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10 reasons why you should skip South Australia

Lily Thwaites — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:27:37 +0000

You’ve been to Sydney and travelled up the East Coast, so why bother going to South Australia, right? Well, just in case you’re on the fence about heading over, here are 10 reasons why you should skip South Australia.

1.The beaches. Pristine white sand, turquoise waters and stunning scenery, you might as well be in a tropical oasis. But who wants that when you can just stay working 9-5 in an office? That’s much more exciting than discovering South Australian paradise!

2. Sea lions, seals, dolphins and colour changing cuttlefish. The opportunity to swim with some Australian native wildlife? No need. You can keep that GoPro you were desperate to buy for your travels safely in the box – wouldn’t want you to capture any awesome selfies with a sea lion on it!

3. The chance to catch a sports match at one of Australia’s most picturesque venues, the Adelaide Oval. Not only is it home to major sporting and cultural events, but you can also climb up it for incredible views of the city. You could be one of the millions of people that visit every year, desperate to get in on the action and experience a historic venue or you could just stick to watching cricket on the TV screen. Up to you.

4. Some of the oldest and most beautiful landscapes in the whole of Australia. Rugged, dramatic and spectacular, Flinders Ranges are over 600 million years old and rich in Aboriginal history. We can’t imagine why anyone would want to explore such breath-taking scenery.

5. The pink salt lake. Aren’t lakes supposed to be blue? No need to make all of your friends insanely jealous with serious travel fomo. Besides, we don’t think photos with a pink lake would match our insta feed

6. The abundance of incredible live music. Adelaide is a UNESCO City of Music, so there’s no shortage of shows across the city and a variety of funky festivals taking place across the year. However, I guess if you don’t fancy some of the best live music Australia has to offer, all round great vibes and the opportunity to sing your heart out, then don’t waste your time.

7. The wine. Some of the best wines in the world are produced just outside of Adelaide, with some of the oldest varieties of grapes that are still drunk today. We don’t know about you but we prefer our wine from a box.

8. The underground town. Why live underground, when you can live over it? We heard it’s the ‘Opal Capital of Australia’ and there’s a cute kangaroo orphanage too. But maybe we’ll just skip this insanely cool and unique place and stick to Sydney, thanks.

9. The stars. South Australia is home to Australia’s darkest sky which can only mean one thing – awe-inspiring views of the milky way and some cracking constellations. Sleeping in a 10-bed-dorm staring up at a white-painted hostel ceiling in a miscellaneous location is definitely better than that.

10. The chance to chow down on a tasty meal in the ‘Seafood Capital of Australia’. Port Lincoln is home to arguably some of the best seafood in the country. Fancy trying an oyster or nibbling on some salt and pepper squid? It might even be better than that pesto pasta you’re eating for the sixth day in a row.

The post 10 reasons why you should skip South Australia appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

How to spend a weekend in Adelaide

Lily Thwaites — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 23:21:18 +0000

People often don’t know much about Adelaide so they favour the glimmering Opera House in Sydney or the cool street art in Melbourne.

But Adelaide has plenty of charm – from world-class vineyards to an up and coming music scene, it’s not to be missed!

If you fancy a weekend away or maybe you’re passing through, drop us a message at Welcome to Travel and we can help you plan a couple of days in the capital of South Australia.

Friday - Catch flights not feelings

Catch a Friday evening flight to make the most of your weekend. Internal flights are so easy, especially if you stick to hand luggage only for your weekend – you can pretty much walk straight through the airport. One minute you’ll be making coffees or wearing high-vis at the construction site, the next you’ll be in a whole new city!

Adelaide has a fair few well-loved late night dining options, so you can grab a bite to eat before climbing into bed, ready for a day of exploring tomorrow. Whether you’re after a quick reuben and a mystery beer or steaming bowl of black pepper beef and rice, prepare for places to still be busy come 10pm.

Sunny’s Pizza is open until midnight on Friday, has incredible pizzas and is a 5 minute walk from the hostel hub of Adelaide.

Whilst we’re on the topic of accommodation the three major hostels in Adelaide are YHA Adelaide, Tequila Sunrise and Base Camp Hostel. They’re all centrally located with their own little quirks – have a look which best suits you and get in touch with our team to see if there are any discounts available…you might as well save yourself some money.

Saturday Morning and Afternoon- Explore the city and head to the beach

Start your day with a crowd pleaser – Adelaide Central Market. It’s a vibrant food and drinks hub, with fresh Aussie produce and plenty of tasty choices. Definitely worth a stop for a bite to eat and a coffee in the morning. Pick up some bits for a picnic later in the day.

Then, after you’re fuelled and ready to go, head on over to Rundle Mall. Full of quirky landmarks and independent pop-ups, it’s a great place to grab a souvenir or do a bit of shopping. Just remember, you flew hand luggage only!

Like all major cities in Australia, Adelaide is also home to beautiful Botanic Gardens. Take a breather and walk a couple of minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city to the peaceful gardens. On a sunny day, bring a book or have a picnic with some of the local produce that you’ve picked up from the market in the morning!

If you’re looking for beachy vibes, head on to Glenelg. Walk along the foreshore, go for a swim then head over to Australia’s only official bar on the beach, Moseley Beach Club. It’s the perfect place to sip on a cocktail and watch the sunset over the ocean.

Travelling between September and April? Then you need to add this to your Adelaide bucket list. SWIMMING WITH DOLPHINS.

Temptations Sailing have been operating since 2002 and gives swimmers an option of swimming alongside the dolphins at the front of the boat or chilling with them at the back.

Saturday Evening- One great night out

Adelaide is one of my favourite nights out in Australia. Travelling alone? You might have made some friends in the hostel and head out with them. Travelling with friends? Be the legend that knows where the locals head to and bar hop around the city.

Dinner: Head to Chinatown to get yourself a cheap meal to line the stomach.

Bar 1: Close by to Chinatown is Merrymaker Rooftop Bar. We’re timing this right with sunset, have a drink or two with their vast array of cocktails, craft beer and wine. The perfect start to a night out.

Bar 2: A 15 minute walk is what we have to get to the next bar Maybe Mae.

This hidden little cocktail bar takes you back in time whilst being intimate, cool and not too loud, where you can have some great chats before heading to the next bar.

Bar 3: NOLA is a New Orleans style bar right by the Adelaide Botanic Gardens. With a focus on beers and whiskey, jazz tunes in the background it’s a great penultimate bar.

Last bar: It’s up to you, head to Hindley Street which is the epicentre of Adelaide’s nightlife for you to follow the crowd and enjoy the rest of your night.

