Back from 3 days in Australia, my view on spending has completely shattered
Australia, a place you'll love and hate at the same time
Just got back from Australia. I only stayed for 3 days, but it cost me a month's salary. The visa is hard to get, and prices are outrageous, but when you see the sea breeze at the Sydney Opera House and the waves at Bondi Beach, you feel it's all worth it. This note writes about my real experience to help you avoid pitfalls + get inspired. If you want to go to Australia, remember to save this.
📌 **Visa: Not easy, but worth it**
You need to prepare an employment certificate, bank statements, and an itinerary for an Australian visa. The rejection rate isn't low, so I suggest applying 1 month in advance. The cost is about CNY 1,000, plus round-trip airfare which can be 8,000+ in peak season, so keep the budget in mind.
🌟 **Day 1: Exploring downtown Sydney on foot, seeing landmarks until my legs gave out**
🔹 **Sydney Opera House**: A must-visit! I suggest going in the afternoon; the sunlight on the shells is stunning. Photo spot: Mrs Macquarie's Chair, where you can capture both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Wearing a bright-colored dress makes for better photos.
🔹 **Harbour Bridge**: You can climb the bridge, but it's expensive (AU$300). It's better to walk under the bridge for a free panoramic view.
🔹 **The Rocks**: There's a market on weekends where you can buy handmade goods and try snacks. A cup of coffee is AU$7—it hurts the wallet, but it's delicious.
🔹 **Darling Harbour**: Watch the light show at night. The aquarium is also nearby; the admission ticket is a bit pricey but worth it.
🌊 **Day 2: Bondi Beach + Coogee Coastal Walk, experience the blue of Australia**
🔹 **Bondi Beach**: Many people surfing in the morning. The sand is soft and fine, and it's perfect for taking photos in a bikini. Watch out for sun protection! Australia's UV rays are super strong, so be sure to bring SPF 50+ sunscreen.
🔹 **Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk**: The whole route is 6 km, with cliffs, beaches, and reefs along the way. Every shot is a masterpiece. Wear sneakers and bring water; there are no convenience stores on the way.
🔹 **Dinner**: Had oysters at the Fish Market in Bondi. They were fresh but expensive—AU$20 for a dozen. Just enough to get a taste.
🌿 **Day 3: Blue Mountains day trip, escape the city hustle and bustle**
🔹 **Blue Mountains National Park**: A 2-hour train ride from Sydney. Admission is free, but the cable car costs money. I recommend taking the Scenic World cable car to see the Three Sisters; the scenery is breathtaking.
🔹 **Hiking route**: You can take the Prince Henry Cliff Walk from Echo Point to Leura. It takes 1.5 hours, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.
🔹 **Outfit**: The temperature in the mountains is low, so bring a jacket. Wear white or blue for photos to harmonize with the natural background.
💰 **Budget breakdown (3 days, 2 nights, per person)**
Visa: CNY 1,000
Airfare: CNY 8,000 (round-trip, peak season)
Accommodation: 2 nights in a downtown hotel, CNY 3,000
Dining + transportation: CNY 2,000
Admission tickets + activities: CNY 1,000
Total: About CNY 15,000, excluding shopping.
⚠️ **Tips to avoid pitfalls**
🔹 Don't exchange too much cash. Card payment is very convenient in Australia, and many places don't even accept cash.
🔹 It costs AU$17 to take the train from Sydney Airport to the city; a taxi is twice as expensive.
🔹 Does the restaurant bill include a tip? It's not mandatory, but leaving 10% is polite.
🔹 Australian customs are super strict. Food and medicine must be declared, or you'll face heavy fines.
💫 **A few final words**
Australia is beautiful, but it is indeed expensive. If you have a limited budget, you can choose to go in the off-season (May–August), when airfare is half the price. Prepare your visa in advance, don't pack your itinerary too full, and enjoy the slow pace. The attractions, photo spots, and budget in this note are all clearly written out; follow this guide and you'll basically avoid any pitfalls. I hope you can find your own piece of the ocean in Australia.