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A Little Bit of Everything: Life in Australia

Don’t you just love it when life gives you a little bit of everything? Remember the song by Dawes which goes,

“…I want a little bit of everything,

The biscuits and the beans,

Whatever helps me to forget about

The things that brought me to my knees,…”

Until a few months ago, this was one song that I used to resonate the most with. Feels like hope. As an Indian born to a middle-class family, I never knew what I was missing out on. Ever since I moved to Australia, life has been sweet to me. Not that I don’t have bad days, but my circumstances have been better than they used to be. I have found my home far away from home in Australia, the place where you are free to enjoy a little bit of everything—from getting to meet people from different parts of the world to getting the chance to try all kinds of cuisines. I even got aboard a Sydney Harbour cruise offering lunch with a view of the famous harbour attractions the other day. It’s only my second month in the country, and it already feels like I’ve already made a lifetime of memories in such a short span of time. So many beautiful destinations, amazing food, and nary an uncomfortable moment around the people here; they truly make me feel at home.

So here’s what I’m gonna do folks! Here’s a list of things I wish to do while I’m here. (I swear my amma’s (my mom) gonna be pissed if she sees this list. But fingers crossed on that)

Go see a cabaret aboard a Sydney dinner cruise

I have flashbacks of my amma leering at me for that one time I went to a movie past the curfew. Back in my country, cabaret is only a secret pleasure, especially for the guys. But here in Sydney, I was quite surprised to see people going aboard the popular showboat dinner cruise with their families. It was a sensuous form of art and people appreciated it for just that and the last thing they did was sexualise the bodies of the artists on stage. So here I am, adding this to the top of my list.

Eat camel meat

I hail from a country that has an unending war going on between beef-eaters and non-beef eaters. And naturally, my family and I’ve been accustomed to eating just chicken meat, that too occasionally. Now that I’m on a different continent, I could lose that identity for a while. Although camel meat looks like a quirky meat option to me, I consider it ‘cause it’s one of the staple food items in the Land Down Under. So here goes nothing!

Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge

Now that’s going to be an adventure for me! Although not so adventurous in the literal sense, It will be for me…only ‘cause I’m scared of heights. It stands some 134 metres above sea level and is said to offer the most stunning views of the harbour. I realise it will take a chunk out of my wallet, but I’m sure it will be worth it.

Take a selfie with a quokka

I can already tell my amma would approve this! She’s a great lover of animals and so am I. Quokkas, as I heard of, are the cutest, aren’t they? From the time I heard about these smiling marsupials on the Rottnest Island near Perth, I’ve been keenly waiting for a chance to meet them up close and perhaps, get a selfie. Waiting for my next holiday bonus at work to make this happen.

As much as I miss my home and my amma, most of all, I hope to experience every bit of this beautiful country, little by little. Perhaps, I could bring my mom here in future too and show her a new life, which I’m sure she’ll love! Vouch for my wish, won’t you? Ranting’s not over yet guys…be right back next week. Until then, byeeeeee!

Why Plan a Trip to Sydney in 2022? (Best Attractions)

Australia is considered a far away land by most of the world, a country on the other side and Sydney its crown jewel. Being a luxurious city in this oceanic country, Sydney is home to some of the planet’s most gorgeous beaches, world-class restaurants and natural wonders. This is one of those cities everyone would have on their bucket list, preferably on the number one spot! Here are a few top attractions to inspire your next visit to the harbour city of Australia.

Cruise and Dine

Sydney Harbour is a historic place in the city and is a place held close to the hearts of Sydneysiders. The best of the city attractions are located right on the harbourfront here, including the iconic Opera House, the famous Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and many more. Take it to a Sydney dinner cruise and soak it all in from the waters, along with a sumptuous food and drinks menu! Cruise the harbour waterways after dark on the classic paddlewheeler to make it even more special by combining food, views and a live cabaret show! What more could you ask for the perfect cruise? And, if you prefer enjoying the daytime views of these attractions, opt for the Sydney Harbour cruise lunch with a delectable menu and a fully licensed bar. Don’t forget to capture all the special moments on your cameras!

