Backpackers Hostels Blog

Whale watch tour, Byron Bay

2010-07-29T06:10:16Z

: Image via Wikipedia

Thursday morning I woke up at 8 to do a Whale watch tour with Byron Bay Dive Centre. I had to be there at 9 and when I went in at 8:45 it was already full of people. I filled in a form and waited till Rob told us what to do. He divided the group in two, 8 persons a boat. My boat captain was Rob and his assistant Louis and they prepared us for the whale watch tour. First they gave us a jacket for on the boat and after we had to sit down in the garden of the dive centre to get a briefing before leaving. They told us what we were going to see and some safety drills. After this we all went in jeeps to go to the beach.

On the beach they told us how to get in the boat and after everybody was set Rob drove us to open sea. After a couple of minutes he stops to explain a bit more about the Bay and about the whales we were searching for.

During the talk we saw a breath of a whale so we dropped the nous direction the whales and hoped they would show up again. This whole game repeated itself a couple of times before we saw a whale jumping a 100 meter away from us. The next two whales were coming to us and we waited a couple of minutes for them till they showed up 10 meters from the boat and scared us with their huge bodies. They went down under the boat which gave us a perfect view on how big these fishes are.

On the way back we went to Jullian Rock to spot some sea turtles and after that it was time to go back to the bay because they had to pick up a new group. I had seen some whales before but never so close, so it was definitely worth it and a great experience to me. If you feel like whale watching, just go to the MAD travel shop in the Arts Factory Backpackers lodge and book one of the whale watch tours in Byron Bay.

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Mad Traffic and the Golden Yarra

2010-07-29T05:42:32Z

Lying in my bed at Nomads All Nations Hostel Melbourne. Not only has pedestrain density met critical mass but the mass is a fast moving wave of multiculural abundance. The other day I saw two middle-aged men collide. Wow. Melbourne has always struck me as the gold-repping palm-slapping sidewinding boss of cities. First impressions proved true to this premonition. But then I got a little deeper.

A trip to St Kilda showed the golden handshakes “Chill” side. Met with my friend Kanadia, a fleece wearing South African who peddled handmade jewellery. My friend said the Melbourne council wouldn’t allow him to hustle his wares in the CBD but recommended he try St. Kilda. I hadnt yet got my busking licence so decided a spot of lo-fi street rally would go down well. Now the urban free-wheeling beef burger of a city had some funky bbq sauce.

A mad hippy-roadie from california named Juliana told me I would like Fitzroy. She always had a habit of getting just slightly too personal, like she was a 5 year old coloring in, she would cross the line sometimes. So basically I trusted her.The place was the nightmare suburb of my dreams. Slippy trance. The DIYesque architecture, the eccentrically twisted graff-art and the Goths. Australian Psycho. This suave yuppie has a dark inner child. The shipwrecks beneath the golden Yarra.

After a night of partying a lovely girl from Wales and I had agreed to go to the Victoria market together. The helpful crew at All Nations backpackers Hostel reception gave us directions. The market was immense. The mad traffic was back. But we couldnt marketeer on empty morning after stomachs so we called into a Pizza shop on the corner of Peel and Victoria street. Aptly recommended by a friendly longterm backpacker staying at All Nations backpackers Hostel who said it had good quality to value ratio. I ate half of my Narnianly epic “large – lot” pizza and carryied the rest around with me eating pieces while walking, true kiwi tourist style.

The market was full of knacks ranging from fresh fruit to novelty belt buckles. I heard the high, harrowing and awe-inspiring call of a Maori Kuia (female elder), and I said to my friend, I think that there is a New Zealand section in the market. We followed the calls. Alas, It turned out to be a crazy young indian banana salesman, mad-eyed, and yelling “bananabananabananabanana” over and over, really fast. Well done Melbourne.Great job!

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How to keep your dignity while doing a walk of shame!

2010-07-28T06:56:35Z

The walk of shame! A few tips on how to do the walk of shame with a bit of dignity!

There is nothing worse then having a wicked night out then waking up in a strange place! Not knowing where the hell you are and then to top it off having to do the messy walk back to your room or worse to your hostel!

Unfortunately unless you’ve just finished AA, walks of shame are pretty much an unavoidable part of backpacking and I can almost guarantee that every backpacker will complete at least one walk of shame in their travels and time in Australia!

We here at Nomads Noosa backpackers hostel have seen many many MANY walks of shame, and I’ve got a few tips to help you get through the walk with your head held as high as possible!

