Cal O'Neill discovers the real truth about Fosters and makes some new friends in a four-day stopover of Australia's most stylish city, Melbourne.

So after three weeks in Sydney, the next stop on my ‘great Aussie adventure’ is a brief four day stopover in Melbourne where I’d be staying at the delightful Habitat HQ hostel in St Kilda.  The short plane ride over gave me time to reflect on my time down under so far.   

When thinking of Australia back in England, I had this clear image of day-after-day of glorious sun with everyone chilling out on the beach, having BBQ’s and drinking Fosters.  So far my trip had brought up weird red dust storms, endless amounts of rain and not a Fosters in sight.  No one drinks it here! 

Back in England their whole marketing angle is ‘drink Australian, drink Fosters’ and the adverts always have cool, relaxed Aussie dude’s chilling at a beach (now you can see where I got my image of Australia from) but over here, no one bloody drinks it!  Perhaps Melbourne would be the place to provide me with my Aussie ideal.

I arrive at the hostel and for a minute forget what country I’m in due to the sheer volume of English.  Now despite being English myself, I’ve always been amused by the stereotypical English tourist and how often many live up to that stereotype.  Here was no different.  All they want to do is get a tan, get pissed and only hang out with fellow English people.  I never understand why they waste all that money and effort coming halfway around the world to do this when they could have quite as easily stayed at home, bought a crate of beer and a few sessions on the tanning bed.  At least back home they can get a Fosters.

I get to my room and am greeted by a large German guy snoring away in the bunk above mine.  I dump my bags in my room and quickly make an escape into the city to see what Melbourne has to offer.  After hours of roaming around the cool little side streets and checking out some of the Arts Festival I find myself at a bar with a well earned pint of Super Dry (its low-carb so I feel healthy for drinking it).  I’m sitting there lost in thought when two very attractive blonde Aussie girls approach me, “Excuse me, anyone sitting here?” 

After a few seconds of bewildered silence I tell them no and they join me. 

They introduce themselves as Kat and Marley and for the next two hours or so the beer flows just as quickly as the conversation. And so I sit there and enjoy some good old fashioned Australian hospitality. Things are about to get a bit more hospitable when Marley tells me they are off back to hers to make dinner and would I like to join them.  After a few more moments of bewildered silence I find myself in their car travelling to some suburb in the middle of nowhere asking myself how I got here.  I have no idea where I am or how I’m going to get back to the hostel and I’m already starting to imagine tomorrow’s headlines – ‘another stupid pom backpacker missing.’

As we approach one of the biggest houses I’ve ever seen, Marley turns to me and says “My friend Dan is coming for dinner as well.”  Before I can ask who this Dan guy is Marley says “oh there she is now, she’s early.” 

It turns out Dan is short for Danielle who is yet another tall, attractive blonde.  I’m starting to question whether I’m actually awake or if this is all a dream and I’m really passed out in my hostel room with the large German guy in the bunk above me snoring away.  I mean seriously, this is like that scene from Love Actually with the American girls and those two English guys.

I decided that dream or not, I’m just gonna go with it so get out of the car and introduce myself to the delightful Danielle.  We make our way into the house, which much like the whole of this experience, is unbelievable.  It’s like one of those houses you see in American teen movies where they always have a massive party.  So we settle in one of the many lounge rooms and I enjoy an evening full of drink, food and general good times.  Marley is even kind enough to drop me back at the hostel the next day where the large German guy is still happily snoring away.  I’m not quite sure if he’s moved at all from when I left him.

And so I now head over to Perth taking with me some very fond memories of Melbourne and thinking that Australia so far is way better then chilling on a beach drinking a Fosters.

- Interested in tracing Cal's travels and visiting Melbourne? Get a free night's accomodation at Habitat HQ and heaps of other freebies with your Visa Bureau Australian Working Holiday Visa.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Gray Smith, who is travelling and working in Australia with his girlfriend, took these great photos while in Perth. He also has his own blog.

