Australia, Countdowns
camping by moonlight

Nine of the Best Australian Camping Spots

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The Best Australian Camping Spots

Whether you’re a glamper who can’t be without their creature comforts, or a rough and ready survivalist who just wants to get back in touch with nature, or a campervan enthusiast – there’s an abundance of truly stunning camping spots in Australia.

While the vacations of my childhood were most often family trips to Mooloolaba or Newcastle, I have fond memories of our occasional forays into roughing it a little.

Bathing in a crateful of rainwater at Carnarvon Gorge National Park after a long day hiking about the various Aboriginal cultural sites; cooking our own food over a tiny fire by the shores of Lake Menindee; and even something as simple as pitching a tent in our backyard on a chilly night in Mudgee are all cherished memories of an occasional camper.

In later years, my family would take the campervan up to Jackadgery or across to Coffs Harbour for a more relaxed kind of camping.

The Benefits of Camping in Australia

Few countries on earth can boast the diversity of landscapes that Australia offers. The five camping spots I’ll highlight below cover the gamut – from snow peaked mountains to steaming rainforest, from scorched red desert to brilliant white sand beaches.

As a country with a strong sense of pride in its landscape and a culture of enjoying the outdoors, there’s also a wealth of options for campers and campervan enthusiasts.  These range from bare bones camp sites to those with powered sites, public toilets & showers, and other facilities.

The Drawbacks of Camping in Australia

It’s not exactly a secret that Australia is home to a veritable nightmare of poisonous creepy crawlies. I’m not going to sugar coat it and say that you’re never going to come across a snake or a fist-sized spider in your travels, but most well used campsites are going to be a fairly safe bet.

As with camping anywhere in the world, there are risks inherent with putting your safety entirely in your own hands. The Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared,” is sound advice when camping in any of Australia’s national parks.

Enough lecturing! On with the show!

Booderee National Park, New South Wales

The sun sets over Murray's Beach in Booderee National Park. Photo by Jerry Dohnal.
The sun sets over Murray’s Beach in Booderee National Park. Photo by Jerry Dohnal.

Many travellers come to New South Wales to experience its famous beaches, and there’s certainly no shortage of them between Sydney and Byron Bay.

Head south, however, and you’ll come across the breathtaking Booderee National Park in the Jervis Bay region of the state. Famous for its pristine white sand beaches, Booderee boasts three campsites; one of which (Green Patch) is suitable for campervans as well as tents.

While all sites are unpowered, you come to Booderee to be close to nature and to swim on beaches you’ll have largely to yourself.

The real selling point of Booderee is the opportunity to witness the Humpback Whale migration from the beach. In June and July and again in the spring months, you might just be lucky enough to see whales frolicking not far from the shore.

Kuitpo Forest, South Australia

After a day of exploring the 3,600 hectares of plantation and native bushland in Kuitpo forest, pitch your tent amid Eucalypt woodland. Chookarloo, the main campground, is 1.5 kilometres from the Kuitpo Forest Information Centre and is an ideal base for families and hikers exploring the Heysen and Chookarloo walking trails. There are 23 campsites, shelters, rainwater, a pit toilet, and picnic areas.

The forest’s magic is most visible in winter when you can stroll under dense canopies and discover fairy mushrooms and wildlife as if it were something out of a fairy tale. Coil up by the fire and tell stories while toasting marshmallows before falling asleep under the stars.

Daintree National Park, Queensland

The Daintree Rainforest at dusk is a sight to behold.
The Daintree Rainforest at dusk is a sight to behold. Photo by matlacha

110km north of the backpacker heaven that is Cairns is the Cape Tribulation area. Don’t let the ominous name scare you off, though. The World Heritage listed Daintree National Park is Australia’s largest tropical rainforest and, in my eyes, one of Australia’s most stunning landscapes.

Camping among the towering trees and dense undergrowth is something that isn’t easy to experience elsewhere on the largely arid Australian continent, and wildlife enthusiasts can find some of Australia’s most exotic and beautiful animals, birds, and insects here. In fact, 90% of Australia’s butterfly population calls the Daintree home.