Sunday- Wineries & exploring outside of the city

Today’s the day we’ve all been waiting for… wine tasting day! It’s not quite your average bag of goon, no, Adelaide is home to arguably the best wines in Australia and no trip is complete without a little wine tasting tour. It’s also a great way to get out of Adelaide for the day and explore some of the surrounding areas.

If you’re a wine lover, then a full day tour might be exactly what you’re after. But if you just want an excuse to dress up and pretend you’re not a backpacker for a little while, there are also half day options. Some tours also take you to a couple other less wine-related areas around Adelaide – like Hahndorf, a picturesque German village nestled in the Adelaide Hills. These ones are perfect for those less interested in wine tasting or tee-total but still keen to make the most of their trip to Adelaide.

Drop us a message at Welcome to Travel and we can help find the perfect tour for you!

Travel with a group or just need some travel help?

Welcome to Travel heads to Adelaide twice a year for on our Community Tours.

Whether you want to head up to Uluru or explore more of South Australia there’s nothing quite like travelling to new places with likeminded people.

Those dates might not fit in with your plans, so let us help you build a South Australia itinerary.

Plan Your Adventure

Not sure how to go about exploring this amazing state? Join us on our annual Welcome to Uluru & The Outback Community Tour or chat to our community team to plan your own epic personalised adventure.

The post How to spend a weekend in Adelaide appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

5 Things You Can Only Do In South Australia

Lily Thwaites — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 05:16:46 +0000

So you’ve just finished making some incredible memories on our Welcome To Australia: East Coast tour and you find yourself thinking, what’s next? Well, the great news is that there’s still so much more to explore and South Australia is definitely not to be missed! In fact, here are 5 things that you can only do in South Australia.

Shark Cage Diving

When you told your family you were heading off to Australia, did they all say to you ‘but what about the sharks!’ Yeah, me too.

But you’ve probably noticed there are a lot less sharks hanging around than everyone has led you to believe, and now you’re keen to actually get in on the shark action. That’s right.

We’re talking Great White shark diving. Crazy? Maybe. Great travel story? Absolutely.

Feel a bit awkward doing this? Got some ethical questions?

You can contact the companies that operate there Calypso Star Charters (who run day tours) and Rodney Fox (who run multi day expeditions) directly or contact the Welcome to Travel team to see if it fits in with your style of travelling.

Visit The Underground Capital of the World - Coober Pedy

It might seem like something out of a sci-fi movie but no, Coober Pedy’s residents do in fact live underground!

Not only is it the ‘Opal Capital of the World’ but based in the heart of the desert outback it gets so hot that birds are known to fall right out of the sky.

The solution? The whole town is subterranean, a labyrinth of underground houses and shops. There’s really nothing quite like it!

It was one of the craziest places I stayed. When I went on the Welcome to Travel Community Tour in June 2024.

Hang With Seals On A Beach At Kangaroo Island

One of Lonely Planet’s top 10 regions of 2024, Kangaroo Island is full of unspoilt beauty.

If you’re looking to spot some authentic Aussie wildlife – think koalas, seals, sea lions and kangaroos (duh!) – then you’re in the right place.

Along with the wildlife you have beautiful spots, such as the Remarkable Rocks along with Little Sahara to name a few, which add

It’s only a 45 minute ferry ride from Adelaide and whether you’re heading over for the day or fancy a weekend away from the hustle and bustle of the city, get in touch and Welcome to Travel can help you tick this gorgeous island off of your bucket list.

Sip Wine In a Rubix Cube

It turns out that wine doesn’t just come in boxes, it comes in cubes!

With the Mclaren Vale, Barossa Valley and the Clare Valley, South Australia has the well-deserved title of the Great Wine Capital of Australia.

So if your visit to Mornington Peninsula on our Welcome to Melbourne tour has brought out your inner wine connoisseur or you’re looking to breakfree from goon for a weekend, head on over to South Australia for your next sip. And even better, do it in a rubix cube!

Based in the McClaren Vale, the D’Ardenberg cube is the tasting site of dreams.

Stargaze The Night Away

You may have seen some stunning night skies during your time in Australia but South Australia has the best of them all.

It’s home to the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, which is Australia’s first Dark Sky Reserve and one of only 15 in the entire world!

But what does that mean?

Well, you’re guaranteed to see some epic astronomical activity, from the Milky Way to the Andromeda Galaxy. It really is out of this world.

How To Travel To South Australia?

I personally loved my time in South Australia but it can be quite overwhelming putting it all together with the different options but Welcome to Travel are here to help.

Fill out the form below and we will be able to help…who knows I might be the one helping you.

Even if you’re not sure yet, make sure you add South Australia to your bucket list.

Plan Your Adventure

Not sure how to go about exploring this amazing state? Join us on our annual Welcome to Uluru & The Outback Community Tour or chat to our community team to plan your own epic personalised adventure.

The post 5 Things You Can Only Do In South Australia appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

What To Pack For a Working Holiday in Australia (Ladies)

Annisa Maher — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 09:48:41 +0000

If you’re like me and deciding what to pack makes you shiver

Then hopefully reading this will make the whole process a little less stressful. Although it seems like a relatively straightforward task, I often leave it to the last minute because I’ll dive in with little to no thought and later find myself getting overwhelmed with choices and questions. So, we’ve put together a basic what-to-pack guide to help you feel prepared and organised.

Australia is a MASSIVE country with diverse and sometimes extreme climates. If you plan on being here for a year or more, you need to be prepared for hot and humid days, chilly mornings and nights, stormy weather and everything in between. There is a world of difference, for example, between the harsh and dry heat of the Outback, the tropical, humid air in Tropical North Queensland and the cooler summer temperatures in Tasmania. Melbourne alone is notorious for being the city of four seasons in one day, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!

Essentials

The following are what we consider to be must-pack items, meaning anything not mentioned is at your discretion to include (for example, while watching Netflix in your hostel bed on a rainy day is a MOOD, we don’t consider a laptop to be an essential). It also goes without saying that your list of what to pack may be longer depending on what kind of traveller you are and what tours or activities you plan on doing (e.g. if you’re a hiker or a surfer, you’ll need more specific equipment/clothing).

Some things on this list can absolutely be bought once you arrive (e.g. shampoo) but we factor them in here because some people prefer to leave with them, use them up along the way and ditch them to leave space in their bag before their flight back home.