	Penguin Island (Click the pic to see it full size in a new window!)
	Perth at night from King's Park (Click the pic to see it full size in a new window!)

- Think you can top Gray's photos? Take your own gap year Down Under with an Australian working holiday visa.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

Alex Simpson started her trip in Los Angeles, then on to San Francisco, Maui and now here in Australia. Alex has blogged about her entire trip so far on her own blog, One Way Ticket To Everywhere... this is her first post from landing in Oz.

Plans are slowly and surely progressing during the time we've spent here in the suburbs of Sydney, our flight to the Gold Coast is today, Saturday September 5th (we'll try not to miss this one!) and we're ready to embrace the exctingly named Surfers Paradise for three months and all it has to offer.

We're booked into a hostel for the first couple of nights as we won't have any long term accomodation but hope to find somewhere cool quickly and then the jobs and routine will follow. I'm also planning to buy a trusty bicycle to carry me and my kitesurfng gear down to the beach whenever I feel like a sesh, that'll be everyday then! Apparently the distances are manageable there and not like the sprawling mass of cityscape that was LA.

So for now it's all about doing some sight-seeing with the Dobrees. Yesterday Mary took Loz and I up to the famous Blue Mountains which are situated a couple of hours drive out of Sydney and are home to The Three Sisters (a rock formation on the edge of the gauge). They're called the Blue Mountains because of all the eucalyptus gum trees in the gauge that give off a blue glow in the light, at least I think that's what Mary said!

Right, time to pack the bag...

- Interested in hearing more about Alex's Australian working holiday adventures? Let us know in the comments!

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

The blog prize for October could see you living it up on Queensland's most beautiful island, catching a wave (with some skilled moves) and snug and comfy in hostel accommodation in both Sydney and Melbourne... check it out!

Two surf lessons Learn to surf on one of Sydney’s most beautiful beaches with Manly Surf School. These guys are the experts, and the school has been voted by Surfing Australia as the number 1 surf school in NSW. Have a look at www.manlysurfschool.com.

Three night's accommodation on Magnetic Island Take a tropical break with three nights on Queensland's Magnetic Island. Base Magnetic Island hostel is the one of the best kept secrets of Australia's Tropical North. Located right on the beach, chill out in the sun by day and groove to funky tunes at the Island Bar by night. Come recharge the batteries and enjoy your own little part of paradise only 20 minutes from Townsville. The Base Crew know the local area and look forward to letting you in on its many secrets. We can't imagine a better place to stay and play.  www.stayatbase.com/base-magnetic-island-hostel

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Free night and welcome pack in Sydney Score yourself one night’s accommodation in a 4-share dorm with ensuite at Westend Backpackers hostel in Sydney. This hostel is only five minutes’ walk from Sydney Central Station and a short stroll to all major tourist attractions so you will be right in the heart of all the action. This also includes a welcome pack with free internet and 15 free drinks! Have a look at their website www.westendbackpackers.com or their Facebook page or tweet with Westend Twitter.

$60 Habitat HQ accommodation $60 accommodation to use on any of the following room types at Habitat HQ, Melbourne: 10, 8, 6, or 4 share dorms with luggage lock up; and private ensuite rooms with TV and tea and coffee. When you arrive at the 4.5 star, award winning Habitat HQ, you will be entering a world that is welcoming, safe, entertaining and memorable. Their clean and modern facilities, combined with a relaxed and homely atmosphere will be sure to satisfy every travellers needs. Located in Melbourne’s vibrant beachside hotspot, St Kilda, Habitat HQ is only a short walk from the beaches, nightlife, shopping and cafes it’s so famous for. With trams at our doorstep running straight into the heart of the city, Habitat HQ is a great base to discover Melbourne and beyond! Accommodation ranges from 4, 6, 8 and 10 share dorms with air-conditioning and secure luggage lock up to motel style ensuite rooms with plasma TV and tea and coffee making facilities perfect for couples & families. They have Wi-fi throughout the bright & spacious common areas, 24-hour reception & a huge free secure car park. Our events co-ordinator will organise something different every day to enhance your experience at Habitat HQ, making it easy for you to meet people! Visit: www.thehabitathq.com.au

All these are just an email away... see how to enter and send us in your blog entry !

