Recap of My 9D8N Australia Sydney, Brisbane & Gold Coast Travelogues

SUMMARY OF MY TRAVELOGUES

Day 1: 11th October 2014
Touched down Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport and explored around Sydney Town.
- Chinatown
- Paddy's Market
- Darling Harbour
- Harbour Bridge
- Sydney Opera House
(Post here)
Stay: Malaysia Hall Sydney  

Day 2: 12th October 2014
Sydney - Bondi Beach, Fish Market and Queen Victoria Building (Post here)

Day 3: 13th October 2014
Blue Mountain (Echo Point, Three Sisters & Scenic World) - Post here 

Day 4: 14th October 2014
From Sydney To Brisbane And Its Attractions In CBD & South Bank (Post here)
- Queen Street Mall
- Brisbane City Hall & King George Square
- Albert Street Uniting Church
- Wheel of Brisbane
- South Bank Grand Arbour
Stay: Riverside Hotel South Bank

Day 5: 15th October 2014
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary of Brisbane

Day 6: 16th October 2014
From Brisbane To Gold Coast And Harbour Town
Stay: Zenith Ocean Front Apartment

Day 7: 17th October 2014
Warner Bros. Movie World of Gold Coast

Day 8: 18th October 2014
Sea World of Gold Coast

Day 9: 19th October 2014
Surfers Paradise And Leaving Gold Coast Airport

Extra Posts:

• G'Day Sydney
• From Sydney, We Head To Brisbane
• Gold Coast, The Sunshine State

MY SHOPPING HAUL FROM AUSTRALIA

#1: All these I bought from Paddy's Market in Sydney. 

#2: Top and dresses for my mom, brothers and myself.

#3: A collection of magnets, keychain, coaster, card holder. 

#4: Baggage tags, keychains, magnets and mousepad got these from Warner Bros. Movie World. 

#5: Can't leave Australia without buying their local snacks. Bought from Coles Supermarket in Gold Coast.

TOTAL DAMAGES OF MY TRIP

PARTICULARS	AMOUNT
	AU$	RM
Airfare KL - Sydney via AirAsia X Gold Coast – KL via AirAsia X Sydney – Brisbane via JetStar Accommodations Malaysia Hall Sydney – 3 nights Add: Cleaning fee Riverside Hotel South Bank – 2nights Zenith Ocean Front Apartment – 3 nights Transportation Sydney - My Multi 3 Airport Rail Link to Sydney From Sydney to Airport AirRail Train Brisbane to Gold Coast Go Card – Refundable deposit Reload Go Card Entrance Fee Sydney – Scenic World Brisbane – Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Add: Koala cuddling Wheel of Brisbane VIP Pass for Movie World & Sea World Food and drinks In Sydney In Brisbane In Gold Coast Others Visa Souvenirs & shopping haul Wiyo Pocket WiFi	- - 74.50 60.00 15.00 - - 63.00 12.60 16.40 21.70 10.00 32.00 35.00 29.70 16.00 8.50 99.99 71.35 44.80 97.70 - 402.50 -	343 625 229 181 45 269 463 190 38 49 65 30 97 106 92 48 26 307 215 135 295 20 1,214 77
TOTAL (RM)		5,159

Exchange Rate: AU$1 = RM3.02 as at October 2014



Thanks to my best travel buddies for the fun, joy and happiness throughout the trip. 

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Surfers Paradise & Leaving To Gold Coast Airport

Throughout our three days in Gold Coast, we spent most of our times in Surfers Paradise. One of the main reasons is because we were staying nearby too - so it's quite convenient and easy to reach for us. Each time after we came back from theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World, we will definitely go and hang around Surfers Paradise first before heading back to our apartment. 

#1: Peace to Surfers Paradise

The thing you should do in Surfers Paradise is none other than hitting its golden beaches. Although you don't know how to swim or even surfing, you still can go there relax, laid-back and do people-watching. And if you happen to be in Gold Coast on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, there will be more than 100 beachfront market stalls you can visit to. 

#2: Must pose with the iconic Surfers Paradise sign 

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Australia Day 8: Gold Coast - Sea World

<< Previous Post: Australia Day 7 - Warner Bros. Movie World

So yesterday we had a day filled with fun and excitement at Warner Bros. Movie World and as for our third day in Gold Coast, our agenda is to get up close and personal with an amazing array of marine life at Sea World.

