EIGHT MONTHS DOWNUNDER

IT IS THE STORY OF MY GREAT ADVENTURE ... PAST 8 MONTHS ALONE THE OTHER PART OF THE WORLD WHERE ALL CAN BECOME POSSIBLE...

 

My journey began on September 17 02, I flew with Malaysia Airlines with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur. However if you choose rifarlo definitely a round the world ticket. With some Soldino more you get from Italy, make a stop over in Asia (depends on the airline you choose) and you return from the tour inverse (via America) and you can stop to Fiji, Los Angeles or Canada (depending on the company ever you choose). I made a stop over in the return to Kuala Lumpur (4 days). With little money because you can visit another country, it's worth, the flight is free, you're on the road and if you have time you will break a little 'a very long journey.

I lived for about 6 months in SYDNEY where I studied in a college of tourism. I lived with a family for about 2 months and a half after which I decided to give me a life a little less fun and more moving to a house in Bondi Junction (midway between downtown and the beach) with three other girls (one Australian, one English and one French). In the meantime I have also worked in a supermarket from 20 midnight to supply shelves already! Certainly, the work was not a great because, but we were all students squattrinati and we have fun! The pay was good compared to considering it was the lowest level.
To do this (find, school, etc..) I was assigned to a group called Boomerang Australia. www.boomerangaustralia.com
I'm sure that will help anyone willing to move for a while 'to Australia to study and / or work. The headquarters is in SYDNEY but have a correspondent in Rome.
SYDNEY is a truly wonderful city. Vivendoci the things I appreciated most were:


- Big cities, but very calm, not chaotic and very secure.
- High melting pot, different races and cultures not to finish
- Beautiful beaches close to the city center. With a few minutes by bus or ferry (ferry) arrive in beautiful places, almost deserted with crystal clear waters. Favorite beach: Camp Cove, within walking distance from Watson Bay.
Ah! The water is so crystal clear, but cold!
- The kindness of the people (very casual in attitude and apertissimi) primarily engaged in the service eg. train. If you have some things to not only ask you to kindly respond, but if you do not understand you to your destination! I met many Australians through my cousins who were born there and then have become part of their group now. I was lucky in that sense, I had to find friends because they came from me. Living in a city like SYDNEY is easy friendship with children who come from all over the world. I know many Asians, South Americans and Brazilians in general, Swiss, French, Northern European, American etc.. All with a great desire to have fun and meet people. The fact Australia is a destination very young, and informal economic activity, both for backpackers traveling (backpacking) or to study.
- The bay of SYDNEY. It is simplistic to call it beautiful. It 'much more calm, peaceful, cheerful, sophisticated, melancholic ... A framework that will not ever get tired of watching. The water, though crossed by hundreds of boats and ferries are clean, just say that we are back to swim with dolphins!
- Especially during the summer there are lots of events: cinema (not classic, but the screen stayed on and with the background of the house or you can watch the movie lying on the grass with a picnic) and festivals concerts of all kinds free, shows, sand sculptures and reviews, especially during the SYDNEY Festival in January. All strictly outdoors.
- Ability to enjoy international cuisine: Asian (of everything: Chinese, Malaysian, Japanese, Indian, Indonesian, etc. ..), European (Italian, Greek, Spanish, French, etc..) Sudamericana etc.. All at very good prices! (in comparison to our ...)
- The organization of transport systems: I reduction from the student (courtesy of, but I would not have been possible to have it paid only to Australian students) spent $ 13 Australian (about 7 euros) a week with which I could travel without limit on buses, trains and ferries in the red zone (across the center and surrounding areas, including the coast with beautiful beaches). Trains traveling up to 1, but the buses run 24 hours on 24th
8 months living in a place makes you appreciate things a lot, but you also discover the downside that you would not have found a short break. The faults that I found in my opinion are as follows:

- Lack of history, ancient culture. Everything is brand new, new, very orderly. On one side is a nice feeling, but after a while you feel the need to culture, antiques, things that I have lived an age, because old precious and unique. And this can not be found in SYDNEY. The only form of culture that is ancient Aboriginal of which there are ruins and paintings in various museums (the interesting Australian museum). From a very bitter and shocking as it is also shown how they were processed and deported. (In this regard I recommend the movie "Rabbit proof fence" 2002 / 3)
- Absence of a clear identity: Australians being an incredible mixture of races living in the same country for a little over a generation is understandable that we have not developed an attachment to the homeland. Australia has given so much to immigrants, many come from difficult situations, often desperate, and there have been accepted, was given a job and the chance to get a life, grow a family and the land (that is certainly not missing) . Perhaps the difference in language, culture, and even past the initial hostility with which have been accepted (by the people, not institutions) has meant that immigrants will join one another attack many of the traditions of their country. (I assure you that still retain the most of us real Italians!). This does not mean that all immigrants are very grateful to Australia that gave them a new hope for a better life.
This attachment (as much by nostalgia for the home country who were forced to leave) has now created a generation of young people who speak two languages (the country of origin who speak at home, and English they have learned in life outside the family and school). It is not just language, but above all intertwined and mixed cultures. I have uncles and cousins living in SYDNEY for over 40 years and then I can do the examples on the Italian-Australians. Australians use words such as: omelette, grandmother or, mozzarella, ham, mortadella, and many others. These words were introduced by the Italians and now are part of Australian culture and are used by all. Such as' many other European cultures such as Greek, Asian, American and South American (...) led some of them. This is a beautiful thing to be a part, but does not create its own identity. How is the Australian guy? But I do not know riparliamone within a few generations!
There are many things to say on the subject, but not expand further. I say only that if you find it (I still have no success) you can watch the film based from the book of Melina Marchetta "Looking for Alibrandi" version "Third generation" with Pia Miranda and Anthony La Paglia. The film is not a masterpiece, but I do understand that a lot of atmosphere! P.S. I l 'I saw only in English, so do not promise anything on the English version!

Beyond life in SYDNEY with the school, sea, pubs and work, I traveled on holiday and at the end of the course.

HUNTER VALLEY AND BLUE MOUNTAINS

My goals were:

-HUNTER VALLEY (area wines) and BLUE MOUNTAINS (day excursions from SYDNEY). Council: x the HUNTER VALLEY, take a trip organized with about 90 AUD you breakfast transfer + 5 + visit to the cellars with tasting of 7 wines to cellar (warning: the first two it is A + STOMACH EMPTY !!!!) + lunch stops and panoramic tour of the wineries themselves with an explanation of the production process.
In the Blue Mountains: to go alone without excursions. The ticket for the train from the city costs about AU $ 14 (not remember) against the AUD 90 trips organized and able to do the hiking trails on foot. It 'very nice and there are some really beautiful scenic lookout.
Stop and Leura (I have done everything on foot) and stop to enjoy scones with jam made in just that there are cafes along the main road. I recommend Snaps Coffee House that has a terrace in heaven.

CANBERRA, JERVIS BAY, MERRIWA,

ANBERRA-: there is much to see, is a Washington city type, built x be the capital. I found a bit boring, perfectly ordered and clean. Tight in all weekend. They told me that the art museum is very nice, shame that closed too early and that has not made a visit.

