Living abroad: A love letter to Australia (and myself)

Within the last 15 months, I decided to leave the UK, bought a visa, and actually lived abroad for over two-thirds of a year. Boy, that’s gone quickly. Although my return to London is three months earlier than I’d planned - the result of losing my job, a cancelled travel tour, suspended Greyhound buses, closed state borders and even hotel booking rejections (due to my Sydney hotspot postcode), cheers ‘rona - it makes the most sense within the circumstances. While I didn’t get to tick everything I wanted from this year off my list, due to repercussions of the Coronavirus pandemic, I had some INCREDIBLE experiences, learned so much about myself, and actually got to live like an Australian, rather than a Brit abroad.

To conclude this experience and start my next adventure, whatever the hell it is, here is a love letter - or perhaps a thank you letter - to my time in Australia and, actually, to myself. Buckle in, it’s a bit of a long ‘un.

Thank you for good luck and timing

I sometimes resent when people say “you’re so lucky!”, and I am very sparing when saying it to others. The notion of ‘good luck’ sometimes diminishes the hard work, sacrifices and intense planning a lot of us commit to in order to achieve the things we do. However, luck, or God’s good grace, did have its moment with my time in Sydney - particularly at the beginning! Entering the country when I did, a month or so before Coronavirus closed the international borders, was pure luck. As was the room I lived in central Sydney becoming available when it did, and securing a job within days of the job market plummeting and lockdown coming into effect.

Thank you for instilling a new confidence in me

As an adult, it would be inaccurate to say I was a shrinking wallflower (despite my height definitely fitting the ‘shrinking’ description!), but I would also be lying if I said I felt totally at ease in a room full of strangers. However, within the first month of my time in Sydney, I forced myself into situations where this was the norm, and it’s true: practice makes perfect. Before the Covid lockdown, I set up a flurry of ‘girl dates’, posting on the Solo Female Traveller Network and meeting some of these women in the hope of making new friends, as well as having dinners and drinks with friends of friends. In addition, when it came to the likes of job interviews, I feel less nervous than I used to, now used to speaking at length to strangers about my experience, job, opinions and thoughts.

Put most simply, my main learning of this whole trip is that if ever I need to, I can always up and start again from scratch - leave family, friends, my boyfriend, my flat, my things, my job, a city I know like the back of my hand - and still be okay.

Thank you for making exercise a more permanent feature in my life

Exercise once filled me with that pre-PE dread, until my friend went into PTing a few years ago. However, after a year or two, I was unable to train with her as we’d both moved houses, and I went right back to my old habits. Then again, in summer 2019, I began gymming regularly with my friend at lunchtimes, and maintained that when I moved home that Christmas with my brother; however, these were both more a socialising/quality time thing than doing it to better myself.

However, arriving in Australia encouraged me to maintain exercising as a way to have a routine when everything was brand-new and uncertain. It was an activity that I was able to do that didn’t feed my loneliness, but rather empowered me as someone on her own. I had never run in my LIFE for more than 30 seconds (honestly, ask my PT friend; that’s where I put my foot down, so to speak), yet here I was going on runs VOLUNTARILY, multiple times a week. It has made me more confident and comfortable in my body. And the bush walks of the Blue Mountains; who’d have thought something that involves bugs, dirt and long exercise would actually become one of my favourite hobbies?

Thank you for reminding me that everything happens for a reason

This is something I strongly believe in, but sometimes forget during hard times. It’s no secret that I struggled with the job search at the beginning, as I wasn’t used to being unemployed; it was something that affected me far more than I had expected. It’s pretty demotivating to apply for multiple jobs each day and get a stream of rejections (over 100, I counted) - or worse, pure silence - after you put time into the applications. I was even rejected from a role after receiving nothing but positive feedback from them throughout the process. However, like they say in Sex Ed classes: it only takes one! I landed a flexible role at a tech company, and was arguably more financially secure during the Coronavirus period than I would have been in another field (well, until I lost said job, but in the end, it was only a month earlier than I was due to finish…)

Thank you for ingraining that Instagram isn’t real life

We hear time and time again that “Instagram isn’t real life”; however, it’s all too easy to forget as we aimlessly scroll through photos of each other, lit in the best way, set in the best location, body positioned at the right angle. Scroll through my feed (@twentiesintransit - give me a follow while you’re there #shameless) and you’ll see that from the moment I landed in Australia, I posted copious beach photos, landmark snaps and whimsical walking views. You’d be forgiven for thinking I was living the absolute perfect existence - I would think the same from the outside. You know what? On some days, I really was living the dream, but this wasn’t the full picture. From a hospital spell of a loved one back home to the intense loneliness I felt for a good portion of my time in Sydney, particularly around months 4-6, then losing my job, at some points, I really struggled with these new feelings and grappled with changing my flight home on a regular basis. These things do not take away the incredible parts of my living abroad experience - not by a long shot - but they’re a reminder that social media doesn’t show us everything! Remember that when you’re feeling less confident and/or jealous after a scroll!

