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Palm Cove Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Palm Cove is the perfect destination if you’re looking to relax and get away from the city, while also still be close to fun activities, like exploring the Great Barrier Reef. It’s located in the tropics of North Queensland, between Cairns and Port Douglas.

This Palm Cove Travel Guide will help you plan your trip to the quaint beachside town, with my recommendations for the best things to do, where to eat, and how to get around.

I will warn you, prepare yourself for the heat when you travel up to Palm Cove. I visited in December, which is the start of the Australian summer, and the weather was comparable to Miami in June.

A lot of restaurants had mainly outdoor seating, with no air conditioning, just fans. I love the warmth so I was okay, but if extreme humidity and heat is not your thing I would recommend coming in the cooler months (April – October).

If this is your first time traveling to Australia, make sure you know what else to expect. These tips will help you be prepared for your travels!

Save all these spots and more Australia recommendations by dropping your email below and I’ll send them straight to your inbox:

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Things to do and see

1.The Great Barrier Reef

Obviously had to start off with the most popular destination and reason why people travel all the way up to North Queensland! You will need to travel to Cairns in the morning to catch the cruise you choose, but it is only about a 20 – 30 minute drive.

I suggest one of these three experiences:

1. Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise

This is a full day excursion that will take you to 2 outer reef locations, with 5 hours of reef time. You can choose to snorkel or scuba dive (or both), and ALSO take a 10-minute scenic flight above the Reef.

Lunch, stinger suits, snacks, wine, and snorkeling and scuba equipment are all included. Book your tour here.

2. Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran

This is also a full day excursion that will take you to 2 reef locations in the Great Barrier Reef, with 5 hours of reef time. What makes this excursion unique is its marine naturalist presentation, and underwater camera gear available to rent for the day.

Coffee, buffet lunch, snacks, stinger suits, and snorkeling and scuba equipment are all included. Book the Catamaran Cruise here.

3. Ocean Freedom Great Barrier Reef Luxury Snorkel and Dive Cruise

This cruise is a full day excursion that will take you to 2 reef locations, with 6 hours of reef time, the most time on the reef out of all the options. What makes it different is the informative glass bottom boat tour and guided interpretative adventure drift snorkel tour.

Coffee, smorgasbord lunch, fruit and cheese platters, stinger suits, and snorkeling and scuba equipment are all included. Book the luxury cruise here.

2. Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is another great day trip activity from Palm Cove. It was constructed in 1891, and connects Kuranda to Cairns.

The train ride is about 2 hours long, and stops at the Barron Falls Lookout. Book your Kuranda Scenic Railway tickets here.

Pro-tip: Ask for a seat in one of the last railcars so you can get the iconic photo of the train going past the waterfall.

3. Palm Tree Tunnel

Make sure to stop by the Palm Tree Tunnel in Palm Cove to take a nice photo in the palm trees! I had never seen so many palm trees lined up so beautifully along the beach, it’s really quite a sight to see.

4. Kuranda Koala Gardens

At the Kuranda Koala Gardens you get an up-close look at many of Australia’s native animals. Plus, you can even hold a koala and pet a kangaroo!

To be honest, I’m not sure how I felt about visiting the Gardens; I often worry zoos or anywhere where they have animals on display is not good for the animals. It was also pretty crazy to be able to pet a kangaroo; in the wild they are fairly dangerous and I would never recommend getting too close to one.

However, if this is something you are wanting to do while you’re in Australia, you can book your tickets to the Koala Gardens here.

If you also want to visit Birdworld to see birds like Amazonian macaws, cassowary, lorikeets, galahs and cockatoos, you can book the discounted Koala Gardens and Birdworld tickets here.

5. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway

What we ended up doing was taking the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway on the way up to Kuranda, and took the Scenic Railway back to Cairns!

You’ll get really amazing views of the Daintree Rainforest, and are able to stop along the way at Barron Falls.

You can book your Skyrail Cableway tickets here, and customize your trip if you are looking to also take the Scenic Railway one way.

Where to eat and drink

1. Miguel’s

Miguel’s is a phenomenal tapas restaurant that we unfortunately visited on our last night in Palm Cove. Had we visited sooner, we absolutely would have returned to dine here more than once!

I highly recommend getting the empanadas – the flavour was short rib when we were there, but it changes every week! We also got a Gran Portero – Porterhouse Steak that we split between two people and it was delicious.

2. Kushi Yakitori Bar & Japanese Restaurant

Kushi Yakitori is the spot to go if you’re in the mood for sushi. The fish was fresh and delicious, and make sure to try the oysters! They were some of the best oysters I have ever had.

3. El Greko Greek Taverna

El Greko is a yummy greek spot with really cute decor; you’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to Santorini. The waitstaff was so friendly, and the food was classic Greek food and tasted great.

4. Big forest cafe

Big forest cafe is a unique asian fusion spot with gluten free rice burgers. The owner was working there when we visited, so I asked her for her recommendation on the best burger to get!

She suggested the Pork Ginger Kimchi, which is the most popular order. My fiancé got the Chicken Teriyaki burger and said that it was also really delicious. I highly recommend coming here if you come to visit Kuranda!

5. Vivo Palm Cove

I can only speak to the breakfast at Vivo, but it was really good. The atmosphere is really cute as well, with a view of the beach!

6. 27 Degrees Palm Cove

27 Degrees is a must if you’re looking for good, healthy food in Palm Cove. We came here multiple times during our stay to get the Chicken Protein Bowl, which was perfect to sustain us for the day.