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.

One of the best places to stay in Melboure is the seaside suburb of St Kilda, and the expert of the area is the backpackers' home-away-from-home, Habitat HQ. Habitat HQ also has a sweet deal for Platinum Card members, so you can get a free night's accommodation, internet, and airport pick up and much more. Have a look here for the pile of goodies you can get.

And because Habitat HQ knows Melbourne and St Kilda you will be in the right hands for finding out how to explore the city.

 

So why are you sitting here watching re-runs of Jerry Springer when you could be living it up on...

Habitat HQ’s DIY St Kilda Walking Tour!

There will be plenty of time to watch trashy television shows when you get back home so turn off the TV, get off your ass and check out some of the fantastic and quirky wonderland that we call St Kilda. Come up and see Habitat HQ reception and they'll give you a map and point you in the right direction…

FIRST STOP Eating out at Acland A mere 10 minute walk away from Habitat HQ you’ll find the bustling Acland Street, one of the best food precincts of St Kilda. If you’re hungry you can grab some fish and chips from Clamm’s Fast Fish and take it down to the beach to eat. If you’re not a fish and chips fan, there are heaps of other options including vegetarian from Lentil as Anything or burgers from Pit-Stop '96. There are also heaps of cake shops if you’ve got a sweet tooth. Habitat HQ have a list of take away menus behind reception if you want some other ideas.

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SECOND STOP Take a look at Luna Park After you’ve eaten your food, you can take a short stroll to one of St Kilda’s most iconic landmarks, the historic fun fair with the giant smiling face, Luna Park. It’s not very big so you might get bored pretty quickly but it’s free to go inside (you just need to pay for the rides) and it’s still better than listening to people chanting “JERRY, JERRY, JERRY!”

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THIRD STOP Penguins on the pier When you’re all dodgem car’d & merry go rounded out, you can go for a walk along St Kilda pier. Right at the end is a breakwater that has become a penguin breeding colony so when the sun comes down, the penguins will climb onto the rocks and start screaming at each other. If you want to take photos of them, please don’t use your flash as their beady little penguin eyes can’t handle the light. They come out most nights but if they aren’t around the night you go down there, don’t blame Australia. You’re just an unlucky person and your extremely unfortunate misfortune is though no fault of ours.

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FOURTH STOP Beer and music at the Espy After your penguin spotting expedition, head on down to the Esplanade Hotel, one of St Kilda’s most premier live music venues. In an average week they’ll host around 50 bands and DJ’s and a lot of the gigs are free so it’s definitely worth checking out.

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FIFTH STOP Stumble home via Fitzroy Street Tired from a long and fulfilling day of getting amongst it, you can walk home via Fitzroy Street, Acland Streets estranged half brother. Like Acland, Fitzroy Street is home to plenty of great places to grab some food or drinks. If you feel like some desserty indulgence, you can stop off at “Cold Rock” where they’ll mash up your choice of chocolates and/or lollies with ice cream. It’s an unhealthily winning combination.

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SIXTH AND FINAL STOP Home sweet home Jerry’s final thought: And then, when you’re all done, you can come home and collapse back in front of the TV again, comfortable in the knowledge that you’ve been out into the big wide world and experienced some of the city your currently in, instead of just watching some guy confess his love to a horse… - Habitat HQ is a 4.5 star backpacker hostel in Melbourne's funky St Kilda suburb.

©Visa Bureau 2003-2013

Visa Bureau takes no responsibility and cannot be held accountable for action taken as a result of any information or comment provided on this blog, and we recommend that you always seek a number of opinions before making a decision regarding your migration or visa application. Please refer to the Visa Bureau terms of use for more information.