Category: Travel Tips

  • Sydney, Australia Travel Guide: 10 Things You’ll Actually Love Doing

    Sydney, Australia Travel Guide: 10 Things You’ll Actually Love Doing

    The Best Things to Do in Sydney (For Real People)

    There’s a reason Sydney ends up on almost everyone’s bucket list; it’s beautiful, it’s laid-back, and it has that perfect mix of city energy and coastal charm. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, there’s no shortage of incredible things to see and do.

    Here are our favourite things to do in Sydney – from the obvious must-sees to a few relaxed local picks that are just as special and not to be missed!

    Visit Sydney Harbour Bridge

    There’s nothing quite like Sydney Harbour. It’s iconic, it’s picturesque, it’s just…amazing. Walking across the Sydney Harbour Bridge (or even climbing it, if you’re feeling brave) gives you unbeatable views of the Opera House and the sparkling harbour below. But if you’re not up for the walk or the climb, just taking in the views from the harbour is enough to take your breath away.

    Have a Drink at the Opera Bar

    If you’re after the perfect spot to enjoy a drink with a view, Opera Bar is where you’ll find it. Sitting right next to the Opera House, it’s one of those places where you can happily spend an hour (or three), watching ferries come and go as the sun sets over the water. It offers a spectacular view of the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House whilst serving delicious drinks and food. Disclaimer: beware of the seagulls!

    You can even combine your Opera House tour with a meal and drink!

    Shop at The Rocks Markets

    Sticking to the Sydney Harbour area for now, The Rocks Markets are one of our favourite weekend activities. Every Saturday and Sunday, The Markets fill the cobbled laneways of The Rocks with local artisans, handmade jewellery, art, and delicious food stalls. It’s the perfect way to spend a weekend morning – grab a coffee, wander through the stalls, and soak up the history of one of Sydney’s oldest areas.

    Take the Ferry to Manly

    A ferry ride to Manly is worth it for the journey alone – the views of the harbour and Opera House are incredible. Take the Malny Ferry from Circular Quay take in the views and once you arrive, you’ll find a laid-back beach town vibe with great cafés, surf spots, and the beautiful Manly to Spit Bridge coastal walk if you’re feeling active.

    Shelley Beach is also worth a look if you’re into snorkelling!

    Do the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

    Moving to the spectacular Eastern Suburbs, this one’s a Sydney classic. The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk offers jaw-dropping ocean views, sandy beaches, and plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a swim along the way. The walk is around 6 km, but it’s easy to take your time and enjoy every bit of it.

    You can either start at Coogee Beach and finish your walk at the iconic Bondi Icebergs, or start at the famous Bondi Beach and end your walk with a schooner at the Coogee Pavillion.

    Check out our full guide to the Bondi to Coogee Walk here!

    Eat Seafood at Watsons Bay

    Watsons Bay is one of those spots that makes you wonder if you’re still in the city. Have fish and chips by the water at the famous Doyle’s, then wander up to Hornby Lighthouse for one of the best coastal views in Sydney. The Watsons Bay Hotel is also great for a drink, or if you’re visiting on a weekend, you might catch the live music at Doyle’s outside bar!

    Shop in the Queen Victoria Building

    Sydney’s CBD is great for shopping, and even if you’re not big on shopping (which we’re not!), the QVB is worth visiting for its architecture alone. Inside, it’s full of boutique shops, cafés, and that old-world charm you just don’t get in modern malls. It’s a lovely spot to escape the midday heat or rain.

    Take a Day Trip to Palm Beach

    You’ll need to hire a car for this one, but it’s totally worth it. If you’ve ever watched Home and Away, you’ll recognise Palm Beach instantly. It’s the perfect day trip from the city – golden sand, turquoise water, and the Barrenjoey Lighthouse walk for panoramic views. Bring a picnic, a towel, and plan to stay a while!

    Watch the sunrise at Coogee Beach

    Set the alarm early, this one is not to be missed! Watching the sunrise over the ocean at Coogee Beach is pure magic. The sky turns shades of pink and orange, the locals are out for their morning swims, and the day just feels better when you start it this way. Grab a coffee, sit on the iconic Rainbow Steps and take it all in.