-JERVIS BAY (South coast, south of Wollongong): I was to winning is a small village a little over 2 hours drive from SYDNEY. Cross the Kangaroo Valley to go. There are beautiful beaches, in particular, who say Hyams Beach is the beach with the whitest sand in the world. If it is true I do not know, just so that the sand is so final that creaks like the snow so white and without sunglasses you blind.
The whole is surrounded by parks with paths for hiking and many colorful parrots and Kookaburra.
-Outback-Merriwa (village hidden in the countryside about 4 hours from SYDNEY): This is a small village that you will not find in guidebooks. Here are my uncles house, the correct expression is in the middle of nowhere. There is nothing, only red earth like fire, a natural silence, clean air, starry sky that leaves the mouth open, wander undisturbed animals, people of kindness and genuine hospitality. Never known people like this ... never forget "Uncle comparuzzo" (nickname given by my uncle to his friend-he Italian immigrant to Australia, which he accepted with some incredible kindness and went everywhere barefoot and with his shirt open to the restaurant ... ... mitico ...)
The few days spent in the countryside were really fabulous and I saw things that never forget: I have an iguana crossing the road while driving or hundreds of rabbits that skipped around the house. But the thing that left me without words was to see the kangaroos. Of course, so it would seem a small matter. But I have not seen kangaroos in a zoo. I went with the car at dusk to look for them in the woods. Out at dusk and dawn because during the day is too hot. My cousin and I drove to resume with my camera was sitting on the window with the bust out of the car. It seemed a safari and I am a reporter! 50 have been grazing kangaroos and quiet, but when we have seen were frightened and fled. What excitement to see them jumping all together, they were fast and I do not cry x withheld. The light of the sunset then made life more beautiful.

TRIP TO MELBOURNE

-MELBOURNE: From SYDNEY with my cousins, about 8 hours drive x arrive. MELBOURNE is a city like everyone to say why the European Union. While SYDNEY has tall buildings and narrow streets in MELBOURNE you can see the sky. The roads are wider, with trees by the parties and other big difference: There are trams.
There I spent a few days so it is difficult to be comprehensive. The idea that I have is that of a city with a lot more culture SYDNEY, beautiful museums, the Royal Botanic Gardens stupendi with many varieties of trees, plants and lots of lakes and idyllic views. Defined among the most beautiful in the world by Lonely Planet (I trust them to me).
The Queen Victoria Market is nice and cheap. Much cheaper that in SYDNEY. Even the food I must say that there is lots of choice, excellent quality and very good prices.
To hear the nightlife, from cinema to theater to local trendy is much more active.
I can not honestly judge. What I saw I liked very much, but SYDNEY was perfect x me and we are loyal.
Very impressive for a walk at sunset along the Yarra River.
The beautiful seafront of St Kilda, visit the booths on the beach in Brighton Beach (about 3 km from St Kilda) and the amusement park.
Do not ask someone from SYDNEY or MELBOURNE to tell you what is the best city. There is a strong campanilismo and will not be objective!
The weather is very variable. While in SYDNEY often the sun shines and the temperature even in the winter remains mild in MELBOURNE say they have the 4 seasons in one day. Does it onion dressing and bring a Coats for the winter.

- GREAT OCEAN ROAD: MELBOURNE after our goal is driving along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. It is called so because it runs along the ocean and you can really admire the breathtaking views. You can not miss.
We stopped to sleep at Lorne, a nice town and very elegant on the sea. You should go to the information that works very well and they will find the right accommodation x your budget. We found an apartment we x to a very low price.
For dinner I recommend strongly that Reif's waterfront is a place where we eat very well at good prices.
Breakfast at Louttit Bay Backery.
From Lorne we got to drive for another two hours to get to see one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen: the twelve apostles. Faraglioni into the ocean, only seven of which are visible from land.
It's amazing to see them get from nothing, in the middle of the ocean. Are so impressive almost afraid to do. Had just stopped raining when we arrived and there was a strange light, almost mystical. Not explain the feelings that I have tried. A miracle of nature that did not last long. Indeed slowly the water is corroding the rocks that are landslide. The 12 Apostles, London Bridge and The Arch are the result of the detachment of parts of the rock of the coast occurred many years ago.
We do not give up.

We got on the road to return to SYDNEY. Soste that advice: Geelong, Torquay and the famous Bells Beach, to be understood to Break Point. I have seen so many surfers, it is a pity that there were Patrick and Keanu ...
We chose a different path for the return. While we are on the way from ones from the past along the Hume Highway for the return we opted for the Princes Highway. The first, faster, with pleasant but monotonous stops at: Big merino (giant building shaped like a sheep!), Ettamogah Pub (transposition into the reality of a famous pub in Australian comics, it seems really fake, has walls cakes!) And the dog on the tuckerbox (the dog on the case of food, which has a history a little 'funny). They are not anything special, but if you travel uninterrupted for 8 hours ago you also like to see something odd or funny.
The Princes Highway is the road along the coast. This route is longer, but certainly more beautiful and less monotonous. We stopped for the night in Merimbula (tip: in the caravan park bungalow "Merimbula holiday park" good price, beautiful views, kitchen available www.caravan.holidaypark.com.au)

Having returned from this trip I went 20 days in New Zealand, but that's another adventure that tell later ...

ULURU - KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK

After spending Easter at home with my uncles and cousins, at last after 7 months of remoteness comes Andrea, my boy. With him, we chose the following route:
3 days at ULURU in the Red Center
10 days in Queensland
1 week in SYDNEY (for the last 8 months ...)

We bought 3 domestic flights with Qantas about 800 AUD: SYDNEY-Ayers Rock, Ayers Rock-Cairns, SYDNEY-Proserpine.
The flights I bought them in Australia, because they are cheaper
Consistent with the times you have available, I recommend strongly to buy domestic flights or bus passes (really economic, but be prepared to spend days by bus, the distances have tripled compared to us) directly. If this is not possible these sites where they are offered very cheap: www.quantas.com.au or www.virginblue.com.au. I believe that flights can be purchased online and can save a lot.

-ULURU-Kata Tjuta National Park: Here in the desert red. After SYDNEY and over the mountain range that divides it from the desert opens a barren landscape. There are subtle lines are roads. Long and straight as the cast.
After just over two hours to fly here is that he sees, ULURU as the Aborigines call it, the most famous monolith in the world. What emotion! We, the symbol of Australia is under my eyes.
We booked through the highly efficient central reservation of the Voyager Hotels. There was a special offer on a three-star superior, The Lost Camel and we paid AUD 166 per night, per room. Normally would cost double. Council to all this hotel is brand new, the rooms are small but cozy, colorful, no TV, but the stereo. Then, however, six in the desert and imagined if you want to see the tv ...

All dell'Ayers Rock hotel resort is located in Yulara, a small town inhabited by 1,000 people. It is situated 20 km from ULURU and 53 km from Kata Tjuta. There is a structure for every need and budget: luxury, midrange, hostel, apartments and camping.
For the restaurant, there are several possibilities: from luxury restaurants to a well-stocked supermarket or take-away. The experience that I recommend is to go all'ostello of Yulara (Backpack pioneer) where every evening there is live music and you can buy raw meat or fish and then you cook it yourself on the barbeque. There is a buffet with pasta and vegetables included in the cost of meat. It is very fun and it breathes the atmosphere of Australia. Not to be missed.
Before you do anything at all council to go and visit the visitor center where you can get information on all trips and activities.
We made several trips to avoid those organized. We therefore chose to buy only the transfer. We made a walk along the base of the monolith. In all it lasted about 3 hours. It was very good although is strongly everyone to wear a hat with the network not to go crazy because of the flies. There are many and are very annoying. Very questionable choice to climb the monolith. According to prohibit me instead of leaving the free choice. I do not understand how can people be so insensitive, given that the Aborigines for the mountain is sacred and should not be violated.
We have seen the sunset at ULURU and it was really beautiful. I say good, not great because a cloud prevented the rock of red fire as usual.