7. Espresso & Co Cafe Palm Cove

Espresso & Co Cafe is a great spot to get coffee and breakfast / brunch! I came here multiple times to get a basic egg breakfast to start my day in the best way.

How to get around Palm Cove

By Car

I rented a car for the 4 days I was in Cairns, and would recommend renting a car. Palm Cove itself was a tiny little beach town that is walkable, but if you want to take any day trips you will really need your own car.

Ubers are available in Cairns, but harder to come by in Palm Cove. Especially if you need to be somewhere early in the morning for a cruise, I personally would not rely on Uber.

If you plan to rent a car in Australia, remember that they drive on the left side! This didn’t take long to get used to, and I felt it was easy to navigate the streets.

By Walking / Running

While you’re staying in Palm Cove, it is really easy to walk from your hotel to all of the shops and restaurants along the esplanade! Our hotel had free parking, so we were able to leave our car in the lot and walk all around town.

Palm Cove felt really safe at all hours of the day. However, with the high temperatures I would recommend bringing a water bottle everywhere you go.

There were also tropical storms that occurred every night we were there. The rain would start pouring out of nowhere, and keep going for at least 20 – 30 minutes.

If you’re planning on walking to dinner, I would definitely double check the radar and bring an umbrella to be safe.

By Bus

The Route 110 bus connects Palm Cove to Cairns, and runs regularly every hour starting around 7:30 AM, and ending around 10:30 PM. I personally did not use the bus, since we were renting a car.

However, I found Australia public transit in general to be very reliable, affordable, and easy to use. This is a great option if your days are flexible and you don’t feel comfortable renting a car!

If you’re planning your trip to Australia, be sure to read up on my general Australia travel guidance, including when to go, whether or not you need a visa, and where else should you go.

And feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions that this Palm Cove travel guide may not have covered!

mariss

The post Palm Cove Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

Gold Coast Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

The Gold Coast was the first city in Australia I ever saw on Pinterest, and knew I had to go there one day! It’s well known for the famous Surfers Paradise Beach, with its golden sandy beaches and vibrant party scene.

I stayed a bit further south, in Broadbeach, which had amazing shops and restaurants, and was right next to Kurrawa Beach. The ocean water was the perfect temperature for swimming and surfing.

The Gold Coast Travel Guide will help you plan your trip to the Gold Coast, with recommendations for the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.

If this will be your first trip to Australia, make sure you’re aware of what to expect. These are things I either learned the hard way, or was lucky to learn ahead of time!

Save all these spots and more by dropping your email below and I’ll send them straight to your inbox!

Things to do and see

1. SkyPoint Observation Deck

The Observation Deck is where you can get the ICONIC photos of the city’s skyscrapers and the beach. This is a must!

I would recommend coming here about 30 minutes to 1 hour before sunset, so you can get the daytime, sunset AND nighttime views. Your ticket will be good for the entire day; you don’t have to pick a time slot, but be aware that it may be busier at this time because of that.

If you’re feeling super adventurous, you can also climb the SkyPoint! I didn’t get a chance to do this because the weather wasn’t cooperating, so it’s on my list for next time.

2. Surfers Paradise Beach

Of course, the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach had to be on this list! The sand is so incredibly nice; I think this is the nicest city beach I’ve ever visited.

Make sure to check out the Surfers Paradise Sign! This is such a fun area to walk around; there are so many people out, plus tons of shops and restaurants.

3. Burleigh Head National Park

Take a day trip down to Burleigh Head National Park for a moderate hike with amazing scenic lookouts, a beach with surfers you can watch for an hours, and views of the Gold Coast!

Definitely make sure you hike to both the Tumgun Lookout and the Jebbribillum Lookout. The views are so worth it.

I also saw these really pretty rainbow lorikeets up in the trees! I don’t usually like birds but these guys were so cute and colorful.

4. Hijinx Hotel

Hijinx Hotel is such a unique experience I recommend checking out if you’re in a group! It’s like a hotel, bar, game and more all in one.

Each room is an experience of its own, with different interactive challenges. This is definitely a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon or bond with your friends, family or strangers you just met!

Where to stay

There are a lot of cool neighborhoods in and around the Gold Coast you can stay in! I stayed in Broadbeach and absolutely loved it.

Broadbeach is centrally located to everything I wanted to do, and felt quieter and safer than Surfers Paradise. Since I only stayed overnight in this area, this Gold Coast travel guide will cover some of my favorite hotels and hostels in Broadbeach!

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

The Sofitel Gold Coast is is a 5 star, luxury hotel just a couple blocks away from the beach with amazing ocean-view rooms and amenities like tennis courts, swimming pool, guest laundry, and a small gym.

This is where I stayed on my solo trip to the Gold Coast! You can read more about my stay here.

Tequila Sunrise Hostel

If you’re looking to save money, while staying in a fun, safe spot then the Tequila Sunrise Hostel is the spot for you! It is one block away from Surfers Paradise Beach and is so cute.

It has really great reviews for cleanliness, privacy, safety and of course, for being social and fun.

Note that this is a pod hostel, so you will be staying in one large room, but in your own private bed. Don’t forget your ear plugs!

The Darling at The Star Gold Coast

For your splurge option, I highly recommend the Darling at the Star. It has an infinity pool with an incredible view looking out at the beach.

