Hey everyone.
I want to take this opportunity to share my trip to Australia with you and tell you a bit about the 3 months I spent in the suburbs of Sydney, right near the famous Bondi Beach. I was there from November to January, which means I spent a good chunk of winter there... in the heat!!!
Administrative Formalities
Just a heads-up: if you're heading there for 3 months, there are obviously a few things you need to know, especially regarding entry into Australia. French citizens can enter Australia by presenting a valid passport. A visa is no longer required for stays of up to three months. However, you will need an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). It is generally free if you go through one of the approved agencies. On the other hand, if you don't do it right away and have to manage it on your own, you can obtain this authorization online via the Australian immigration website. But it will cost you about twenty euros... So, plan ahead; it’s always better to save where you can!
Health-wise, no particular issues; I wasn't required to get any specific vaccines. However, make sure your insurance is top-notch: in the event of hospitalization or illness, you need to be able to cover medical expenses. Since there is no bilateral agreement between France and Australia regarding social coverage, it is imperative that your insurance covers all medical costs, hospitalizations, repatriation, etc. Think about checking your credit card contract: some include all of this, saving you from having to take out extra coverage.
As for the rest, prevention starts with your flight. Ask your GP for a quick check-up: during the 23-hour flight (on average), there is a risk of thrombosis for those who are at risk. Personally, I also anticipated the "heavy legs" phenomenon by walking around the plane quite often and wearing compression socks... I know, I know: it’s not very glamorous... but it works and it prevents you from ruining the start of your trip!
Practical Info
Once you're there, though you’ve likely already taken this into account while planning your trip, you’ll see information and recommendations regarding flood and cyclone risks. Don't panic: the alert system is fully operational. If you want more info, you can check official websites, such as: http://www.bom.gov.au/
You can also check the local weather there.
Emergency phone numbers are 000 (police) and, specifically for floods and storms, 132 500. If you stay in the Sydney area, you might be more exposed to the risk of bushfires. You will need to be vigilant and respectful of any fire bans or travel restrictions you’ll likely encounter.
In Sydney, the central police station phone number is: (02) 93.39.02.77.
As for money, as of today, €1 = 1.32384 Australian dollars. I had some currency exchanged in advance to have a bit of cash on hand, and it’s actually not bad; it gives you a bit of a buffer. You can also pay by credit card everywhere and withdraw money without any issues. Still, remember to negotiate with your bank to minimize fees, as there are charges for every withdrawal and payment. On that note, make sure your spending limit is high enough so you don't get stuck there if you hit your weekly withdrawal limit on, say, a Monday...
A small practical detail: there is a 10-hour time difference in Sydney. So, when it’s 12:00 PM in Paris, it’s 10:00 PM there.
Regarding electricity, the plugs aren't like ours, so remember your adapter...
You’ll likely be surprised by the transport if you take a bus, for example. I caught one at the stop near my place without knowing exactly where to get off. The driver, whom I asked, was super nice. He told me when to get off and explained the route for the return trip. On the bus, everyone pays and says hello, and when getting off, people thank and greet the driver. How pleasant is that!
And if you "forget" to pay or validate your ticket, the driver won't leave until it's done. Plus, you’ll have to face the dirty looks from the other passengers...
A Touch of Malibu at Bondi Beach
Now, let’s move on to the festivities: the advantage of being right near Bondi is that I was able to soak up plenty of sun! This beach is a high-profile spot populated by super-fit Aussie guys and super... well, let’s just say it feels like Baywatch... Especially if you head over toward Tamarama.
After crossing a small area dotted with grass, you arrive at the famous beach where the Pacific waves come to lap the shore. It’s simply stunning. Remember to protect yourself from the sun because it really packs a punch. Don't be ashamed to slather on the sunscreen because you won't be the only one: everyone protects themselves and follows the government's recommendations. It must be said that skin cancer awareness campaigns are frequent, and surfers today are leading by example, paving the way for responsible behavior among the younger generation. So, you won't look ridiculous completely covered in blue cream!
