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Australia offers fascinating natural experiences.  One of the main reason people come to Australia is the whale watching season.  The truth is that the whale watching is fascinating.  Watching the whales up close, in their natural environment, is a once in a lifetime moment.  Wales migrate along the coast north from May to November.

If you want to enjoy this amazing show offered by nature, come to Manly! Book accommodation at a Manly hostel and enjoy the whales’ performance!  The good news is that the whales are not going to be the only actors in the show.  On the contrary, you can easily spot sharks, dolphins, seals and penguins.  It is going to be a real adventure…

You will discover with your own eyes that Manly is not just a fabulous holiday or weekend destination.  Needless to say, Manly is also a perfect location to check out the annual whale migration.  The whale watching season is a real tradition in this place.  Not too many people know that whales have been entering Sydney Harbour and its estuaries for centuries.

There are great places where you can spot whales near Manly.  You can head to one of the coastal headlands around Manly or its nearby suburbs. For instance, the North Head Sanctuary on the tip of Manly peninsula provides magnificent views out to sea.  Needless to say, the Fairfax Walk is an easy circuit connecting three whale- watching lookouts.  Keep in mind that Bradley’s Head in the Sydney Harbour National Park also offers fantastic whale watching.

There are whale watching cruises throughout the season.  Make sure you understand the fact that there are moments in the day when you have better chances to see the whales like late morning or early afternoon.

Book budget accommodation Sydney and do not miss these fabulous natural experiences in Manly!  You will have lots of fun right in the heart of Manly!  Forget about National Geographic or Animal Planet!  You will have the chance to watch the whales with your own eyes!

Statistics show that during the whale watching season, more and more people visit Australia to experience this amazing show.   Be one of the backpackers or travelers who decide to come to Australia this time of the year.  You will not regret it!  On the contrary, you will fall in love with this magic place and you will want to come back over and over again!

If you decide to come to Australia and experience the Aussie lifestyle, you should also do some research about the Aussie culture and history.  For example, did you know that there are six states in Australia: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia?  All these states have great stories when it comes to the origin of their names.

New South Wales

It is true that the hot, muggy climate of Australia is extremely different from the temperate Wales. This state must have just reminded Cook of the coast of Wales.  The origin of New South Wales is subject of debate:  was the territory similar to South Wales, it reminded Cook of Wales as a whole or was named New South Wales because it was in the Southern Hemisphere?

Queensland

150 years ago, the people living in Queensland (at that time Queensland part of the New South Wales colony).  The main problem was that the seat of the colony, Sydney, was too far away.  People petitioned to separate, and in 1859 Queen Victoria granted them their own colony.  As the name perfectly suggests, they named it Queensland to honour Queen Victoria.

South Australia

The interesting part about this name is that South Australia is missing the –ern­ ending.  The main idea is that “South Australia” simply sounded better than “Southern Australia.”   Believe it or not, the state isn’t the southernmost state.

Tasmania

Not too many people know that this island state was discovered in 1642 by Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman.  This is how the state got its name.

Victoria

As the name perfectly suggests, this state was named after Queen Victoria when it separated from New South Wales in 1851.  People loved Queen Victoria so much!  In fact, this is the main reason she has two Australian states named after her.

Western Australia

Western Australia is the largest state in Australia.  The name itself says everything.  This territory is situated in the west of Australia.

Book budget accommodation Sydney and you will have the chance to discover Australia!  The city is also close to spectacular beaches!

There are many things to say about Australia’s states.  They all have wonderful and friendly people, spectacular landscapes, unique flora and fauns.  Come to Australia and spend at least 1-2 weeks here!  Book accommodation at a Manly hostel if you love the ocean! Discover the new lifestyle, new hobbies!

Are you ready to discover even more secrets about Australia? This unique place in the world is fascinated and full of contrasts.

When you say Australia, you say Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, kangaroos, koalas, cricket, swimming, Manly beach, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Aborigines, Minerals, etc. Even if Australia is one of the world’s most urbanized countries, with about 70 per cent of the population living in the 10 largest cities, Australia has also exotic and wild places. For example, did you know that more than 85% of Australians live within 50km of the coast?

When it comes to pollution, Aussie people do not have too many problems. Believe it or not, Cape Grim in Tasmania has the cleanest air in the world.

It is widely known all over the world that Australia has a unique flora and fauna. Keep in mind the fact that of the 828 bird species listed in Australia, about half are found nowhere else. Needless to say, over 50% of the world’s whales, dolphins and porpoises are found in Australian waters. Book budget accommodation Manly, for example, and spend a few days here.

You will discover a new world. “Selfies” are extremely popular these days, especially on social channels like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. Did you know that the “selfie” is an Australian invention?

Australia is definitely a unique place on Earth.  More and more international students and backpackers are fascinated by this so called “lucky country”.  It is widely known the fact that the moment you decide to visit a foreign country, you have to do some research about its history, customs, traditions and culture.  What makes Australia so special?

