One Mans Odyssey

Being a Solo traveller I decided to book myself into something more than the typical bars for Christmas eve. Route 69 a company that arranges nights out for travellers were running a special Christmas Eve harbour cruise so I decided to book myself in. $70 for a 3 hours cruise on the harbour with Unlimited Food & Drink and a free bus to after party it claimed. I don't like to write about things I haven't enjoyed so much but I think it's important to give an honest review of things that I've done.

After arriving at 6:45 for a prompt 7pm departure we waited around for nearly an hour before the boat we were on even arrived. It was easily 8 by the time we had managed to get on to the boat and begun queuing inside for food.  The food was nice and although we did have to queue for ages you can't blame anyone for that. Next was the queue for drinks, eventually arriving at the bar we found out that even though they had a fully stocked bar you could only get Victoria Bitter or the cheapest wine from a box. This box is notorious amongst travellers $10 for 4 litres and known to give you the worst hangovers. Looks like we were in for a great night…

Admittedly once you got over this it was not that bad, cheesy christmas songs, met quite a few cool people and had a bit of a laugh. This all came to an abrupt end at 9.50pm, not even 2 hours after leaving as we docked and were told we had 1 minute to leave the boat as they had to have their christmas as well. Fair enough but it was said with such spite you would think they were working for free. As i made my way to get off the boat I began to finish off my drink and actually had the can snatched from my hand and thrown into a bin by one of the guys running the event. Clearly this is what you hope for when spending $70 on a night out…

On to the free bus I guess? Nope, with little to no organisation a group of us tried to find this free bus which had been arranged specially for us in vain. A little while later we decided to get a taxi instead and make our own way up to the after party at The Gaff. We finally got to the venue and it looked lively, there might actually be a chance to carry on enjoying ourselves. I show my ticket to the bouncer as I try to walk through and am physically lifted out of the doorway and thrown aside as I'm told to go around the other side and the rest of my group is swiftly ushered in that direction also.

By the time we find our way to our entrance, a fire exit being held open in a dirty alleyway to the back of the club, I was not in the best of moods and decided to give up the ghost and head back to my hostel to try and salvage the night. All in all, this was probably the least fun night out in Australia and didn't make for the best Christmas eve. For what I got it was overpriced, misadvertised and nowhere near what I had been expecting. Many of the people on my boat mirrored this statement.

On the flip side there is always more than one story and as there were many different boats that night I have heard that some people had a great time. The company is not a complete shambles as they would not have lasted this long. This particular boat for this night though was not at all up to par. Lets hope for a better christmas eve next year.

As I previously mentioned, I had booked myself into surf camp. My own attempts at teaching myself how to surf in Byron Bay were going OK but nowhere near as fast as I would have liked. The waves were playing with me, rather than the other way around. A company named Mojosurf run a 5 day surf camp which travels both down and up the coast between Byron Bay. I have spoken to a few people who had been on it and said that it was amazing, including a girl whom had been scared to even go in the water with a surfboard when I had met her. With reviews like that I had to sign up.

One of the instructors, a guy also named Dan. picked us up from Byron at the bright and breezy time of 7 in the morning from Byron. After a game of extreme tetris, trying to fit in the backpacks and more of 24 travellers into the bus' trailer we all boarded and a mic was passed around for everybody to introduce themselves. It seemed there was quite a mixed group, with people from all over. Also surprisingly the majority were female, something I wasn't expecting but never a bad thing. Everyone seemed really cool and it looked to be a good week ahead.

A couple hours after being picked up we were arriving at Arrawarra Beach the location for our first days surf. The instructors introduced themselves and we were given a talk on the basics. I finally got to work out why the waves had been smashing me every which way. A quick glance at some of the rules, main one being to "Look Cool and Have Fun", and we were all in Wetsuits down to the beach with our boards. With constant guidance for those that needed it, within minutes some people were already up and riding their first waves. All in all there were two sessions on each of the main days, one in the morning and one in the afternoon with some lunch and a small siesta in between.