    Drive Out to the Royal National Park

    Just an hour from the city, the Royal National Park is perfect for a day of nature. You can hike, swim, or picnic, and if you’re visiting between May and November, it’s one of the best whale-watching spots along the coast.

    It’s a lovely change of scenery and there is so much to see and do there. If you’re after something a little different, definitely add this to your list.

    Final Thoughts

    Sydney really does have something for everyone; beaches, walks, views, food, and that easy-going Aussie charm. You don’t have to rush through a checklist to enjoy it either. Take your time, pick a few of these spots, and experience Sydney the way the locals do – outdoors, relaxed, and with a coffee in hand!

    This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure

  • Rottnest Island Day Trip Guide: Everything You Need to Know (and What We Got Wrong!)

    Rottnest Island Day Trip Guide: Everything You Need to Know (and What We Got Wrong!)

    Rottnest Island – The Things You Need to Know!

    We spent the day on Rottnest Island at the end of our 7-day campervan road trip from Perth to Esperance. Safe to say, we were tired after all that driving and campsite living, and we did not prepare for Rottnest Island… like, at all.

    So, here’s everything you need to know (and what to avoid!) so your trip goes a little more smoothly than ours did.

    Getting to Rottnest Island

    To get to Rottnest, you’ll need to book either the Rottnest Express or the SeaLink Ferry. Definitely pre-book these because they do sell out! If you’re just planning a day trip, a return ticket is the best value.

    We went with the SeaLink Ferry and it was great. Punctual, comfortable, and only took about 30 minutes. The captain even gave us “Wildlife Updates” over the speaker when migrating humpback whales were spotted!

    You can catch the ferry from either Fremantle (which we did) or Perth City. Since we still had our campervan, we parked at Wilson Parking nearby. It’s all outdoors so no height restrictions to worry about, and you can pay via the machine or app. It cost $12 for the whole day, which we thought was pretty reasonable and it’s only a couple of minutes walk away from the ferry.

    Getting Around Rottnest Island

    This is where we really messed up… but honestly, we’re kind of glad we did!

    Most people explore the island either by hop-on-hop-off bus or bicycle. There are e-bikes and regular bikes available, and fair warning, it’s hilly, so prepare for a workout!

    The bus and e-bikes sell out quickly, so book at least a day in advance if you can.

    We hadn’t booked anything – not the bus, not the e-bikes, nothing – so by the time we arrived, the only option left was to hire regular bikes on the spot.

    And you know what? We absolutely loved it. We had to queue for a while and sure, it was tough in parts, but it turned out to be one of our favourite days of the trip. We got a full workout, saw the whole island at our own pace, and finished the day with a well-deserved pizza at Hotel Rottnest overlooking the ocean.

    If you take the bus, note that stops are spread out around the island, so you can still walk between them if you want to see more. Buses run every 20 minutes, but they do get busy and sometimes fill up — so keep that in mind when planning your day.

    *Top tip – if you’re arriving after 1pm, you can book your bikes or e-bikes for a discounted rate!*

    Food and Drink on the Island

    This is another thing we completely underestimated.

    We assumed there’d be cafés and food spots dotted all around the island…there aren’t. Most of the food options are clustered around The Settlement, near where the ferry comes in. Once you head out exploring, things get pretty sparse.

    We didn’t pack any snacks or water, which was a big mistake after hours of cycling in the sun. By the time we reached the West End (the opposite side of the island from where we started), we were starving. We ended up sharing a Powerade and a Byron Bay cookie (which was well expensive btw) just to keep ourselves going until we made it back to civilisation!

    So yes – bring plenty of water with you and probably eat before you start your cycle, if that’s your chosen mode of transport!

    What We’d Do Differently Next Time

    Even though we had a brilliant day, there are definitely a few things we’d do differently (and recommend you do too!):

    Don’t worry if things don’t go to plan. Sometimes the best travel days are the unplanned ones. Our “mistake” ended up being the highlight of our trip.