Thank you for the ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences

I was very blessed to have a fair few ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences before, and in between, the Coronavirus waves here. The first was attending the Fire Fight Australia concert, kind of Australia’s version of Live Aid for the national bushfire relief, where not only did we raise money, but I did a deep-dive into Australian music (plus see the likes of Queen, Adam Lambert and Olivia Newton-John).

Secondly, I got the opportunity to volunteer at Mardi Gras, which meant having some great one-to-one interaction with those who had been members of the parade FOR YEARS, and were able to enlighten me on what it’s been like for the LGBTQ+ community in Sydney over the years. Being a volunteer also enabled me to experience the amazing parade from the front row! This was one of the last big crowd events here before Covid restrictions came into effect.

Another huge one was riding in a hot air balloon over the Hunter Valley! It was an incredible experience that has been on my bucket list for years, and I even got to see wild kangaroos from above. Weirdly, you couldn’t feel a thing - the thing I could liken it most to is floating in a still pool. On the other hand, the whale watching cruise I could DEFINITELY feel. So much so, that I had to do everything in my power not to throw up into the provided sick bag. The captain came and chatted to me for a good while to distract me (after they had also re-routed the boat to come and pick me up at Circular Quay; I definitely cannot fault their customer service), and I saw actual whales out on the Pacific Ocean - incredible! Keeping in line with animals, one of the top moments of my whole time here was definitely camel riding in the sand dunes and into sea of Port Stephens, where we saw dolphins playing and a rainbow in the sky too, as well as horse riding on the beach at sunrise in Byron Bay. Both were magical experiences.

Thank you for your surplus of watermelon

This is my personal heaven, I can’t lie. Aside from fried chicken, one of my favourite foods is watermelon and, boyyyy, are they in ready supply here. My quick Woolies shop always provided a snack pot of watermelon bites, while I lost count of how many bars, restaurants and beachside cafes I visited during the summer and autumn that listed a watermelon cocktail or drink on their menu. At my favourite breakfast cafe, Organism, I always ordered the Deluxe Bacon Roll (and open sandwich of egg, bacon, apple, avocado, rocket and maple syrup), washed down with a watermelon smoothie….mm mm mmm. Remember though: seasonal menus. I was heartbroken during winter when these were off the menu.

Thank you for reminding me what amazing people I have in my life

I was reminded time and time again how incredibly blessed I am with the people I have in my life, from the moment my leaving do commenced to right now. From weekly Google Hangouts quizzes with my previous work team, Houseparties with my family (plus poker games with my brothers using the tablet), virtual dates with my boyfriend, a virtual ‘Christmas in July’ with my friend to general “how’s it going over there?” messages from friends, I felt a lot more people were virtually along on my journey with me than I’d expected. One of my most valued possessions here was an iPod a very good friend of mine created with voice recordings from my closest friends back home, and listening to their voices and messages reminded me why I did this each time I faltered. My boyfriend also orchestrated a video of these loved ones, plus some members of my family, singing Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’, which I still watch on repeat. Funnily enough, the people who probably wanted me home the most are the reason I stuck it out so long in these crazy COVID times: because of their support.

It wasn’t just people back home either: my housemates in Sydney were great in helping me adjust when I first arrived. Along with introducing me to the best trash TV (hello, MAFS and Dummy), one housemate (arguably over-)indulged my KFC and weekend away obsession, another practically filled half my wardrobe as we were a similar size, another was always waiting with open arms when I returned from time away, and as a house, we won $150 at The Winery Wednesday Night Quiz too. Then came my friend, who I met by chance in 2017: we were both travelling solo in Morocco and were roomed together by G Adventures. She and her family opened their home in the Blue Mountains to me with unprecedented hospitality for two months when the Coronavirus pandemic and lockdown rules came into play, and for two weeks before I returned to London. We celebrated things like Anzac Day and birthdays together, and I felt so at home with them. They are now truly my Aussie family and I can’t wait to see them again, be it here, in Oz, or elsewhere in the world!

Thank you for truly teaching me about myself

During a particularly lonely period, my mum sent me this quote from Mandy Hale: “the caterpillar grows wings during a season of isolation. Remember that next time you’re alone.” I thought I really knew about being by myself and also about who I was; after all, I’d had plenty of time to learn. However, until now, I’d never had this amount of time with my own thoughts, and I’ve learned far more than I expected. I’d be here for hours listing it all… and if you’ve read this far, I’ve taken up enough of your time already! I’ll just say, I am so grateful to have had this experience; for me, it turned out to be far more than just the chance to see some new places, go to the beach often and get an Aussie company or two on my CV.

If you need me, I’ll be somewhere in London, curled in a corner, eating Tim Tams, dipped in Vegemite, sprinkled with chicken salt and whispering ‘she’ll be right’ over and over again under my breath (that, or the C word #Straya).