Bags

Backpack. The type and size of backpack is quite a personal choice and one that will require some research. If you’re a minimalist, you will most likely make do with a 50L backpack. If you need a little more room, aim for a 65L one and if you’re a hoarder and/or love buying things when you travel, you can go as big as 85L. Ultimately, you want one that you can carry with ease and comfort, is good quality and spacious in terms of capacity. Check out brands like Kathmandu, Osprey, Ultralight Adventure Equipment, Gregory, Granite Gear and Deuter for some options. One particular backpack that we think ticks a lot of boxes is this 70L one from Kathmandu.

A smaller backpack/a tote bag to bring to the beach, on a day out exploring or to the grocery store.

A bumbag/small purse to put cards/money/smaller items in for a night out or a trip to the market.

A small laundry bag that folds down nicely.

Toiletries

A toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and a travel razor. These can certainly be bought here at any discount drugstore (e.g. Chemist Warehouse), with toothpaste as cheap as $1AUD.

A bar of soap and a soap container. Avoids the need to buy single-use plastic!

Hairbrush. For the Rapunzels out there.

Medication. Make sure you get extra prescriptions filled in advance if you need to or do your research about whether your medication is available in Australia.

Makeup. I’m not here to tell you how to live your life, but keep it minimal if you can. If you think you need to pack that blush that you used once six months ago, you don’t. In Australian heat, everything just melts off your face anyway.

Shampoo, conditioner, sunscreen, moisturiser. Buy a few 100mL travel tubes and fill ‘em right up before you go. Saves space, and you can easily buy bigger bottles, share costs with others and refill your tubes as you go. Having these handy tubes means you can also go away on weekend/camping trips and use them.

A Moon Cup/Diva Cup/menstrual cup is a good alternative to tampons and pads. A Moon Cup is light, saves space in your bag and is better for the environment. Plus it’s got a cool name.

Towels. Leave your big, bulky one at home and throw in a smaller, lightweight microfibre towel in. And don’t even think about packing a beach towel, swap it instead with a sarong that can be used for the beach and even as a skirt on hot days.

Clothing

Underwear/socks. Pack at least 7 pairs of underwear, then throw in 7 more. Just kidding, but don’t skimp out on underwear just in case you can’t always do washing as often as you’d like. When it comes to bras, go for comfort (none of this underwire business) and you shouldn’t need more than 2 or 3. Throw in 7 pairs of socks too and make sure you’ve got a warm pair for chilly nights or early morning hikes.

Swimwear. You’re coming to one of the surf havens of the world where so many UNREAL surf brands were born, so hold out and invest in a high-quality and long-lasting new suit. Don’t bring any more than two pairs of bikinis/swimsuits in your suitcase, just don’t do it.

A lightweight waterproof jacket. These can often fold into almost nothing and will no doubt come in handy. Don’t bother bringing a proper jacket over, unless you’ve got a good quality one and you know you’ll be in a part of Australia with a colder climate in the height of winter. You can always buy a second-hand one over here for cheap!

A couple of jumpers (or sweaters). You will definitely need these at some point.

Playsuits/jumpsuits are great to throw in, because they’re two-in-one and are usually thin and breathable. Plus they’re really cute and can be both casual and chic for nights out.

Pants. Denim’s not a fantastic choice for heat or humidity, so a single pair of jeans will do if you can’t do without. Otherwise, aim for 2/3 pairs of lightweight and breathable pants.
Shorts. Throw in a few pairs of shorts, but try to find a pair that doubles as pyjama shorts, beach shorts or sport shorts for days when leggings won’t do.

Shirts. Pack 7-10 tshirts/crop tops/tank tops and make sure you’ve got a couple of long-sleeved shirts. If you’re the outdoorsy type, pack a thermal for any camping trips or winter hikes. Yes, Australia does get that cold.

Sleepwear/casual wear. Always have a pair of tracksuit pants or leggings, a big t-shirt and a comfy hoodie to lounge around in.

Sportswear. Depending on how much physical activity you plan on doing while you’re away (be honest with yourself here), a single outfit (leggings/shorts and workout top) should be fine to start with.

Clothes for a night out. Don’t go overboard trying to fit in a handful of fancy outfits – just pack basics that go well together. A couple of skirts/dresses that are fit for both casual outings and social ones are always good and a small jacket like a denim jacket or thin bomber can help dress up an outfit.

A hat. The sun is extremely strong in Australia and we take sun care pretty seriously so wear a hat and lather on the sunscreen on a sunny day.

Shoes

A pair of comfortable and good quality running shoes for hikes, working out and just walking around all day in.

A second pair of casual sneakers for everyday activities and even going out in.

Ditch the heels and instead opt for a pair of shoes that serve a second purpose (e.g. some nice sandals or boots). In a lot of places in Australia, you don’t need heels to be allowed into places and to be honest, unless you’re working an office job in the city or going to fancy clubs, you won’t need them.

A pair of flip flops. In summer in Australia people LIVE in these, but you can easily buy a pair when you get here.

Free Working Holiday Checklist

Already know a Australia Working Holiday is for you? Get A FREE WORKING HOLIDAY checklist, to help you with your plans.

Get It Here

Tech/Accessories

An adaptor/converter. Having one on you means you won’t need to go looking for one last minute if something comes up.

Unless you need it for work or any other reason, leave your laptop at home. An iPad takes up less space and does the trick, but is also unnecessary. If you’re planning on being away from home for at least a year, invest in a good smartphone but without a contract so that you can get an Australian SIM card. A smartphone will double up as a computer and a camera in one – win.
A good portable charger so that you never have to find yourself in a tricky situation.
Headphones
A kindle or e-reader

Documentation

Passport. Would be weird if you got in the country without one.
A printed version of your visa (otherwise an electronic version will do)

Ensure you upload all of the documents you may need to access (your CV, your visa, other forms of ID etc) to your Google Drive. You will be able to print out whatever you need at any library. Alternatively, put them on a USB but make sure not to lose it.

Money

Avoid converting your money at the airport when you arrive, you will just lose money in doing so. Wait and go to one of the many places in the city with better rates.

We suggest converting the equivalent of $250AUD before arriving so that you have cash ready for when you land. This gives you a bit of a safety net if you can’t exchange your money right away.

You can also create an account with TransferWise before you go. You’ll save money when you transfer money from your home bank account to your Australian one and you can start using money right away, even before receiving your Australian bank card. See here for a full breakdown on how to create an account.

Last Tips!

This may sound like an obvious one, but leave anything you don’t NEED at home. If you feel triggered reading that, go take your hair dryer out of your backpack right now.