The rooms are stunning and spacious, and you will feel like royalty staying at this luxurious hotel!

Where to eat and drink

1. Mamasan Kitchen + Bar

Mamasan Kitchen + Bar is an asian fusion restaurant right in Broadbeach. I highly recommend getting the Wagyu Beef Bao Buns, Kimchi Fried Rice and Edamame!

If you’ve checked out my Sydney Travel Guide, then you might think this looks familiar…HOWEVER these are two different restaurants! But both delicious!

2. Kirra Beach House

So apparently bug rolls are a thing in Australia, especially in the Gold Coast?! I went to Kirra Beach House, a super cute restaurant right across from the beach and tried my very first bug roll!

I thought it was a bit pricy considering it was more of an appetizer size, rather than a full meal. But it was delicious!

You can also go to Rick Shores for a bug roll! This is more of “the” iconic bug roll spot in the Gold Coast.

3. Spice Kitchen and Bar

If you like Thai food, you have to go to Spice Kitchen and Bar. I’m not sure if I was just SUPER hungry when I was eating their Fried Rice, but it was one of the top 5 best fried rice I’ve ever had.

This is a great spot for a delicious, quick meal!

4. Banana Blossom

Banana Blossom Salads is a delicious Asian-inspired healthy spot with salads and gluten free options. I went to the Broadbeach location, but they are located all over Australia!

I got a Coconut bowl with chicken, and it was delicious. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a high quality, healthy meal!

How to get around the Gold Coast

By Walking / Running

My favorite way to see the beaches and get outdoors is by walking or running along the Gold Coast Oceanway! The Gold Coast Oceanway is a 22-mile (36km) path along essentially the entire Gold Coast that connects the Spit to Point Danger lighthouse.

The city in general felt pretty walkable. You may need to use public transit or another mode of transportation to get between neighborhoods, but once you’re there, you can easily walk around to explore all the sights.

By Bike

You can also rent a bike and traverse the Gold Coast Oceanway that way, or ride around the city to explore. There are nearly 1500 miles (2400 km) of bikeways and pathways throughout the Gold Coast!

By Metro / Bus

Each bus / metro ride is $0.50 AUD. OMG. I have never been in another city with public transportation this cheap! It was amazing!

Make sure you get a go card though; you are not able to use Apple Pay on the Gold Coast buses! You will need one per person; no sharing go cards, since you have to tap on AND off.

Your go card will be good for all Translink bus, train (including Airtrain), ferry and tram services in greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Redlands, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast regions.

By Car

Both Ubers and Taxis are readily available in the Gold Coast. I only took an Uber once, but it was a quick pickup and reasonably priced!

With public transportation being so cheap and accessible, I don’t think you really need a car in the Gold Coast. Unless you’re looking to use the Gold Coast as your home base and take day trips to the neighboring cities like Brisbane and Byron Bay.

If you want to rent a car in Australia, remember that they drive on the left side!

If you’re planning your trip to Australia, be sure to read up on my general Australia travel guidance, including when to go, whether or not you need a visa, and where else should you go.

And feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions that this Gold Coast travel guide may not have covered!

mariss

The post Gold Coast Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

Sydney Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Sydney is ranked one of the top 10 cities in the entire world, and it’s easy to see why! The city is so diverse with all its different neighborhoods.

This Sydney Travel Guide will help you plan your trip to Sydney, with recommendations for the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, and how to get around.

From the beaches to the mountains, there are endless options for things to do during your time in Sydney. I spent 4 days in Sydney, and there was so much on my list I didn’t get to do. I definitely need to come back!

If this is your first time in Australia, make sure you’re aware of what to expect. These tips will help you appear less like a tourist, and more like a seasoned visitor, or even a local!

Save all these spots and more by dropping your email below and I’ll send them straight to your inbox!

Things to do and see

1. Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

This is a must! The walk is about 4 miles (7km) one way if you do the full walk so be prepared to walk a lot! There are a few hills and big sets of stairs, so by the end I had definitely worked up a sweat (and an appetite haha).

It took me about 2 hours to get from Bondi to Coogee! You can do it faster if you don’t stop to take photos, or you can make a full day out of it at stop at the beaches along the way!

There are 5 beaches along the way – Bondi Beach, Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, and Coogee Beach. Bondi, Bronte and Coogee also have Baths (tidal swimming pools) you can lounge at or swim in!

2. Sydney Opera House

I would be surprised if you had never seen a photo of the Sydney Opera House. I feel like it is the most iconic monument in the city, and it does not disappoint.

To get the Instagram-worthy angles of the Opera House, go to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. You can look this spot up on Google Maps; it’s at the very end of the Royal Botanic Garden.

I would also suggest seeing a show while you’re in Sydney! I didn’t get a chance to do this, so it’s on my list for next time.

3. Queen Victoria Building

The Queen Victoria Building is now a shopping mall, located in the historic Romanesque building. There are tons of boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, jewelry stores and more you can explore.

Make sure you check out the beautiful stained glass windows as well!

4. Day trip to Manly Beach

This was one of my favorite days in Sydney! We took the Manly Ferry from the Central Business District (CBD) to Manly Beach, which was about $10.50 AUD and took 20 minutes.

We got a stunning view of the Harbor and Sydney Opera House; I would say the view alone was worth the price of the ferry! Once we got to Manly Beach, there were lots of shops and restaurants to explore, plus of course the stunning beach itself.