The next day we went to visit the mountains Olgas or Kata Tjuta at dawn. The colors are switched on, is a supernatural peace. I can say without doubt that they are far more beautiful and fascinating of ULURU. We did the walk of the Valley of the Winds. So hot, so many flies, but all the hard work was rewarded by an exceptional view.
In the afternoon we have a little 'relaxed by the pool. We waited a long time. In fact we had booked "The sound of silence." There is a bus came to take us to the hotel and taken to a remote desert location in the desert. Here we have served the appetizer while we were admiring the sunset in ULURU in the distance.
Then dinner with fish (barramundi. .. yammi!), Various meats (kangaroo, crocodile and other oddities), and with so many vegetables, salads and dishes for vegetarians. Everything by candlelight. At the end un'astronoma starts talking and tells us to stay silent. Suddenly, all the lights are extinguished.
It was one of the strongest emotions of my life.
Have turned off the lights and lit the stars. A clear night, a clean sky hundreds of miles away from any form of pollution. Completely immersed in nature, in silence. The astronomer has shown us that part of the sky that we see in the northern hemisphere and the constellations. Then the lights were rekindled, desserts served with hot drinks.
It is a unique experience. Dinner costs about 100 AUD, but it is not to be missed. Do not ever forget.
There are many other excursions to do: bike hire, guided tours by Aboriginal people, 1 day at Kings Canyon, helicopter flight (maybe it will be beautiful, but if you are down to earth, the noise from the helicopter you very annoying! Rompe peace desert).
A heavy heart we left the tiny airport and greeted ULURU and Kata Tjuta by hand.

QUEENSLAND, FIRST PART

- A COSTA DA CAIRNS Airlie Beach (in camper + 3 days of sailing in the Whitsundays): we fall from the desert to the tropics. Incredible variety of landscapes to be found in a few hours of flight.
Arrived at Cairns we took a bus that took us to our accommodation in town: Koala Beach Resort, 60 AUD per room, per night. It is an apartment with kitchen, sofa, bedroom and bathroom. Clean, with no pretensions.
After a shower we left. The temperature is high, but above all it umidissimo! We visited the markets and made dinner in a restaurant in the center. After dinner, stroll the promenade. It is not a simple walk, on the other side of the sidewalk along the beach there are pools with real sand, trees. It sounds like a real beach, with lots of lifeguards and locker rooms.
There are also gardens to the picnic and barbecue (strange, in Australia there are more that barbecue bathrooms !!!).
At our hotel there are lots of bulletin boards with flyers that we have been very useful.
The day after we meet at 9.30 to pick up our camper.
It is not a camper, a van is back with a double bed and open the door if there is a kind of kitchen: dishes, fornellino camping, coolbox, pot.
We chose not to do too many miles, but to enjoy this part of the coast by visiting the villages and beaches stop at Airlie Beach. To do in ten days a pull from Cairns to Brisbane not do and now feel I can say that we made the right decision.
This however has its price, the only rental camper that we found with return to Airlie Beach was a small camper that is what we have been forced to take.
After signing the contract and checked the camper, we are ready for departure. The time to go to the shops for lunch e. .. but that happens? It does not work the air conditioner?
The following is the camper who is replaced and finally start. Your guide to the left I had already tried in the past 7 months, but Andre decides he wants to drive. No great difficulty, apart from taking a break on the contrary!
In fact always lead him except a short shift.
We go north, we stop at Trinity Beach where we do a picnic in the gardens in front of the beach.
The beaches are very wide and clean, but the water seems to peat ...
We continue to Port Douglas. The town I liked a lot. It is very chic, the main street has many palm trees and shops by the beach article in general. We are in the tropics do not believe it!
We moved into a very nice campground. Mosquitoes are beginning to be felt, I have always loved and now can vent on me!
Book a trip for the next day at Cape Tribulation. With around 100 AUD per person we had a nice trip by bus in the rainforest. We crossed the river to see crocodiles. Shame that we have made no see!
Once in Cape Tribulation we do a walk in the forest and driving us to see the giant spiders! That impression! We do lunch in a room surrounded by woods and after a while we have 'the time available. We cross the forest and suddenly as if by magic, the beach. It is very exciting change from dense forest and find the white beach.
We do still walks in the forest where the guide explains how to grow trees and that the strongest are those who reach the highest peaks. The small remain small because they do not have the light do not grow and will have to die while not having reached the maximum height.
This whole atmosphere I am very willing, but are literally attacked by mosquitoes. The repellent does not work, you see swarms of mosquitoes ... Oh dear ...
(After two days we are full of bubonic, I'm counting my Pinzi up to 91 ... instead Andre has won for the density: 37 only in the ankles!)
We stop to swim along a river with many waterfalls.
Our stay in Port Douglas ends the following day with a visit to a scenic lookout where you can see the coast. Meanwhile the company has hired the camper we call to let us know who have had trouble taking the figure from our bank account via credit card. Then we return to Cairns to resolve the issue.
Not a big problem, it would have remained in the street.
Return to travel with our camper and we return to the south. We decide to stop at Kuranda. It is a mountain village, very nice, very typical. We visit the famous street markets where there is a po 'di tutto: shark teeth, clothes, etc. boomerang. Unfortunately, the town was discovered by mass tourism and public market is very crowded and the stalls are so nice, but products of questionable quality.
We do a nice walk along a path that leads us to admire a beautiful view on the rainforest and waterfalls.
Let Kuranda and Cairns reach. We solve the problem with the payment and it is already evening, we decide to stay in a camp in Cairns.
The next morning the weather is bruttissimo, it's raining and there are no signs of improvement. Our trip to Green Island is then deleted.
We have heard that it was not just a show.
So we decide to share with our camperetto and burn a few kilometers.
Not mention the time to improve, I know just because I fall asleep while driving Andre.
During the journey we stop to see the Innisfail Jospeph Falls. Short walk in the forest that will cost me other insect bites ...
We decide to visit the park Paronella which is located at Mena Creek not far from Innisfail.
It is a park that has created an entirely certain that Mr. Paronella came to Australia from Spain at the beginning of'900. He bought a piece of land where they can realize his dream: to build a park with gardens, castles to entertain his guests. Paronella built everything according to his wishes. He and his wife with the help of some workers have built with their hands all over the park from the gardens to waterfalls, from castles to the stairs. In some buildings you can see the imprints of the hands of those who did so with cement columns. www.paronellapark.com.au

The next stop is Mission Beach, famous for its beautiful beaches. Actually removed the beach there is not much to do or see. In fact, Mission Beach is just a 1 km long road with shops and restaurants by the parties. There is also a hostel and many surfers. We see immediately that there are many young people, some of them already drunk at 4 in the afternoon ... Riccione without an Australian clubs, but alcohol to the stars!
We do dinner at our campsite very nice with pasta (like almost every night!). This allows us to save money and many also have fun and relax by candlelight (the citronella strictly!)
From Mission Beach you can make excursions to the island of Dunk Island. We will postpone the decision on the morning after because we do not know what is the time. In fact, even the next day will be bad weather and the sea is very rough. So skip this ... Increasingly disappointed and distressed by the weather we continue our journey through endless fields of sugar cane interrupted only by semi streets.