Packing cubes are really great for organising your belongings so they’re easy to find and put away again. They also fit neatly into your backpack and help to maximise space.

Don’t leave with a full backpack. Save some room for a new hoodie, trinkets for your mates back home and a jar of Vegemite.

Don’t bring your favourite, most expensive jewellery because you will just spend time stressing about losing it.

Pack your essentials at the top of your bag so you can easily retrieve them when you land without having to unpack your entire bag.

Make sure you distribute the weight across your core and back to avoid any injuries or pain. This means packing the most heaviest items in the middle, closest to your back.

Buy a waterproof bag cover so that you’re prepared for unpredictable weather!

And last but not least, make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance!

The post What To Pack For a Working Holiday in Australia (Ladies) appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Australia Opens Borders To Working Holiday Visas

Adam Ogle — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 02:49:20 +0000

Today is the day we, and you, have been waiting for. Today’s the day the Australian Federal Government announced Australia will open its borders to working holiday visas from 1 December 2021!

So What Was Said?

At 11.30am on 22 November 2022, Prime Minister Scott Morrison fronted the media to give an update on Australia’s next steps on it’s border policy.

With Australia now at an average of 85% double vaccinated, with NSW and Victoria heading for 95% it has now been deemed safe for Australia to welcome the next group of people into the country WITHOUT a travel exemption from December 1st 2021.

This group includes people on a:

Working Holiday Visa (417)
Work and Holiday Visa (462)
Student Visa (500)

You can see the full list on the Australian Immigration website.

What are the other requirement?

Vaccinations

You will need to be fully vaccinated and your vaccine be approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Applying For A Visa

You can apply now for either a Working Holiday visa (417) or Work and Holiday visa (462).

The countries that are eligible are:

417 Visa Working Holiday

Passport holders from these countries

Belgium
Canada
Republic of Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders)
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Japan
Republic of Korea
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport)
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

462 Work and Holiday Visa

Passport holders from these countries

Argentina
Austria
Chile
China, People’s Republic of
Czech Republic
Ecuador
Greece
Hungary
Indonesia
Israel
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Peru
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Thailand
Turkey
Uruguay
United States of America
Vietnam

How Long Will It Take?

Due to the backlog of visas throughout COVID, the visa processing time is longer than normal. Immigration’s indicator of times are as follows

Working Holiday visa (417)

75% of applications in 85 days
90% of applications in 4 months

Work and Holiday visa (462)

75% of applications in 90 days
90% of applications in 4 months

Other Requirements

Undertake a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
Obtain your foreign vaccination certificate.
Travellers to Australia should complete an Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) at least 72 hours before departure.

When Are Welcome Tours Running?

Our first Welcome to Melbourne tour is running February 27th and our first Welcome to Sydney tour March 20th.

This gives you enough time for your visa to be processed and for you to be able to organise everything before coming over here.

For all of you lovely people that have been wanting to come to Australia for so long, that have waited for this announcement for so long, it couldn’t have come at a better time for you.

Save Money

On Friday 26 November 2021 our Black Friday sale starts, giving you the perfect opportunity to save some money whilst being safe in the knowledge that Australia is welcoming travellers back into the country. The doubt has gone, it’s just excitement now!

Instead of a normal Black Friday sale, we’re giving you a choice on, how do you want to save?

You can either get:

A free Road Trip Add On (Melbourne=Great Ocean Road and Sydney=Blue Mountains) valued at $265, when you book a Welcome Tour

10% off any Welcome Tour or Mini Pack

The promo codes will go live at 12.01am Friday 26th November and there will be a limited amount. If you want to get ahead of the queue, sign up here and receive the codes in your email 12 hours before everyone else.

You can still choose to book open dated if you don’t want to pick a date but want the discount.

What To Do Now?

If you want to come within the next year, apply for your visa immediately. You have a year to start the visa so you should get your application in now.
Sign up for a Black Friday promo code now.
On Friday 26th November, place a deposit for your Welcome to Travel tour. You can still choose to book open dated if you don’t want to pick a date, but you still want the discount. Win win!
Once your visa has been granted, you can book your flights.

Around the same time as organising those flights, organise your travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads.

Tourist Visa Makers

Although this is great for people coming on a working holiday, we know that some of you might be wanting to come on a tourist visa.

Australia announced it is extending the country it is allowing tourists by adding in Korea and Japan from the 1 December 2021.

If you want to know when your country will be listed then sign up to our Australia Travel Update Newsletter.

If you have any questions at all, then please get in touch with us here, we can’t wait to hear from you.

We’re so excited for 2022 and beyond, you travelling to Australia is so close you can nearly touch it.

The post Australia Opens Borders To Working Holiday Visas appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Work On A Farm In Australia – Now $25.41 An Hour

Adam Ogle — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 06:33:45 +0000

There have long been discussions on how to improve the criteria of specified work that needs to be completed in order to get a second (and third) working holiday visa in Australia, and now there’s finally some good news for all future working holidaymakers that need/want to work on a farm in Australia.

You might know this specified work aspect under another name, maybe your 88 days, farm work, rural work, fruit picking or your 3 months.

In 2020, the government launched an inquiry into the working holiday visa and how it can be improved. With borders closed, I had some time on my hands and this felt like a perfect opportunity to be able to have my say on something I’m knowledgeable and passionate about, working holiday makers having the best possible time in Australia.

As part of my role as Vice President at Adventure Tourism Victoria, I, along with others, put together a submission highlighting things that can be improved within the visa. This process also involved representing the submission by speaking in parliament.

The ultimate goal? To have a positive effect on future working holiday makers.

One of the main things we focused on was improving the way wages are paid on farms.

Nearly one year on, we’re pleased to say that we’ve seen an incredible result, something so positive that it resulted in Australia’s Worker’s Union National Secretary Daniel Walton described the ruling as ‘one of the most significant industrial decisions of modern times’.

While hourly pay is still found across the industries involved in specified work a lot of this work, especially when picking fruit, has been paid on something called a piece rate. A piece rate, basically explained, is where you’re paid for how much work you do. IE, you’re paid per the amount of pieces you produce/pick/pack.

This could be the amount of cherries you pick, trees you plant or vines you prune. This can increase productivity and also prove to be financially rewarding. It absolutely can be a positive when employers enforce it correctly.

I worked on a farm in Australia back in 2011

To give you an example, when Darryl (the other co-founder of Welcome to Travel) and I personally completed our specified work, our employer was excellent. When we were in younger, less populated trees, we were paid an hourly rate because there simply wasn’t many fruit to pick so a piece rate would have left us underpaid.