One the weekends, there is also the Manly Markets 2095, an outdoor arts and crafts market with tons of stalls selling local art, handmade jewelry and street food.

5. Chinese Garden of Friendship

I definitely recommend spending at least a morning or afternoon down in Darling Harbour! There are lots of unique places and museums to visit, including the Chinese Garden of Friendship!

This is a little oasis in the middle of the city; I especially liked the juxtaposition of the gardens with the apartment buildings in the back. It’s open daily from 10 AM – 5 PM, and admission tickets are only $12 AUD.

While you’re in Darling Harbour, I also recommend checking out the Australian National Maritime Museum. Here you can experience Australia’s maritime history, and explore historic ships! Open daily from 9:30 AM – 5 PM.

6. The Rocks

I debated putting this in the “Where to eat” section BUT I think regardless of whether you’re in the mood for a meal or not, you should walk around The Rocks. You can get a great view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and harbour!

On the weekends, you can visit The Rocks Market, an outdoor local arts & crafts market with stalls for local fashion, art, handcrafted jewelry, and street food. It’s open from 10 AM – 5 PM.

7. BridgeClimb Sydney

From the Rocks, you can actually walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to spots like Luna Park and Wendy Whiteley’s Secret Garden. Both are local, hidden gems!

If you’re feeling adventurous and like you want once in a lifetime experience, I highly recommend doing the BridgeClimb Sydney. You’ll be able to climb to the top of the world’s largest steel arch and take in the stunning views of the city.

8. Royal Botanic Garden

Get in your steps by walking around the Royal Botanic Garden in downtown Sydney! Make sure to walk over to the Fleet Steps to get stunning views of the harbour and the Sydney Opera House.

If it’s raining, you can also check out The Calyx, and indoor horticultural exhibition. It’s open daily from 10 AM – 4 PM, with free entry or a suggested donation.

Where to stay

Sydney has so many cool, unique neighborhoods that you can explore and visit! I spent 4 nights in Circular Quay (pronounced “key”) and 2 nights in Bondi Beach, so I’ll speak to both of those and give my favorite hotel suggestions!

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is a MUST. Especially if you’re in your 20s and looking for a spot to meet other young, fun people, Bondi is THE place.

I felt like everywhere I went, everyone was a model. People were active, going for runs along the beach and downtown, meeting up with their friends for brunch at cute cafes, and going out at night.

The Baxley Bondi

The Baxley Bondi is where I stayed for 2 nights in Bondi, and I really loved it. It felt like the perfect in between of a hotel and hostel.

The rooms were clean, aesthetic and also had a workspace with a desk so you could easily work remotely here. Everyone had their own private room, and bathrooms and showers were shared.

There were so many bathrooms on each floor though, I never had to wait or experienced any issues with this. They were also incredibly clean.

Bondi Beach Backpackers

Bondi Beach Backpackers is a super popular hostel right in the heart of Bondi, and only a block away from the beach.

It’s a great place to stay at if you’re looking to make friends and immerse yourself in everything Bondi has to offer. You’re also able to rent surfboards for free – a quintessential Australian activity!

The Blue Hotel Bondi

If you’re looking for a more upscale hotel close to the beach, but in a quiet area, the Blue Hotel Bondi is your spot!

They offer complimentary breakfast and spacious rooms! Keep in mind that they’re also a fully digital hotel, so you’ll get an electronic key.

Circular Quay

Circular Quay is centrally located to the ferries and the downtown business district (CBD). This is an amazing place to stay if you’re looking to see as much of Sydney as you can, especially the iconic spots like the Opera House!

The area is super clean and safe, and there are so many restaurants, cafes, shops and sights to see within walking distance.

Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

I don’t normally stay in such luxurious hotels for so long but, with the exchange rate, we ended up paying something like $250/night in US Dollars to stay at the Four Seasons for 4 nights!

It was honestly incredible. The staff were beyond welcoming, and service we received was top notch. We were able to use amenities like their umbrellas when it was raining, and their towels to go to the beach.

They have an outdoor deck with a pool and a jacuzzi, a massive hotel gym, and a restaurant in the lobby.

YHA Sydney Harbour – The Rocks

If you’re looking to save money and meet other travelers by staying in a hostel, the YHA Sydney Harbour has got to be your pick.

It’s in such a prime location in The Rocks, and has an unreal rooftop view of the Opera House. Other amenities include en suite facilities, free Wi-Fi, a guest kitchen, and a lounge with a TV and dining area.

Park Hyatt Sydney

If you’re looking to splurge and get a room with THE Opera House view – the Park Hyatt Sydney is where you’re going to want to stay.

It has amazing amenities including an on-site restaurant, fitness center, spa and a rooftop plunge pool with outdoor cabanas. You really cannot beat the views of the harbour from this hotel.

Where to eat and drink

Coffee Shops

1. Toby’s Estate Coffee 388

I’m not a huge coffee drinker, but I got a cold brew from here and it was the best cold brew I’ve ever had. It was like dark chocolate, and tasted so rich and yummy.

Cold brews are hard to find in Australia, so if that is your drink of choice I highly recommend coming here!

2. Blackwood Bondi

Blackwood is a super cute brunch and coffee spot in Bondi Beach! This is the perfect spot to dine at after your morning workout to feel like a true Bondi local.

3. Georgie Boy’s Coffee Co

This shop was right next to our hotel, and also serves breakfast and lunch items! It’s very reasonably priced and I’d definitely recommend coming here for coffee and breakfast.