With the rainforest going to the very shore, you’re able to blend jungle adventures with ocean escapades like nowhere else in Australia. Kayaking and rainforest hikes in the same day, and day trips to the Great Barrier Reef or other local attractions such as Kuranda are an option for those wanting a change of pace.

Gunbower National Park, Victoria

There are some quiet, rustic campsites on the 40km-long Gunbower Island, a string of wetlands and waterways adjacent to the Murray River between Echuca and Koondrook.

Visitors can choose from 114 Murray River campsites and 25 Gunbower Creek campsites, all of which are free of charge and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no restrooms, no tables, and only a few barbecues: nothing but serenity.

The beauty of the national park, and the opportunity to hit the water in a kayak or canoe, go for a swim, drop a line in for some fishing, watch the birdlife, drive the 4WD tracks, and spend quiet evenings, are the highlights here.

Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

Australia's most stunning river gorges can be found in the Northern Territory. Photo by rjcox.
Australia’s most stunning river gorges can be found in the Northern Territory. Photo by rjcox.

From the lush rainforest of northern Queensland to the deserts of the Northern Territory, the picturesque desert gorges of the Nitmiluk National Park offer some of Australia’s most stunning river gorges and secluded swimming holes.

As I recently highlighted in my Travel Daydream: Northern Territory, here is a region overflowing with stark sandstone landscapes, surprising beauty, beautiful animals, and Aboriginal history just begging to be uncovered.

There are multiple campsites within the park, but the only one with both power and the ability to light fires is the Nitmiluk Tours Campsite, which is suitable for both tents and campervans.

Barmah Lakes Campground, Victoria

A stunning starscape over the Murray River. Photo by Wayne England.
A stunning starscape over the Murray River. Photo by Wayne England.

Australia’s most iconic river is the Murray-Darling, and camping along beside its muddy waters like so many explorers, farmers, and bushrangers did in the past is an experience to be sought out.

Barmah Lakes Campground is located on the banks of the Murray River, about a three-hour drive north of Melbourne.

The main draw here is the waterway and the lake itself, which is ideal for canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The campground is simple, set in a clearing among tall River Red Gums along the river’s edge.

There is good road access (4WDs recommended), but very little facilities once you arrive: just a drop toilet and a few places to set up a grill. All food and water must be brought in. But it’s the isolation, the opportunity to see vast flocks of waterbirds and emus in the wild that draws people in.

Gentlemans Halt Campground, New South Wales

To get to this bush camp on the banks of the Hawkesbury River, just north of Sydney, you’ll have to walk 10 kilometres through rugged wilderness.

Gentlemans Halt, which is thought to have been used by Governor Phillip during his exploration of the area in 1789, has few facilities: just a few picnic tables, barbecues, and compost toilets. On the 10km hike along the Canoelands Ridge track, all water, firewood, and other supplies must be carried in.

A stay here is all about watching native wildlife, hiking nearby trails, and cooling off in the river. This site is also accessible by boat or kayak for those who do not wish to hike.

Burbie Camp, Warrumbungle National Park, New South Wales

Burbie Camp offers the perfect combination: it is remote but easily accessible. In all seasons, the car park in this section of the Warrumbungle National Park is accessible by 2WD. The site is only accessible by foot, though it is just three kilometres along the Burbie Canyon Track, a gentle hike that makes it ideal for those who would not usually attempt such an adventure.

The site is a rustic campground with few facilities, including a tap running untreated spring water and a spot for a wood-fired barbecue. That is, however, the attraction. This is where you disconnect from modern life and instead look for wallabies on the ground, wedge-tailed eagles in the sky, and sleep under a truly amazing starry night.

Kosciuszko National Park, Australian Capital Territory

The Kosciuszko offers some landscapes unseen elsewhere in Australia. Phoot by Mick Stanic.
The Kosciuszko offers some landscapes unseen elsewhere in Australia. Phoot by Mick Stanic.

Australia is not a country known for its mountains or for its snow, but the Kosciuszko National Park in the Australian Capital Territory/New South Wales offers up both in spades.