When we moved into the older trees, packed full of avocados, we were moved on to a piece rate and that’s when we earned more. We were extremely motivated and earned more money, our piece rate experience here was positive.

However some employers have spoiled that system for others by using it as a way to underpay, and take advantage of workers. They paid low piece rates and/or had too high expectations. EG Instead of paying Darryl and I hourly in the younger trees, they would have continued to pay us a piece rate. This would have left us demotivated, underpaid and frustrated with the system that created this.

This is why this week’s announcement is extremely positive and a huge win for travellers coming to Australia, who want / need to work on a farm.

On Friday November 5th 2021 “the Australian Fair Work Commission ruled that farm workers picking fruit on a piece rate must be guaranteed a minimum hourly rate of $25.41.

While the Commission’s draft determination does not outlaw piecework, it guarantees a minimum hourly rate regardless of productivity.”

This new wage of $25.41ph is the minimum wage for a casual worker in Australia. To put that in perspective in your home currency, that is:

£13.88
$23.43 (CAD)
$18.83(US)
€16.23
161.31 SEK
120.75 DKK

Remember, this is the minimum wage you will earn, whilst you work on a farm in Australia!

This means 38 hours at this wage would pocket you a nice $965.58. Nearly a whole 8 day Welcome to Melbourne or Welcome to Sydney trip paid off in 1 week’s work, how amazing is that?!

In recent months, there have been several other changes to the visa. We’ve listed them below:

From 22 June 2021, work undertaken in the tourism and hospitality sectors in northern, remote or very remote Australia can also be counted as specified work towards eligibility for a second or third WHM visa. This option will be available for WHM applications lodged from March 2022.
From 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2022, holders and former holders of a COVID-19 affected WHM visa will be able to make a nil VAC WHM application online.
WHMs who are offshore and who were unable to come to Australia or had to leave early because of COVID-19 will be able to apply for a replacement visa with nil VAC.For more information about nil VAC WHM applications, see Offshore nil Visa Application Charge (VAC) WHM applications.

There is also the recently announced UK and Australia Free Trade agreement. While several terms were agreed earlier in the year, The Sydney Morning Herald reports that the deal will probably come into force from 1 July 2022.

If that’s the case, that’s when the working holiday visa age limit will rise from 30 to 35, giving Britons a total of three years to live and work in Australia. The exact details of how that will work are yet to be confirmed and once we know, you will too.

That's all fine and well but when can you travel?

In regards to Australia and it’s border openings…well there’s a question we don’t have an answer to, however there’s some positive news, with Scott Morrison this week commenting

“By the end of the year I fully anticipate that we’ll be able to achieve seeing international visitors, including backpackers, who are double-vaccinated being able to come back to Australia.”

This is big news and we are so excited to welcome travellers here again.

To stay up to date of when the borders are opening, pop in your email below.

With all of the positive news, it is time you started thinking about travelling to Australia.

The post Work On A Farm In Australia – Now $25.41 An Hour appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

6 Melbourne Instagram Accounts You Need To Follow

Darryl Newby — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 05:05:00 +0000

We All Know Instagram Is The Best For Travel Inspiration....

Instagram and its updates are always changing…and so are the creatives on the platform. Whether you’re searching for the best reels, posts, stories or even IGTV’s to consume these are the best accounts to follow for Melbourne in 2021.

Aside from being an incredibly Instagrammable city in it’s own right, there’s a big chance that Melbourne is the city you’ve been dreaming of. Whether you’re in the planning stages of your Australian adventure or you just have Melbourne on your mind, these Melbourne Instagram accounts will give you all the travel inspo you need.

1) @melbourneiloveyou

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A post shared by Melbourne - Chris Cincotta (@melbourneiloveyou)

@melbourneiloveyou is ran by Chris Cincotta. Not only is he a Melbourne legend, but a talented photographer that captures the true essence of Melbourne and its people. He is also the founder of @humansinmelbourne.

@melbourneiloveyou now shares other peoples stunning photos of Melbourne when you #melbourneiloveyou, so if you manage to get a beautiful snap of the city when you’re here, feel free to hashtag your life away!

Chris still gets behind the camera and captures Melbourne through a lens, often using his girlfriend @milymiss as his focus to compliment the city.

You can buy his prints, books and jigsaws at his website – melbourneiloveyou.com

2) @whereiskapa

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A post shared by KapaMelbourne (@whereiskapa)

@whereiskapa I’ll tell you where she is on Instagram bloody killing the reels game.

With 2.2 million views on her Sounds of Melbourne reel, along with millions of other views on her reels Kapa seriously gets Melbourne and it’s not just reels she offers.

A talented photographer with care factor for her audience giving more info in her guides around Victoria.

You want to make the most of this amazing city…follow her account.

3) @lushsux

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A post shared by lushsux (@lushsux)

If you have ever been to Melbourne you have seen @lushsux‘s work…and to be honest he will probably hate being on a blog like this.

His satirical, pop culture graffiti is always a talking point. From online beef with 50 Cent to poking fun at CEO’s such as Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos, no celebrity is safe when @lushsux has a spray can in his hand.

It’s always a favourite on our Welcome to Melbourne tours to find his 15 foot Kim Kardashian and Em Ratajowski mural…good looking finding it

4) @oldvintagemelbourne

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A post shared by Old Vintage Melbourne (@oldvintagemelbourne)

There is something so wholesome about this account which made me put it in.

Seeing Melbourne through the ages just warms my heart, but also seeing it with worldwide icons like Arnold Schwareznegger and Dolly Parton make it mind blowing , it’s like two worlds have collided.

Curated by @chrismacheras he has found images which will take you back in time and @oldvintagemelbourne has been so popular that Chris is publishing a book with his favourite images captured over the years. A perfect gift for any Melbourne lover.

5) @welcometo.travel

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A post shared by Welcome to Travel | Australia (@welcometo.travel)

Hang on a minute…is this not a Welcome to Travel blog…well yes it is but there is a good reason why we’re putting ourselves down here.

Our Insta account is more for travellers looking to coming over to Australia maybe on a gap year or working holiday so they can be informed and see the places they want to explore. Whether you want to join us on one of tours in Melbourne or Sydney we hope our account inspires future travellers.

Also our improved Instagram game may also be due to the help and advice we received from the talented @benn_tk. The only reason he didn’t make the list is because he’s too busy travelling all over the world, but we know Melbourne’s still his favourite.

We may not have the biggest audience, but a little follow from you would be nice.

6) @jjzandt

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A post shared by Jeff van de Zandt (@jjzandt)

No creator has quite captured the lockdown mood of Melbourne better than Jeff.