Restaurants

1. Mamasaan

If you go to one place in Bondi Beach for dinner, let it be Mamasaan. This was the best meal I had in Australia!

It’s a trendy Japanese fusion restaurant with a bar and a delicious menu for dinner. I highly recommend the Tuna Crispy Rice, Crispy Pork Bao Buns, Cauliflower, and Veggie Gyoza!

2. Chat Thai

There are lots of locations for Chat Thai throughout Sydney. This was delicious Thai food – I definitely recommend coming here for a more casual lunch or dinner.

3. Lox Stock & Barrel

This is a fantastic NYC-style deli with sandwiches, salads and brunch options. We came here after going to Bondi Beach and it was the perfect post-beach lunch.

4. Sushi & Grill

This was a phenomenal, hole in the wall sushi spot in downtown CBD! There are a lot of different locations throughout the city; I highly recommend coming here for fresh, delicious fish.

5. The Fine Food Store

This is a very popular, trendy Australian brunch spot in The Rocks! I thought it was good; a lot of the food options were unique and different than your “classic” breakfast items.

6. Betty’s Burgers

This felt like the Australian In N Out to me! The burgers were delicious. If you’re hungry, I recommend getting a double burger, or even two burgers!

7. Raw Bar

Located right by Bondi Beach, this was a great dinner spot with a view of the sunset! They serve sushi, salad and sake with really fresh fish.

This was a really popular spot, so make sure you get here early or you may have to wait a bit!

8. Norma’s Deli

When you’re in Manly Beach, I recommend getting a deli sandwich from Norma’s! This was a really cute Greek deli with freshly baked bread.

9. Opera Bar

This is a bar right outside of the Opera House with great views! I recommend getting a drink here and even staying for dinner.

It seemed like a really popular happy hour or post-work spot for locals as well; it was really busy and lively!

10. Bar 83 at Sydney Tower

I’m going to be honest…the food here was not great. However, the VIEW was amazing!! So, I would recommend coming here for a drink or two before dinner to watch the sunset and get 360 views of the city.

Dessert

1. Butterboy

If you do ONE thing in Sydney…go to Manly Beach and get a cookie from Butterboy. My fiancé and I both agreed that they were hands down the best cookies we’ve ever had.

At the very end of my trip, I legitimately went allll the way back to Manly Beach to get a 6 pack to take home with me hehe.

I will warn you, they are very large! So if you’re sensitive to sugar, only eat half the cookie at once!

2. C9 Chocolate & Gelato

One of my favorite parts about Australia was not only how many dessert options they have, but how many VEGAN and nut-free dessert options they have!

C9 Chocolate & Gelato had a vegan chocolate sorbet which was amazing. It was a rich, dark chocolate and my favorite gelato I had when I was in Australia.

3. Gelato Messina

Another great gelato spot with vegan options as well! There are a bunch of locations, and you can’t go wrong with any of their fun flavors.

How to get around Sydney

By Walking / Running

This is my personal favorite way to get around and explore Sydney! It’s such a walkable city and I found it to be pretty pedestrian friendly.

You’ll notice that every pedestrian crossing not only has the walk sign, but will also have an audio component to signal when it’s time to walk.

To stay active, I would definitely suggest going for a run in the morning to explore and see more of the city! There were so many people out and about going for runs along the beach or around the harbour, it was a really fun environment.

By Bike

If you want to speed things up a bit, I recommend renting bikes to get around the city! Sydney has a lot of great Bike sharing apps available throughout the city. Check out their official website for more information.

By Ferry

This is a really unique way to get around Sydney! There are 36 wharves in Sydney, connected by the Ferry system.

Definitely take at least one Ferry ride while you’re in Sydney. The most popular route is to take the Manly Ferry to Manly Beach.

By Metro / Bus

Sydney’s public transit is incredible. I took both their metro trains and buses, and found them to be very easy to navigate.

The rides are a bit more expensive than I expected. When I went, each ride was $3.00 – $4.20 AUD. You can take a look at the most recent fare information on Sydney’s official transportation website.

Luckily, there is a daily and weekly cap on how much you can be charged. To take advantage of this cap, make sure you either have an Opal card, the Sydney transit card, or are using the same credit card via Apple Pay on all of your rides.

By Car

Both Ubers and Taxis are readily available in Sydney. I found both options to be reasonably priced, and always nearby whenever I needed one.

Pro-tip: Ubers are actually often cheaper than public transportation when you’re heading back to the airport, if you’re traveling with at least one other person.

If you want to rent a car in Australia, remember that they drive on the left side! Parking didn’t seem super easy around the city, so honestly I wouldn’t recommend renting a car in Sydney unless you’re looking to do a lot of day trips that require driving.

If you’re planning a trip to Sydney, be sure to read up on general Australia travel guidance, including when to go, whether or not you need a visa, and where else should you go.

And feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram with any questions or for personalized travel tips!

mariss

The post Sydney Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

Australia Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Australia had been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember! And surprisingly, although my expectations were really high for the trip, they were still somehow exceeded.

After the first day I landed in Sydney, I already knew that I would need to plan another trip (or more!) back to the land down under. To me, it felt like a cleaner, safer Los Angeles and I absolutely loved my time in Australia.

I feel like I was pretty well-prepared for my trip, due to a ton of research and years of dreaming of visiting! However, there were still a few things that surprised me that I wish I knew ahead of time.