It’s rugged terrain ideal for the outdoor adventurer looking to explore gorges, woodlands, and some of Australia’s only genuinely alpine terrain.

While the area is understandably quite cold in the winter and autumn months (They aren’t called the Snowy Mountains for nothing!), the weather turns temperate in summer and spring – allowing campers to swim in creeks, billabongs, and dams.

The more adventurous will find the region is perfect for hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and plenty more.

Camping Checklist

The following camping gear should be checked while planning a camping trip.

Comfort & Shelter

  • Sleeping mat or camp bed;
  • Sleeping bag;
  • Camping table and chairs;
  • Mallet, spare pegs, and puller;
  • Batteries, portable charger, and cables;
  • Torch and/or headlamp;
  • Tent repair kit;
  • Air pump for any airbeds;
  • Windbreak.

Weather Protection

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers;
  • Clean and dry clothes;
  • Sun hat, woolly hat, and gloves (as needed);
  • Camping footwear;
  • Spare underwear and socks;
  • Sun protection and sunglasses;

Kitchen Essentials

  • Stove and/or BBQ;
  • Fuel for the above;
  • Lighter or matches;
  • Esky/cooler;
  • Pots, pans, and kettle;
  • Chopping board;
  • Plates, bowls, and mugs;
  • Dish cloth and sponge;
  • Dishwashing liquid (environmentally friendly);
  • Garbage bags;
  • Can and bottle opener.

Health & Hygeine

  • Toiletries;
  • First-aid kit;
  • Medicines;
  • Hand sanitiser;
  • Face masks;
  • Insect repellent;
  • Toothbrushes and toothpaste;
  • Towels.

Your Say

Do you have any fond memories of camping from your childhood?

What are your favourite camping spots in your own country?

Featured image by Arup Malakar

Indonesia
rice terraces indonesia morotai island

A Guide to Indonesia’s Most Beautiful Islands

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Vacationing on the impressive Spice Islands in Indonesia or on the unforgettable Bali can be the experience of a lifetime. There are so many different cultures to experience and multiple activities to do while you’re there. Whether you want to see some one-of-a-kind wildlife or explore ancient temples, Indonesia and its stunning islands will offer everything, plus there’s something new waiting for you on every corner.  However, knowing there are more than 17,000 islands, it can be challenging to find which is the best one to visit. But, no worries: we made a list of the most beautiful Indonesian islands that are worth every dollar!

indonesia island mountains
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Komodo Island

Komodo Island is the ideal place to explore untouched jungles, swim with dolphins, dive in the ocean, and see unique underwater life. This island is described as one of the most isolated places on earth. A small part of Indonesia, it’s located in the northeast tip of the country and has a population of just over 20,000 people.

It’s also home to some very interesting creatures, including dragons! The island is home to around 2,500 Komodo Dragons (the largest living lizard), and is one of the only places in the world where tourists can safely view these terrifying predators in the wild.

I was lucky enough to visit Komodo Island in 2015 and it really is a once in a lifetime wildlife experience.

Sumatra 

This breathtaking island in the South Pacific Ocean is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity. With over 1,000 species of orchid, Sumatra’s lush rainforest has been called the “Amazonian Rainforest of Asia” due to its abundant flora and fauna. The island’s diverse landscape ranges from beaches to volcanoes and offers numerous opportunities for recreation and adventure.

Sumatra is also praised for its rich culture with two languages spoken by many on the island, i.e. Bahasa Indonesia and Malay. There are also five religions practiced there: Islam, Christianity (Roman Catholic), Buddhism, Hinduism, and traditional Animism. Despite religious differences, the people there live peacefully together in unity, proud of their traditions.