Ladies, I know its a little bit hard but clean your smeared mascara off before you head home! Either keep some face wipes in your handbag which you can pick up from any supermarket on the cheap (about $2) or duck into the loo grab some wet toilet paper and just wipe under your eyes. You’ll be surprised how much closer to human this little move can make you feel it also stops any children that you may encounter on the walk home from screaming and running in terror at the sight of you -always a plus!
Same goes for that smeared lipstick!
Try to tame your maine! Bed hair screams ‘just did it in a back of a van’ so run your fingers through your hair, wet it down, tie it back, bandanna, hat, what ever it takes!
Now for clothes. I know it can be really tempting to throw on a guys shirt and carry your outfit from the night before in but dont!! Wear the clothes from the night before home and you could just be a mad party animal. But wearing someone else’s clothes back and you’ll attract way more attention and alto of knowing looks!
Also on clothes try to keep your shoes on, its all about looking as together as you can with a pounding hangover!
Lastly keep your head held high. Own your walk home! If someone engages you with a joke or knowing look just laugh right along with them, chances are you’ve just brought some memories back for them too!!

About the author,

Chantelle works at our fabulous Nomads Noosa Backpackers hostel and has seen many walks of shame over the years! And if her lovely sexy fiancee` is reading this she has never ever completed a walk of shame herself- EVER!

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Fraser Island tour

2010-07-28T06:42:55Z

Last week I went to Hervey Bay to do the Nomads Fraser Island tour. I went from the Arts Factory Backpackers Lodge in Byron Bay by car to Hervey Bay and stayed Tuesday night in Nomads Hervey Bay backpackers hostel. I arrived Tuesday around 3pm and after my check in and a free dinner I went to the tv room for the Fraser Briefing. They told us what to do and what to bring and that we were going to leave the hostel at 9 the next morning and that we had to be ready at 6:45 in the morning!!!

I was with a group of 7 friends from the Arts Factory and we all decided to go the bed early after we had done some chopping for the week. The next morning we all woke up on time and prepared our self for a great Fraser week. At 7 everybody was in the TV room again and here we met Captain Kirk, our Fraser Island tour guide. A great guy with a lot of travel experience and who knows a lot of the biggest sand Island in the world. After he divided us in groups of 8, we prepared the 4×4 jeeps to go to the boat.

The trip to the boat took us 30 min and after that a 45 min boat trip to the Island. On the Island we downed the wheel pressure and went to Central station. Here we had a time for a picnic before we went into the rain forest to see amazing trees and some wild life. After this we went back to the jeep to go to a fresh water river and after that it was time to go to our camp where we had to sleep that night. The camp was great with good facilities. We made our dinner and after the party was on around a nice and warm camp fire.

The next day we woke up at 7 and left the place around 8 to go to some lakes and to a great view point north of the island. During the trip we saw a lot of wild life which was great. Dolphins, whales, dingo’s, sea eagles and so on. The trips we made took us the whole day and we saw a lot of Fraser Island. In between we had a lot of fun with all the people we met and that was also the reason why the second night was even better then the first. The third day we went to three beautiful lakes with turtles, white sand and green/blue water. And after that it was time to go back to Hervey Bay.

Back in Hervey Bay we checked in again and got another free meal and after a small party in the pub next door we all went to bed, because we didn’t sleep that much on the Island. All together was this trip the best I have ever done in Australia. Met a lot of new people and saw a lot of wild life. Great experience and easy to book at the MAD travel desk in your Nomads hostel.

Find out more about Nomads Fraser Island Tours – http://frasermyway.com

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My Fraser Trip!!

2010-07-27T07:33:12Z

: Image via Wikipedia

My Fraser Trip!!!

I think everyone who has been to Fraser on Nomads 3day/2 night safari will agree that is an awesome experience. Mine was no exception

Me and some of the other girls, who also work at Nomads Hervey Bay backpackers hostel, decided that we would have a girly trip to Fraser, that meant leaving all the boyfriends at home and setting us loose on the island with a huge 4×4, and with my driving skills we were faced with a potentially recipe for disaster.

We were all filled with excitment the before our trip how many warm jumpers to pack and most importantly how much goon we needed We had a briefing the evening before which told us all about our trip, couldn’t wait!!

On arrivial on fraser we visited Lake Mackenzie, Lake Wabby and Happy Valley all amazing places. Sadly though before we knew it though the day was over and the tide was slightly higher than expected making our onward journey to K’gari campsite impossible uh oh!. We went in June before the new tag along driver Fraser Island tours were part of the tour therefore had the disadvantage of not having the extensive knowledge of the tide times resulting in us being stranded on the beach. Ended up being a lot of fun though and had a right old giggle together.