This Australia travel guide will help answer all of those burning questions you have before your first trip, like when is the best time to go? Do you need a visa to visit Australia? Where should you go for your first visit? And more!

Let’s get into it…

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Since Australia is below the equator, their seasons are opposite of most other countries, including the United States and all European countries. Their seasons tend to fall in the following months:

Summer: December – February
Fall: March – May
Winter: June – August
Spring: September – November

The best time to visit Australia depends on what you are looking to do and where you want to go!

Summer is the most popular time to visit Australia, especially since that is winter almost everywhere else. However, that will be when flights and hotels are the most expensive. Summer is also peak stinger season.

Winter is the best time to visit places like the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays, as that is the dry season in Australia. This will give you the best visibility underwater to snorkel and scuba dive.

With the lower temperatures and less rain, you will have a lower risk of running into stingers. However, the weather will still be very warm (mid-70s Fahrenheit / low-20s Celsius) in Northern Australia, where the Great Barrier Reef is located.

Spring and Fall are great times to plan your Australia travel, as it will be low season. You can score great deals on flights and hotels, and will be able to avoid larger crowds.

I visited Australia in early to mid December, at the start of their summer! It was amazing overall, but honestly the weather was a bit hit-or-miss, depending on the day.

When we first landed in Sydney, it was rainy for the first couple days, but then eventually passed and was beautiful and sunny. This made for the perfect weather.

We also spent a few days in Cairns, which is very North, and it was really hot and humid this time of year. Next time I go to Australia, I honestly don’t think I would go back North during the summer.

For the few days I was in the Whitsundays, it was sadly rainy and I wasn’t able to do the Whitsunday Islands and Heart Reef Scenic Flight. I had really, really been looking forward to doing this, so definitely need to plan a visit to come back during the winter!

All this being said, I genuinely do not think you can wrong with when you visit Australia! There is so much to do, regardless of the weather and I had the best time.

Do you need a visa to visit Australia?

Yes, a Visa is required for US Citizens, regardless of your type of visit. When planning your Australia travel, be sure to check the official Australia Government Department of Home Affairs website for the most updated information on Visa requirements.

As my visit was less than 3 months, I applied for the Australian Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). This visa allows me to travel to Australia as frequently as I want, within 12 months since my application was approved.

I did this by downloading the Australian ETA app and following the prompts to apply. There was an AUD20 fee to apply, and I was approved within an hour of applying.

Important Note: you need to apply for a visa from outside Australia. So make sure you do this well before your trip so that you don’t get stuck at the border!

Where are the best places to go in Australia?

First and foremost, if this is your first trip to Australia, I definitely think Sydney needs to be on your itinerary. It’s the capital of New South Wales and one of the biggest cities in Australia!

The good news is, typically the cheapest flights from the US or other countries are flying into Sydney. It’s a great place to start your trip and has a little bit of everything to offer – from laidback beaches to fast-paced city vibes and fantastic restaurants.

Since I am not from Australia, and have only spent two weeks there, I will just cover the places I visited!

After Sydney, we went to Cairns for 4 nights. Specifically, we stayed a little bit more north of Cairns at this cute beach town called Palm Cove.

I would definitely recommend visiting Cairns for a few days – from here you can easily get to the Great Barrier Reef! But would suggest going in a season besides summer – it was really quite hot and humid, which made it a bit unbearable at times.

If you’re looking for beaches with warm water to swim in, I highly recommend going to the Gold Coast! I was here solo for 2 days and had so much fun.

It’s between Brisbane and Byron Bay, so you can easily take day trips to either spot.

And last but not least, I went to the Whitsundays for a few days which was absolutely STUNNING. Unfortunately, it was raining pretty much the whole time we were there, so I really need to come back, but this absolutely needs to be on your Australia bucket list.

For all of the spots I visited and recommend in Australia, drop your email below and I’ll send you my Google Maps lists to help you plan your trip:

Western Australia is really high on my bucket list for my next trip to Australia. Although it’s a lot harder to get to, the photos and videos of the beaches I have seen are STUNNING and absolutely worth the long haul.

If you have more questions when planning your trip to Australia, feel free to send me an email or DM on Instagram! And be sure to follow along for more Australia travel content.

Palm Cove Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Planning a trip to Australia? This Palm Cove travel guide covers everything you need to know about the northern beach town.

Gold Coast Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

The Gold Coast is a quintessential stop on any Australia itinerary. This Gold Coast Travel Guide provides things to do, and accommodation, dining, and transport tips.

Sydney Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Sydney is an incredible city that offers diverse attractions from beaches to landmarks. This Sydney Travel Guide provides things to do, and accommodation, dining, and transport tips.

mariss

The post Australia Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

11 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Australia

MLE Travel Diary — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Sharing the best Australia travel tips that everyone should know before they go to the land down under for the first time! Make sure you learn from my experiences so you don’t have to repeat the same mistakes.

Australia is one of my favorite countries I’ve ever visited. I felt really safe there, even as a solo female traveler, and there was so much to see and do.

I already cannot wait to go back. There are so many other places and cities I didn’t get to visit on my first trip that I am dying to go see!

Although there were a lot of similarities between Australia and the United States, there were definitely a few things that really surprised me. Here are my 11 most essential Australia travel tips you need to know before you go!

1. You will need a visa to enter Australia.

Regardless of the type of travel you’re doing to Australia, you will need a visa unless you have an Australian passport! And note that you will need to apply for a visa from outside of Australia!