After the first day, I believe everybody had managed to catch at least one wave and everybody was starting to loosen up a little. A few people had even noticed dolphins in the surf with us. I was too  busy drowning at the time I think.

A quick trip to the bottle shop and the nights festivities began. Those with any energy left from the day headed down to the beach with a portable sound system and a few torches to party into the night. About half way through I headed back to my room to sleep in preparation for more surf and travel to the next camp.

There are not too many things I have found that will wake you up better than a nice morning surf in the sunny weather. Energetic beyond belief and excited to do more we finished our first session at a time I'd forgotten even existed after not having a job for over a month. Everyone was back on the bus and we were on our way to the main camp at Crescent Head. The main camp is a purpose built place specifically for the mojo guys. It is in a great location for learning to surf and this location was just for people on the mojo surf camp unlike the last which meant this place created a more community like feel amongst the group.

Progressively throughout the week everybody's skill level increased greatly and a lot of fun was had by all. The team were great working with people and seemed to really live what they do rather than just teach and talk about it blindly. Kimbo and Sarah, have both won awards for surfing which are placed around camp. Also worth a huge mention is Sarah's amazing cooking at camp all week. I had eaten better at this week than any other in Australia, despite the fact I ate out solidly for my first 3 weeks in Australia.

There were always enough instructors out in the water with you and usually a similar amount joining in the fun later on. Another thing to point out is that even though there was the option to party at both camps, there was always a separate location for the dorms and place to party so that those who were there to solidly surf could do that and you could always sleep in peace ready for an early start the next day.

I highly recommend this week to anybody who is even considering trying to surf. It is probably the most fun I've had in Australia since I've got here. I hired a surfboard yesterday and can actually pass myself off as a surfer for a few minutes in the water with a standard board as well. Also you can't forget the food, it sure as hell beats 2 minute noodles!

Hey Everybody, Just a quick note to let you know that I am still alive, I have a lot to write about, but I'm also having far too much fun to type it all up now. Speak to you in a few days…

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

Byron Bay, as I previously stated is my current location. Got here last Tuesday from Sydney and am having a great time. Its nice to get out of the city and go somewhere that feels slightly more unique. It's definitely a LOT smaller than Sydney, very small place in fact but I'm probably having more fun here. Staying at a hostel called The Arts Factory.

I've hired a surfboard a few days at varying prices. The waves here are a lot bigger than my first attempts at Palm Beach. As such I've found it a lot harder up here and on one day have not even managed to paddle out far enough before getting thrown back to the shore with a big wave. The current here can also be crazy, I started paddling out on one beach and after maybe 10 minutes ended up half way down the adjacent beach (Note to Family Readers: They have dedicated lifesavers on each beach if I'd had any real trouble ).

I've also probably spent far too much money and bought a Didgeridoo. There is a guy in my hostel who makes them and also gives lessons. I bought one from him and have had two lessons so far. It's really confusing working out the breathing but a lot of fun. Spending about an hour a day practicing at them moment, don't know how that will work when I get back into the city but hey.

On Thursday went for a "stroll on the beach" and ended up hiking for three hours trying to find the local lighthouse. It looks so close but believe me once you've started walking it's a long way and there's no turning back. I've never been so happy to buy a bottle of water in my life as when I reached the peak with the lighthouse hours later. Despite this the walk was really beautiful and I ended up sitting at the top for at least half an hour just staring out at the sea. 

I've been spending far too much time diving in and out of the pool in my hostel also, Good times! It's crazy, I'm already making a whole new set of friends over here and beginning to bump into people I met back in Sydney as well. It's definitely a different life as a traveler but I'm enjoying it.

I am booked into a 5 day surf camp to really learn as much as I can this week. For that reason I'm not sure when I can next update but I can tell you that I'll probably have a lot to talk about. Until Next Time…

Dear Friend,

Australia. The location of your next adventure is set. Deciding that you want to go traveling and having a destination can be a really exciting time. I was there not so long back. I remember sitting at home in Sunny England dreaming of endless beaches and a chance to experience the Aussie Lifestyle. Regardless of the ideas you have You are expecting one hell of an experience.