1.Do you know that 84% of Australia’s mammals are unique to the country?

2.Statistics show that if you visited one new beach in Australia every day, it would take over 27 years to see them all!  Can you believe this?  If you get the chance to come to Australia, you cannot miss Manly Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the world.  Book accommodation at a Manly hostel!

3.Believe it or not, the Great Barrier Reef  has its own postbox.  Needless to say, this is the world’s largest living structure.

4.If you come to Australia, you will be surprised to discover that the Australian Alps receive more snowfall than Switzerland.  This is definitely the highest contrast in Australia.  The continent has spectacular beaches.  Needless to say, Australia is also named the country of surfing.  At the same time, this “lucky country” has also spectacular mountains.  Australian people are definitely blessed to live in such a great country with unique fauna and flora.

5.Sydney is one of the most animated cities in Australia.  Unfortunately, it is also a crowded city.  This is the main reason around 160,000 vehicles cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge every single day.  If you want to visit Sydney, but, at the same time, to stay in a more relaxed place, Manly is your best option.  Book budget accommodation Manly and discover Australia’s secrets!

If you think about visiting Sydney, you definitely have to make a list with all the things you want to do.  There are endless possibilities.  Therefore, try to take some of your time and do some research.  For instance, there are some spectacular walks you should take.  If you want to stick to a certain budget and book budget Sydney accommodation, Manly can be an option.  Do not forget that Manly is only 15 minutes away from Sydney by fast ferry.

Top 11 Sydney walks:

1.Bondi to Bronte walk

This is a 4km coastal walk, the scenery is spectacular.

2.Manly to Spit Bridge

This is one of the city’s most popular walks.  This is a 10km walk.

3.Bondi to Coogee walk

This is a 2 hours walk.

4.Manly to Shelly Beach walk

This is not a too long walk.  If you want to stay more in Manly, you should book accommodation at a Manly hostel.  You will feel like home and make new friends.  It is interesting to know that plaques along the track, providing details about the accompanying sculptures, have all been designed with Braille notation.  Keep in mind that this is an excellent walk for people with disabilities.

5.Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay walk

If you plan walking from Rose Bay to Watson’s Bay, you need more than 4 hours from your time.

6.Do not miss Centennial Parklands!

For nothing in the world, do not miss Centennial Parklands!  There are plenty of tracks within the park.  Remember that the park has a circumference of 3.6km.

7.Rushcutter’s Bay to Rose Bay walk

This is a spectacular walk of 5.5 km.  The good news is that this special walk will take you past Sydney’s largest marina.

8.Bundeena to Otford Coastal Track walk

This is definitely the longest walk in this top.  It is a 26km walk.  It will take you approximately 2 days.  Do not forget also about whale watching!  The best of the year for whale watching is between May to August.

9.North Head Sanctuary

Do you want to admire the Australia flora and fauna?  This is the best place to do this!

10.Hermitage Foreshore Track

This is only one hour walk, but the scenery is more than spectacular.  You will have the chance to admire Shark Island and Sydney Harbour.

11.Sydney Harbour Bridge to South Head walk

This is a 8 hours walk.  Take some of your time to discover 30 beautiful km of Sydney’s shoreline!

Explore the spectacular Australian landscape!  Great coasts, sunny beaches, unique flora and fauna!  A trip to Australia is always a unique experience.

More and more international students and backpackers feel like home in Manly.  It is true that hostels provide a friendly and relaxed atmosphere to their guests.  There are many hostels where you can book budget accommodation Manly.  This is the main reason the hostels permanently try to make their guests feel like home.

If you want to stay in the middle of the action, Manly Bunkhouse is your best option.  The location of this hostel is perfect.  It is situated 250 metres from iconic Manly Beach and about 10 minutes walk from Manly Town Centre.  Moreover, beside the excellent location, there are even more reasons for you to stay at this hostel.

The French owner, Cathy Carney and her friendly team speak fluent French, Portuguese and Spanish.  They have all type of surprises and common activities for their guests.  Some of the most popular group activities are “Homemade dinner” (once a week, dinner is on us, for example beef casserole, homemade banana bread, Bolognese spaghetti), “Movie evening”(in the common room, the guests can select the movie they want to see, and the beverages and the snacks are on us).  There is also an evening every week when a DJ plays some warming tunes in the common room.

If you love cats, you definitely have to come to Manly Bunkhouse to meet Zoe, the laziest and cutiest receptionist in the world… <3

It is true, winter is coming, but if you plan a trip to Australia, you do not have reasons to worry about.  Even though we are preparing for winter, Manly is still in full force!  The good news is that there are plenty of things to see and do at Manly Beach even in the cold season.  Keep in mind that Manly is also close to Sydney.  If you look for budget accommodation Sydney, a hostel in Manly can be an excellent option.  Do not forget that Manly is just 15 minutes away from Sydney via fast ferry!