The beach is also famous for its lifeguards, and they definitely have their work cut out for them. The waves are powerful, making it a renowned spot for surfing enthusiasts. Be careful not to get caught in the currents that will pull you away from the beach or the breakers that will hold you underwater...
As for the risk of shark attacks, it’s minimized by the net placed offshore, but above all, pay attention to the hours: if you don't see anyone in the water, don't go in; the risk of sharks swimming around is too high... Once they've eaten, you're pretty much in the clear.
An Environment with Varied Vibes
Those who are a bit wary of the waves can have fun in the Bondi Icebergs pool. If you want to walk a bit and discover some "wilder" spots, head toward Bronte, where you can see rocky cliffs, swim in a pool carved into the rocks, hike the trails, have a barbecue (if permitted) on the lawns before the beach, and so on...
Each of these beaches has a different vibe. In any case, they offer plenty to do, even for those who aren't surfers at heart: volleyball tournaments, chic cafes, and in January, the Bondi Beach Short Film Festival, which lets you watch movies in the evening by the light of the stars.
Actually, Bondi is the place that invented "beach culture" (barefoot, casual attire) and elevated surfing to a national sport, even though surfing originated in Hawaii. It didn't arrive in Australia until 1915 and earned its stripes in 1954 when Queen Elizabeth II attended a competition at Bondi Beach. Today, it’s the most popular sport in the country, and several champions are Australian: Nat Young, Tom Carroll, Michael Peterson, Mark Occhilupo, Pam Burridge, and Layne Beachley, just to name a few.
Year-End Celebrations Under the Aussie Summer
I also had the chance to spend the year-end holidays there, and I can tell you the atmosphere was electric: Santas (and Mrs. Clauses) in swimsuits, a massive nightclub on the sand of Bondi for New Year's Eve, renowned DJs, and a huge, huge vibe!!! The next day was definitely needed for me to recover... And while the alcohol took its toll, I didn't have to worry about my safety; it remained quite good-natured. Plus, the security staff is very present and competent: these guys know how to de-escalate without making things worse. So, really, a great party!
For the rest, I still took advantage of my stay to do things other than surfing, and I went, of course, to visit Sydney. There is certainly a lot to see, and I suspect I may have missed a few things.
Sydney
Naturally, I went to Sydney Harbour to see "in person" everything I knew from TV. I even took the opportunity to go to Rose Bay, where I rented a kayak and spent the afternoon paddling in the inner harbor... Simply top-notch...
If you want to dive into the roots of the city and the country, take a look around the old The Rocks district, where you can stroll and discover the markets.
Before night falls, head over to the Harbour Bridge (also nicknamed "the Hanger" by Australians) and feast your eyes on a sunset over the bay and the famous Opera House.
Finally, treat yourself on the famous Woolloomooloo wharf, where you can find something to eat, fresh, grilled seafood, while enjoying a nice glass of wine from the Hunter Valley vineyards, located near Sydney.
I know there are several renowned museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, but I didn't get a chance to visit them.
Know that it’s quite easy to get around Sydney, especially by train (Bondi is 15 minutes away on line 1 from the heart of Sydney).
3 Wonderful Months
If Sydney is a cosmopolitan city, Bondi is too! So, those three months spent there were among the best of my life. I also think it was quite easy for me to integrate since I came to spend a vacation. I don't know how it is for those who wish to settle there long-term and work. In any case, Australia does everything to make you feel comfortable: they created the Working Holiday Visa. If you are between 18 and 30 years old, you have one year to travel and work in Australia! For those who want more information: http://www.france.embassy.gov.au/parifrancais/Visas_and_Migration.html
In any case, for me, Sydney, but especially Bondi Beach, will remain an extraordinary memory. I invite you to forget the gloom of your winters by taking a trip there. Think about it for the end of the year!!
Comments (1)