It feels like when Dan Andrews changes from a North Face coat to a blazer and we’re due some bad news, we turn to @jjzandt to get us through those neggy times.

So on behalf of all of Victoria, thank you Jeff.

What now? Go follow these accounts, get inspired and come and experience one of the best cities in the world.

The post 6 Melbourne Instagram Accounts You Need To Follow appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Working Holiday Visa Update: No More Farm Work, Free Visas and More

Darryl Newby — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 02:39:44 +0000

Finally the news is here regarding the UK and Australia Free Trade Agreement for Working holiday makers.

Now before I get into all the points, I just want to let you know that we’re a travel company and not visa experts. But because we work with working holiday makers all the time on our tours, we want to be as helpful as possible and give you the main points of information with a few examples.

via GIPHY

Update 18 July 2023

Point 1

From 1 July 2023 you can apply for a working holiday visa even if you’re over the age of 30.

Point 2

And this is a BIG one…but not the biggest.

“From 1 July 2024, UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate Working Holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements.”

Point 3 (The Big One)

If you have ever had a working holiday or you’re on one right now this is the point you have been waiting for.

“If a UK passport holder has already spent one or two years in Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa before the new arrangements commence, they can apply for the remaining visa(s) under the new arrangements from 1 July 2024. This will enable access to the maximum of three years in Australia.”

What does this mean?

Point 1 - From 1 July 2023 you can apply for a working holiday visa even if you’re over the age of 30.

Previously you could only get the working holiday visa between the age of 18-30 but now it has been extended to the age of 35.

When we say the age 35 – that means you can apply up until the day before you turn 36.

Example

Sally from Scunthorpe has never been to Australia on a working holiday.
She is currently 35 years old.
On 1 July 2023 she can apply for a working holiday visa.
From approval she has 1 year to enter the country.
She enters the country on 1 January 2024 and can stay one year maximum as when she applies for her 2nd working holiday she will be 36 years old.

Which leads onto my next point.

Point 2 - Removal of Farm Work

“From 1 July 2024, UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate Working Holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements.”

This means Brits will no longer have to do farm work.

MIND BLOWN

Previously it was a requirement to do 88 days of specified work to be able to apply for a second year visa , then 6 months of specified work for a third year visa. From July 2024 you will be able to get three separate visas with no specified work.

Example

Callum from Carlisle is 22 years old.
He applies for his working holiday visa 1 July 2024.
He lands in Australia in September 2024 and does one of our award-winning tours.
He travels around Australia, lives and works in different places and wants to stay for a second year without going home.
He will then just need to apply for a second year working holiday before September 2025.

Callum bloody loves it here in Australia and wants to stay longer, but he also wants to go home for a while, he misses the cold weather and gravy.

At the end of his second year working holiday Callum doesn’t apply for his third year visa, he goes home for an indefinite amount of time.

Then, when he’s 35, in 2037, he decides he’d like to do his third and final year in Australia. He can then apply for his third working holiday visa, with no special requirements.

This means:

You don’t need to take your working holiday visas consecutively
You won’t need to do the farm work.

Which leads onto what I think is the biggest point.

Point 3 - (The Big One)

If you have ever had a working holiday or you’re on one right now this is the point you have been waiting for.

THIS IS MASSIVE.

However, there are three parts to this:

From July 2024, you’re allowed back to Australia if you have previously had a working holiday visa and you:
- Are still under the age of 36 years old by 1 July 2024
- Didn’t do your regional work
- Haven’t already done 3 years of a working holiday visa
If you’re currently on a working holiday and want to stay in Australia consecutively you may want to consider doing regional work… or leaving and then come back 1 July 2024. Depending on your situation.
If you’re arriving after 1 July 2023 and before 1 July 2024 it pretty much means you have a clean run without doing regional work as you will be able to apply for your 2nd year when your first one runs out.

If you arrive in June 2023 – you may want a month long holiday outside of Australia for June 2024 – waiting for the second year visa to come in without doing regional work.

This is all we know so far, and the source for this info is here. Finally, you can now start planning your future Down Under!

And hopefully we will see you soon.

Is this good or bad news for you personally? Let us know in the comments!

As with all things, you wait around ages for some good news and then it all comes at once. Two weeks ago we had news on working holiday changes for just Brits, now there is news for all Working Holiday Makers.

Update 5 May 2023

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced the Free Trade Deal will come into effect on 31 May 2023.

The agreement, projected to boost trade by $11.8 billion over the long run, opens up sectors such as agriculture and allows for freer movement for service-sector professionals.

However, there has been no clear indication on when the 417 visa (working holiday) element of the agreement will come into play.

It has been stated that within two years of entry into force, Brits will be able to apply for working holidays in the UK to the age of 35, up from 30, and stay for a maximum of three years instead of two.

We believe more info on this will come out on 31 May 2023.

No More Farm Work

Up until now, people on a 417 visa (Working Holiday Visa) have needed to complete 3 months of specified work in a rural area (often known as farm work) to extend their visa for a 2nd year. Doing this work will still get you a visa extension, but as you can see from below, other types of work will be able to be carried out too.

From 8 May 2021, WHMs working in the tourism and hospitality sectors anywhere in Australia may now work for up to 12 months with the same employer or organisation without requesting permission.
From 22 June 2021, work undertaken in the tourism and hospitality sectors in northern, remote or very remote Australia can also be counted as specified work towards eligibility for a second or third WHM visa.
This option will be available for WHM applications lodged from March 2022.

Taken from official government statement here.

That means if you’re in Australia you will be able to swap your farm work for tourism or hospitality, to get your third year visa.

We’re still unsure if they’ll keep this for future travellers, but it is a really positive sign.

FREE VISAS FOR COVID AFFECTED TRAVELLERS

You may remember that last year the Australian government announced that people who didn’t use their visa, or people that had to fly home because of COVID would be eligible to a free visa in the future. I’m excited to let you know that the exact process for that has FINALLY been confirmed and announced this week.

Who Can Apply?
You must be outside Australia to apply for a nil VAC WHM visa.

You may apply if you hold or held a ‘COVID-19 affected WHM visa’. To hold a COVID-19 affected visa, you must meet all of the below requirements:

you were granted a WHM (subclass 417 or 462) visa before 20 March 2020
your WHM visa expired on or after 20 March 2020 while you were outside Australia or will expire before 31 December 2021 while you are outside Australia
you did not travel to Australia on your WHM visa or departed Australia before your visa expired.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a nil VAC WHM visa, you must:

be outside Australia and apply by 31 December 2022
hold a WHM eligible passport (subclass 417 or subclass 462)
be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) at time of application, except for Canadian, French and Irish citizens who can be 18 to 35 years old (inclusive)
meet health and character requirements
not be accompanied by dependent children.

