The Best Getaways While Studying In Australia

By: Zoe Manos

Hi!! My name is Zoe. Though the majority of my time studying in Australia was spent in the most amazing city, Sydney, I took many small trips to places nearby. Branching out and seeing things I thought I would never see before made my experience in Australia ten times more perfect than it already was. From Bali, Indonesia to the Great Barrier Reef, there’s no shortage of incredible places to explore during long weekends or breaks. Here are just a few of the top destinations to add to your travel list while studying Down Under.

1. Bali, Indonesia – Island Escape Just a Flight Away
Between blocks, my friends and I ventured the 6 hours flight across all of Australia to visit Seminyak, a popular beach destination in Bali known for its stunning sunsets, stylish beach clubs, and shopping scene. We spent most of our week there relaxing by our AirBNB’s pool and even ventured into Ubud, where we were immersed in an incredible cultural experience. There we saw rice terraces, waterfalls, monkey forests, and temples. Seminyak offers a perfect balance of culture and relaxation. Whether you chill by the beach, shop, or explore, there is so much to do during the day. And by night, enjoy local Indonesian food (with caution), catch live music or dance at Finns Beach Club. It's an easy international trip that feels worlds away from the busy city and school life.

2. Melbourne – Australia’s Cultural Capital
If you're based in Sydney, a getaway to Melbourne is a must. I went for a few days and attended the Australian Open, which was such a fun and eventful experience.  With its vibrant markets, thriving coffee scene, and busy city life, Melbourne is a dream for people who want to try new things in a more fast paced environment. Explore the Queen Victoria Market, take a day trip down the Great Ocean Road, or catch a live show in the arts district. Melbourne is not known for its beaches, which allows for a trip much different than what Sydney offers. 

3. Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef – Natural Wonder Adventure
Without a doubt, the Great Barrier Reef was one of the most surreal and breathtaking trips of my time abroad. Located in Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world and a must see. While there, my friends and I did a boat tour, which took us to two different reefs. We were able to snorkel and scuba dive among vibrant coral reefs and see all the marine life, like turtles, sharks, and clown fish. Cairns is also perfect for adrenaline junkies too, in which you can bungee jump, skydive, take a helicopter over the reefs, or go white-water rafting. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Australia’s wild, tropical side.

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