The best long weekend destinations near Sydney

Travel as we know it has changed dramatically this year. Many countries have closed their borders to foreign travel, as have some borders within countries, like Australia. At the time of publication, travellers can’t even get to Melbourne or Cairns from Sydney, much less the likes of New Zealand or Fiji! However, this has given me the opportunity to really explore what New South Wales has to offer and indulge in some long weekends out of the city.

Hunter Valley

The Hunter Valley area is renowned for its smattering of vineyards and wineries, and while you’d imagine visiting on the warm spring or summer’s day, as the grapes grow, the area is just as vibrant in the winter - just be sure to pack your layers, as temperatures can dip to just a couple degrees in the mornings and evenings.

My time in the Hunter Valley marked off a big tick on my once-in-a-lifetime bucket list: a hot air balloon ride! We chose to ride with Beyond Ballooning, with whom you meet in the early hours at a local hotel, who then drive you to the launch site in coaches. The morning was windy at the planned launch site, so the dedicated staff drove us to a valley around half an hour away, where the air was more still. It wasn’t until we watched in awe and anticipation as the balloons were blown up that I realise what we were about to do, but I need not have feared anything at all. Riding in a hot air balloon is so incredibly smooth and peaceful; you literally don’t feel a thing (and this is coming from someone who is super sensitive to turbulence when flying, and cannot stand fairground rides). The closest thing I could liken it to is floating in a still pool, where you reach the other side, but you’re not quite sure how you got there. While up there, we revelled in the incredible valley views, as well as watching wild animals below, like kangaroos, hopping around.

After our early start, we met with the rest of the group for a day of wine tasting and vineyard visits. We visited Boydells in Morpeth, in which we tasted 10 fab wines. It was a beautiful space, with a well-informed host and sommelier, but didn’t feel pretentious; as a group, we had different knowledge of wine, and it was inclusive for all. You could taste the difference of each wine, as well as the care that had clearly gone into each creation.

Later, we visited the Audrey Wilkinson vineyard and winery. As it is a little out of the way, it was not teeming with tourists. Now, you can pre-book a tasting indoors, or do what we did - buy a bottle or two there, then sit on the green in front of the grand building, soaking up the incredible vineyard view below, backed by craggy mountains in the distance.

Mudgee

Another destination for wine lovers - hey, travelling with our taste buds is all we’ve got during this pandemic! Around three and a half hours inland from Sydney, you’ll find the town of Mudgee. The main thing to do here is, of course, wine tours: you can travel via horse-drawn cart, car or coach from cellar door to cellar door on pre-organised wine tours, or you can organise your own tastings. As we decided to book our trip to Mudgee relatively last minute, we had to organise our own tastings as all pre-organised tours were already booked up. The key here is to make sure you pre-book these, along with any transport between each, unless you have a designated driver amongst yourselves. The cellar door map on the Visit Mudgee Region website is a great planning tool.

Our first stop of the day was Lowe Winery to which we arrived at 9.40, the first drop of wine passing our lips at about 10.05 - start as we mean to go on, right? Lowe specialises in organic and biodynamic wines, which hold fewer preservatives, so you'll feel less of the hangover the next day. Our relaxed sommelier was friendly and very knowledgeable about the 7/8 wines we tasted. The surrounding area was so picturesque too; from the rolling hills to orange trees, kitsch swing to jetty leading into the water.

Next up, we headed to Heslop Wines, which was set in an equally picturesque location, but was a totally different vibe: the tasting room is in the owners' home, exuding cosy cottage vibes, decked out in wood panels - it wouldn't have been out of place in a Swiss town. It was run by a couple and their son, who also make the wines. As was the homely personal touch that one of the owners drove us to our next stop when our booked cab failed to turn up.

After a short meander around town, lunch and cocktails, our third and final winery was Logan's, a beautiful spot with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. You choose your 'flight' from four options, each with 5 wines: adventure, heroes, red or white. I chose adventure and tasted a great selection of whites, roses and a red. We ended our day with our snack and dinner purchases from Coles a day before, and the wine we’d purchased all warm and cosy in the Airbnb.

Jervis Bay

Home to a smattering of gorgeous white-sand beaches, you’ll find Jervis Bay two to three hours south of Sydney. Arriving on Friday evening, after a few wrong turns and a delicious KFC stop (they played the whole Britney Spears backlog on the speakers and it had a stunning lakeside location - it was worth it), we effectively had one full day, which we definitely made the most of.

Start your day with a dolphin watching tour, leaving from Huskisson - we pre-booked online with the aptly named Dolphin Watch Cruises Jervis Bay. Now, like my dolphin watching experience in Bali, I expected this to be a frenetic zoom from spot to spot to catch a glimpse of the dolphins, however, nothing could have prepared me for just how many we saw. Easily 30, if not more (that said, they could have been the same ones popping up; I didn’t ask their names). It was incredible - we even saw one do the famed leap in the air!