Visa Period

A nil VAC WHM visa, like all WHM visas granted to applicants who are outside Australia, is in effect for 12 months from the date you enter Australia.

You will have 12 months to enter Australia from the date your visa is granted.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply for this visa online and must be outside Australia at time of application.

Processing Times

Visa applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and processing times can vary due to individual circumstances.

Processing times have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and visa applications may take longer to finalise.

The Department is currently prioritising processing of visa applications for travellers who are exempt from travel restrictions and have an urgent need to travel.

For more information on travel restrictions, see COVID-19 and the border.

Applying for Subsequent WHM Visas

If you hold or have held a COVID-19 affected WHM visa, that visa will not count towards the total number of three WHM visas you may hold.

If You Are Not Eligible for a VAC WHM Visa

If you are not eligible to apply for a nil VAC WHM visa, you may be eligible to request a VAC refund or apply for a standard (full VAC) WHM visa.

For further information, see Refunds and waivers of Visa Application Charges.

WHM Holders in Australia
From March 2022, eligible current and former WHMs in Australia will be able to apply for a WHM visa with a nil VAC. This will provide them with another opportunity to meet the specified work requirements for a subsequent WHM visa.

Former WHM visa holders who have transitioned to another visa, such as the 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa, may also be eligible to apply for an onshore nil VAC WHM visa.

More information on the onshore nil VAC WHM visa will be available on the Department’s website once arrangements are finalised.

Information taken from the government website.

Need help for your working holiday visa?

We have been in your position trying to work out how all the details of a working holiday visa, so we have made it easy for you.

Check out our Australia Working Holiday Visa page as this will answer a lot of the unanswered questions you may have.

UPDATE: 4 April 2022 | UK – Australia Free Trade Agreement

Maximum stay of three years on a working holiday

British Working Holiday Makers visa holders can soon stay three years in Australia without doing regional work and this excludes any ‘COVID -19 affected visa’.

Three Separate Visas

The years will be on separate visas – meaning you apply for the first year, then second and then third. There is no need for you to stay in Australia three years consecutively.

E.g. Harry from Hull comes applies for his visa in 2023 when he is 20 years old.
He comes to Australia in 2024 when he is 21 for a year – then returns to England in 2025.
2027 Harry realises he misses Australia when he is 24 and applies for the second year visa – which he uses in 2028 when he is 25.
He travels and then falls in love with someone from New Zealand and goes to live there after his second year visa has finished.
2034 – things didn’t go well for Harry and his partner in New Zealand so he wants to give Australia one more go. He applies for his third year visa in 2034 when he is 31 and goes on his last work ing holiday in 2035 when he is 32.

You Can Come Back

If you were in Australia on a working holiday and didn’t do your regional work but are still under the age of 35 you ARE able to come back to Australia, when the free trade agreement kicks in.
Even if you have used your second year visa – you will be able to apply for a third year visa once the free trade agreement is finalised.

Stay Up To Date On Visa Information

The post Working Holiday Visa Update: No More Farm Work, Free Visas and More appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Visa Changes for Brits: Age Limit Changed From 30 to 35, No More Farm Work and 3 Year Visa

Darryl Newby — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 10:29:30 +0000

News about working holidaymakers travelling to Australia has been hard to come by recently. However, that changed today, with huge developments for people from Britain looking in to the possibility of a working holiday in Australia.

No More Farm Work

In the trade agreement between the UK and Australia, Boris Johnson pushed for the removal of the mandatory regional work if a Brit on a working holiday visa wanted to extend for another 12 months, which has been in place since 2005.

The work includes:

plant and animal cultivation in regional Australia
fishing and pearling in regional Australia
tree farming and felling in regional Australia
mining in regional Australia
construction in regional Australia

This work previously allowed a traveller to extend their stay for a 2nd, and then 3rd year (if more work was completed). The new deal will see Brits get a total of three years on a working holiday, a program that encourages young travellers to experience the best of Australia.

Age Limit Increased To 35

Another major change is the announcement that the working holiday visa age limit will change to 35 years old, following in the footsteps of other countries such as Canada, France and Ireland.

Previously you could only arrive in Australia on a working holiday visa before you turned 31. This will now permit that you can arrive in Australia on a working holiday visa before you turn 36. This is a huge change and an incredible opportunity for people that thought they had missed out, to give Australia a go.

What To Do Now?

This has just been announced and is an agreement and has not been made policy. So don’t go quitting your farm job if you’re in Australia and don’t go applying for a visa if you’re in the UK.

The finer details of how and when this, and a special agricultural visa will work are yet to be released.

If you’re wanting to be kept updated on any visa announcements then sign up for our newsletter below. Here at Welcome to Travel we make it easier for you to start your working holiday with tours in both Melbourne and Sydney.

We also help our travellers with employment with our expansive database of employers and recruiters. We have a dedicated community team that are your constant network of support whilst you’re travelling here.

If you have any questions at all about travelling Australia, contact us here and we’ll help you with anything and everything.

Keep Up To Date

The post Visa Changes for Brits: Age Limit Changed From 30 to 35, No More Farm Work and 3 Year Visa appeared first on Welcome to Travel.

Five Most Instagrammable Places in Sydney

Annisa Maher — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 05:44:12 +0000

Sydney is hands down one of the most picturesque and photogenic cities in the world.

Naturally, this makes it the perfect destination for travellers (and Instagram lovers) who love to wander around, camera in hand, capturing the beauty around them.

The spectacular Harbour. Quirky alleys and side streets. Breathtaking beaches and rugged cliffs. Stunning parks. The list goes on…

If you find yourself in the Harbour City, make sure you explore some of Sydney’s most scenic (and Instagrammable) areas that you simply can’t miss out on.

The Rocks

I’m going to start this off with the most obvious choice.

The oldest neighbourhood in modern-day Sydney. The Rocks has so much to offer to the Instagram aficionado. Zigzag your way around the cobblestone streets to find beautiful, old sandstone buildings built by the first British settlers in the 18th century.

If charming heritage-listed buildings aren’t your thing (but also, why wouldn’t they be?), then you can always go searching for the various cosy courtyards that are lit up by warm fairy lights at night. Or the many unique underground cocktail bars that are scattered around.

