on the other hand I know that we have a limited time and want to hope I will get to see the destinations that leave a lasting impression.

It was easy to pick these simply by looking at my photo files. Anyone who knows me, knows I like to document my travels with a ton of photos. The only exception is when there is not much to see or do. If I get restless in a place within 2 days, the case with all the places mentioned below, then I know it's not for me.

Places I would not go back to in a hurry

Marbella. Only positives about this place are the weather and a quite nice port. Full of pretentious shops, food and people. To be brutally honest, it doesn't even feel like you are in Spain.

 

The only thing that's not pretentious!

Adelaide. Probably my least favourite of them all! Dull and boring, not much to see at all. Nightlife and friendly people are it's saving grace.

There's only so long you can chill at a park

Nîmes. Although it does have some nice monuments, it didn't really leave any lasting impression on me. Having said that, out of them all, it's the most cultural and if you really twisted my arm and made me pick one, it would be this.

 

 

Darwin. I almost feel bad for putting in 2 Australian destinations because I loved so many places in Australia and would go back to them in a heartbeat. On top of that, I had a good time in Darwin but purely based on the company I had ( I'm not only talking about the goon!) but also the nightlife is pretty darn good. I'm glad I went but I wouldn't waste my time or money returning. Many seem to think Kakadu National Park is in Darwin but it's actually 2 hours away. If you take that out the equation, there's nothing that really springs to mind that would make me convince someone to go there.

I'm not a Moaning Myrtle, out of all the places I have been these are the only ones! If you do go to any of them, I hope you thoroughly enjoy your time and let me know what made you enjoy it.

Backpacking Australia : Cape Tribulation

Since I've been blogging heaps about Australia, for a bit of variation I'm going to a Question and Answer type post!

Q1  Where is it?

I hadn't even heard of this place before arrival in Cairns and yet I probably enjoyed it more than Cairns! It's in Queensland about 3 hours drive north from Cairns. It is where the rainforest meets the reef, in other words, a tropical paradise full of adventures.

Q2 Where should I stay?

Accommodation in this area is fairly limited. We stayed at the Ferntree Rainforest Lodge which was a bit more expensive than what we were used to. For backpackers, there are shared dormitories which come in a little cheaper and allow you to meet new people. It also has a lovely pool and 5 minute walk from the village.

Q3 What is there to do?

1. Go on a cruise of the Daintree River and be on the lookout for some crocs ( only the ones that maim you so don't worry!).

2. Visit Port Douglas for some stunning panoramic views.


3. Take a walk through the National Park and have a swim in the Mossman River - can't remember if this has crocs but you'll soon find out!


4. Go to the beach - be careful as you need to walk down a road with no pavements. Or you can do it as a horse ride. Then you walk down a pathway for about 5 minutes. There are warning signs all over - yep you guessed it, those crocs again!

5. Failing all else there is a bottle shop on the main road - it's a good time as any to buy some goon ( cheap wine!)

Q4 What was your favourite activity?

Doing a canopy tour through the rainforest - what better place to do it? After a safety demonstration and being given a "celebrity" helmet - I was given Barbie despite being brunette- you make your way up the pathway. You start off at the tallest tree and work your way down 5 stations. The twist is some go really fast, some you do in a couple and some upside down. From up here, you also get wonderful views of the Reef. If you do one thing in Cape Trib', do this! Don't worry if you are scared of heights - if I can do it, you can too.

Holding on for dear life!

 

 

Definitely don't give it a miss! Thanks for reading and scroll down to see my other Australia posts.

 

Why Ronda is worth a rendez-vous!

Recently I've seen the quote "Don't be a tourist, be a traveller" and it's got me thinking. Why can't we be both? I see no problem with going somewhere like Barcelona and having a set itinerary of things to see and do, especially if you are only spending a little time there. Choosing what you want to see does not mean you won't stumble across things unexpectedly. It's equally good to arrive at a destination and see where it takes you, coming across places you hadn't heard about before or taking part in activities you never thought you would. Surely the intention is the same - to go somewhere new and learn things you didn't know before.

There's a reason why Spain is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe in that it offers something for everyone. From historic cities such as Granada, green landscapes in the north to little pueblos full of enchantment all over the country. It's a country full of history, with delicious food and drink and great weather. Having lived in Spain as a teenager, I have been lucky to visit twenty one different cities and will share the best experiences with you.


Ronda is a small city in the south of Spain, near Málaga. It is a city of culture with its famous bullring, squares and its pretty cobbled streets. The beauty of Ronda is that, whilst it is popular, it is not overburdened by tourists. You can visit the attractions peacefully and can see the locals living their daily lives.

 

El Puente Nuevo

 

 

It's main attraction is the "Puente Nuevo", a historic and picturesque bridge which offers lovely views of the nearby mountains. Just by strolling around I came across this gorge with wonderful views of the bridge and the river Tajo. With two mountain ranges nearby, it offers many opportunities for seeing the local fauna and flora. For those interested in history, just a few kilometres away you can visit the Pileta caves which have paintings that are centuries old.

 

 

 

Aerial view of the city

 

Ronda isn't somewhere you can get away with simply communicating in English. If you go to a restaurant or bar, they will talk to you in Spanish. I really love this about Ronda and wish more Spanish destinations would do the same.

 

 

 

Plaza del Socorro

 

 

I'd recommend staying in Ronda a couple of days at most. I went as part of a day trip in combination with the village Olvera. If you want to combine it with other cities, I recommend Málaga or Seville which are close by.

 

 

 

Arch of Philip V

 

 

Previous posts about Spain:

 

 http://pourquoiviajartheworld.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/my-10-favourite-destinations-number-7.html

 

 http://pourquoiviajartheworld.blogspot.co.uk/2015/02/my-10-favourite-destinations-number-6.html

 

 http://pourquoiviajartheworld.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/my-10-favourite-destinations-number-1.html