    Book transport in advance. Whether you want the bus or e-bikes, it’s worth booking before you arrive – especially in peak season.

    Bring snacks and plenty of water. There aren’t many food stops once you’re out exploring, and those hills are thirsty work!

    Start early. The island is stunning, and there’s a lot to see — so the earlier you get there, the more relaxed your day will feel.

    This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure

  • The Best Of Noosa – 10 Things To Do In Noosa

    The Best Of Noosa – 10 Things To Do In Noosa

    Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a true gem in Australia and an absolute must-visit if you’re travelling the area. Having lived there for the best part of a year, we feel like we’re in a good position to recommend a few of the best things to see and do. This certainly isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a great place to start if you’re visiting for the first time.

    We recommend visiting Noosa for a minimum of 4 nights to ensure you have enough time to see everything, visit everywhere and have some time for the all important relaxation!

    (Tip – if you only have a weekend there, check out out blog post on how to spend the weekend in Noosa!).

    1. Visit Hastings Street

        Hastings Street is where the magic happens. It’s got something for everyone – gorgeous shops, delicious restaurants, trendy bars that will make you feel fancy even if you’re just ordering a diet coke, and it’s also a mere hop, skip and a jump away from Noosa Main Beach. (We love to nip into Yo-Chi – yes, it’s worth the hype – and then wander across to the beach and watch the world go by).

        Hastings Street is the hub of Noosa. Gorgeous and the day and even more beautiful at night when the fairy lights on the trees light up. A lot of the bars and restaurants along the street have a daily happy hour – whether it’s cheap oysters, discounted drinks or $10 pizzas.

        *Check out our Noosa restaurant guide here!*

        To put it plainly, you simply cannot take a trip to Noosa without spending time at the iconic Hastings Street!

        The Hastings Street Tree, at night

        2. Noosa Everglades

        Did you know that Noosa has its very own Everglades? Yep, and it’s just one of only two Everglade systems in the world.

        It’s a tranquil paradise full of stunning reflections (you won’t know which way is up!) and wildlife – we were lucky enough to spot a koala! Well, I say that…koalas are notoriously difficult to spot and sadly, I didn’t wear my glasses because I was worried I would fall out of my kayak and lose them, so I didn’t actually see it with my own eyes. There was definitely one there, and everyone else saw it. I did eventually see it through my camera lens when my fiance zoomed in. Anyway, moral of the story is that if you want to see a koala and you wear glasses, make sure you have them on. Chances are, you will not fall out of the kayak. (Disclaimer, if you do fall out and lose your glasses…sorry about that).

        Anyway, you can explore the Everglades by kayak, take a guided boat tour, or do a bit of both! We chose a 50/50 tour, so half of it was a guided boat tour and half was a self guided kayak tour. Best of both worlds! Either way, it’s like stepping into another world – so peaceful!

        The reflections here are out of this world!

        3. Noosa National Park Walk

        This one’s a classic, and it’s free! Yay!

        Noosa National Park has walking trails for all fitness levels, but the Coastal Walk is the real MVP. Think dramatic ocean views, secret beaches, and, if you’re lucky, a surprise koala sighting. Make sure to pack water and your swimmers! The water in the coves along the walk is hard to resist.

        Along this walk, you will find the Noosa Fairy Pools. Imo, they’re not all that and they’re a bit of a scramble to get down to. You can always enjoy the view from the main path, but if you want to get down to them, be prepared for a slightly tricky descent…and a queue of influencers!

        4. Noosa Main Beach

        Noosa Main Beach is the heart and soul of Noosa. It’s massive and perfect for swimming, lounging, or pretending you know how to surf. The water’s lush, the sand’s soft and its’ just an all round good vibe. Handily, it’s also the start of the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk and right next to Hastings Street!

        Now, When we say everyone on Noosa Main Beach has a CoolCabana, we really mean everyone. We decided to go budget and got a beach umbrella from K-Mart. Sadly, we couldn’t get it to stay stood up and it did fall directly on to us many, many times. It was really embarrassing. Wouldn’t’ t recommend. If anyone knows how to correctly position the K-Mart beach umbrellas, hit us up.