For more information on Australian visas and how to apply, check out the ultimate Australia travel guide.

2. Australians drive and walk on the left side.

Remember to walk on the left side of the sidewalk when you’re exploring Australian cities! Otherwise you might get some strange looks from people, and even run the risk of bumping into someone.

If you’re planning on renting a car, I recommend practicing in the parking lot before you head out onto the roads. A friend gave me a good tip too – to chant “left, left, left” every time you make a turn to condition yourself to stay on the correct side!

Renting a car and driving on the left side for the first time is not as challenging as you think it would be.

I was nervous to rent a car, but ended up doing so in Cairns for 4 days and didn’t get into any accidents or hit any mailboxes.

3. Tipping is not expected in Australia.

Compared to the United States, where tipping has gotten a bit out of hand in my opinion, Australia has one of the highest minimum wages in the world and tips are not expected or usual. There is rarely even a place to write in a tip on a credit card bill.

However, if your service was above and beyond outstanding and you feel really inclined to leave a tip, you can do so and it won’t be considered rude.

You may notice a 10% – 15% surcharge at restaurants, especially in the big cities, added to your bill on weekends and public holidays. This surcharge is to cover the additional pay for the staff working those days.

4. Majority of restaurants, shops and other places take credit card.

It is rare that you will go to a place in Australia that is cash-only. I personally never ended up using cash in Australia, or needing to convert my US Dollars to Australian Dollars.

Make sure you have a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees! You will always get a better exchange rate by paying in the local currency.

5. Waiters don't automatically bring your check to the table at restaurants.

Unlike the United States, Australian waiters and waitresses will not automatically bring your check over to the table. Instead, you will go up to the register to pay once you are done eating your meal and are ready to leave the restaurant.

Some nicer restaurants may bring the bill over to your table upon request.

If you’re unsure what to do at the restaurant you’re at, I suggest looking around and observing to see what another table does.

It is also typical for restaurants not to allow you to split the bill.

6. Stinger season typically runs from November to May, during the warmer months.

Stingers are a type of jellyfish that are found in the waters of Australia and can be dangerous or even lethal. They are typically more present during the warmer months from November through May, but can be in the water year round.

Many beaches in Australia where stingers are present will have stinger nets. Stinger nets are barriers that protect swimmers from jellyfish and other marine wildlife.

You are safest swimming within the net when a lifeguard is present.

To prevent getting stung, you can also buy or rent a stinger suit, which is a wetsuit that will cover you from head to toe.

At the beaches in the north around Cairns, there were bottles of vinegar every so often that you can use to treat a jellyfish sting. Vinegar is a weak acid that can help deactivate the stingers of some jellyfish, preventing further venom release.

Make sure you check the signs posted at the beach you’re swimming at, and stay out of the water where stingers are present.

7. Look out for cars when crossing the street as a pedestrian.

Cars are only required to stop at a zebra crossing. Zebra crossings are pedestrian crossings in Australia that are marked by white parallel stripes on the road.

I noticed that cars are not likely to stop for pedestrians crossing the street outside of these designated zebra crossings, so you need to be vigilant and pay extra attention.

In the United States, I feel like pedestrians will cross the road whenever and wherever they feel like and expect cars to stop for them. This is not the case in Australia.

Additionally with cars driving on the opposite side, make sure you look left and right multiple times before crossing the street. You should probably always be doing this, but I definitely had some close calls with cars coming from the right when I was looking left to cross.

8. It is common to see kangaroos out and about.

Kangaroos in Australia are as common as deer in the United States. Which is to say, if you are in less populated, more rural areas you are likely to run into a bunch.

On Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays, we saw lots of kangaroos grazing on the sidewalk grass.

P.S. I got the above photo at the Kuranda Koala Gardens, where there is a kangaroo enclosure and you can feed the kangaroos.

I don’t recommend attempting this with the wild kangaroos you see on the streets.

9. Pay attention to the current weather conditions and warning signs posted at the beaches.

Australia beaches are so, so beautiful but can be surprisingly dangerous. Not all beaches are patrolled by lifeguards, and swimming is generally not recommended without lifeguards present.

Beach hazards can include strong rip currents, large waves, and marine wildlife like crocodiles and stingers, just to name a few.

On the shores of beaches there will be safety signs posted. Make sure to look for these and read them before going into the water!

10. The sun is hotter in Australia than most other countries.

You may not know this, but Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world! This is not to scare you, but to show you how important it is to stay out of the sun when possible, and to wear sunscreen when you are outdoors.

There are so many things to do outside, and sometimes with the coastal breeze you won’t even realize how hot it is.

One day, the UV index hit 12. My eyeballs almost popped out of my head! I genuinely have not ever seen the index that high, nor did I know it was even possible!

11. Australians speak English, but it can sometimes sound like a different language.

Sometimes an Australian accent can make it sound like they are speaking another language. Especially if you are in more rural areas, I found that the accents are thicker and slang is more common.

People in Australia are so friendly and chatty, but I caught myself asking Australians to repeat themselves from time to time as I literally couldn’t understand what they were saying!

Let me know what surprised you the most the first time you visited Australia in the comments below! And be sure to follow me on Instagram for more Australia travel content.

mariss

The post 11 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Australia first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.