QUEENSLAND, SECOND PART

We pass through small villages like Cardwell and Ingham. The concept of village is very different from ours. We (at least in Tuscany) x mean a collection of village houses, a few people, a square, a circle with a bar, a church. This is a prerequisite. In Australia, the villages often develop along a main road. When the group of houses, the road continues, over the country.
Let's go to the tourist area of Ingham and discover that the two ladies at the counter have Italian roots, and we say that every year at the beginning of May there is a big Italian festival with tables, dinners and dances, the slogan is "eat, sing, drink! "
We are told that there are many Italians in the north, you in fact originated in Brescia.
Let's do lunch Lucinda a few kilometers from Ingham. We do a picnic on the lawn by the sea since time has returned. Here is the longest pier in the world, 6 km! is really impressive!
From Ingham you can visit several islands: Hinchinbrook, Orpheus and Palm. The probelma is that none of the three draws us particularly and links are not regular. This is the site of this part of Queensland: http://www.acecomp.com.au/hinchinbrook/

Our journey continues into the evening and arrive in Townsville (www.townsvilleonline.com.au) which is a pretty big town. This is something that we immediately lost repeatedly in the center. All the streets look the same and we have a map on two pages in which we do not understand anything! At one point we believed to be in the film "The blair witch project" without wanting to because we are facing a bridge countless times ...
We find a campsite near the sea, very nice. One drawback that we discover only when it is night: the bathroom (clean, well-run) has many lucertoline white with short tail ... It is not a scoop, I am aware, in Australia you must make a habit of these animals, but to me that these animals will appear from above while you brush your teeth just is not polite to me there ...
Take a pitch near the barbecue because we had decided to make grilled meat that evening. We enjoy our dinner different from the other night, with a nice steak, salad and grilled vegetables.
The day after the visit is set to Magnetic Island and decided that we will go ahead even if it were a storm of snow.
The morning sun is just the head, let the ticket of the ferry and an hour of crossing does not seem to finish more. The sea is very rough and we who are out there doing the bathroom.
We arrive on the island where there is an incredible wind. There are several ways to visit the island: bus, two cars cabrio seats, bicycles and motorbikes. We go walking on a hill where you see a beautiful landscape (some with the sun would have been something else ...)
Then we go by bus to a small but nice beach. Here we take lunch and a coffee bar. The atmosphere is very tropical in spite of the time make strangely. I am very meteoropatica and I do not think that it would have been nice with the sun ...
With the bus we reach Horseshue Beach which is a long beach at Horseshoe. is the sunset and the sun finally shows its splendor. We enjoy the magnificent sunset over the sea ... There are so many people, though, if you're on a beach in Australia many people means that the nearest one to you is 10 meters and 20 cm as we! Some plays and sings, who makes a picnic cooking the meat on the barbecue (there are many everywhere).
Let Magnetic Island and we go back to our campsite where we prepare a nice plate of pasta. After doing a walk along the esplanade where there are mangroves in many gardens and cared for the other side pubs and clubs full of people. It certainly is a very lively city, perhaps due to the fact that it is the largest town between Cairns and Brisbane which are distant with each other.
One thing that struck us (and that I was a little scared) Castle Hill was the top of a hill 286 meters high. Was illuminated at night and did an impression. From there you have a beautiful view.
The next morning we get to drive by deciding not to visit the aquarium of Townsville.
Today there is a very strong sun, we stop along the road undecided on where to stop for the night. The case (we wanted to go see a spiaggettina that we showed our Lonely Planet, but chat and we have not seen the crossing!) Led us to Bowen. The village itself is not much (there is no historical center as we only wide streets with buildings of dubious taste, murals and little else).
We chose our campsite for the night which is Horseshue Bay: the paradiso.www.holidaynq.com.au / Bowen / horseshoebay_resort / horseshoe_bay.htm
The road that leads us to the promontory on which the camp is really nice, along the beautiful bays.
Let the sun and go to the beach to admire the sunset. We are just on the beach. Andrea decides to open a coconut, which will keep him busy for as long as we are on the beach. It's not as easy as you thought and felt even more stupid because he had seen a child do with big natural ...
In the end we enjoyed one of the most beautiful moments of the holiday: eat the coconut open with great effort from Andrea admiring a beautiful sunset on a deserted beach ... Che nostalgia ...
In the evening we are going to do food shopping in a large, well-stocked supermarket and buy meat for the barbecue. Will caviamo with a few prominent, it's amazing how much difference there is with our prices ... For me it was all for granted, I missed by 7 and a half months now and Andrea made me see this thing.
The Italian products, like the pulp of our most famous brand cost as here in Italy. But we were on the opposite side of the world!

The following day we leave reluctantly by Horseshue bay and continue up to Airlie Beach which is the point of arrival with our campervan.
It is now a very lively town, with many local children and many young people who walk barefoot in the street. I feel even more so in Australia: young and learning. Everything is reflected in these two words.
We do a tour for this town chock full of shops and venues with great music.
In one of the booking office to book a 'tour for the next day to visit the reef. It's called Fantasea Island and make us a special price. We paid AUD 80 in two and the price was AUD 120 a head! I think that happened because we booked at the last minute and forecasts for the next day were not very good. But it is the last day we have at our disposal and we do not care.
We choose our last camp (there are only two, including one outside the country). Let's take a look and there seems ok. The big surprise comes at night when we go to the bathroom and discover that the ceiling is paved by butterflies and the walls and the floors are full of various animals ... Oh dear ...
Let the shower at the speed of light to avoid being attacked by our friends. Now we are used to more ...

QUEENSLAND, THIRD PART

The following day will be one of the most beautiful not only the holiday, but my whole life.
A coach is there to take in front of the camp and brings us to the port where we find our catamaran.
It is brand new, clean and very spacious. Distributing free pills for sea sickness. Despite this, many people feel bad, because the sea is very rough and the trip lasted about 90 minutes.
While browsing we explain how the day will take place and the precautions that we have once in water. The crew was very courteous and helpful, even if that day, poor, have more nurses that the sailors!
We arrive on the platform in the open. Descend from the catamaran which is open all the time of our visit. We have several hours to spend as we want: snorkeling, diving, a submarine with windows to observe the underwater life and the lower floor of the platform to examine the deep blue. A payment is also possible to take a helicopter ride to see the barrier from above.

We are preparing for snorkelling. Give us the wetsuit, flippers, a snorkel and mask. We are ready.
Meanwhile a photographer wander among us, and one thousand photographs at all (with the changes, without, with the background of the barrier, and so embraced. Seems like a service for the wedding!) The photos are visible throughout the following month on a site internet and you can decide whether or not to send fartele. I have just downloaded and saved.
We dived into water that is really cold. But when everything goes from deep blue that is almost frightening start to swim on the barrier. It is an explosion of colors and shapes. There are lots of colorful fish that swim around you, corals so strange and unusual that never stop to look. My heart was beating so much, I do not seem true. When the sun comes out everything is even more shiny and bright. I would not be more lift on the platform.
Take a little sunshine, let the boat and do the very rich buffet lunch (all included in the price) that was served on the catamaran (not sandwiches, but pasta, meat, especially fresh fish, salads and desserts)
it's time to start afresh. Some of the crew live on the platform. It is a lifestyle choice rather bizarre, infuses the afternoon from 4 to 10 the next morning you are you should just stay with colleagues in the middle of the ...
During the sad return to Airlie Beach we saw on TV the pictures taken that day and we were served so many sweets and fresh fruit with hot drinks. This is the site where a taste of all this: www.fantaseaisland.com.au

Let's go back to Airlie Beach where we do dinner with fish and chips and spend our last night in a camper.

