Australia Travel Tips

Ending Work in Australia- Temporary Residents Get your Tax back!

Oh no- That time has come! You have picked your fruit, drank all the beer you could handle, haven’t slept in months due to all of the fun you are having, have a rockin’ tan, thought about (or did) get dread locks…and it is time to leave… NOOOOO!!!!! There are a few dreary paperwork details you need to clean up before boarding that flight to your next adventure.

Payment Summary:When you stop work in Australia, ask your employer for a payment summary showing your total income and the tax that has been withheld. You will need a payment summary from every employer you have worked for during the year in Australia in order to complete your tax return.

Date: December 10th, 2006 | No Comments

Sydney- Need Internet? Head to the Rocks!

Everyday Thousands of people visit and conduct business in the most Historic Precinct in Sydney- The Rocks. Honestly- this is one of my favorite parts of town. When I first arrived I avoided it because I thought there would be too many tourists. Man was I missing out!

What I soon discovered is that the Rocks is a visually striking place- right at the foot of the Harbour bridge (in fact you can walk up stairs to the bridge itself!). The markets are awesome, there are TONS of cool bars that mostly locals attend, and it is much closer to Circular Quay than I thought. Over all- it is a really popular spot. Now there is one more reason to fall in love with the oldest part of Sydney- FREE… yes- that is right FREE wireless Internet access!

Date: November 13th, 2006 | 4 comments

How to save $$ on transport in and around Sydney

Getting around Sydney is easy and affordable if you know a few little pieces of information! Here is a guide to City Rail’s best tourist tickets. All tickets available from City Rail stations and several convenience stores.

City Hopper- All day trains between Central, Martin Place, Museum, Town Hall, and the main CBD (Downtown) area.

Day Tripper- All in one- Buses Trains and Ferries- offers discounts for some top attractions. $15 and sooo easy to use. (avoids waiting in long lines looking for exact change)

Travel Pass- Weekly all in one- find the zone you need. From $32. If you are here a couple of days- your best value.

Date: November 5th, 2006 | No Comments

Australian Quarantine Domestic Regulations, I am sorry Ma’am- I’m going to have to check those Peaches!

If you are travelling between Australian States- believe it or not- there are still yet more Quarantine laws! Domestic Quarantine Laws are designed to prevent the spread of disease, insects, and invading plant species. They are mostly aimed at fruit and food products. You should be aware that they do apply, fines can be given, and there are stations at interstate borders and airports to check that prize tray of Mango’s you have just purchased. To avoid getting indigestion from trying to consume 8 kilo’s of gorgeous fresh oranges- here are a few guidelines:

Date: October 25th, 2006 | No Comments

Attractive and Cheeky! Check out Wallpaper’s Guide to Sydney.

Pocket Sydney- Finally a guide that concentrates on the important stuff- food booze, and shops! AND! all within a package that is attractive and doesn’t scream tourist. British design magazine “Wallpaper” has produced a set of around 20 city guides (soon to be 40) pitched at the design conscious traveller.

Sydney has recently been added to that list. The Wallpaper guides are said to be easy to use with sections like: landmarks, hotels, 24 hours, urban life, and sports and spas. As well as the guide being well thought out, it is also supposed to be excellently politically incorrect. It’s cost of living section includes “packet of cigarettes, and bottle of champagne”.

Date: October 24th, 2006 | No Comments