This being said, you won’t regret booking a stay at one of their many luxurious resorts or hotels. You’ll swim and dive at pristine, white sand beaches, drinking cocktails and soaking up the sunrays. If you’re looking for something more adventurous than laying around all day on the beach, you have interesting choices like exploring Mount Kerinci, the home to some spectacular waterfalls, go orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang, or go scuba diving in the world class waters of Pulau Weh.

indonesia sumatra lake toba ferry
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Sulawesi

This lovely island is a diverse land with many different cultures and languages. The Sulawesi people are an indigenous group who have been living on the islands for centuries. You’ll find many interesting museums to visit such as the Museum of Palaeontology in Makassar where you can see fossils that date back millions of years!

There’s also the Mangrove Forest museum which features over 600 species of plants and animals! For those interested in history, there is a WWII war museum that has artifacts from World War II including Japanese-made rifles, bayonets, helmets and ammunition clips.  But, it’s not short on breathtaking beaches and jungles either! They’re ideal for passionate nature lovers.

A few things you might not want to miss out on Sulawesi Island are seeing their breathtaking jungles on hikes or biking tours, a boat tour around the coastlines and visiting some of the many fishing villages, scuba diving at Bunaken National Marine Park (located off Manado), and watch traditional dances at Toraja Festival celebration. On this island, boredom is never an option!

Java

This island is the perfect travel destination for people eager to see and learn about Indonesia’s impressive culture and history. Java boasts spectacular architecture and impressive nature and wildlife. You can do so many different things on your vacation there, including visiting temples, going for hikes in the jungle, experiencing local customs through cooking classes, and getting a taste of their delicious cuisine.

It’s also a dream-come-true for beach lovers-the island has everything from pristine beaches with white sand and crystal warm waters to traditional charming villages rich in culture. It’s also great for surfers since it’s been said to have some of the best surfing waves in the world. But it’s not just for surfers, there are many other activities you can do like scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or simply relaxing on your beach chair.

Don’t forget to visit the ancient Buddhist temple that sits atop a hill overlooking the ocean and spotting wildlife including monkeys and elephants roaming free through the jungle landscape. This sweet little slice of heaven is ready for you to visit!

Samama

The interesting name of this impressive island comes from the Arabic word for “to protect” because the island is said to have many white sand beaches and coral reefs that offer a sense of protection from the waves.  It’s been welcoming tourists for centuries and it could be the ideal destination for you if you’re in search of relaxation, but also exploration and adventure.

Part of the East Kalimantan Province, this island glows with its peaceful ambiance. This serenity is great for endless swims and walks on the beach, but also snorkeling in the pristine waters. It’s calmer than other, more frequented Indonesian islands, so don’t expect a rush of tourists, even when it’s vacation season. Despite the calmness it offers, it doesn’t mean you’ll be stripped from activities. On the contrary, you can explore the island by foot, scuba dive, or see unique plants and trees. Its lush and shady mangroves contribute to the wild and secluded atmosphere. Here, you can take amazing photos or have an unforgettable honeymoon!

Sipura 

Sipura Island is a small, tropical island in the Indonesian province of Nusa Tenggara Timur. It has an approximate population of 500 and is one of the least populated islands in Indonesia. With only three villages on this island, it’s easy to explore all the things this beautiful place offers. The locals are very friendly and welcoming to visitors.

This island is the perfect spot for a laid-back island vacation. With white sand beaches, friendly locals, and plenty of activities to keep you busy all day long, this is one place that will make you feel like your stress has melted away. Whether it’s snorkeling with colorful fish or riding on an ATV through the jungle trails, Sipura has something for everyone! The best months to plan your trip there are October thru April because it’s less crowded and more affordable. Indeed, when you want to escape your winter blues, this island seems like the best answer!

Nusa Ceningan 

A 45-minute boat ride away from Sanur Beach is this beautiful island from the Nusa Islands. It’s ideal if you’re not a fan of overwhelming crowds. It’s a picturesque island rich in picture-perfect blue waters and all-white-sand beaches. Thanks to the lower infrastructure, it’s less visited than Bali, yet offers plenty of activities through its bars, restaurants, guesthouses, and tours. You’ll meet friendly locals who will welcome you with their smiles when they greet you. It’s a perfect vacation option for you if you want to escape your busy daily life. You can explore the pristine coral reefs or go diving with some of the best dive sites in Asia.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also lots of scuba diving courses available there. On the boat tours, you can experience unforgettable moments like swimming with dolphins, turtles, and other marine life as well as enjoy a serene sunset cruise on a traditional Indonesian fishing boat! 