The next morning we cleaned the camper and we went to deliver it. The Lord gave us compliments for having given so clean and tidy!
Kindly accompanied us in the center where we went to pick up your ticket for the next adventure: 3 days on a sailing boat sailing the Whitsundays Islands. They made us leave the luggage in the back of their office and a small bag, we have embarked. The sailing is not a great because I am disappointed. I saw many other boats brochure with really beautiful. Our laughter ago, it seems that arm of iron! Well, we also do this!
We are a group of about 20 people, all young boys, including several British, Irish, Scottish, Israeli, German and Italian only 2 of us.
The hub is a funny guy about 25 years ago that that does not dance and do the silly, the captain is a really strange about sixty, height about 1:40 (it's lower than I do not believe it!) Earring, beard and smokes uncultivated the cigar. But it is a true master!
We leave and go where the wind takes us. Meanwhile the people sing, make knowledge, drinks and laughs. The boat is still not pleased, but the atmosphere is unique. Where ever I happen to be in the Whitsundays Islands (the islands of Pentecost) on the Barrier Reef in Australia on a sailing boat with people from all over the world and more with a hub and a true master?

The navigation is not easy, because the usual tempaccio persecutes us, and I thought that we were to fail! Menomale my Captain reassures me by telling that it is impossible to tip having regard to the measures of the boat. Well, you ...
The navigation is broken by walks in the woods or on the beach that we reach with the dinghy.
In the evening the hub prepares us to eat (pasta! And is not bad, the only council not to put the salad in the same dish to eat it all together!)
After dinner we make the games and listening to music.
The day after we resume shipping, we do breakfast together and after about an hour landed on the island where we Withsunday a walk in the dense forest until you get to see one of the most beautiful things ever: Hill Inlet.


It is a promontory from which you have a spectacular view, the blue sea of blinding that intersects with the white beach. As we said our captain who has toured the world: it is the only place in the world that is identical to a postcard.
In the distance you can see Whitehaven Beach, the most famous beach.
Descend from heaven on that promontory. The sun finally head and allows us to fully enjoy the beauty and splendor of this place. There are no words. The water is crystal clear, the sand is fine and creaks under your feet. I do not know whether it is better to return every single detail with my camera and enjoy all this without concern, infuses in video not ever understand what it means to stay here in paradise.
We go back on the boat with those images in the mind of a world away, with the desire and hope to review soon until you will be satisfied.
In the afternoon we enjoy snorkeling in the barrier. Us with other people not to feel we dive into that water cold, and we feed the fish from the dinghy.
Continue browsing and make the last dinner together. After eating our friends in Israel teach us a game with cards where only one person loses and the other win. We passed the time for a while and we have fun, but now is the time to go to bed.
I can not wait to come down from the boat, especially for that awful stench of rot and quell'umido that's left him ...
The next day we continue to sail back to Airlie Beach. We pass the time chatting with the children of Israel are asking us advice on what to see in Italy (the next goal would be to Australia, Italy) and is eating on a budget. They had a guide of restaurants in Italy and had each of the dishes, so we ventured into the explanation of various sauces, mozzarella in a carriage and lots of good stuff that I frankly, after almost 8 months of food supereconomici I had forgotten.

One can see the harbor in the distance, but what happens? Our boat is broken! We must call for reinforcements and dragged us to the port. All this delays our arrival and after hugs and kisses greet our boat and we walk to the center. Collect your luggage and call a taxi to take us to the airport.

QUEENSLAND, FOURTH PART

The driver very kindly tells us that there are planes leaving until the day after. It is a very small airport and know that there are now flights.
Everything is very strange, our ticket is clear, the flight is scheduled for that evening. Assistance call (since Sunday is not possible to talk with the agency) and says it controls. It's true. That flight does not exist.
I am angry to die, I say clearly that the agency has not had time to warn them of the change. But how? I booked the flights in February! First 3 months!
The lady on the phone, I apologize and I say that the error is without doubt the agency, although he did not know what agreements there were. I say that I must be in every way to SYDNEY the same evening. I leave my mobile number. Meanwhile the attention of taxi drivers has increasingly come to us to ask what happened and shake his head.
I am angry more and more, I can not believe that we have felt, that night I should have known of the American boys first month in New Zealand living in MELBOURNE. The next morning would be started.
La tipa ritelefona telling me that there are possibilities for that evening, the only thing is to start the next day, to 13 from Proserpine and a stop in Brisbane.
There is no other way, there's something else we can do. I do not intend to repeat the oft-kind girl who are incompetent and I had ruined her vacation and that I would have paid 1 cent of the extra costs that forced us to do. She tells me that I am right, but can not assure me that I must repay the money because she has not spoken with the agency.

I am really furious, I was to cry. I thought to my friends in Boston with whom I spent a wonderful vacation that I would not have been reviewed. In fact, I have not reviewed ... This fault of ...

Andre who is more calm and reasonable attempts to keep me calm.
We need to find a hotel for the night. I realize that we no longer have the camper and not a means by which move.
See the Lonely Planet guide and we look for a hotel nearby. Phone and tell me that is complete, but I recommend a brand new bed and breakfast that is not in any guide. I do give and telephone number.
Let's go to the address and discover that the place is really beautiful and brand new. It's called Island View. The owners live upstairs with a small child. Shows us our room. www.islandviewbb.com.au
After spending the last few weeks in a camper and the last 3 days in a cot moldy I think a show. The room is spacious, has a large stained glass window, clear the carpet. The furniture is wicker and there is a large glass table. Minibar, television, large wardrobe with mirrors. The bed is soft and has a blue cover with lots of colorful pillows. Even the bathroom is taken care of and clean. I do not think it true ... a shower for me ... without having to run away from strange animals!
We spend the evening in a very nice restaurant where I taste one of my last barramundi.
The next morning the lady (who is very young) brings us the breakfast in the room that we do on our big table. That is not a breakfast, but lunch. Fresh fruit, yogurt, hot croissants, jams, butter, cereals, fresh milk, orange juice, coffee and other things. How beautiful to wake up like that.
The arrabbiatura has gone completely.

But the day will be completely lost between transfers and connections to Brisbane to SYDNEY.
Indeed, the flight that we have found is via Brisbane with a stop of one hour.

SYDNEY, FIRST PART

And so for the last week in SYDNEY. Arrive with some delay, and take a taxi to get to the place we had booked. (I had already left my apartment dovendolo use x almost 2 months). I call him the place and not just because hotels arrived we realized what it was that wretched hole.

At the reception, the lady tells me that practices go through check in the morning because he was leaving. Once in the room (if one can call it) we were in a narrow and dark corridor, looked like a factory. The rooms had been created by pulling on the cardboard panels. And to think that the brochure looked nice and cozy ... The decision to leave that place was immediate when we saw the room and when to close the window, I used a sock found in his hand ... To avoid this penalty: Hometel California, Surry Hills.

We went to see if there was someone, but all was desert. So we left the keys where we showed the boys, a mailbox in a salon. We called a taxi and we went to a really nice backpacker. It is called Y on the Park, and even if the price was double the other, there was really no comparison and it was still affordable.
It is located close to Hyde Park, is truly beautiful, clean and cared for. Then there is a short walk Town Hall station and bus stops. www.ywca-SYDNEY.com.au

From now on we will see more not a flash in the sun, in fact, the incessant rain down on you SYDNEY for the rest of our days. It is a pity, not for me, but Andre was unable to appreciate the beauty of the city.
Given the time we have taken advantage to see the inside of the House that is truly beautiful. Especially the concert hall where he performed Simon and Garfunkel and Barbra Straisand. You can even rent it for one evening ... Some did so by offering a great concert only for friends!
We also visited the Powerhouse Museum for the enjoyment of Andre who is passionate about these things scientific experiments etc..