On our second day we visited the Maheno Ship Wreck, which is the most photographed shipwreck in the world then, follow by a paddle in Eli Creek. The weather was awesome the second day so we spent the whole afternoon sunbathing at the Champagne Pool, my personal favourite part of the island. After that we headed to Indian Head where we got an awesome view of the island and actually spotted some Whales, As Hervey Bay is a world famous whale watching site many its not uncommonn to see them. (Currently there is a special deal for Fraser Island Tours and a whale watching tour).

After watching the sunset on the beach we headed back to the campsite and had a wicked night with all the backpackers (and dingos) chilling and chatting. A very different experience to the first night. The next morning another early start meant we were able to see a lot more of the island before heading back to Nomads Hervey Bay Backpacker Hostel

We had so many stories to tell everyone from the trip, i urge anyone who is debating about whether to go to fraser to go. It was by far one of the biggest highlights of my traveling experience and i guarntee you will LOVE IT!!

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Mary Poppins has blown into Melbourne

2010-07-27T07:12:41Z

: Image via Wikipedia

Mary Poppins- The Musical opens at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne on July 29 and will run for a short limited time until October 17. Previews have already began and the reviews are astounding. Let your imagination take over and rediscover this Disney classic remade into a musical. Cameron Mackintosh has brought to life this story of youth and life on Cherry Tree Lane.

The story of Mary Poppins began as a series of children’s books written by P.L. Travers. The series was of a mysterious and magical English nanny that blew in on the East wind to Cheery Tree Lane to house number seventeen resided by the Banks. Encounters with chimney sweeps, shopkeepers and various adventures follow until Mary Poppins abruptly leaves… aka poppin out. There is eight books in the original series which was adapted into a Disney movie in 1964. The movie stared Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke cementing them into all of kid’s dreams for decades. In 2004, Disney’s theatre division created the musical version for the West End Theatre and Broadway where it still remains.

This spectacular Australian production includes all of the our favorite songs from the film including Chim Chim Cher-ee, A Spoonful of Sugar, Jolly Holiday, Step in Time, and Supercalifragilisticexpialidoious. Now try saying that three times in a row!!! Mary Poppins has amazed millions of people to sold out crowds around the world and now it is your chance to experience the magic. For all you people that are young at heart book your tickets and stay over night at Nomads Melbourne Backpackers Hostel. Let your imagination soar with us in Melbourne.

Performance Schedule

Wednesday 1:00pm and 8:00pm

Thursday 8:00pm

Friday 8:00pm

Saturday 2:00pm and 8:00pm

Sunday 1:00pm and 6:30pm

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Aj Hackett Cairns 20th Birthday

2010-07-27T07:09:23Z

Well hello

What a night it was on the 17th of July down at the Aj Hackett Bungy site in Cairns. The guys really out done themselves this time for their 20th birthday, by extending the stage in to the most amazing back drop of the Kuranda Ranges. Having two stages set for the evening and one VIP tower over looking the main stage you couldn’t go wrong where ever you were.

So the night started off down by the Gravity Bar near the Minjin Swing with all of Cairns most up and coming local Djs such as the beautiful Sammy J, Funky French Fred and the Kiwi man himself Aidox. After watching some of the local talent we headed up to the main stage and took a look at Ministry of Sounds, Sam La More, not too bad, loved his tunes but being an out door gig I would have liked to see him go a little heavier on the tuneage… But not too worry cause I was there for one main thing and that was Butterfingers. An amazing raw talented Aussie Hip Hop Band, and man they were good, so for this one I gained entry with the help of some friends into the VIP area where I could get a good view. Up there of course I bumped into who’s who of Cairns and of course one very happy and proud Aj Hackett the man himself.

Well the night continued with many more acts and of course many more beers, shots, vodka, Im sure you know how it all goes. After it all ended we took advantage of the free shuttle bus and back to the hostel Nomads Esplanade Backpackers Hostel

So how do we round this all up … Aj Hackett not only puts on amazing Adrenalin activities like Bungy Jumping and the Minjin Swing but also does the most wicked parties, so guys no matter where you are in world if you’re near the AJ Hackett Bungy Site Cairns check out their party situation.

Until next time

From your friendly Dj Miss Jodie from the most amazing place in Australia , Nomads Esplanade Backpackers Hostel Cairns xxx

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Job Hunting with Nomads

2010-07-27T07:00:48Z

Hey Guys!

Do you know Nomads can help you to find your job in Cairns or where ever you are in Australia ? Yes, its does, trust me Im at Nomads Esplanade Backpackers Cairns and they helped me!

Nomads it is not only a chain of hostels in Aussie, New Zealand and Fiji! We really want to help you thanks to our huge network! Go to http://nomadshostels.com/jobs and sign up for FREE to search for jobs in Australia and New Zealand. You can select the city where you are looking for a job and the type of work and you will have all recent vacancies available!