Morotai 

This breathtaking island in the Maluku Islands spreads over an area of just over 100 sq km. It has a population of around 70,000 people and is home to spectacular scenery. The best way to experience Morotai Island is by renting a bike or scooter and riding on one of its many scenic routes. There are also plenty of beaches for those who want to swim in the warm waters or explore caves that have been carved into the limestone rocks by thousands of years worth of waves crashing against them.

The best time to visit Morotai is in  autumn when there are plenty of festivals being held annually such as Pesta Kota (City Festival) which includes traditional Indonesian dance performances, street food stalls, and other festive activities happening throughout town.

The best place to stay while visiting Morotai would be at one of the resorts or hotels that overlooks beautiful beaches like Pante Macassar Beach where you can enjoy sunsets while listening to the waves crashing. 

rice terraces indonesia morotai island
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Final Thoughts

Travelers know that there are few places in the world more beautiful than Indonesia. It’s the home to hundreds of islands with thousands of traditions and customs. From lush green forests to white-sand beaches, each island has something different to offer and guarantees an unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for an amazing vacation spot this year, look no further than Indonesia!

You can read more about my love affair with Indonesia in my Reasons to Visit Indonesia and Places to Visit in Indonesia posts.

Life on the Road
closeup of two men running on a rocky trail, the forest ahead of them

How to Stay in Shape While Traveling

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While most of us aren’t travelling at the moment, a lucky few have been able to jump on a plane and escape the confines of everyday life. 

Or maybe we still have to travel for work, meaning we spend more time in a hotel room than our own home. I’m not jealous, I swear. I hate you for entirely different reasons.

Heck, maybe you’re reading this from your 14-day hotel quarantine, you lucky duck!

If the above sounds like you, then you’ll probably understand how difficult it is to stay fit when you’re on the road. After all, when it comes to fitness the key to success is routine – and that pretty much goes out of the window when you’re travelling! If you want to prevent piling on the pounds for your next trip, here are my top tips for staying healthy on the road.

woman bench pressing with a personal trainer spotting for her
An online PT can’t spot for you, but they can nonetheless be a huge help in staying fit on the road.

Get an online personal trainer

It can be hell trying to maintain a fitness regime when you’re on the road. While it’s easy enough for a runner like me to pop on a pair of joggers and set off into the distance, I know that others can feel a little lost if they’re relying on classes at the gym or a personal trainer for their regular exercise routine.

If 2020 has taught us nothing else, it’s that anything is possible over the internet. Richelle and I have done everything from playing D&D to yoga classes to Latin dance to boardgame nights to wine tastings over Zoom.

Naturally, it’s also possible to have your PT whip you into shape across the world wide web.

The popularity of online personal training has boomed thanks to lockdown, but it’s also a fantastic resource for travelers. It gives you the flexibility of having direct communication with your trainer from wherever you want, whenever you want. Not to mention that you’ve got someone to hold you accountable on the days when you’d rather smash beers rather than smash that morning workout!

Join local fitness classes

From boot camps in Bali to Pilates classes in Panama, local fitness classes are available pretty much anywhere in the world!

When we were living in Hoi An, Richelle regularly availed herself of the many yoga classes in the sleepy little town, while my time living in Nanjing introduced me to the world of hash runs.

Taking a local class can also be a great way to engage with the culture. Why not trade the spin class for muay thai lessons in Thailand or a cheeky spot of tai chi in China?

The best thing is it doesn’t matter if you don’t speak the language – all you have to do is follow peoples’ body movements and you’re good to go!

a woman in a bikini does yoga on the beach
I mean, I don’t think I’d look quite as good doing this pose, but I’ve done my share of yoga on the road.

Stick to high-intensity, low duration workouts

One of the biggest hurdles to staying fit while travelling is finding the time to do it! The best way to do that is high-intensity, low duration workouts. They take half the time and burn double the amount of calories – what’s not to love?!

