Exploring All Around Australia

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I recently went on a spring break vacation by myself and I loved it! I had the privilege to travel to both Melbourne and Sydney within 9 days and I had a blast. Melbourne and Sydney had been high on my list of places to visit as soon as I knew I was coming to Australia – they are big bucket list destinations for so many people around the world and now I know why. 

Melbourne was my first destination, and I was there for four days! My first impression of the city was that it was a very busy, young, and hip city with lots of different activities going on. It felt a lot like NYC to me. It was most likely busier than usual because it was during the Easter holiday weekend, but it was busy nonetheless. On my first day in Melbourne, I explored Stevenston Street, the Melbourne Botanical Gardens, the Yarra River area, and Flinder’s Square for dinner! 

Tall Gothic cathedral tower with ornate spire under clear blue sky. Stone facade features arched windows and intricate architectural details.
St. Pauls Cathedral
View of a bridge with pedestrians, set against a clear blue sky and surrounded by tall modern skyscrapers in a bustling urban area.
Melbourne City from Yarra River
Pathway in a sunlit park surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. Two people walk down the path, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
Queen Victoria Botanical Gardens

My second day in Melbourne consisted of walking all over the city with walking tours and exploring on my own! I would highly recommend a walking tour of Melbourne because I was able to learn so much history and see so many sights that I would not have discovered on my own. The city of Melbourne has so much graffiti in all of the different alleyways, and it has beautiful churches scattered throughout the city. The city has a very historic feel to it, which was very fun to explore. 

A cappuccino with intricate heart-shaped latte art in a white cup and saucer on a speckled table, exuding a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
A breakfast latte
Historic church with dark stone facade and pointed arches stands in contrast to a modern glass skyscraper. Bright sky and trees frame the scene.
Another church in Melbourne
Outdoor riverside lounge with palm trees, orange sunbeds, and people dining under striped canopies, reflecting in the calm water at sunset
Resturant on the Yarra River

My third and fourth days were my most fun days. I explored the Melbourne Zoo on my own, which was so fun, as well as going to the top of a sightseeing building! The views of Melbourne and the city center look a lot smaller when you are up that high! My last day in Melbourne consisted of checking out the famous Queen Victoria Market and spending the afternoon at St. Kilda Beach! Melbourne was so fun to explore and is the place for you if you like a busy and fast-paced area! 

Smiling woman in a maroon cap taking a selfie with a panoramic view of a modern city skyline and river far below, seen through a large window
Me at the sightseeing building in Melbourne
Aerial view of a cityscape at sunset, with modern skyscrapers and historical buildings. The sky is cloudy, reflecting a calm and expansive urban scene.
View of Melbourne from the sightseeing building
A woman in a red cap takes a selfie at the Melbourne Zoo entrance. Green sign and trees in background; joyful, sunny atmosphere.
Me at the Melbourne Zoo!
Beach scene with overcast sky, dark clouds looming. People gathered on the sandy shore near palm trees and buildings, creating a calm but slightly tense mood.
St. Kilda Beach!
Night cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers reflecting on a calm river, a lit bridge in the distance. The sky is dark with a serene ambiance.
Melbourne City at night

On the opposite end of the spectrum, Sydney delivered the relaxing and beachy vibes that I was looking for! I stayed at a hostel in Bondi Beach which was the perfect destination for exploring this city. Fun fact, in Australia, hostels are very common for people to stay in – even adults! Highlights from the city center are: the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbor Bridge (and Pylon Lookout), all the wonderful restaurants along the Sydney Harbor, and the Botanical Gardens. I loved the Sydney Opera House and found myself staring at it for so long just admiring its beauty. 

Smiling woman takes a selfie at the Sydney Opera House on a sunny day, with blue skies and scattered clouds. People walk around in the background.
My first time at the Opera House!
Cloudy sky over a sandy beach and turquoise waves. Rocky foreground with green foliage. Distant figures on shore create a calm, moody atmosphere.
View of Bondi Beach
A plate of scrambled eggs, arugula, and toast sits on a cafe table with Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. People walk by under a partly cloudy sky.
Breakfast on the Sydney Harbor
Coastal swimming pool next to a turbulent ocean under a cloudy sky. A person swims in the pool, while waves crash against the rocky shore.
Bondi Icebergs

If you are traveling to Sydney, I would recommend a few more spots to check out: Bondi to Coogee walk, taking a ferry to Manly Beach, swimming in the Bondi Icebergs, and of course, the Art Gallery of New South Wales! The Bondi to Coogee walk is a 4-mile hike along the coast of NSW, and it is so worth it and so beautiful! Another fun fact: a lot of museums and art galleries are free here! Swimming in the Bondi Icebergs was one of the coolest activities I did on my trip and I can’t recommend it enough! 

View of Sydney Opera House under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Calm water surrounds the iconic structure, with trees and a ferry nearby.
Sydney Opera House view from the bridge!
A smiling person takes a selfie near Sydney Harbor, with the Opera House in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The scene feels cheerful and vibrant.
Me and the opera house!
Grand neoclassical building with tall columns, wet steps, and people walking. Palm trees under a moody sky add a dramatic, historic feel.
New South Wales Art Gallery
Coastal scene with rocky shoreline, gentle waves, and clear blue skies. Lush greenery and houses on a hill under fluffy clouds create a serene ambiance.
Bondi to Coogee walk

The debate continues whether Sydney or Melbourne is better, but it’s hard to choose! If you want relaxation and beach vibes, Sydney is the city for you; if hustle and bustle is more your style, Melbourne is the one for you. Sydney and Melbourne both have unique characteristics that make them both so likable. They can cater to different aspects you are looking for in a vacation, and I would highly recommend visiting them!

Steel arch bridge against a cloudy sky, an Aboriginal flag flutters atop. City skyline visible below, evoking a sense of urban majesty and history.
Sydney Harbor Bridge
Pathway in a sunlit park surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees. Two people walk down the path, creating a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
Queen Victoria Botanical Gardens
Sydney Harbour Bridge at dusk, bathed in warm lights against a deepening blue sky with scattered clouds. Boats glide on the rippling water below.
Sydney bridge at night!
Ocean pool at sunset with waves crashing over the side. A few people swim and sit by the pool. Calm, serene evening sky in soft pastel hues.
Bondi Icebergs at sunset!

I only have a little over 6 weeks here before I head back home, which is crazy! Time does go by so fast, so I am making sure I am soaking up every bit of this experience as I can! 

Until next time! 🐨

– Kaiya 🙂

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