Next up, we drove to Hyams Beach and… wow. White sands, clear waters. Tourists aside, this would be the spot for Instagram bikini shoots come summer. Our little winter bodies needed coats and cardigans though, otherwise, I’d have made a beeline straight for that sea. Had we had an extra day, we’d have done the White Sands Walk, which takes in this and many other white-sand beaches in the area. Afterwards, we returned to Huskisson where we caught a dramatic pink and orange sunset (after catching the beginning of it at Plantation Point beach during a stroll).

The most dazzling attraction of Jervis Bay is the bioluminescence, where the sea lights up at night, thanks to algae and other living organisms - think of it as the Northern Lights of the sea. Much like the Northern Lights, they require complete darkness, high-exposure camera settings (if you want a pic), and make you chase them! On our first night, we wandered to Orion Beach by a residential road, careful not to tumble down the stairway into the pitch-black waters, but on the second night, we were more prepared, seeking out a car parking spot near the Plantation Point beach entrance, so we could keep warm in the car between running to check whether they were there yet. Ideally, the darker and longer after sunset, the better, so when we didn’t see them at first, we went to dinner and returned. Now, like my experience with the Northern Lights, what we saw wasn’t the huge blue hues depicted in photos, but rather what I would describe as a dance mat of stars, if the stars were on the sand. Glittery and gorgeous. Perhaps had we returned at 1am, it may have been a different story, but our Death Valley drive back to the AirBnb wasn’t something we wished to do at that time…

Cowra

Cowra, sitting four hours’ drive inland from Sydney, is a small town with a big history. Start your time in Cowra with a trip to the Tourist Centre, which tells the history in the intriguing form of a small hologram. Once home to a Japanese prisoner of war camp, the history is not particularly pleasant, but the town represents its ties with Japan in many ways. One is the five-hectare Cowra Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre, an absolutely stunning place for walks and reflection. It is home to a peace bell, a smaller replica of the peace bell in the town, which in turn is a match for the one in New York. The town is small - one local quipped we were walking to the other side of town for our evening KFC… and, we did, all 10 minutes.

Elsewhere, a huge draw to Cowra, especially in the spring, is the canola fields. A drive in and out the town takes you past sweeping fields of gold - absolutely stunning! Feeling peckish while in town? The Breakout Cafe is a great spot for alfresco eats.

Port Stephens

We drove up to Port Stephens from Sydney, via a night in the Blue Mountains. Our first stop was the stunning Tomaree National Park, and the Head Summit walk. Although it is listed on the website as a Grade 5 hike, I would say it was completely doable for any able-bodied person - yes, it is steep, but the hardest part is near the bottom, before you reach the first metal steps. After that, it’s all good, and, boy, is the view from the top worth it! You'd be forgiven for thinking you were in the Maldives or the Whitsundays, I couldn’t believe my eyes. After descending, we caught view of the mountain we'd just climbed from a secluded, deserted beach where tropical island vibes continued, with lush greens, fine sand and crystal-clear water (it was so clear that we're pretty sure we saw a shark from the mountaintop as we looked down…)

Our next sightseeing spot was the Worimi Conservation Lands, specifically the Oakfield Ranch where what commenced was probably my favourite experience throughout my whole time in Australia, and probably one of my top life ones too: Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides offer a desert-style experience with camel rides through the sand dunes. Daytime camel rides are 20 minutes’ long, and can’t be pre-booked, while sunset camel rides are longer at an hour, and you can pre-book. We opted for the latter. Our camel ride took us through the majestic sand dunes and into the lapping sea. I've always had a fairytale desire to ride a horse on the beach and this was one better as we literally went through the water. On the ride, we saw a rainbow in the sky, jumping dolphins in the water and even a proposal on the beach. I can't rate Oakfield Ranch Camel Rides highly enough: they answered questions, took incredible photos, gave us an incredible experience and clearly care for the camels. It is an experience I will never, ever forget.

The next day we returned to the Worimi Conservation Lands, where it literally felt like we were on another planet. We accessed the dunes from a quieter trail, meaning there was not another soul around and you could see sand dunes for miles (32 kilometres to be exact). Again, it was another incredible otherworldly experience I ticked off the bucket list, I can barely do it justice with my words!

What I learnt in my first six months living in Sydney

Next week, it’ll be six months since I arrived in Sydney, and a lot has changed since I wrote about my first week living here. I’ve had some incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience, such as hot air ballooning, and whale- and dolphin-watching; battled a range of (some unexpected) emotions; and we’ve all had a global pandemic to contend with too!

The first few months can sometimes feel like a holiday, but often by six months, you’re likely to have a home base, know your way around a bit, and even have a favourite supermarket (hey, Coles, I love you and your seasoning aisle). Below is what I’ve learnt about living abroad so far, along with how much I love bird-watching and the optimum time to hit the supermarket for toilet roll in a pandemic.

Currency exchange

Converting to your home currency becomes second nature to you, however, you will do it less and less. While I always convert the final price of my weekly food shop to pounds in my head, just to see how it compares to my spending back home, as I go around the shop, I judge the prices more and more on their dollar worth.