        If you aren’t fully equipped for a day at the beach, there is a handy little truck from which you can rent surf boards, camp chairs, deck chairs, umbrellas…you name it! And they’re really decent prices too.

        Once you’re done at the beach (or if you prefer to look at it rather than partake!) grab a coffee or a sneaky cocktail at the Surf and Life Saving Club, The BoardWalk Bistro or Bistro C, which all overlook the beach.

        Noosa Main Beach

        5. Noosa Junction

        For a slightly less touristy vibe, Noosa Junction is where it’s at. It’s got cool bars, unique shops, and some affordable (and delicious) eats. It’s a great spot to unwind after a day at the beach – cocktail in hand, obviously.

        4 Pines Brewery, Mr Drifter, Monkey Punch, Light Years and Someday’s Pizza are just a few of the options for food and drinks at Noosa Junction. There are also some great spots for breakfast and grabbing a coffee and even a cinema.

        On select days there is live music on at both The Village Bicycle and New York Minute and 4 Pines even has a nightly specials on food and drink and a quiz night!

        6. Gympie Terrace

        Gympie Terrace is the perfect spot for a laid-back afternoon. Situated along the Noosa River, it’s packed with picnic spots, BBQ areas, and enough restaurants to keep your foodie heart happy. It’s also a great place to rent a boat (see below!) or just sit and watch the world go by.

        The Boathouse has a first floor bar which is a great place to grab a cocktail and watch the sunset over the water, as well as having a takeaway fish and chip shop and hosts live music on the lawn every Friday (weather dependent!).

        Not only is the river a great place to spot the local pelicans, it’s also home to one of Australia’s iconic ‘Big Things’…The Big Pelican! So that’s one to cross off your bucket list. (We’re only half joking with this. We passed the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour a lot of times on our road trip and now the ‘Big Things’ has become a bit of a thing for us. Lol).

        Anyway, see number 7 for another must-do in Noosa, that you can do from Gympie Terrace!

        We had to include the Big Pelican!
        Noosa Boathouse, Gympie Terrace

        7. Hire a Boat

        So, speaking of the Noosa River, why not hire a boat for a day? This is a fan fave in Noosa and something you absolutely have to do when you visit!

        Sail along the river and admire all of the fabulous houses, dock for a barbecue and if you fancy, try your hand at fishing . Hopefully you’ll have better luck than us. Spoiler – we didn’t catch anything and snapped the line on the first cast. Oops. Most of the boats for hire offer fishing gear for no extra charge and have a built in barbecue. You can even hire a bluetooth speaker, bring your own drinks and enjoy a few hours on the river.

        You don’t need a license for most of them, so even we managed to pull this one off without crashing into anything. Pack a cooler, bring your mates, and just cruise around.

        I mean…no caption needed, right?

        8. Jet Ski Ocean Tour

        Feeling adventurous? A jet ski safari is a great way to get your pulses racing!

        Starting from the Noosa River, the jet ski tours take you out via Noosa Spit to the ocean. Have some fun, ride the waves and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some dolphins!

        Now, I’m going to be honest. Jet skiing is really not my thing. And a word of warning, those waves do not mess around. In other words, yes, we did tip over and fall off the jet ski. Then we couldn’t get back on. It’s harder than it looks, okay?! So yeah, be careful. Anyway, although generally speaking, jet skiing isn’t my number one choice, the rest of the group absolutely loved it. The thrill, the freedom, the coastline! I can see why this is a really popular activity, and Noosa is a great place to do it.

        9. Catch a Noosa Sunset

        Okay, this is a non-negotiable. You must make time to catch one of Noosa’s spectacular sunsets.

        The sky at sunset is gorgeous anywhere in Noosa, but there are a few spots that we love to catch it from. Noosa Spit, Culgoa Point, Noosa River, Laguna Lookout are just a few great places.

        *Check out our Noosa sunset guide here!*

        Whether you enjoy watching the sun go down at the beach, in a bar sipping a cocktail, eating dinner or on top of a mountain, the Noosa sunsets are guaranteed to delight.