Every week the website is updated with new posts to give you the opportunity to find which one is the good one for you! You could choose anything from, tourism, waiters, waitress, receptionist, sales assistant, hairdresser, or electrician… So many possibilities! There are also sometimes jobs that could start you off in a new career in the area that you’re in or just help you finding farm work so you can complete your second year visa if you are a backpacker.

A perfect example was a guy staying at Nomads Esplanade backpackers hostel was looking for work so we suggested to look on the website and within a day he is now working at the Shagri La which is one of the most expensive places in Cairns as a waiter and host for one of their new stage show productions that they put on nightly. He dresses up and has a great time but most importantly he is earning some good money. He still stays at the Hostel even though he could go into a share house but I think he would miss us all too much down here.

So what ever you do don’t hesitate to have a look and I’m convinced that there will be something for you on the website or even help you line up work for you next destination!

See you!

Julie

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Push the limits with Skydive Australia

2010-07-26T07:23:12Z

Lisette from Nomads Esplanade backpackers hostel, Cairns talks about her first skydiving experience

Wooowwww I really did it!!! I really did a Skydive with Skydive Australia! It was such an amazing experience..I can”t even describe how i felt when i jumped out of the plane, it was just unbelievable and i haven”t felt so free in my life before! Already when I stayed at the office of Skydive Australia, I wasn’t even scared anymore cause the team gave me such a safe feeling and we already had so much fun before even going up the plain.

As I read before Skydive Australia has a 100 % safety record which made it easy for me to enjoy my jump to the max. When going up the plane (takes about 15 minutes) I enjoyed the view over legendary Great Barrier Reef, Green Island and Cairns. I will never forget that amazing feeling of being up in the sky in a little plane while knowing that I will be jumping out of a plane 14000 feet high, so exciting and just great!

When thinking about it now, I really wanna do it again! The moment you jump out and the 60 seconds of free fall were the best thing I ever did! just falling, forgetting everything and just enjoying the view over the beautiful landscape. I can really recommend you guys to do it as fast a possible! You will not regret it!

If you do not wanna do it in Cairns Skydive Australia has 3 other dropzones in Australia: Coffs Harbour, Mission Beach and Byron Bay. I would definitely do it with Skydive Australia, you cannot get a better Skydive experience than with this company. Thanks a lot for making my first jump so spectacular and a special cheers to Glenn. You really rocked,I will never forget that adventure! I really have the feeling I can do anything now after I jumped out of a plane.

If you want to know more about special offers with Skydive Australia in order to push your limits and do something special or just want to get some information go see the crew at Nomads Esplanade backpackers hostel, Cairns to have a chat!!!!

See You Later

Lisette

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The One and Only Rhiannon!!! (loser)

2010-07-26T05:33:33Z

Rhiannon!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who have had the pleasure of staying in our wonderful Nomads Hervey Bay Backpackers Hostel you may also have had the delight of meeting our wonderful receptionist Rhiannon. The 17 year old blonde bombshell will welcome you with sayings like “yalright”, although she denies saying it you will find its all you ever hear from her. That and her constant stories about all the latest dramas in her life.

Rhiannon has the ability to make guests fall in love with her, boys shower her with generous gestures such as hand delivering pancakes for her breakfast, offering free accomodation for her back in thier home countries and rhiannon is also very popular with the facebook stalkers,

Rhiannon is clearly very popular, but her come back is always the same “I’m only 17″ works a charm.But from 19^th September Rhiannon will no longer be able to use that excuse as as out hostel baby is turning 18!!! which means a giant party, lots of alcohol and lots of drunken photos uploaded on to our Nomads Hervey Bay Facebook Page

Little rhiannon has lived in the beautful town of Hervey Bay for over 12 years, moving up here from the Gold Coast at the age of 5. Rhiannon describes Hervey Bay as “a great place to grow up”

Rhiannon finished school in November 09 and decided to get her hands dirty at a bit of reception work. She has been working for Nomads for 4 months, just been shouted at by the lady herself informing me its actually 4 and a half months. As a worker Rhiannon is a little tidy freak and is slightly OCD when it comes to highlighting in all the pretty different colours but thats why we all love her so much!

Athough Rhiannon is secretly a massive loser, we all love her and Nomads Hervey Bay backpackers hostel just wouldnt be the same without her.

Quick Fire Questions

Favourite Colour?- Pink (shocker)
Favourite Co.worker – I love everyone, especially Erin hmm and kirsten
Favourite thing about Hervey Bay? The Whale watching season. (More information about whale watching season and current special deals)
Favourite Movie? Anything with Adam Sandler in.
Favourite Food, can’t be bannana pancakes from guests? Ice Cream.
Favourite Hobbie? Dancing (not well might i add) and singing (again not well)

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