Other things to do in town:

- AMP Tower from which see the city from above, perhaps it would be the first step to do in SYDNEY to get an idea of what is underneath.
- MAKE A PICNIC TO KIRIBILLI in North SYDNEY. It is one of the most beautiful things to do in SYDNEY. Take the metro line 2 and stop at Milsons Point. Get off right on the main road and you will get to you a wonderful spectacle. The garden where you can picnic is on the opposite bank of the river and from there you can enjoy the view of the Harbor Bridge and Opera House, right in front of you. I have always been there at night, but I imagine that the day is amazing. If you want to get some good Thai food on the main road there is a restaurant which also take away and is really good.
- BRIDGE CLIMBING: Climbing of the Harbor Bridge. Cost around 100 AUD, but it's worth it. If the day is clear you enjoy the view of the most beautiful bay in the world. The word should not climb to deceive, it is very simple, you just need to climb the stairs. In some places become very fraught, but most of the trail is very easy.
When you're on top you take a photo with the background of the house and the bay.
Do not miss ...
- Coogee A WALK TO BONDI BEACH. It is an easy and very beautiful. Walking on the path that skirts the ocean passing by beautiful beaches such as Bronte, and finally Tamarana Bondi Beach. When you are in Bondi Beach, the best thing to do (besides spaparacchiarsi on the beach and swimming if you do not suffer too cold!) Is going to take something to eat in one of the many cafes that you find. My advice: Speedo's is not too busy on the main road, but on Ramsgate Avenue on the north side leading to the headland, to 5 minutes. I recommend it for breakfast or lunch, sandwiches are very good, but also pasta and salad. The coffee is good (incredibile. ..)
- IMAX CINEMA: is located at Darling Harbor, is the biggest screen in the world, if they are still projecting not miss Australia Land Beyond time, it is not in 3d but it is really beautiful, introduced the Australian fauna and some images are really breathtaking. Agrees to make a ticket to see two shows a day, costs less and the film lasts approximately 45 minutes each, then 2 movies, perhaps a distance of 2 or 3 hours of each other are not heavy.

- BEACHES do not miss: Bondi beach is the most famous, a visit must be made. Coogee is much closer to Bondi, but very beautiful and unique atmosphere. My favorite is Camp Cove, a small cove between Watsons Bay (accessible by ferry with a few dollars, which is also very good with fish restaurants on the seafront) and Lady Bay (x nudists only, but very nice). Council to take a walk from Watsons Bay to South Head, which is where you open the ocean and you will find a breathtaking view, with a lighthouse. Along this route you will find first Camp Cove and Lady Bay. Mainly also very nice which is located north of SYDNEY.
- CENTENNIAL PARK: If you have time available (or if you move a long in SYDNEY) will not miss this beautiful park with many lakes and animals. Especially at sunset, there are many people who go jogging or on horseback. There is a special atmosphere, not to be missed. Close to Centennial Park is located Paddington. It was a very run-down neighborhood, is now chock carinissima of shops, pubs and restaurants. On Saturday morning the market is priced fairly high, but very colorful and full of many things strange and new.
- THE ROCKS: The first white settlement in SYDNEY, was once a notorious village, then became an area full of stores. The bubonic plague forced the authorities to shave the area to the ground and there were many to begin demolition of the building 'Harbor Bridge. Now it is a very popular area, where there are shops, restaurants and hotels sector. Very nice is the market at the weekend.
- FISH MARKET: behind Darling Harbor, in Pyrmont. Aside from the smell you can taste many dishes of fresh fish in the many kiosks that are located within the main structure.
- QVB Queen Victoria Building, shopping mall very lavish, the most beautiful city. More plans are going up and more luxury shops. For the lower floors there are many cafe. For a quick meal and economic (it was my goal almost every x lunch) go to the Food Court at SYDNEY Central Plaza where you can access from QVB via escalators or lifts or Pitt Street. You'll find lots of fast food, attentive but not McDonald's. Creperie from food of any nationality (Indian, Malaysian, Japanese sushi = delicious, Chinese, Thai, salads, stuffed potatoes, sandwiches by stuffing as you like, omelettes, Italian restaurant with a pasta-x this will not guarantee-and more things). The shopping area is to Pitt St Mall. Other shopping centers are very beautiful: David Jones, Grace Bros and Strand Arcade, even if they do not like QVB.
- KINGS CROSS: red light district of the city. During the day is a normal place, I went there often because we are the internet cafe with the lowest rates in SYDNEY. You will also find many Cheap hostels. At night it is transformed and you will find many local authorities of all kinds, including red light, in front of that many bouncers try to "throwing in" inviting you to come! From Kings Cross you go almost immediately Wooloomooloo a neighborhood that is very. It's funny how in just a few meters away can change the environment!

SYDNEY, SECOND PART

- OLYMPIC VILLAGE: It is not easy to get there, you have to change with the 2 train. However if you have time you can in about 1 hours to reach destination. Do not expect to see much. In fact, fields are not visit, unless there is some event. In fact you can just take a walk and admire what has been done for the "Best Olympics ever" according to ALL, but ALL! (Now there's tv spot with Megan Gale who has just shot in SYDNEY and the fountain that you see is that of an Olympic city)
- CHINESE GARDENS: Gardens of China, is located in Darling Harbor, is an oasis of calm in the midst of the city. Really beautiful.
- MUSEUMS: I used to say that Florence I have found very ... However: Powerhouse Museum if you are interested in science, Australian Museum: very interesting for the history of Aboriginal, Art Gallery of NSW: Exposure to Australian and Aboriginal art, National Maritime Museum: Museum theme on the relationship between Australia and the sea. Aquarium: beautiful, but I do not think a visit is essential. Do snorkeling and see the most bell'acquario the world!


- OR ZOO PARKS: If you have time and desire you can visit the Taronga Zoo in North SYDNEY you can reach by ferry. I do not like the zoo, saying that there are animals in a cage ... however it has an excellent view of the city just behind the giraffe!
If you move a bit from the city center you can go to the Koala Sanctuary to see kangaroos that skip or quiet koala sleeping undisturbed. Apart from these famous animals too popular, there are others who are very nice and less famous. My favorite: Wombat, looks like a giant mouse, but it seems even a koala. That's funny ....

- If you are in SYDNEY at the beginning of January, approximately 26 do not miss the fabulous (many free) events SYDNEY FESTIVAL. Everything's all x: from exhibitions of all kinds to live music from Latin (with its teachers on that big screen showing the steps) to rock, classical, jazz. The wonderful jazz music concert held at the Domain (park in the center). Nobody is standing up, you bring a blanket or chairs and a picnic while you listen to the music. Really beautiful and the atmosphere is wonderful!