        Sunset at Noosa Spit

        10. Eumundi Markets

        We might technically be cheating by including this because it’s in Eumundi, not Noosa. But trust us, it’s worth the short drive (or you can get a bus ride from Noosa!). If you are driving, just a heads up that the markets are super popular, so parking can be a but of problem. There are paid car parks available, and there is also free parking on the street.

        These markets are actually incread. They’re huge and have everything! From quirky handmade jewellery to local honey and cookies that will change your life, there’s something for everyone.

        The Eumundi Markets are on every Wednesday and Saturday, 7:30am – 2pm and you can spend hours there. They have amazing food, live music, massage tents, psychic reading…like we said, everything!

        Pro tip: If you’re around on a Sunday, check out the Noosa Farmers Market for fresh produce, coffee, and a more low-key atmosphere.

        There you have it, our top 10 recommendations for your visit to Noosa.

        It really is an amazing place to visit, and there is loads to do here, but this list is a great place to start!

        This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure

      1. How We Save Money When Booking Holidays (So We Can Blow It on Margaritas)

        How We Save Money When Booking Holidays (So We Can Blow It on Margaritas)

        We like to think we’re savvy travellers. And by savvy, we mean we’ll jump through just about any hoop to get £20 off a hotel. Even if we spend that saving five minutes later on a spicy margarita at a rooftop bar. (Look, the girl math, maths. Let us live.) But in all seriousness, we’re really good at saving waaaaay more than £20 when booking our trips.

        Whether you’re budget-conscious or just want more wiggle room to splurge on the fun stuff, here are the top ways we save money while travelling …and how you can too!

        Paid for by Hotels.com xo

        Hotel Booking Website Accounts

        Hotels.com

        Hotels.com is our absolute go-to. Depending on where you are in the world, you can either collect stamps or actual cashback-style rewards for every stay you book.

        Book 10 nights = get 1 free. Easy as that. And once? We stayed in a 5-star hotel in Melbourne for a weekend for £5. No joke. This is the kind of chaos we’re here for.

        Bonus: Hotels.com is part of the Expedia Group, so any car hire, packages, or other bookings through them can sometimes contribute to rewards too.

        Booking.com & Others

        We always shop around. ALWAYS. It’s genuinely wild how much prices can vary between platforms like Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and the direct hotel website.

        Top Tip: If the price difference is small, the rewards from Hotels.com might be worth more in the long run. But if Booking.com has a better deal and you’re a Genius member? You’ll likely get perks like free breakfast or room upgrades.

        Moral of the story: always compare, always log in, and always check the direct price too.

        Chilli and Coconut Marg –
        $24, paid for by TopCashback xx

        Cashback Websites

        TopCashback

        TopCashback is like free money. Honestly. We know, it sounds like a scam, but it’s not. We swear.

        If you’re booking anything online — hotels, flights, car hire, travel insurance, the lot — do it through TopCashback. Just search for the website you’re using, click through their link, and book like normal. Done. We use it every time we buy anything.

        And if you use our referral link, you’ll even get a little welcome bonus to start you off. You’re literally being paid to book your trip. Win-win.

        Credit Card Points

        Okay, here’s where we say: this is not financial advice. Seriously. Credit cards are useful only if you’re sensible. Don’t spend what you can’t afford, that’s not cool, guys. Promise? Good.

        That said, if you already have a credit card, it’s worth checking if it offers travel points, miles, or cashback. Some cards let you collect airline points or hotel loyalty points every time you spend — and they can add up quicker than you’d think. We’ve used points to upgrade flights before and it felt very fancy.

        Just one more marg, why not? xx

        Final Thoughts

        You don’t have to be mega-rich to travel well — you just have to be clever about it. And if being clever means signing up for a few loyalty schemes and clicking a different link before you book? We’re in.

        Got your own money-saving travel hacks? Share them with us — we’re always down to learn something new (especially if it means more cocktails for less cash. Cheers.).

        This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book or purchase through these links, at no extra cost to you. We NEVER reccomend anything we don’t love ourselves! Read more here. – Privacy/Disclosure