For the old souls out there, I recommend that you venture out on your own tour of the oldest pubs in the area (trust me, there are a few).

The stunning architecture alone is wildly Instagram worthy. But walking around, you really do get a sense of the area’s Old World charm and character. It’s palpable.

To mix things up, witness the brilliant juxtaposition of modern, minimalist design and historical heritage by visiting the Museum of Contemporary Art. Not only is it quite unique to see such a beautiful Art Deco building against the backdrop of old brick and sandstone, it also happens to be a fantastic Museum.

What would an Instagrammable spot be without an incredible vantage point? A short 20-minute stroll from The Rocks will get you to Observatory Hill. Here, you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the beautiful Harbour. And if you’re looking for accommodation with a view, look no further than the Sydney Harbour YHA. The views from the rooftop are phenomenal, allowing you to look out to both Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. Don’t say we didn’t tell you.

Barangaroo Reserve

I think we all know just how instagrammable parks can be, and Barangaroo Reserve is no exception.

Set in the middle of the city, this beautifully-landscaped garden is quite literally the perfect spot for a picnic. With incredible, uninterrupted views of the harbour, it is the ultimate place to get a spectacular sunset snap.

Pack a picnic, a blanket and a bottle of wine (yes, it is BYO), sit yourself down on the grass and admire the view. Once you’ve had enough to eat, go check out one of the many lookouts. Better yet, take a stroll along the foreshore promenade. Hand holding is recommended for maximum romantic effect.

If you’re someone who prefers to treat themselves and eat out, then you’re in luck.

Not only is there a multitude of incredible places to eat and drink (hello food snaps), but most of them will also have ridiculous views of the city skyline and the Harbour Bridge too. I’m talking waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars. I wasn’t kidding when I said these were some of the most instagrammable areas in Sydney…

Not only is this place stunning, but it is also culturally significant. It’s a key site where clans of the Eora Nation lived, hunted and fished both before colonial settlement and during. If you feel like learning more about the rich cultural history of Barangaroo Reserve, you can take part in an insightful Aboriginal Cultural Tour. Not only will the tour take you through the Reserve, showcasing all of the wonderful native flora, but you will also get some insight into the significance of the land to Australia’s Aboriginal heritage.

Newtown

Newtown is Sydney’s eclectic, free-spirited neighbourhood with a whole lot of character.

Boasting a thriving food, drink, art, music and theatre scene, it’s where everyone goes to eat the best ramen, snatch up rare vintage pieces, see live music and drink crisp draught beers.

But why exactly is Newtown one of Sydney’s most instagrammable areas? Well there are a few reasons. Number one: it’s home to what seems like an endless array of wonderfully colourful and often thought-provoking street art. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find a square metre of concrete in the whole neighbourhood that ISN’T covered in vibrant illustrations.

Newtown is also where you go for your hit of multicultural deliciousness.

If you’re a fan of anything from Vietnamese, to Pakistani, Japanese, Ethiopian or Greek, Newtown’s got you covered. Add your pick of craft breweries, grungy bars and classic pubs to the list, and you’ve got yourself the perfect day of eating and drinking. Fill your camera roll up with shots of the different dishes, beautiful cocktails and charming venues and you’re good to go!

And finally, Newtown just so happens to be home to all of the vintage stores, thrift shops and knick knacks of your dreams. If you love to wander around in search of second-hand treasures and “little cute things”, you’ll be delighted at the number of shops you can cruise through. Not only are these quirky shops and stalls aesthetically pleasing (instagram-worthy for sure), you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable model of shopping by purchasing pre-loved items. Win win!

Bondi Beach

This one needs no introduction.

Bondi Beach probably takes the crown as THE most instagrammable area in Sydney, and rightly so. The spot itself is iconic – after all, what’s not to love? Surfers in their element. Turquoise blue waves washing up on orange sand. A beautiful rugged coastline. It’s no wonder Instagram lovers all flock here to try to capture the magic.

Start at the northern side of Bondi Beach and make your way to the Grassy Knoll for the ultimate panoramic view. Hint: take a picnic blanket and kick back with some snacks as you watch the sunset give off beautiful pinks and purples over the neighbourhood. Of course, you can also stroll down the beach and get that epic Lifeguard Tower shot (Bondi Rescue, anyone?) because we all know it’s a good one.

Slowly make your way down the beach to the famous Icebergs saltwater pool – the most photographed pool in the world.

You know the one – runs 50m long and is quite literally placed RIGHT next to the ocean? I’ll admit, it is pretty special to watch the wild waves crash up against the rocks and the side of the pool.

Not enough content there for your Instagram? Well, if you really wanted to level-up, you could set off on the Bondi to Coogee walk along the coast, passing by four more beaches. And trust me when I say that the shots you can get on the way are breathtaking. I’m talking dramatic cliffs, rock pools, Aboriginal rock carvings and tons of orange roof speckles scattered around everywhere. Oh, and if you get hungry, just pop in to any of the cute little suburbs on the way for a delicious treat to refuel.

Royal Botanic Gardens

Heritage-listed, majestic and lush.

A trip to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney is good for the soul, and for the camera roll (rhyme intended). A green oasis that spreads out over 30 hectares, it is once again an ideal place for a picnic, a leisurely stroll or a quiet ponder. Try and see if you can spot any of the birds, fish, lizards and frogs that are roaming around – bonus points if you manage to catch them on camera!

And seeing as we are talking about Sydney after all, what would this instagrammable place be if it didn’t showcase TWO of the most famous landmarks in the world – the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

The spot I’m talking about is called Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone bench on the Garden Island Peninsula. From this bench, you can take in the ultimate, uninterrupted view of both of these beauties, side by side. Best seat in the house.

Next, take advantage of the ridiculous amount of colourful flowers, trees and berries because they are at every corner. And if you’re doubting just how picturesque this place is, head to the RBG Sydney Instagram page and see for yourself!

There are also endless events and workshops and exhibitions at the RBG, so make sure to check what’s on when you visit. Head down to The Calyx, the centre that hosts these activities, and take in the cool light features at night. Oh, and the building itself is prime instagram material.

Now, while we deem these five places to be the most instagrammable areas in Sydney, the truth is that every corner of this city is spectacular and wonderfully Instagram-worthy. There is an abundance of picture-perfect spots that all need to be seen to be believed.

Reading blogs, watching videos, planning an itinerary and chatting to experts can all help make sure you don’t miss out on the “must-sees” and that you make the most of your time. After all, we haven’t even touched on Sydney’s beautiful surrounds in this blog. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover.

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