I’ve taken to doing a lot of these during lockdown, as I really struggle to carve out the time in my busy sleeping/binging Netflix/working schedule. By doing a brutal 15-30 minute workout, I’m able to get back to the important business of scrolling through TikTok while waiting for lockdown to end.

closeup of two men running on a rocky trail, the forest ahead of them
Jogging is a great way to stay in shape on the road.

Fast intermittently

We’ve all been told at some point or another that diet is more important than exercise, but when you’re on the road, with so many delicious local delicacies to choose from, it’s easy for your carefully curated diet plan to be forgotten.

Food is such a huge part of the travelling experience for so many people, and you shouldn’t sacrifice enjoying everything that a new country has to offer.

One way of being able to eat whatever you want and stay healthy is through intermittent fasting. If you stick to eating three times a day and spend some days fasting, then you can eat whatever you like and feel completely guilt free! If you’re a serial snacker, then try switching out snacks for bigger meals and plenty of water!

Richelle did a good bit of intermittent fasting ahead of our wedding last year, and I know my brother and his partner do it whenever they’re on a fitness kick.

Walk… everywhere!

If you do nothing else to keep fit while you’re traveling, simply trading the Uber for your own two feet can be a game-changer.

Not only are you constantly burning calories, you’re also seeing the world at a less rushed pace. While the convenience of public transport or a taxi can allow you to pack more into your day, you’re missing out on so much by seeing the world at high speed from behind a layer of glass.

Richelle and I have found so many fantastic places on our walks between the cool stuff, and some of my best memories are of walking all over San Francisco, London, Beijing, or walking through an entire province in Japan.

And there we have it, five tried and tested tips proven to help you feel your best while travelling. While your travels may be a welcome break from a routine, don’t let that be an excuse to fall off the fitness wagon. Use it as an opportunity to try something new, whether it’s a local gym class, a new diet or an online personal trainer. You never know what the outcome will be!

Your Say

What are your travel fitness tips?

ESL Teaching
Chinese classroom

How to Teach English & Travel the World

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How to Teach English and Experience the World

Are you yearning for a change? A break from the dull, repetitive routine that you’ve found yourself stuck in? Are you on the daily grind, saving up for that short annual excursion to a crowded beach resort? If only there was a way to explore what the world has to offer, gain invaluable experience, all while getting paid for it… 

Oh, wait, there is: you can teach English as a foreign language!

For a while now, people of all ages have travelled overseas to teach English. There are an abundance of reasons why: to experience other cultures, fund globetrotting, gap years, a pause on life back home, a love of teaching itself – the list goes on; but how exactly do you go about starting life as a TEFLer?

Well, below is a brief guide on how to train, qualify, and begin your TEFL career. Read on, and I hope you enjoy it. 

students in a classroom

Get qualified 

Once upon a time, it wasn’t uncommon for plucky travellers to land work fairly easily with little to no training. However, as the industry has grown so have standards risen – and rightly so. Now, it is highly recommended that those considering becoming a teacher gain some qualifications. Without, you would be at a massive disadvantage when up against competing job applicants, most of whom will likely hold qualifications themselves. So, how do you go about getting qualified? 

Finding the right course 

The best way to get qualified is by completing a teacher training course and obtaining a TEFL/TESOL certificate from an accredited provider. There is a tonne of companies out there, each offering their own courses. The more hours a course has the more attractive it is to employers because it suggests more training and understanding. 

So, the ‘standard’ number of training hours is around 120. I say ‘standard’ because 120 hours is what is most frequently demanded by employers. Saying that requirements can differ massively from school to school so it’s difficult to say what the best number of training hours is. Usually, 120 hours is recommended because it balances cost with a decent level of training. If you want to teach English abroad then getting the best qualification, at a reasonable price, is paramount. 

This is all simple, right? More hours the better, right? Well, that’s correct, but it isn’t the whole picture… 

Accreditation

The most important thing to bear in mind when picking a provider is accreditation. Since there is no single governing body in the industry, a trustworthy and worthwhile company will seek endorsement from relevant educational organisations. Check on the company’s website for information on any accreditation, or get in contact with them if you can’t find it. If no accreditation is shown then it would be advisable to move on.