- Also in SYDNEY is full of summer events: very nice is the Moonlight Cinema in Centennial Park, always with the same style of Jazz concert on the Domain, a picnic at sunset and when the sun goes down does the movie. Another very spectacular cinema is held in Royal Botanic Gardens. The screen is suspended on and the film is seen by the stairs with the background of 'Opera House. Around the beginning of March there is the Mardi Gras, the event with a lot of gay parties and parades masked, which attracts many people from all over the country. Attention: the city is fully booked for the occasion! Chinese New Year: a January or February to see, there are parades in costume to China Town, and many banchettini fireworks.
SYDNEY to Hobart Yacht Race: December 26. Under the scorching sun, you can watch the start of the race from the bay of SYDNEY, ending in Hobart just seems to me in February. On 26 January is Australia Day: There are many steps that day, outdoor exhibits, a unique parade of boats in the bay, band, also many awards to Aboriginal outdoors or who has helped shape the country. On April 25 is Anzac Day: on this occasion there are also parades of veterans of war that greet the audience. Anzac is the acronym that means Australian and New Zealand Army Corp.

- ENTERTAINMENT: in SYDNEY, there are lots of pubs, my favorite live music is the 3 Wise Monkeys www.3wisemonkeys.com.au on the corner of George and Liverpool Str Str, but very beautiful is also the Coogee Palace (I think so called) and the Bondi Hotel. If you want an environment a little more class then go to Tilbury Hotel (hotel attention = pub) at Woolloomooloo, an area much in. http://www.tilburyhotel.com.au
After an evening at the Tilbury Hotel (the customer is young and not too posh or refined) to go take a super Australian Meat Pies (cakes with salted according to various types of meat covered with mashed potatoes or peas or various sauces) all ' now historic Harry's Cafe de Wheels: vendor boasts customers from 1945 known as Elton John, Kevin Costner, Pamela Anderson and others. It is now a local historian who is part of SYDNEY: www.harryscafedewheels.com.au
A visit is also to go to the casino with lots of fountains and volcano! It is not my genre, but it is something else to see!

- RESTAURANTS: SYDNEY is full of restaurants of all kinds. The fish is really good, you can taste the barramundi that is not from us. The thing is that you can find restaurants of all nationalities here that we do not exist. Do not miss the Thai (in a good Clarabella Rd, Milsons Point, North SYDNEY already mentioned to make the picnic a Kiribilli Point). Do not miss the Japanese (I tried the "Teppanyaki"-spelling definitely wrong, but as we read-which is a Japanese custom where the chef cooking on the hot plate in front of you and instead of serving the dish you pull. Of course, what you eat you are taking. To be avoided if you have a bad aim, but very funny ...)
If you want a good Chinese restaurant to go to Bondi Beach and try Fu Manchu.
In addition to all the restaurants of other nationalities, there are many cheap restaurants. Is a very good Sea Cow, which is near Paddigton, you order at the counter, you pay once and then you need. They are simple, but the fish is very fresh and the place is nice. The Lonely Planet, there are many places like this, very familiar environments, often the rooms are small and do not take reservations. There are places in a row and expects to be able to sit. Among the many I quote: Mohr Fish (Devonshire St), No Names (Chapel St), Fish face (Darlinghurst) and Govinda's (Durlinghurst). The latter is managed by a local Hare Krishna and prepare vegetarian dishes. At a cost of about $ 16 you eat and you see a film in the cinema upstairs.
If you fancy a good pizza go to Paddington to Arthur 'pizza.
Also in Paddington there are also many pubs opened for lunch which make pasta, salad and many other things sfiziose at affordable prices.

There is so much more to say, but it is impossible to list all the pretty local to us.

SYDNEY, THREE DAYS ITINERARY

Since most people engaging in SYDNEY 3 days this is a route that I would advise you not to miss the main things:

Day 1: Visit to 'AMP Tower to get a look from above. On foot you can reach easily to Hyde Park where you can relax on the lawn or go to the 'Anzac Memorial and the Cathedral of St Mary's. From there on foot you can go to Town Hall, the town and visit the Queen Victoria Building. Lunch in SYDNEY Central Plaza. After you can take a bus (about 10 minutes) or train (5 minutes) or walk (20 minutes) to Circular Quay where you will admire the famous Harbor Bridge and SYDNEY Opera House. You can climb the bridge, but you will require about 3 hours, or walks in the Royal Botanic Gardens (very beautiful) and stop at Mrs Macquaries Point and admire the bay. From there you can walk (back in the direction of the Harbor Bridge) to visit the old part of the city, the Rocks, where the weekend there are markets.
At this point I think the day will be quite full ... if you still have breath, take a train and go back to Milsons Point. From there go to Kirribilli Point to admire the sunset. On the terrace you can take a picnic to take something in one of the restaurants will be unforgettable Clarabella Rd.

DAY 2: Coogee Beach to reach by bus. From Coogee you can make a beautiful walk along the ocean and arrive in a couple of hours from Bondi Beach and Bronte Tamarana admiring fabulous views. Once in Bondi Beach, take a coffee or do lunch Speedo's cafe. If you do not want to spend the entire day on the beach you can go back to town and visit the red light district of Kings Cross, Chinatown, Paddington, or choose to change the beach and visit to Manly (reachable but ferry from Circular Quay). I believe that no punishment is worth too much to do x at Manly.

DAY 3: A trip to SYDNEY without a cruise in the bay that is one half.
You can make an organized tour on a catamaran (or Matilda Captain Cook) with the guide and will cost you about $ 20 (I eviterei). You can go to all that stops and then take the next ferry which will take you to the next step. However you do it in the morning so you can go into more places and make the most of $ 20.
Otherwise you can buy a single ticket and go to Darling Habour. From there you can visit the mall x buy some souvenirs, watch a movie all'IMAX, Chinese Gardens, have breakfast or lunch in one of the restaurants on the bay. (Warning not cheap!). Or you can go from there to the Fish Markets (about 10-15 minutes walk) for lunch or visit the aquarium, the powehouse museum, the casino, the Maritime Museum and much more ... Depends what you like, there is something x all. In the afternoon take the ferry again and go to Watsons Bay from Circular Quay which will pass under the 'Harbor Bridge and opposite the Opera House. Barca will see from the many beautiful bays, Fort Denison Shark Island, up to Watsons Bay where you can make the walk up the ocean I mentioned above, stopping on the beach of Camp Cove. From Watsons Bay you can take a bus x the city or a ferry back to Circular Quay to watch the sunset over the bay.

If you still have time you can devote a day to the Blue Mountains. But I honestly would give priority to the city.

SUGGESTIONS

Find good when you buy tickets for travel on public transport. Generally agrees to do a kind of subscription if you buy individual tickets cost much more. Also if you decide to buy individual tickets bought ever return. With a few cents more you can get a return. Example: Town Hall - Central Station $ 2 one way, roundtrip 2.40.
Are there any fees if you are convenientissime a week (I also evaluate x few days if you travel a lot by public transport). This subscription is called Red Travelpass. In fact, for about 25/30 U.S. dollars you can have a valid ticket x 7 days and allows you to travel on buses, trains and ferries without limits all week for the red zone (the central + beaches). It is really convenient and you do not have to buy all the times the ticket on the bus or train station. If you want to go into other areas outside the red (unlikely, there is not much to see) you can add a few dollars more and have a + wide.
Ask these info to the train station, you will be kind. If you do not understand, however, there is also a billboard that explains everything very well.

A tip: Many of these activities that I spoke as day-trip (including flights, travel and much more) can be booked on the seventh floor of George street, Travelers Contact Point.
It is a point of information where to find travel agencies, internet free, help with finding work, visas, shipping packages, bulletin board rooms or apartments for rent or camper or car to buy.
There really is everything, the staff is very nice, young and friendly and the services offered are for all, you do not have to have a card or be a member.