The time difference isn’t all that bad

Despite only being here for six months, I’ve already gone through three different time changes: when I got here, we were 11 hours ahead of the UK, then we were 10 hours for a week or two, and now during UK summer and Oz winter, we are 9 hours apart. While the middle of the day Oz time is usually off-limits, there’s always an opportunity to talk in the evening (UK morning) and, currently, when I wake up for work, a little of the morning (UK late evening) too. I think this 9-hour set up is my favourite, as the UK waking up lines perfectly with the end of my working day, and I can chat to those back home until my bedtime if I want - while people are working from home or on furlough anyway. The current time difference also means the opportunity for communal Zoom drinks: an evening tipple for me is still a perfectly acceptable afternoon tipple for those in the UK.

It is okay to rely on people

Since I moved to uni (nearly 10 years ago…wtf), I’ve always tried to do things independently, without relying on others where possible. This came to a head when I moved home for a month just before I came here, and I ended up having a long conversation with my parents. I now, more than ever, realise it is okay to acknowledge and accept help when you need it! I’ve had so much support and encouragement from back home when I’ve opened up and asked for it in these last six months, as well as physical support right here.

During the height of lockdown, I was welcomed into the family home by my friend and her family in the Blue Mountains; at first, I was so conscious of being a burden, but as the weeks went on, I realised this wasn’t the case at all. Furthermore, going to Melbourne (once they’re out of their second lockdown and the borders re-open), I will have a friend to stay with for as long as I want; again, my initial thought was ‘I don’t want to outstay my welcome’, but I need to stop thinking like that. People (usually) don’t offer unless they mean it.

There is so much more to Sydney than its beaches…

… but they’re a stunning place to start! There are so many other stunning landscapes in and around the city too. My time in the Blue Mountains - an hour from Sydney - was breathtaking. A short meander from my friend’s house were glorious lookouts that truly reminded me I wasn’t in Kansas (okay, London) anymore. It awakened a new love and appreciation of nature. Next, the harbours and bays dotted around are absolutely gorgeous; I wax lyrical about the walk from Lavender Bay over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, but Watson’s Bay was up there for me too, where you could look back onto the city skyline over the water from one side, and then out to the seemingly endless horizon on the other side by the lighthouse. Even the city parks are lovely: Centennial Park is dotted with ponds and watery expanses. Centennial Park holds a lovely memory for me: the photo below was taken by a stranger who lent me, a total stranger she’d met 30 seconds before, her sunglasses so I could get a good photo. It made me smile and made me feel a lot less alone in this city.

The four/five-month itch is a real thing

Living, rather than just travelling, means you’ll eventually get back to the daily routine – wake up, brush your teeth, work, food shop, etc – with a sprinkle of cool new location and way of life, but without the other familiar constants that used to get you through the week, like your pals, or your favourite pub on a Friday.

I was warned by people who have made a similar move that it was totally normal and expected to feel homesick around this time. Boy, were they right - and it’s a far more intense feeling than I expected. All I could think about as I walked, ran and worked for a good couple of months was whether I would be making a huge mistake flying home now, but seriously considering doing it anyway. As well as concern for a family illness back home, I appreciate that my overall experience was also compounded by the Coronavirus pandemic and its repercussions in terms of travel, making new friends, and work opportunities and environment. I will say though, this time wasn’t all bad - it gave me a new appreciation for what I have in the UK, and taught me ways to manage these new feelings I’ve never had to deal with before.

Sometimes, you just gotta roll with it

My plans in July changed quicker than the relationships on Made In Chelsea. From a called-off Melbourne visit to an early ending of my work contract, a new freelance role to a cancelled travel tour, things I thought were a ‘given’ changed in a matter of days. I am big on planning - I always have a Plan B and strive to be prepared for anticipated outcomes - but these last few months have taught me you just gotta roll with it! You’ll (likely) be okay.

Final word

Whatever your feelings, remember they are valid and right for YOU. If you want to start making more permanent roots six months in, don’t listen to those who say “it’s too early”, GO FOR IT. If you think “I want to cut my trip a little shorter”, don’t listen to those who brag “well, I stayed the whole year”. I was reminded of this by my housemates and a couple of people back home: whether or not someone made the same flight path, lived in the same city or had the same visa as you, NO ONE has had the same experience, so don’t take on their opinions as if they have. I can definitely say, not many others have had to manage the uncertainty and newness of a pandemic while trying to manage the uncertainty and newness of a new home and life too! Everyone will have an opinion on the choices you make, but only you have to live with them.

The best of Sydney's beaches

Although I’m a city girl through and through, I love the beach. It is my absolute happy place, which is why, among other reasons, I chose to relocate to Sydney. Vibrant city life sits shoulder to shoulder with a plethora of beaches, many of which are one simple bus ride from home or work. If you’re thinking of heading over to Australia’s should-be capital (sorry Canberra - I’m biased) after all this Coronavirus madness is over, make sure the below are on your hitlist. 