Cost

There is quite a wide price range among providers, and variables such as hours can affect the price, so pinning down an average price is difficult. The TEFL Org’s most popular course, for example, is their 120-hour Premier Online course which costs $575 AUD or $509USD. However, their larger courses increase in price – it’s all about finding the right balance for you. 

Beware!

With so many businesses and options with varying levels of quality around, it can be all too easy to fall for scammy courses. Websites that offer unbelievable and unrealistic prices compared to the majority of companies fall into this category. Those advertised on Groupon, for example, are sold extremely cheaply. Unfortunately, they are unaccredited and unrecognized by employers – you get what you pay for. 

teacher in a classroom teach english

Do you need a degree?

There’s a lot of conflicting information out there regarding degrees. The truth isn’t exactly straightforward. Thanks to various government policies and employer demands, it can be tricky to untangle facts from fiction. 

Degrees needed

Some countries where bachelor’s degrees are needed to obtain visas:

  • China
  • South Korea
  • Japan (is possible to find work on a working holiday visa) 
  • Thailand 
  • Vietnam
  • The UAE
  • Qatar 

On top of that, some employers will ask applicants to have a degree. 

So, degrees are far from compulsory but certainly wouldn’t harm your job prospects. The most important qualification you can possess is a TEFL certificate; an employer is far more likely to require a TEFL certificate (whether that be 120-hour, 140-hour, or even CELTA) than a bachelor’s degree. Sometimes both are listed as requirements, but very rarely will a degree be the sole criterion. 

Other costs to consider

Living expenses

Naturally, things like rent, groceries, bills are different from one country to the next – from one city to the next, even – and so a bit of research should be carried out prior to moving. A good site to use is Numbeo – I use it all the time when researching for posts. 

Obviously, there are a couple of general rules of thumb: cities are more expensive than rural areas and developing countries are more affordable than developed. These are very generalized statements, so please do some research before setting off.

Important: make sure to bring enough money to survive at least a month i.e. the period before your first payday!

plane landing at sunset

Flights

The cost of a flight or whatever mode of transport you plan to use will probably lead to a bit of a dent in your wallet. Some employers do offer benefits packages that will include flight reimbursement or something along those lines, and lucky you if that is the case. However, it is more common to be left on your own here, so make sure you have enough saved up. Avoid booking during peak vacationing season.

Visa

Again, visa costs vary from one country to the next. EU citizens staying in the Union don’t really have to worry about this, but other than that, it’s important to research beforehand. Some employers will offer to sort out the whole thing, which is great. However, this isn’t always the case so go onto the respective government’s relevant page to learn more.

Summary 

There you have it: the brief, but definitive guide on kickstarting your TEFL career. The main points: 

  • train with an accredited TEFL course provider;
  • the more accreditation the provider has and the more hours you have under your belt improve your job prospects. 
  • degrees are not as important as TEFL certificates;
  • research costs and save up a bit of money beforehand. 

Good luck and bon voyage!

Australia, Melbourne
st kilda

The Top Melbourne Attractions in 2020

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The Top Melbourne Attractions in 2020

It pains me to have to say this. As a born and bred New South Welshman, I’ve long embraced the tried and true tradition of hating anything and anybody south of the Murray River. I’m Sydney till I die.

However, with international travel not on the cards for the foreseeable future, exploring your own backyard might be the only travel on the agenda for you. With that in mind, a trip to Australia’s southern capital is a fantastic way to mix things up.

Accessible by planes, trains, and automobiles, Melbourne is jam-packed with attractions. If you’re visiting soon, you’ll probably be planning a list of all the great things you’re going to do there and wondering how you’ll find time to fit them all in. Luckily for you, I’ve rounded up the top things to do while you’re in the city in 2020, so you don’t miss any of the big hitters on your visit. 