Unwind at a Beach

Sydney, and Australia in general, houses numerous stunning beaches that acts as a beacon for visitors from every corner of the planet. Most of Sydney’s popular beaches can be accessed easily from the Central Business District (CBD) and is embedded by many cafes and restaurants around its edges. This means that you don’t have to go back and forth between the city and beach life, you can do it simultaneously here. We all yearn for fresh air and a bit of sunshine so head out to one of these popular beaches and unwind yourself from the daily routines. If you prefer to stay low-key and away from the massive hordes of people, then head to beaches like Cronnula and Avalon.

Diversity at it’s Best

Sydney’s diversity is no joke. You don’t need to travel far away from place to place to feel like you’re in a different place. You can be taking a dip in the Bronte Baths one minute, walking along the buzzing London-like streets of Paddington 15 minutes later, and then grabbing a bite at Cabramatta, which resembles early Vietnam. The museums and shopping markets are prime examples of how the city showcases everything from every corner of Earth. But this diversity goes way beyond the looks of the region, the people here are also from different parts of the world, making it an inclusive, friendly and culturally-rich city you ought to experience.

Yummy Food!

I mean who doesn’t love food?! Sydney is a heaven for food lovers with inspiration derived from all corners of the world including Asia. The dishes come here with an element of fun, if you are sunning at Bondi, you can enjoy the tropical food and drinks offered here and if you’re wandering around The House, then you might as well get a taste of the classy diners nearby like Bennelong or Quay. Sydneysiders love their coffee and you can see it in their different variations. Enjoy different coffee variants at the Da Capo Courtyard Cafe and Barista Coffee before heading to the Bottom of the Harbour for some seafood!

Learn Sydney’s Heritage

Long before James Cook arrived in Sydney Harbour and started English colonisation, the indigenous Australians have been living and calling Sydney home for centuries. You can explore the many heritage areas of this era, namely in The Rocks precinct. You can learn more about the city and its people by visiting the Sydney Museum.

Australia’s Best Attractions For your Next Trip 2022

Australia is a vast canvas of contemporary architecture and natural wonders and trying to decide the best places to visit in this diverse nation can be a bit daunting. Luckily for you, this curated list will help you make your decisions easier. Usually, people start off their journey of exploration from one state or coast and venture forward from there on to explore the rest of the state or other parts of the country. Hopefully, this article will inspire you to explore one or two of this country’s sensational regions.

Sydney

Chances are you will begin your journey at Sydney, which is the biggest tourist hub of the country and home to many top attractions. Sydney Harbour is iconic and landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge and Botanic Gardens are not to be missed. To enjoy unrivalled views of these icons you can hop on a lunch cruise in Sydney Harbour which is also an excellent alternative to a regular waterfront dining experience! Choose an authentic paddlewheeler with wrap-around verandahs to enjoy the city skyline from a unique perspective, making for some excellent photo ops! What makes the Sydney harbour cruise lunch a special experience is that you get to enjoy breathtaking views of the nation’s biggest landmarks from the comfort of your cruise as you savour some incredible food and drinks! This experience is sure to make you appreciate Sydney and its beauty even more.

Cairns

Cairns is the gateway to northern Queensland and is full of backpackers and fun things to do. Most revellers stop here for a day or two and might be on their way to see the world-famous Great Barrier Reef or Daintree Rainforest. But the city is actually an underrated attraction and is worth spending a little time to soak in everything. The waterways here are popular spots to swim or dive, especially the man-made beach known as the Lagoon, but it is important to note that during the months of summer, they may be infested with crocodiles and jellyfish. You can also visit Rusty’s Fruit Market for some freshly produced tropical fruits or party with the many revellers at one of the backpacker hostels at night!

Gold Coast

When we talk about the best places in Australia, Gold Coast is up there with Sydney as being one of the inevitable destinations to add on the list. Located on the south coast of Queensland, Gold Coast is one of the popular cities in Australia and is the favourite getaway destination for many natives and tourists. Here you can enjoy the vibrant city life and the relaxing beach scenes altogether as numerous towering skyscrapers and sandy beaches are located right next to each other. The area is also home to some exciting theme parks and is only a couple of hours away from cities like Brisbane. The city also serves as a gateway to the renowned Lamington National Park, a wide area of mountain ranges, cliffs, valleys and forests!

Wilsons Promontory

While travelling through Australia’s state of Victoria, you can take an off-road trip to Wilsons Promontory to reconnect with nature and get back to your true self. Spend some quality time with nature in this small peninsula on the southeast corner of Australia where numerous breezy and calm beaches and hiking trails await for you to be enjoyed!