Bondi 

Let’s start with the one synonymous with Sydney: Bondi Beach. Sitting on a curved coastal edge, Bondi is a surfer’s paradise and attracts locals and tourists alike. Soak up the cool atmosphere as you kick back on the sugar-soft sands, take in the graffiti art along the back edge of the beach, or sip a watermelon spritz at the Beach Bar on the main road. If you’re looking for ‘Little Britain’ (think less David Walliams and Matt Lucas, more Little Venice to actual Venice), this is your spot. I couldn’t move for a British accent. 

Set a few hundred metres into the sea, along the south of the beach, you’ll find the historic Bondi Iceberg Pools, where you can swim in the pools while looking out to sea. Be careful where you stand though; those waves can hit strongly and soak you in the pool area.     

Coogee

More chilled than its famous counterpart, Coogee Beach is smaller than Bondi, but still attracts a crowd. The water is slightly calmer, and the sand seems finer - I could be wrong, but it feels like it dusts off easier. It is also the start of the Coogee to Bondi coastal walk, a two-hour walk that I can’t get enough of (you can also start at Bondi, if you prefer). If you’re looking out to sea, the cliff-face to your left of the beach boasts some spell-binding views.

Clovelly

Keeping to the same area, Clovelly Beach is about 40 minutes’ walk from Coogee, via the coastal path. This one is one of my favourites. The beach itself is so quiet compared to the others and the water is totally calm. I’m not a big fan of wading right into the sea, but I couldn’t help myself here. The beach does attract families because of the water’s calmness, but, honestly, it is well worth a couple of boisterous kids - just remember your headphones if you want to sunbathe. Don’t want to get sandy? There is a concrete sunbathing area close by.       

Manly

The trip to Manly is exciting as it is! Board the half-an-hour-long ferry at Circular Quay, and you’ll enjoy views of the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and some of the islets from the water. Once you get there, it’s a quick walk down the promenade, which is reminiscent of many a Spanish coastal town, where a welcoming beach strip awaits.

Balmoral

Balmoral Beach is a little further out than the others, situated in North Sydney, but again, well worth the trip. I was lucky to visit on a quiet day, and my God, it was glorious. With its lush greenery, quirks like a wishing well, and yacht speckled waters, it feels like an exclusive European resort beach. Think French Riviera. There is a lovely spot where you can get refreshing cocktails and a bite to eat just to the right of the beach, if you’re facing the water.  

Maroubra 

I achieved full Sydney mode with Maroubra Beach: going to the beach straight from work. This beach is a treat for the senses and it feels like there is so much going on. From the noise of the huge crashing waves (and the surfers that are ‘huger’ still…) to the silky-soft sand, it is a great spot to take a long walk later in the day. The water is crystal clear too, so slip off those shoes and hike up your trousers…

Tamarama

Now, this one is not a walking beach; this is a jump right into the clear waters and soak up that salty goodness kind of beach. Another one along the Coogee to Bondi route, your best bet is getting the bus to Bondi and walking down the scenic coastal path towards Tamarama. The sands are quieter than its neighbour and there are beautiful rock formations to admire while you’re drying off.

Palm Beach

The famed Palm Beach (left in this image) is better known as Summer Bay - the home of Home and Away! Sitting side by side with the calmer Pittwater, you can enjoy rugged surfing on one side, and soothing boat rides and otherworldly views on the other side. This photo was taken from the Barrenjoey Lighthouse, a rewarding 20-minute or so walk.

Little things every Brit should know when they move to Sydney

Before I moved here, a lot of people said: “Sydney is just like London, but with better weather and beaches.” That idea suited me just fine, but now I’ve arrived here, I wouldn’t say that was strictly true; the lifestyle is way more laid-back than London, and neighbourhoods seem a lot quirkier than your regular Lambeth or Wood Green – it’s great! And the beach thing… yeah, it’s pretty damn cool, especially having arrived in the summer. (Obvs, the whole place names, actual history of Australia thing does make it a little like London, but ya know, different point.)

There are a few other little bits you should look out for on your journey in and around the city, and throughout life here, some of which I have collated below.

I’ll keep adding to the list during my time here.

1) Tap on and off the bus

Unlike London, don’t forget to tap off – something a cheery driver reminded me in my first week. Public transport is cheaper here than in London, which is a Godsend when you want to explore but you’re still on the job hunt. Also, on Sundays, all public transport, including ferries, caps at $2.80, so you can go far and wide for cheap!

2) Stand on the left of the escalator

Practically one of the seven deadly sins back home, but alas, standing on the right will earn you a look of disdain, and maybe a tut, if they’re feeling a particularly London level of passive.

3) Have a print out of your visa to hand

Being on the working holiday visa, I found you’ll need one when applying for a bank account, Medicare and other important shiz (that you don’t need to worry about until you’ve secured a job). I printed mine before I left the UK, but you can also print cheaply at the State Library of New South Wales in the CBD; they’ll give you a little card to top up, which you can use for scanning too.

4) You can use your contactless for up to AUD$100 (roughly £50)

And, even after that, you can still touch it, but then it asks you to put your pin number in after.