Sofitel Gold Coast: Review Of The Australian Luxury Hotel

MLE Travel Diary — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 15:00:00 +0000

I got the chance to stay at the Sofitel Gold Coast while solo traveling for 2 days in Australia, and it made my experience so amazing! The Sofitel Gold Coast is a 5 star, luxury hotel just a couple blocks away from the beach with amazing ocean-view rooms and amenities like tennis courts, swimming pool, guest laundry, and a small gym. But more about that in a minute…

First of all, I had heard mixed reviews about the Gold Coast in general, but it had been on my bucket list for so long I knew I needed to come. Let me just say, I LOVED the Gold Coast and would 100% come back!

The ocean water was literally the perfect temperature! I was there mid-December, which is the start of summer in Australia. According to a quick Google search, the water was likely around 75°F/24°C when I was there. So perfect!

The Sofitel Gold Coast was located right around some really cute shops and great restaurants. Public transportation was so easy and cheap ($0.50 AUD for all bus/metro rides!) which made it really easy to go up north to Surfers Paradise Beach, and down south to Burleigh Head National Park.

The Broadbeach area felt very safe to me as a solo female traveler. I had heard some iffy things about Surfers Paradise Beach and staying there, although I did not personally experience or witness anything sketchy there either!

But I digress, onto everything you should know about the Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach hotel before you visit!

The Hotel

Upon walking into the Sofitel Gold Coast, I was greeted by this really pretty fresh floral display! The hotel was also really nicely decorated for the holidays, since it was mid-December.

Also, since the Sofitel Gold Coast is part of the French hotel chain, Sofitel Hotels & Resorts, everyone was greeting me with a friendly “Bonjour!” (“Hello” in french)!

The Gold Coast reminded me a lot of Miami – there are a lot of tall skyscraper buildings right next to the beach, and the Sofitel Gold Coast is no exception! I thought this photo was super cool of the top of the hotel against a clear blue sky.

As you can see, every room gets its own balcony, which I am a big fan of.

The Rooms

With all of the rooms getting their own balcony, you really can’t go wrong with the one you choose! I stayed in a Superior Ocean View Room, and it was so spacious and comfortable.

The view was incredible, and I was even able to watch the sunset and sunrise from my balcony! Check out the view from my room of the city:

The Dining

The Sofitel Gold Coast has a few different dining options.

First, there is the Bistro On3, which has a full breakfast buffet to start your morning off strong. Breakfast was included with my room and was actually so delicious.

They had lots of different fruits and yogurt, an omelette station, pastries, drinks, breakfast classics like hash browns and cereal, smoked salmon platter and more. I also got to try vegemite for the first time!

Bistro On3 also serves lunch and dinner, and is available for you to order when you’re at the pool!

Room81 is an elegant bar with cocktails and small bar snacks. This would be a great spot to start your evening or go on a cute little date at the Sofitel Gold Coast!

There is also the more casual TC’s Bar & Gaming Lounge with classics like fish & chips, burgers, and club sandwiches. This would be a great spot to go to relax and catch a sports game!

The Amenities

Outdoor Rooftop Pool Deck

Although the beach is so close, having an outdoor pool at the Sofitel Gold Coast was so clutch! It’s perfect for when you want to stay outside, but want to be under the shade of an umbrella or one of the cabanas.

There is a ton of seating, I never had an issue getting a sun lounger! Plus you can order food and drinks directly from your spot by the pool, and they’ll bring them out right to you!

Tennis Courts

Okay, I have actually never seen tennis courts like this at any other hotel! There were two, full-sized tennis courts open for hotel guest use.

The Sofitel Gold Coast even had racquets and balls that I was able to borrow to play tennis in the morning! The concierge was so friendly and got the equipment for me right away.

Because I was solo, I unfortunately wasn’t able to play a full tennis match BUT I did get some cute pictures (featured above) and practiced my serve.

Also, I’m not even sure if anyone else knew about them, because I was the only person out there!

Endota Spa

If you’re in the mood to relax and rejuvenate on your vacation, the Sofitel Gold Coast has a day spa, the Endota Spa! They offer massages, facials, pedicures, waxing and more, plus a lot of packages if you want multiple services!

I did not get a chance to visit the Endota Spa during my stay, but they have really good reviews on Google. There’s nothing better than pampering yourself on a solo trip, so I’ll need to make sure to do that next time!

Things to do in the Gold Coast

If you’re looking for things to do in and around the Gold Coast, you have lots of options! I’ve included a few of my favorites here:

SkyPoint Observation Deck is a MUST!! That’s where I took the birds eye view photo of the Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise Beach. I would recommend going there about 30 minutes before sunset to get sunset views as well.
Spend a day at Dreamworld going on rides and getting up close with Australian wildlife like koalas and kangaroos.
Visit the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to get a chance to interact with Australian wildlife while contributing to conservation efforts. You can also add in some adventure with the high ropes and ziplines!
Hike Burleigh Head National Park. I spent about 2 hours here and the views are just incredible. There are also a lot of surfers you can watch ride the waves!
Try a bug roll at Rick Shores or Kirra Beach House – this is a Gold Coast delicacy!

Overall, I loved my time at the Gold Coast, and it was so nice to stay at the Sofitel Gold Coast! There is so much to do, and this was hands down my favorite beach that I visited during my 2 week trip in Australia.

Make sure to follow along on Instagram for more, and send me a DM if you are going to the Gold Coast soon and want any more tips on where to go!

mariss

The post Sofitel Gold Coast: Review Of The Australian Luxury Hotel first appeared on MLE Travel Diary.