Tidal River Campground is one of the main hubs here from where you can access some of the best walks, viewpoints and beaches of the area. From hiking from Picnic Bay to Whisky Bay, walking the sands of the Squeaky Beach and enjoying the impressive views from the summit of Mount Oberon, the options here are endless.

Best of Sydney for your Next Trip Down Under in 2022

Sydney’s got it all, few cities in the world can rival its natural beauty, its undying heritage and history dating back to thousands of years; its creative, culinary and cultural offerings simply cannot be matched! This is the place where most people come to tick off their bucket lists, in fact there is so much to do and see here that you might be overwhelmed when visiting for the very first time. But no need to get muddle headed, this list will help you discover some exciting attractions that are noteworthy whether you’re a resident or a visitor!

Lunch Cruise on a Modern Catamaran

Cruising is an essential part of Australians and is one of the most sought-after leisure activities in the harbour. Hop on a popular lunch cruise and traverse across the harbour waterways past some breathtaking iconic city attractions including the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, among others. You get to choose from a wide range of vessels but the one that stands out is the multi-million dollar catamaran which has spacious outer decks and panoramic windows for viewing. Cruise on this purpose-built vessel and experience the harbour attractions like never before as you savour a freshly prepared buffet! Stroll the outer decks to capture mesmerising photographs of you and your companions set against the striking city skyline! You also get to purchase sparkling drinks and other beverages from the fully licensed bar so don’t forget to make the most of it! A Sydney Harbour cruise lunch, thus, is the ultimate gateway to marvel at some of the biggest attractions of the city with a delectable lunch menu and drinks in an ambient setting!

Shop at Chinatown Markets

Shopping is inevitable when you’re in a city like Sydney where culture is vast, especially if you’re out with the family. Sydney has an interesting shopping scene with everything from towering shopping centres and weekend markets to organic street stalls. Chinatown has a vibrant atmosphere on every Friday when numerous market stalls line Dixon Street, selling colourful phone covers, Pokemon toys and cats! But the best stalls are the one selling different types of food from all corners of Asia. You can taste octopus balls and ten different types of asian inspired liquorice, along with other delicacies like yum cha, teppanyaki, sushi and pho! Visit late and round off your night with a karaoke at Dynasty or at the Golden Century.

Walking Tour at Dharawal National Park

Sydney has plenty of national parks and public gardens where you can connect with nature, enjoy a family picnic or just simply take a break from the busy city life. Located approximately 45 kilometres away from the city Central Business District (CBD) lies the 6000+ hectares of breathtaking scenery and wildlife, the Dharawal National Park. Public access to this paradise of natural flora and fauna was granted only recently and now you can enjoy guided tours every second Saturday of the month. These 90-minute walks are designed for people of all fitness levels and there are also other catered tours like children and wheelchair accessible tours. The walks are guided by Aborignal Discovery Rangers who will share insights into the local flora and fauna as well as Dreamtime stories which hold sacred messages representing connections between the land and the indigineous Australians.

Others

Overlooking the massive Pacific Ocean on the edge of South head is one of Sydney’s prettiest lighthouses which offers breathtaking views of the ocean to the east and that of the city to the west. You can easily make a day of it by jumping on the South Head walking trail from Watsons Bay and burn some calories!
Wendy’s Secret Garden is also an underrated attraction offering incredible harbour views and a serene environment filled with flowers, fountains and berries!

Amazing NSW Destinations You Can Visit in 2022

Listing the best locations in Australia is one of the best things I love to do. If you are on a travel plan, this article will certainly help you go through some of the best destinations in New South Wales, one of the best locations in Australia where you will never feel disappointed. It has some unique points of interest to visit. You can rent a car or bike and take in the best views of as many NSW destinations as possible. Here are my top places to visit in New South Wales. Read along and come back whenever you need a hand to help.