5) ‘Welcome to country’ has nothing to do with country music

As I learned at the Fire Fight Australia charity concert, it is actually an opening ceremony-type ritual that highlights the significance of a specific Aboriginal clan’s heritage in the area.

6) Amazon delivery takes yonks

Unlike London and the US, where there are huge warehouses in the country, amazon.com.au products are mostly shipped from the US. Ain’t no next day delivery sitch here!

7) Coles is like a ‘big Tesco’…

… while Aldi is like a Tesco Metro (it’s better than Aldi’s offerings in London, in my opinion) and Woolies (RIP UK Woolworths) is like Sainsbury’s.

8) They’ve got the good crops

Let’s just say, the aubergine emoji should be replaced with the salad onion emoji here; that shiz is GIANT. Once you’ve eaten a week’s worth and still not made a dent in the bunch, turn your attention to other dishes…

9) The mayo tastes like salad cream

And I am a big fan.

10) The watermelon here is banging

As my favourite fruit, I am pretty close to taste bud paradise right now. I’m talking watermelon spritzes at The Bucket List in Bondi, watermelon slushies at Organism on Crown Street, (which also does a banging breakfast comprising egg, bacon, maple syrup, avocado, apple, rocket and crispy bread,) and various margaritas and smoothies at Mexican and Thai restaurants. 

11) Video calling is life

So, make sure you’ve got good Wi-Fi or data. In my first week, I got a great SIM from Aldi, and I’ve not looked back. I’ve managed to watch Queen and Adam Lambert perform live with my mum, despite there being 10,000 miles between us, catch a bit of the 35th anniversary EastEnders ep and even play poker with my brothers.

12) They don’t sell alcohol in the supermarkets

Being too lazy to walk those extra minutes to the bottle-o after your shop means you’re actually healthier in the long run, as you pair your dinner with water. Or, if you’re like me, means you order all the watermelon martinis when you’re in a bar cos #withdrawal.

13) Mosquitos can bite through clothes

I seethed as I admired my bitten legs in April, despite having a consistent COVID lockdown uniform of leggings.

14) Seeing leaves turn orange and fall in April doesn’t stop being weird

Between knowing it’s April and feeling the sun on your skin, it’s so strange. I’m like, where are the pumpkins? When are the rogue Guy Fawkes fireworks going to start going off? Can I hear the faint bells of Santa’s sleigh? Nope, because it’s not late October.

15) It does get cold during Autumn/Winter

Don’t be like me and scoff: “I’m from the UK; how cold can their cold be?” Central heating radiators are not that common, so when it dips to 11 degrees, you will feel it. Generally, in the direct sun, it is warm enough to wear just a cardi, or even a t-shirt, if you’re exercising, however, out of the sun, on cloudy days, or at night, it’s chilly. On a similar note, boy, does it rain. I arrived while the bushfires were starting to calm down, and the week of rain that followed my first day was needed. However, I’d be lying if I didn’t say I silently seethed at every other downpour that followed. It seemed to happen in packs of three to four days at a time.

16) The spiders aren’t that bad

And that is coming from someone who hates them and all their legs. Sure, we had two huntsmans in Sydney, but then I stayed in the Blue Mountains near the bush for six weeks and saw fewer spiders than I did in my last central London flat. It’s the fruit flies you’ll see multiple times a day, taunting you as you walk, swimming in your drinks, flying into your MOUTH that you have to worry about…

17) Chips are far better in Oz

Or 'hot chips', as they're called here, as like in America, 'chips' mean ‘crisps’. They often put some sort of seasoning on the ‘hot chips’, like chicken salt; KFC chips are the king of fast-food chips, which is something I’d never say back home in the UK.

18) There are so many UK and Australian locations with the same name

Cardiff, Newcastle, Richmond, Hyde Park... the list goes on and on and on. Of course, this is rooted in Australia's dark British history.

19) The Aussies do Asian food really well

I was told this before I arrived, and boy, were my friends right. There is a large Asian immigrant population here, and the quality of the Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese and Malaysian food I’ve eaten surpasses that in the UK. Even tiny vendor sushi is something to rave about!

20) Be wary of the gym contracts

I won’t go slandering companies here, but the gym I signed up to was not very accommodating. Apparently, being jobless, practically homeless (well, staying with friends) and leaving the country amidst a global pandemic isn’t extraneous circumstance enough to get out of their contract without hefty fees. Of course, a contract is there for a reason; but I stress to others to learn from my mistake - unlike when you’re at home and know for sure you’ll be somewhere a year later, pandemic or not, opt for a shorter contract when first moving abroad.

More to come…

How to not go stir crazy when you’re jobless

How many times in the working day do we wish we could be somewhere else? How many times, when that alarm goes off at 7.30am, do we wanna turn back over, sleep for a bit, then spend a day at leisure? I tell you what, I’ve had that thought countless times in the last 8 years. No matter if I enjoyed my job, I’d rather be laying on a beach in my swimmers, lazing the day away. Well, as luck would have it, I’ve got my wish! So, why am I bloody complaining?!