Everything is not always smooth riding though and this is one guide that will help you get from where you are to Australia quickly and easily whilst avoiding the most common mistakes that new travellers make.

Did you know that when you arrive you may be taxed as much as 47%?

You don't have to pay that much! Inside I will tell you how to avoid paying this tax rate from the very first day you start to work.

Did you know it is possible to get your Australian Visa in less than 48 hours?

I will tell you where to apply to ensure you get your visa as quickly as possible.

With this guide you will be able to start your dream holiday without having to search through tons of websites and books with too much information that isn’t even relevant to you.

Inside you will find only the information you need to reach your dreams without the fluff or hype telling you how to spend your holiday.

Good Luck Down Under,

Daniel McClure

It's been a crazy few days… After spending three weeks in Sydney it starts to become normal  so I sat in an Internet cafe and decided to look for a good night out in Sydney. Something a bit different from the backpacker bars and cheap eat places I keep falling into recently. Logging on I found that on Saturday 08/12/07 there would be a dance event called transmission.

I'm usually not that into trance but decided to give it a go as Showtek was also playing which is more Hardstyle. Something I definitely like. $100 tickets, a huge commitment but I knew that a good night was necessary.

Cut to the morning of the rave and I head downstairs to check my email and meet a couple girls from one of my old rooms. We get chatting and they invite me to my first BBQ in Australia. It was with some guys that I met at the beach a week ago or so. 90% Irish crowd at this BBQ; sometimes in Sydney you can forget that you are actually in Australia but had a wicked day none the less and the sun came out to greet us.

After a long day of burgers, bangers and beer I headed back to the hostel to meet with a couple people who had also decided to go to the rave. We hang around a bit and then get a Taxi to the Sydney Olympic Park, the venue for the nights festivities. This place is huge, I think we spent about 30 minutes once we had arrived actually looking for the area where the rave was being held.

When asking a couple girls for directions I got my first recognition for being English. A sign that I was finally branching out from the city centre. Some girls "loved my accent" and pointed us in the general direction.

When we finally arrived the arena was huge holding 5000 people in just one room! Back in England there is usually about 2000 people in three arenas so this is definitely the biggest I've been to yet apart from the festivals etc.

Paul Van Dyk was up first and played his set. This was good but as I've said I'm not a big trance fan so his three hours was a bit much. As soon as his set was over the guys from the hostel went back. The night was only just beginning for me as the hardstyle was up next and I spent the next 5 hours bopping away with a little help from the Red Bull and Gatorade.

The music ended at 7 in the morning and I'd managed to stay the distance. From a BBQ straight to a rave, the longest day partying I've had so far and as one of the best days I've had so far. Back to the hostel for some sleep ready for the afternoon.

Running on 4 hours sleep a few of us headed down to watch the Ricky Hatton fight at 'Cheers'. The place was packed from top to bottom and the only space we could get was standing by the horse racing across the room from the boxing. Minutes before the fight they changed to the channel for us and we ended up with front row seats, top stuff.

If only the English luck could have gone on into the fight. Half way through a storm hit Australia and cut out the satellite for a few rounds. After tuning back in Hatton went on to lose the fight. Not the result everyone had hoped for so it was back to the hostel for a shot drinking contest.

A few shots in it was decided that I would hitch a ride with a few guys from my room who were heading up to Byron Bay, splitting the petrol costs. A ton cheaper for me than a bus and I would finally get to venture outside of Sydney and see another side of Australia. Nine hours driving and a full nights sleep I'm revived and updating this from Global Gossip - Byron Bay.

Tons of fun stuff in the pipeline I'm here for a week and a half with only two nights guaranteed so far. I'll let you know how it goes…

Over the past days and week I have been planning a developing a complete guide for anybody planning on heading down under. This contains information on how to do all the important bits and to make sure that you make it across to the life of your dreams quickly and easily.