It is widely known the fact that Manly is also known as the “Surf-city of Australia” and the birth place of Australian surfing.  Water activities are extremely popular here, but Manly is more than Sydney’s premier beachside destination.

There are so many things to do and see in Manly:

1.Visit the Sea Life Sanctuary Octopus Garden

Do you want to test your knowledge and, at the same time, meet the resident octopus “Cecil”?  Visit with your kids the Manly Sea Life Sanctuary during the winter school holidays! It’s definitely going to be a unique experience.

2. Manly Art Gallery

It is good to know that Manly Art Gallery and Museum was opened in 1930, by Manly Council.  Needless to say, it was the first metropolitan regional gallery in NSW.

3.Manly Markets

Do you want to feel like a veritable Australian?  You definitely have to visit Manly markets.  This is definitely the best way to understand best the Aussie culture.  What can you buy at these weekly markets?  You will discover Australian designed and handmade accessories, jewellery and homewares.  Manly Market Place, Manly Village Markets, Manly Fresh Produce Markets are the most popular markets in the “city of surf”.  At the Manly Fresh Produce Market you can buy some of the best fresh produce and gourmet delights directly from farmers and makers from across NSW.  You can go to Manly Market Place every Saturday and Sunday.  You can buy attractive gifts and products from farms.

The good news is that the access to these markets is free.

4.Manly Oceanworld

If you come to Manly, do not miss Manly Oceanworld!  You will have the chance to discover great sea creatures.

5.Do not miss the Whale Watching season!  Book your adventure today!  You will definitely live unique moments.

Book accommodation at a Manly hostel and discover magnificent sceneries, cosmopolitan shops and restaurants, great museums.  Do not be afraid to make experiments!  Try the most popular Aussie dishes and beverages!

One thing is for sure: Australia is renowned for its beaches all over the world.  But is it possible to rank Australia’s best beaches?  Of course it is. This is the Internet.  Everything is possible.  The famous travel site, TripAdvisor, has recently awarded a Certificate of Excellence to three Aussie beaches: Manly Beach, Shelly Beach and Manly Scenic Walkway.

You definitely have to spend some days in Manly.  You will adore it.  If you look for budget accommodation Manly, you will have no problems in sticking to your budget.  There are so many hostels, some of them so close to the beach!  The landscape is spectacular!

Mayor Jean Hay was also extremely proud of the achievement.

“This certificate shows that many of the eight million tourists that come here every year are giving us a big tick of approval when they leave our shores.  I’m particularly really excited about Manly Scenic Walkway being included as this is the first time it’s been recognized.  Winning the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence is a true source of pride,” she said.

There are many things you can see and do in Manly.  It is true that water activities are extremely popular.  There are also many events and festivals you can attend.  Book budget accommodation Sydney and you can also visit the capital of New South Wales!

Give your clothes a second life with Clothes Swap this Saturday!  The main goal of this event is, as the name perfectly suggests, swapping good quality clothes, accessories or shoes that you once adored.  Maybe you changed your style and you no longer want to wear elegant clothes.  On the contrary, maybe you no longer want casual clothes or jeans and you love elegant dresses.   Maybe you recently gave birth and your older clothes no longer fit you.  Wardrobe full of clothes you can no longer wear?  No problem, someone will treasure them!  At the same time, you will also have the chance to do some shopping!

 

Even if you are on vacation in Australia and you stay at a Manly hostel, you should come to Clothes Swap, on June, 27^th, between 12pm and 2pm at North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club 93-95 North Steyne, Manly NSW 2095.  You will love this community event.

Keep in mind that only ladies clothing, accessories and shoes are accepted.  It is advisable to check in with the clothes you want to swap between 12.00am and 12.30pm.

 

Popular questions

 

1.How many items can I swap?  The main idea is that you can swap up to 5 items.

2.Will the items be quality screened?

Of course, all the items will be quality screened.  It is good to know that clothes should be clean, folded or pressed.  Moreover, they should be of good quality with a long potential lifespan.  Clothes, accessories and shoes should be free of faults or have only minor faults that can be repaired.

3.How can I pay for the new clothes?

It is good to know that for each item that you bring, you will receive a token in exchange. These tokens are extremely important because they are your currency for the swap.  Needless to say, you will need them when you check out.

4.What happens after I finish shopping?
After you finish ‘shopping’, you can check out by taking your new items back to the counter and handing over the tokens to ‘pay’ for them!

If you look for budget accommodation Sydney, you have endless possibilities.  There are so many friendly hostels waiting for you.  After you settle in, choose one item from your wardrobe and come to this community event.  Swap clothes!  You will definitely not regret this!  In fact, joining the local events is the best way to understand better the culture, the habits from the places you visit.