Sydney Harbour

When you visit Sydney Harbour, you will get the answers to all your questions regarding why it attracts more than a million guests every year to this breathtaking destination. Being home to the popular Sydney attractions such as the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, it is impossible for this astounding stop to attract people into it. If you can stay a bit longer, then you should! It is important to take in everything the harbour has to offer. From the astonishing landmarks to world-class cruising restaurants there is a handful of things that can dazzle you. Spot an authentic paddlewheeler with an old-world charm offering an amazing Sydney lunch cruise experience with deluxe restaurant-quality dining. Sightseeing with high-end dining is a win-win, right? Step into its wrap-around verandahs and enjoy the stunning views of the harbour attractions while sipping a glass of your favourite Aussie drink that can be purchased from the fully licensed bar on board. Aboard a 3-hr Sydney Harbour cruise lunch and enjoy your sightseeing and dining experience like never before.

Jervis Bay

Located three hours south of Sydney, Jervis Bay is an outstanding tourist destination you can easy to commute to. Popularly known as the best Aussie destination where you can see some of the whitest sands in the world, Jervis Bay attracts people from all over the globe to enjoy its best views and take in the fresh and clean vibes it has in hand. If you are all the way from Whitsunday Islands, Maldives, or any other exotic places, this can be seen as the best opportunity to analyse if it has sand whiter than these locations. Hyams Beach, one of the popular stops in the region is a truly outstanding location you can cool off a bit enjoying the quintessential Aussie chic and vibes. There is a nice coastal walk between four different beaches in the area. Walk with your friends and explore the area at its best. Aside from all these, there is something more for you to explore like Honeymoon Bay, Point Perpendicular Lighthouse, Caves Beach, and many more.

Bombo Quarry and Cathedral Rock

Kiama, housing the world-famous Bombo Quarry and Cathedral Rocks can be seen as one of the best destinations you shouldn’t miss in your NSW travel itinerary especially if you are a photographer looking for some stunning shots of your trip that can set your IG feed on fire. The location is pretty famous for a truly spectacular sunrise and sunset sightseeing experience. If you are looking for something extraordinary in your Aussie trip, then head straight to this bizarre landscape just north of town. Come during high tide when the waves crash against massive rock formations in the area. You can reach on top of the headlands and catch sight of the incredible panoramic vistas that can certainly make you feel overwhelmed. Cathedral Rock is a remarkable rock formation, where access is limited since it is not safe standing on the rocks when its high tide.

Tips to Win Against Your Social Anxiety

Are you afraid to indulge in societal activities, to perform your best in social situations? Social anxiety, an intense fear of social situations can be identified as one of the important things that need to be addressed in this century, particularly among our youngsters. Unlike shyness, it can often be debilitating for a person to actively participate in social gatherings and can ultimately prevent a person from the day-to-day activities and services they are supposed to be indulged in. The article will help you understand how can one beat their social anxiety and be an active participant in social gatherings. Read along, the article might help you or someone you know.

There will be someone you know, who constantly turn down social situations and ultimately shut down people from their lives. But this can only make their social anxiety worse. People should tackle it head-on. But that doesn’t mean they have to make a gigantic step at an earlier note. What needs to be done is to take baby steps. Joining social clubs, partying, challenging themselves to do small tasks such as making an appointment by phone or saying hello to a stranger can help them to overcome their anxiety step by step. To substantiate, if you are a Sydneysider in need of help, you can try visiting Sydney Harbour, one of the frequently voted travel destinations in the world. You can board a Sydney Harbour cruise with lunch and individual reserved seating offering amazing cruising and dining experience to not be terrified after watching a lot of people around you. It can help you to see the prime views of the harbour attractions on the go, ease out yourself, and relax while taking in the vibes. Tag along to day-outs with your friends and interact with them. Get yourself out with your group of people on a lunch cruise in Sydney, start challenging yourself and make an initiative to tackle the issue.It is hard for most people with social anxiety to interact with people. Many people feel that they lack some essential social skills to cope with social situations and to be active participants in group discussions and meetings. There are certain things that need to be done by the friends of people with anxiety. Try not to mock or laugh at them. Keep in mind that they are out of their comfort zones, challenging themselves, and taking small baby steps in the process. Appreciate them, but not to make them uncomfortable. For people with anxiety issues, you can try turning up early for a party since it can give you some time to get used to the environment you are in, beforehand. Interact with people one-on-one as they arrive in case you find it hard to mingle with a group of people. Practice some social skills, appreciate and respect yourself.