Below are the top 2020 Melbourne attractions.

st kilda
Image courtesy of TripNotice

Skydiving in St Kilda 

Australia is one of the most popular countries in the world for skydiving and with such beautiful landscapes to admire as you soar through the skies, it’s easy to see why. With so many beautiful places to do it in Victoria, it’s no surprise that skydiving always tops the best things to do in Melbourne lists. Experience the exhilarating adrenaline rush when you skydive at St Kilda and land on the golden sandy beach.   

Shark Diving at the Sea Life Aquarium  

Melbourne is perfectly positioned for those thrill-seekers looking to shark dive, be it in the ocean or a contained area like at the Sea Life Centre. The face to fin experience you’ll get in Melbourne is one of the best in the world which makes it a must to tick off your bucket list while you’re in the area. Without a cage, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with Nurse Sharks, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Sandbar Whalers, Large-tooth Sawfish, huge rays, and more.  

melbourne
Image courtesy of TC Photography

Soaking up Federation Square 

Located straight across from the iconic Flinders Street Station, Federation Square is one of the first places to head in the city to start your sight-seeing. Here you’ll find a bustling hub of activity, with sports and cultural events regularly hosted in the square for free. It’s the perfect place to sit back relax and watch the world go by. Inside the galleries, you’ll find indigenous art on display, educational exhibits at the Koori Heritage Trust Centre, and contemporary art at the ACMI gallery.  

For a morning or afternoon of cultural discovery and people watching, the Federation Square/Flinders Street Station double is a must.

melbourne street art
Image courtesy of Fernando de Sousa

Hosier Lane 

With all its cutting-edge art galleries, hip pop-up bars, and trendy neighbourhoods, Melbourne is Australia’s capital of cool. What better place to embrace the free spirit of the city than with a stroll around Hosier Lane? Whenever you visit, you’ll be greeted with fresh pieces of street art, crowds of tourists and you’ll get to experience the true spirit of Melbourne.  

Melbourne’s iconic street art extends beyond Hosier Lane, however, with a variety of street art tours out there for those passionate about this distinctive form of cultural expression.

Catch Some Live Sport

Melbourne often boasts that it is Australia’s sporting capital and it’s hard to argue against that. With teams in every major Australian sporting code as well as a host of international sporting events, there is no better place in Australia to shout yourself hoarse.

You’ve got the Melbourne Storm playing rugby league, three teams playing European football, multiple AFL sides, cricket, rugby union, and major events such as the Spring Carnival and the Australian Open. Melbourne is truly the place to be if you love your sport.

See a Show

As if being Australia’s sporting capital wasn’t enough to boast about, Melbourne can also stake a legitimate claim to being Australia’s cultural capital.

From stand-up comedy to touring bands to a thriving local theatre scene, there’s always something going on in Melbourne. Hell, go old school and catch a matinee at the Astor – Melbourne’s last standing single screen cinema!

With the region’s famous rainy weather likely to ‘spoil’ at least one of your days of exploration, it pays to have an indoor backup planned!

melbourne attractions food
Photo courtesy of Cazz

Eat, Drink, and be Merry

Sporting capital. Cultural capital.

Did I also mention that Melbourne is a foodie heaven with one of Australia’s most dynamic nightlife scenes?

While I’ll always take my business to the fantastic Ends & Means when I want to drink, there’s something for all tastes in the city. From night clubs to crowded sports bars to old fashioned pubs to hipster havens like the aforementioned Ends & Means, you can imbibe in in whatever way works best for you.

And the food? The food! Chiefest amongst the Melbourne attractions for me is the city’s diverse and dynamic dining scene. While Greek and Italian cuisine are especially prominent, you’ll find cuisines from every corner of the world in the cosmopolitan streets and lane-ways of Melbourne.

With so much to see and do, there’s always tons to cram in on your visit to Melbourne. Later in 2020, there will be tons of exhibitions, concerts and sporting events gracing the much-loved city. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s on when you visit and make sure these 4 attractions go straight to the top of your list.  

Looking for more Australian travel inspiration while COVID-19 dashes your international travel plans? Check out my Australian bucket list!