Down Under Resources

Guide Books
Let's Go Australia (updated yearly this guide proved invaluable for addresses, maps, phone numbers, and general info. Western Australia was a bit lacking but otherwise our way was made easier by having this book to consult on where to eat, where to change money, what hostels are the best or the worst, and what local sites were worth seeing.)
Lonely Planet New Zealand

Sleeping your way around Australia
or.. You haven't been to OZ if you haven't shagged in a swag
NSW: Sydney Central YHA, the 5 Star of hostels.
Queensland

Cairns: Be very choosy where you stay. The IYHA hostel is probably a good bet. Hostels are very competitive in Cairns. Ask if there is smoking in the rooms and what amenities they have.

Northern Territory
Western Australia
Victoria

Must Eats
Deirdre Brownell Top Ten Australian Restaurants/Cafe's/diner's
1. Cervantes Grill (WA) The best hamburgers anywhere.
2. The Black Dog Restaurant in Hervey Bay (QLD): excellent California fare.
3. Chinese Restaurant in Exmouth (WA): all you can eat dinner buffet best deal in town.

Erika Hahn's Top Ten Ways to Eat Cheaply in Australia
1. Buy your food at a large supermarket such as Woolworth's and cook it in the hostel kitchen. Spagetti with sauce is standard cheap fare but don't forget your veggies!
2. Bring food that keeps in your knapsack like sardines, juice or water bottled, green peppers hold up pretty well. Eating out can get very expensive. And you want to save your money for all the beer you are going to drink over there.
3. Always share your food. I learned this travelling in Europe. If someone needs food share yours. The upshot? When you are hungry someone will have food to share with you. Try it, it works!
Back to Oz page
Email Erika
This page updated September 23, 2001