Unique Outing Ideas for Groups in Sydney

Sydney is known for its multitude of cultural diversity and this can be seen in the form of art, food, architecture and so on. This vibrant capital of New South Wales is one of the most visited destinations in the world and sees over a million visitors every year. A city like Sydney is never low on entertainment and you can head to its various venues and experience the city’s artistic flavour. Here is a curated list of some top spots you can visit in groups.

Sydney Harbour is an inevitable location in this list and it’s not only because of its iconic entertainment venues, restaurants and live street performers. Cruising has always been a part of Australians and the Sydney Harbour cruise with lunch and views is one of the most desired group activities in the city. The unique paddlewheeler with its theatre-style interiors offers a restaurant quality dining experience with a freshly prepared lunch buffet and stunning views of the harbour. You can zest up the experience even further by purchasing drinks and other beverages from the fully licensed bar onboard, perfect for any group gathering. This lunch cruise takes you on a voyage past the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, so be on the lookout for the ideal photo ops.

Surly’s American Tavern, located at the heart of Surry Hills, is one of the best venues to get your gang together and have a fun night out, Nashville style. A constant entertainment area and a quick getaway from the daily grind, the tavern offers delicious food, cocktails, free arcade games and even live music. The food, especially the burgers and bbqs are a staple that keeps the visitors more than just well fed and the creamy and crispy collections of sides and homemade dips takes the menu to the next levels. Challenge your partners to a dance off or go against them in the plethora of arcade games and burn those bbqs or just lay back and ease up with a drink inside Smokey’s Cabin. People usually come here for a fun night of entertainment but they usually stay for the food.

For more than 50 years, Sydney has been famous for its drag shows, a unique blend of comedy, cabaret and costumes. A local legend of the LGBTQIA+ community, The Imperial Erskineville is a great place to have a memorable night out with your friends. The restaurant in the base floor offers some intensely good food and killer cocktails that match the ambience of the interiors which celebrates self-expression, creativity, dance and music. The Basement is a safe ground for all the creative expressionists and welcomes all members of LGBTQIA+ community. This part of the restaurant comes alive at night with late night discoes, DJs, special events, drag and performance arts and ensures a night of non-stop entertainment.

Choose your favourite Sydney Harbour lunch cruise

A sumptuous lunch with your loved ones is always a matter of joy. But picking the right place? Not so much, especially if you’re in Sydney. From the cost of dishes served to the variety of food on the menu, Sydney does have a long list of restaurants that stand out for various qualities. However, if you’re with an adventurous bunch of people, here’s something for you to try— the crowd favourite lunch cruise in Sydney Harbour, which stands a class apart from regular dining. Celebrate the glamour of cruise dining by hopping aboard an exquisite Sydney Harbour Cruise lunch. Sail into the azure waters of Sydney harbour on a luxury Catamaran for a top-notch sightseeing/dining experience. Sydney Harbour, known for its unparalleled views and countless places of interest, has always been a famous choice among the natives as well as the tourists. Imagine getting treated to the breathtaking panoramic views of Sydney skyline from a cruise while relishing the best food you’ve had in years. Now, let’s talk food! Let’s not deny that the prime focus of your cruise is, undoubtedly, food. Enjoy an extravagant buffet that features some of the best dishes on popular demand, prepared by in-house chefs. An elaborate 3-course meal consists of a cold selection, a hot selection, and a dessert selection that is brought to you at your reserved tables that overlooks the magnificent sea-views. Find your best combination of dishes on the menu to binge on, because, on Sydney Harbour cruises, food is always unlimited and worth the price you pay. Also, you may choose your best drink from the fully-licensed bar on board to top it all. Pay a visit to the cruise wheelhouse to get a captain’s view of Sydney Harbour, if the thought excites you. Spread over three large decks, the cruise offers you picturesque panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and the skyline on one side and the wide blue sea on the other. Learn more about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House as you sail past them by listening to the informative commentary given by the professional tourist guide on board. Make sure you get some great photos of these marvelous star-attractions in Sydney and the mesmerising oceanic views from the top deck. Be it a fun family outing, a lunch date with your partner or a meet-up with your friends from high school, Sydney Harbour cruise lunch is one of the best options for you that implies quality delivered. What’s more precious after all, than sharing good memories and good food with your best people, that too at one of the most happening and awesome places in the world! Grab your tickets now for an amazing trip around Sydney Harbour and fingers crossed on the number of times you’ll be coming back to this!

Choose your favourite Sydney Harbour lunch cruise