I didn’t expect the job hunt to be this long or this hard in Sydney, and sometimes it can be difficult to take a step back and recognise the situation for what it is – 24 hours each day to call my own and literally spend it exactly as I wish - when I’m used to a daily routine and the promise of a monthly income, and for the first time in my adult life, I’ve not got these things. I’ve had to remind myself, and have had some friends back home remind me, that until I can’t afford rent/bills/food, I need to enjoy this time, cos I’ll be begging for it back once I’ve secured a job.

So, in between cover letters and email alerts, what can you do to stay sane, but not spend a ton of money cos #unemployed? Well, I’ve got some suggestions, based on what I’m doing right now…

Refine your craft or hobby

Like, literally what I’m doing right now: writing. For me, it just so happens my hobby is closely linked to my day job, and if you’re in the same boat, capitalise on that! I have been told by previous employers and recruiters that this blog right here is the main reason they called me, so I’m making sure to update it regularly for both my job hunt’s sake and because I enjoy it. Make sure you mention it on your CV too!

If your hobby isn’t linked to your career, that’s okay too. Spend the time you don’t normally have to truly indulge and immerse yourself in it. Now’s the time to get even better at whatever it is you love.

Free/cheap sightseeing

We all know it costs a bomb to dine in the Shard in London or watch a full-on operatic performance at the Sydney Opera House, but there’s also plenty you can do for free or on a small budget.

For one, walking is a great way to explore your surrounding – and it’s great exercise too (which is needed for me, as I UberEats churros after being good and cooking dinner… oops). You can take things at your own pace, or join a walking tour. I’m Free Tours offer three-hour-or-so walking tours around Sydney (and Melbourne) for free - yep, it’s in the name - starting at Town Hall. You don’t even need to buy tickets if you’re less than a group of 10; you just rock up around 10.30am or 2.30pm and look for the person in the green t-shirt. It’s a really great way to get to know the city - I learned loads - and chat to different people too. While on the tour, the guide recommended visiting the Hyde Park Barracks to learn more about the city’s history, which is a truly immersive museum, relying solely on visual and audio, triggered by your location in the museum. It’s one of my museums in the city and is $20-odd dollars (a little over £10) - I would say this is pretty cheap, but it depends on your budget! If you want to learn even more about the convict history, hop on the ferry to Cockatoo Island, where pretty views and prison barracks await.

If you like your solo time, or have a pal at your disposal, head down to the beach. It’s around a dollar, aka 50p ish, return on the bus from mine to both Coogee and Bondi beaches, and I’ve spent many a day taking advantage of this so far. Just pack some water and some snacks, and you can have a pretty cheap day out. Alternatively, splash out (hehehe), and buy a AUD$9 guest day pass (less than a fiver) to the Bondi Iceberg Pools, which offers the same sea view, but less sand, and an outdoor pool. I got there early and it was pretty empty until like 11.30am. If you don’t wanna spend those dollars, the coastal walks of Sydney are pretty famous and absolutely gorgeous. I slowly ambled along the stunning route between Coogee and Bondi, taking pics and videos, and video calling peeps back home to boast #sorrynotsorry.

Also, on Sundays, all public transport, including ferries, caps at $2.80, so you can travel far and wide for next to nothing.

Volunteer

Giving your skills to a company for free might seem like you’ve regressed back to your uni years, but sometimes you’ve got to give a little to get a little, right? On the advice of a Sydney-sider pal based in London, I looked into it and found the Seek Volunteer network. Volunteering means giving back to your (new) community, learning a little more about a specific cause, and gives you the chance to meet new people, which can help with any loneliness you may be experiencing while everyone else is at work. Also, it’ll bring some routine to your week, giving you a sense of normality. I have specifically applied for volunteer positions that relate to my career, so I can get some Aussie companies on the ol’ CV, which has required me to send a CV and covering letter too – don’t be put off by the fact that it’s a similar process to paid work. I also volunteered at the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, which was an INCREDIBLE experience, and enabled me to see the lead up, with everyone getting ready, plus get a front-row view when the parade was going on.

Be proactive

You can feel pretty demotivated and helpless when you’ve applied for over 100 jobs (yep, true story; the WHV’s restrictions do ya dirty sometimes) and not received a call back for any of them, so sometimes it helps to feel like you're doing something about your situation that is otherwise a bit out of your control. I chatted to a couple of recruiters who had some suggestions for my CV and LinkedIn – one in particular really made me feel passionate about the job hunt again – and spending time implementing those changes made me feel as though I was being more proactive (in between actually applying and waiting to hear back from potential employers).

Create future plans 

I love a list and I love a plan, so make a list of everything you wanna do when you have a regular income again. Dream big, but realistic; and realistically, a budget airline from here to Hawaii or Bali is within my budget. Obvs, I have big exploration plans on my doorstep too… Port Stephens sand dunes, here I COME. Once you’ve secured a job, you’ll have more than earned these treats.