Back from Australia|My spending habits collapsed after a 6-day stay
Just got back from Australia. A 6-day stay completely shattered my spending habits! A regular latte costs 15 AUD (about 75 CNY), the taxi starting fare is 28 AUD (about 140 CNY), and even a bottle of water is 3 AUD… But when the white sails of the Sydney Opera House shine under the sun, and the waves crash against the rocks along the Great Ocean Road, you kind of feel like “maybe it’s worth it?”
Sydney (capital of New South Wales, Australia)
Must-visit attractions: Sydney Opera House (don’t just take photos outside, the shell-shaped dome inside is even more stunning. Booking tickets in advance saves 20 AUD), Harbour Bridge (if you dare, try the bridge climb! The panoramic view of Sydney Harbor from the top is breathtaking), Bondi Beach (a surfer’s paradise. At sunset, the golden sand and pink-purple sky make for perfect photos), Royal Botanic Garden (free! Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair is a great spot to capture the Opera House and Harbour Bridge in one frame), Sydney Fish Market (fresh lobster burgers so good they make you squint with delight)
Tips: Get an Opal card for buses and trains. After 8 rides on weekends, travel is free. For the Opera House tour, afternoon sessions are best for natural light inside the dome.
Melbourne (capital of Victoria, Australia)
Must-do list: Great Ocean Road (self-drive or join a 2-day tour! The Twelve Apostles glow orange in the sunlight, and the waves at Loch Ard Gorge are powerful), Phillip Island (watch the little penguins return at night. They’re tiny and waddle adorably. Flash photography is strictly prohibited), Flinders Street Station (vintage green roof building. The panoramic view from across the street is amazing), Hosier Lane graffiti street (explosion of colors. Wear solid colors for better photos), Royal Exhibition Building (a century-old Gothic building with interesting exhibitions inside)
Tips: Flying from Sydney to Melbourne takes 1.5 hours, saving time compared to the train. For the Great Ocean Road tour, choose one with stargazing camping to see a sky full of stars at night.
6-day itinerary at a glance
Day 1: Arrive in Sydney → Opera House + Harbour Bridge night tour → Dinner in The Rocks
Day 2: Surf at Bondi Beach (board rental 50 AUD/hour) → Photos at Royal Botanic Garden → Seafood at Fish Market
Day 3: Ferry to Manly Beach → Visit University of Sydney → Watch Sydney Harbor fireworks at night (weekends only)
Day 4: Fly to Melbourne → Flinders Street Station + graffiti street → Flat White coffee
Day 5: Great Ocean Road day tour → Twelve Apostles + Loch Ard Gorge
Day 6: Phillip Island penguin viewing → Return in the afternoon
Essentials not to miss
1. Visa: Australia visas are really tough! Prepare your employment proof, bank statements, and itinerary at least 1 month in advance. The rejection rate is high, so don’t leave it to the last minute
2. Power adapter: Australia uses Type I (three flat pins). If you forget, convenience stores sell them for 20 AUD
3. Sunscreen: SPF 50+ recommended. The UV rays are strong enough to cause peeling
4. Sunglasses + hat: Must-haves for the beach and outdoors, or your eyes will hurt so much you can’t keep them open
5. UnionPay/Visa card: Most places accept cards, but small shops require cash. Exchanging 500 AUD as backup is enough
6. SIM card: Telstra has the best signal, even in remote areas like the Great Ocean Road
Pitfalls to avoid (pay attention)
1. Don’t forget to tip! Restaurants usually add 10–15%, or the staff might give you attitude
2. Buy water at supermarkets! Coles sells bottled water for 1 AUD, convenience stores charge 3 AUD
3. Book attraction tickets in advance! Phillip Island penguin tickets often sell out on-site
4. Don’t touch wild animals! Koalas and kangaroos are protected. Touching them can result in a 2,000 AUD fine
5. Don’t trust “cheap tours”! They may seem affordable but often force you to shop at stores
Photo spots + outfit tips
Sydney: Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair (Opera House + Harbour Bridge in one frame), Bondi Beach sunset surf zone (dynamic shots)
Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Twelve Apostles viewing platform (wide-angle panoramic shots), graffiti street (wear white or black for better photos)
Outfits: Big temperature difference between day and night. Wear short sleeves + shorts/skirts during the day, add a light jacket at night. It’s windy by the sea, so bring a windbreaker
Budget breakdown (approximate)
Accommodation: 1,800 CNY/night (mid-range hotels, both Sydney and Melbourne are pricey)
Food: 600 CNY/day (including tips, seafood will push the budget higher)
Transport: 400 CNY/day (including intercity flights)
Tickets: 500 CNY/day (Opera House, bridge climb, Great Ocean Road tour)
Total for 6 days: about 20,000 CNY, 5,000 more than I expected…
Best time to visit
March–May (autumn)! Mild weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful yellow leaves. October–February is summer, busy beaches, and higher prices
Food recommendations
Lobster burger at Sydney Fish Market, Flat White coffee + meat pie in Melbourne, Australian wagyu beef (medium-rare is super tender)
Although I spent nearly 20,000 CNY in 6 days and struggled with the visa for half a month, the sea breeze in Sydney, the rocks on the Great Ocean Road, and the little penguins’ waddling steps have become memories I keep revisiting. It’s expensive, but it’s truly worth it~