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Australia Day 7: Gold Coast - Warner Bros. Movie World

<< Previous Post: Australia Day 6 - From Brisbane To Gold Coast & Harbour Town

Gold Coast has always been a favourite holiday destination for those looking for relaxed and laid-back beachside escape. So, no surprise to see quite number of people hitting the beach and some even went for surfing. However if beach is not your thing, fret not cause Gold Coast offers more than you can ever expected. One of them is the thrilling theme parks. 

Being the theme park capital of Australia, Gold Coast is a home to the biggest collection thrill rides and amusement parks that cater for all age groups. But due to time constraints, we can only pick two of theme parks for visit; Warner Bros. Movie World and Sea World. 

So on our second day in Gold Coast, we head on to Warner Bros. Movie World first, whereas for Sea World we save for the second day.

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Australia Day 6: From Brisbane To Gold Coast & Harbour Town

I don't know what got into me. I blogged about my 2014 trip to Australia previously but then, I stop halfway. And when I browse through my last post regarding this travelogue, it was on 3rd July 2017 - gosh, that's like more than 2 years ago. It's funny how I able to complete my 2017 Australia travelogue but not this one. 

Honestly speaking, I was pretty dilemma whether should I continue with my super long backdated travelogues especially those between 2014 to 2016, or just proceed to blog with trip I went recently like Bangkok and Taiwan? But to think of it, this is the platform or space for me to share my own experiences and adventures. It serves like a diary for me, and that's the reason why I named my blog "Journal". In addition, I can browse through all my travel photos at anytime and anywhere I want. So after the long consideration, I decided to clear all my backlog travelogues as soon as possible before my memories for all these trips slowly fade away from my brain which unable to store plenty of things. 

Continue from here.

Heading To Gold Coast From Brisbane

After Sydney and Brisbane, we moved on to the last leg of this trip, Gold Coast. From Brisbane, we took train which took approximately 70 minutes from South Brisbane Station (cause we stayed nearby) to Nerang Station of Gold Coast. The trains run half hourly from 6am to midnight, 7 days per week. Upon arriving at the station, we then continued by taking bus #740 heading to Surfers Paradise, the most commercialised tourist suburb with the highest concentration of accommodations and attractions. 

#1: Train from South Brisbane Station to Nerang Station of Gold Coast. Then continue by taking bus no.740 to Surfers Paradise. 

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Australia (2014) Day 5: Brisbane - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Date Visited: 15th October 2014

When one visit Australia, the thing you shouldn't miss is to get up close and personal with the Aussie wildlife. What are the animals on your mind when come to Australia? Of course, none other than koalas and kangaroos especially.

It's really hard for me to resist all these cute, furry and cuddly creatures whenever I was in Australia. One of the things in my bucket list is to cuddle and take photo with the koala. It so happens that I stumble upon Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is the world's first, oldest and largest koala sanctuary with over 130 koalas.

How To Get Here From Brisbane City

• Bus #430 from Platform 2C at Queen Street Station
• Bus #445 from Stop 40 at Adelaide Street

From Central Adelaide Street Stop 40, it takes approximately of 40 minutes to reach Lone Pine. In order to travel around Brisbane using the public transport, we purchased "go card", a contactless smart card which similar to our Touch 'n Go card. A deposit of AU$10 is required when purchasing "go card" and this card can be purchased and reloaded at the train stations, some ticket vending machines as well as few selected news agents and convenience stores which there are many of them in the city centre.

#1: Kiss the koala statue first before entering

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Australia (2014) Day 4: Brisbane & Its Attractions in CBD & South Bank

I have to admit that spending 3 days in Sydney is indeed pretty short but what to do as our vacation days weren't long enough. So right after Sydney, we proceed with our next destination which is Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.

Of course the fastest and convenient option is by taking flight from Sydney to Brisbane. Tigerair Aiways, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia and Qantas are among the airlines flying directly without any transit. The first two are low-cost airlines, similar like AirAsia. We chosen Jetstar Aiways not because it's the cheapest one but because my friend had worst experiences flying with Tiger Airways before. We managed to book one way flight which cost us AU$74.50 (approx. to RM290) including 20kg luggage allowance. 

#1: Jetstar Aiways check-in counter at Sydney Domestic Airport (T3)


#2: Boarding pass - Checked. Luggage tag - Checked. Time for boarding! 

After 1 hour and 30 minutes, we landed safely at Brisbane Airport. From the airport to Brisbane city, we travelled via Airtrain to South Bank Station, where our hotel situated nearby. One way fare cost us AU$21.70 (approx. to RM65) and the train journey took 33 minutes. 

Where We Stayed in Brisbane?