To travel to Australia to save my advice is to just book a flight from Italy and if you have time to organize the trip alone. The goal is for this very type of solution. The trip is best done by a part of the journey in caravans or rented car. Gasoline costs half that to us, the roads are excellent and with the help of Lonely Planet will discover the wonderful views outside the common goals. (Ah, remember the drive for international license which may be made to the engine of the civil province at a cost of about € 50 and is valid for 5 years). A vacation in Australia is synonymous with freedom, and so it should be lived ... I find it quite depressing, the idea of having to book group trips with other Italian ... I hope that you do not offended anyone, just my opinion. It is advice to live the true spirit of this country. Make a pre-trip is a translation of what is Australia and not save.

For those who are thinking of relocating for work or study or just for fun, I say that there is no place in the world to do this. The visa is not easy to obtain, fortunately now there is the possibility of working holidays for children under 30 years that a level of up to 12 months with the possibility of working. (There are restrictions). If you choose a course of studies, however, you have to commit full-time and once in place you can request a work permit by the immigration officer. This visa (Student visa) is what I had and I could work for a maximum of 20 hours weekly. To work you must ask the Tax number which is a kind of tax code. This allows you to work and not pay 50% of pay as taxes. Requires the Taxation office (I think it is called so that is at the base of the AMP Tower. In a few days will be delivered to your address this issue).
If you decide to travel or just to study for less than 3 months just on Tourist Visa which is issued free of charge with the airline ticket. Remember if you are a student to do the ISIC card which will enable you to get discounts for students to enter the museums, galleries and much more. Another tip: if you want and time is very useful to take a course in English in college. The level in general is excellent, the young and dynamic teachers, the lessons are fun. I did a few weeks x course at St Mark's International College in Bondi. There are 2 campuses of St Marks in SYDNEY, the other is in town. I enjoyed very much and I knew many people in a short time. These colleges are part of Geos, are found throughout Australia and indeed to all advice. It is true that you learn fun, I do not see the time of going to school. Studying in an environment, it is also very exciting and you can choose the lessons on specific aspects of language. It is also an excellent place to prepare for the exams TOELF, etc. Cambridge. The afternoon is then organized activities such as hiking, walking the beach or in town or tournaments or film. They can also arrange accommodation in a family or you can easily find an apartment with other students at school. I think the prices are very competitive and quality is excellent. www.stmarks.com.au
Another very interesting alternative is to work at a farm in the country and get in exchange for the work room and board. I assure you that the people of the campaign is really fantastic and it would be a real experience.
If you decide to live for a long period in Australia, it is advisable to open a bank account. I have found it very well, you can open an account without paying a cent in a few days and will receive a credit card. Also close your account is easy. Even if you feel sad that a few coins were ...
There are various possibilities, I know of only a few. However, for advice of this nature, please contact Francoise Boomerang of Australia that will help you.

SUGGESTIONS, SECOND PART

If you choose to move to SYDNEY for a period long enough I would advise you to take a room for rent in a house with other people. I paid around 160 Australian dollars a week for a single room. The area where I lived was one of the most expensive because of the sea and close to the city, but if you divide a room with another person costs decrease significantly. I have not had to buy anything, I was lucky because the house that I had found almost everything. Sometimes you have to invest a little hand 'in furniture. Given the large number of students is very easy to buy beds, mattresses, bedside tables and other things used, and then sell them. It is the cheapest option since it saves a lot on food. A very useful to find this type of accommodation for me was www.bondiaccommodation.com.au course specializing in the area of Bondi (Bondi Beach, Coogee, Bondi Junction, Clovelly, Centennial Park).
If, however, spend a short period of study or work in SYDNEY, the council is to be host to a family (homestay), which will breakfast and dinner or if you study, take a room in the university campus. If you decide to solve the apartment even in this case choose an already furnished and it is not impossible to find. Also why I have entrusted to Francoise that has the right contacts.

Regarding medical insurance, of course is advisable. I was a long time and I paid the fees for 6 months that Medicare is the public health care. I have not even thought of a medical insurance for 8 months, I would have cost an exorbitant figure. I have made in the months in which I traveled, especially to make sure the camera and luggage in general.
I needed only once to the doctor and emergency room I had only to show my passport, a few days after I went to a doctor in a clinic to take the exams and I have presented my Medicare card.

- VAT: remember that you can get the VAT back on goods bought. If you have a return flight to endeavor to scale directly from the account (I believe however that there is a minimum spending of $ 300) otherwise the tickets and departure will be charged the amount you'll have back. Please have the things you have stated they will be monitored.

- Direct Line: I have always used Supersaver is a 5 or $ 10, very convenient for calls in Italy. The cost does not remember me, but I think that $ 10 you can talk with Italy for about 1 hour and a half. To call in Australia is recommended to buy a card from Vodafone for the phone, I spent $ 30 of which 20 were traffic and 10 activation. Or a card to be used by normal telephones. Attention because traveling in several states the rates change, for example if you call from Cairns to SYDNEY is better to buy an international card also provides for the internal use in Australia. You pay only traffic to enter and make a toll free number (free).

- TYPICAL PRODUCTS FROM BUY: Vegemite: yeast extract, may not like it, I love him. It is very strong, it just very little on toast. Tim tam biscuits and chocolate so that you can do the famous Tim Tam Explosion! You bite the two ends and put out the biscuit in tea that goes sucked until the cookie is good soup. At this point you must put the Tim tam in the mouth under the tongue and crush, so there is a kind of explosion of chocolate in the mouth!
Boomerang: there are many types, if you go to MELBOURNE I recommend the Victoria markets, usually in SYDNEY souvenirs cost more. Try to plan at the QVB. Always the top floor you will find a good quality and variety of Aboriginal paintings, didjeridu, several wool that comes from New Zealand, Opals. Beware though, because if you do not want to buy an item you find in SYDNEY but has been done in China, see the 'label of authenticity.

I hope that my story can help you, I tried to give the best information that I consider useful for those preparing to travel to Australia.
Even though in reality I l 'I have lived who visited as a tourist.
I also hope to have inspired someone to make my own choice, because after you see the world in another way. It seems more beautiful, bigger, more varied, more just, more caring. Also Italy is not the same for me after this experience. Long live outside your country is developing an incredible attachment to all that for you is "home." I never believed for a sword to defend my country ... criticized here before anything.
I did understand that I can not live without Australia, I feel the need to feel free to come back often, but at the same time I have in me the conviction that the most beautiful building where my life is here, in the rolling hills of Tuscany .
To those who are just waiting for the right time, I hope I have encouraged as soon as possible, the more we see and the choice becomes more complicated.
I say the truth, in all these long 8 months I have not had a moment of weakness, sadness, discouragement, or too much nostalgia to say "I want to go home." The desire to live every moment to the best soprafatto has everything. I must also say that the people I met (from friends to family) were really unique and I have accepted in an incredible way. Difficult to feel the lack of a house with people so special ...

Australia is that sense of freedom that is hard to find here, the desire to discover, to own and compare it with others. It is a world strangely genuine and solar.
Australia is a country whose beauty will take away your breath. There are natural wonders that do not ever want to stop observing. You fill my heart and soul, are a breath of fresh air. A view of beauty that always bring you back, even if they are a distant memory.


I apologize if I have expanded too. The fact is that there are things that do not get to tell and others that do not ever tell because I want to have hidden in my heart and in my mind. Others can not be told but only experienced.


Have a good trip!
See ya!

Roberta