When Air New Zealand was having a sale to Australia back in September 2018, I booked my ticket for June 2019 to Sydney. I wasn’t sure what I’d be doing after 9 months from the date I booked the ticket. All I know is that it’s Queen’s Birthday on the 3rd of June which is a public holiday so I just booked this for a good 3 day weekend. My ticket cost NZ $354 but since I chose to pay with my credit card, I had to pay additional NZ $12 card fee.

Being a passport holder of the Philippines, I was able to apply for visitor (subclass 600) visa online. I lodged my application on 06 May 2019. I immediately got a notification that I need to submit my biometrics and medical. I got my visa granted the day after I completed my medical which was 16 May 2019. In my application, I requested for a multiple entry visa and thankfully, they gave me two years which made me so happy as I plan to explore Australia little by little.

Finally, I’m off to my first trip to Australia which is the 19th country I get to visit.

As soon as I landed, I got me a Vodafone simcard as this way is cheaper than activating roaming. Then I headed to the train station and bought an Opal card which can be used for train and buses.

I chose to stay at Sydney Harbour YHA – Hostel which is in excellent location. I paid AU$140 for two nights for a 4 Share Mixed Dormitory with bathroom. Comfortable bed, friendly staff but there’s issues with the keycard which stops working quite often. I had to get mine replaced 5 times during my stay! That’s inconvenient but other than that, this is in a great location and has a rooftop overlooking the harbour bridge and the opera house.

A few days before my flight, I found out on Facebook that my Thai friend I met in a hostel in Singapore back in 2013 is in Sydney so we decided to meet.

Oh and I was lucky enough that my trip happened to be during Vivid Sydney where light sculptures transform the city. With the amazing view from my hostel, I didn’t need to be in the crowd on my first night to see the beautiful city lights.

The next morning, I walked my way to the Opera House which I enjoyed as there was not many people at 8 in the morning! 🙂

I then met with my friend again and we had a beautiful breakfast with a beautiful view.

Here, my friend took beautiful photos of me. 🙂

I wasn’t planning to leave Sydney without visiting Koi Dessert Bar owned by my fave Masterchef Australia Season 7 contestant Reynold, the “king of dessert”.

And of course, can’t leave Australia either without shopping specially for their very own UGG.

I walked a lot during this weekend trip. Was tiring yet fun and I wouldn’t hesitate to go back once I see that promo fare again. 🙂

I was lucky to be on a new aircraft of Air New Zealand on the way back which had free working wifi. Thank you Air New Zealand. 🙂

Thank you Australia! Now, back to my home . . . Wellington, New Zealand. 🙂

Backpacking, traveling, solo travel, filipina traveler, explorer