The guide has been made from  information that I've acquired from actually being here and living the experience. There is some compiled information to ensure that this guide has everything you need to get from where you are now to Australia.

Information covers various topics including how to get an Australian visa, the best backpacker insurance guide and much more. Keep your eye on this space to sure you don't miss the guide as there first edition will only run in limited supply.

If you haven't already then sign up on the newsletter to the left to receive an update on when the guide will be available and the various ways that you can get your hands on it. If you are heading down under this is one you don't want to miss.

One of my main goals when coming to Australia was to learn to surf. Yesterday was the host of my first ever attempt at surfing. Wake Up hostel provide a day trip in association with MojoSurf each Tuesday for $10. They collect you from the hostel and drive you up to Palm Beach which also happens to be the set of Home & Away for any crazed fans that may find their way through the woodwork.

The journey takes about an hour and the host kept us entertained throughout the journey with lively games like Bus Bowling at 9 in the morning to wake everyone up (This is literally as it sounds). Along the way we also got a chance to stop of at a monument of the man who invented surfing. If you are into your surf history this could be a nice little bonus, otherwise just a welcomed toilet break.

As we pulled up to the beach the sun was blazing and the beach was perfect. Not too busy and the guy said good for learning to surf. At this point I would have no idea how you tell what is good and what isn't. Everybody settled down and the games of volleyball started. They asked for volunteers to start the surfing for the day. I was first up there, not a chance I was going to miss this. After a quick bit of advice on how to stand up we went out and were helped into a couple of waves.

The first time that I actually caught the wave and stood there I was kind of in a state of shock but happy none the less and rode it in to the shore. It was both easier and harder work than I thought. After I was left to my own devices for a bit the hardest bits I found were that I kept on missing waves and had to keep on getting on and off the board which got a bit tiring after a while.

I think surfing could easily become an addiction. Once I had started I didn't want to stop and was out for at least half an hour trying again and again. In my first hours I managed to successfully catch and ride 5 waves. It may not seem a lot but I was having fun all the way.

Had lunch in the local cafe with the nicest salad that I've had since arriving in Australia. Not quite as cheap as I've been eating recently but really nice location and food so you can't complain. They were really friendly inside as well and there was a nice relaxed atmosphere. I have forgotten the name but it is the only cafe currently on the beach.

After lunch we played a little more volleyball before heading into rush hour back to the city. Back to reality for a nice cold beer in the hostel. I would highly recommend this day especially for only $10 and yet again Wake Up! have arranged a good day out with things to do.

So it's been a great weekend in Sydney. Saturday the hostel had arranged for a Free Day out to the races. The day started out with some rain so there wasn't a huge turn out. We all met at about 12 though and got a nice group to head down to Randwick for a day of fun.

There  were to be eight races throughout the day and the plan was to stay and watch a few till we got bored. I set myself a limit for the day to make sure that I didn't get too carried away on the games and went off to place my first bet. The first shock to the system was that the odds worked slightly different than compared to England.

Not able to really work out what was going on yet I noticed a guy writing in detail on a newspaper about the horses. I went straight across and asked who to place my money. Universal Magic was then answer. Sounding as good as any I walked over and put my money on.

Ten minutes later in the stalls and they were off, after a constant dash for the finish line my horse came in first. It's always nice to win something so I happily bounced off to collect my winnings. It was all a bit downhill from here.  So bad in fact that I found myself loosing the next four horse races in a row. If it weren't for the fact that we were having such a laugh this could have been a bit of a disappointment.

There was a live band in between each race and there were many people up and dancing. The weather had brightened up and everybody in the crowd was excited. It was a really nice day and towards the end my luck picked up.

During the last few races I had gotten used to the different odds, found myself a useful paper and I won every single one I bet. A great end to a great day at the races. I finished $50 up on the day with a smile on my face ready for the nights Beach Party at my hostel.