My friends and I stayed at Riverside Hotel South Bank, which not far from Brisbane River. The room was good value for money and short walk to museum, art gallery, train station and CBD. It was pretty clean and comfort. Overall, we're satisfied with it and couldn't ask for more. 

#3: Riverside Hotel Southbank

Date Stayed: 14 October - 16 October 2014 (2 nights)

Rate I Paid: AU$130 per night (approx. to RM404) for a standard double room with one single bed (Booked via Booking.com)

#4: Just across the bridge to CBD

What To Do & See in Brisbane's CBD & South Bank

Getting around in Brisbane is pretty easy. The CBD is relatively flat and condensed, which makes it excellent for walking or cycling and virtually all other areas can be reached by public transport. Here are few attractions and famous landmarks we managed to visit during our stay in Brisbane: 

Queen Street Mall - pedestrian mall situated in the center of Brisbane. It offers an unrivalled mix of local, national and international labels and flagship stores. Besides shopping, the mall also offers wide selection of restaurants and cafes for dining and relaxing option.  

Brisbane City Hall and King George Square - city's most significant historical landmark which situated between Adelaide Street and Ann Street in Brisbane.

Albert Street Uniting Church - heritage listed church with red and white decoration.

Wheel of Brisbane - A city ferris wheel that you able to observe the city from 60 m with views across the Brisbane River. The trip is a 15 minutes ride in an enclosed, climate controlled gondola.


One ride costs AU$15 for an adult but we got half price, so we decided to try.


South Bank Grand Arbour - Take a stroll under this colourful and vibrant magenta bougainvillea arbour at South Bank and you'll be rewarded with the beautiful sights of Parklands along the way. This is my favourite spot and I can't stop taking photo here. This arbour has won multiple awards for its stunning and excellent architecture. A must seen and visit attraction in Brisbane.


Museums and art galleries - If you are type that love art and history, then Brisbane is an ideal place for you to visit. You'll find scattered across the city for its world-class art galleries and interactive museums that delve into both the past and present.


In case you have nothing to do at night, why don't take a stroll nearby the Brisbane River for its spectacular night view?

Overall, I personally heart Brisbane so much. Brisbane is the most underrated city in Australia and it has so many different layers to be explored. I'm wondering why so many people tend to skip this beautiful city and only focusing on other cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and etc. Brisbane is no longer a sleepy and boring rivercity like what many people expected. Therefore, don't forget to include Brisbane in your itinerary. 

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Australia (2014) Day 3: Sydney - Blue Mountains (Echo Point / Three Sisters & Scenic World)

Date Visited: 13th October 2014

On the third day in Sydney, we took a train from Sydney's Central Station to World Heritage listed Blue Mountains. It's going to be a long journey so we decided to wake up early and catch the Blue Mountain Lines train at 8.24am.  

#1: Board train from Sydney's Central Station

Why called as Blue Mountains? It was given as a result of the blue mist that rises from forests of eucalyptus trees, enveloping the surroundings in a hazy tinge. Blue Mountains has some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions.

Right after almost 2 hours journey, we approached Katoomba Station and we hopped off from there. Obviously, there are many passengers dropped off here heading to the Blue Mountains as well, just like us. But actually we haven't reach yet as need to catch another local bus #686 in front of Carrington Hotel, which is just across the Katoomba train station. Alternatively, you can tour with Blue Mountains Explorer Bus, a regular hop-on and hop-off service.


#2: From Katoomba Station, can opt for either catch local bus #686 or tour with Blue Mountains Explorer Bus. The cheapest option would be the first one for sure.

In order to view the famous and popular Three Sisters rock formation, stop at Echo Point for dramatic views over the deep valley through gouged out over millions of years. It's very obvious that we finally reach there as it was crowded with many tourists from all over the world. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't on our side as it was cloudy on that particular day. Unlike yesterday where it was shining bright with a clear blue sky. 


#3: Three Sisters rock formation from Echo Point viewpoint

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Australia (2014) Day 2: Sydney - Bondi Beach, Fish Market & Queen Victoria Building

Date Visited: 12th October 2014

It's time for beaches, please!

No matter it's winter, spring, summer or autumn, Bondi Beach is one of the beach in Sydney where you can visit all year round. So on the second day after looking at the weather which was pretty fine and shining bright, we decided to kick off by hitting this beach. Bondi Beach is not far away from the city center, located less than 30 minutes and can be accessible by train and bus. 

There is a bus stop outside Malaysia Hall Sydney, therefore we just directly catch the bus #333 heading to Bondi Beach. There is no train where you can reach Bondi Beach directly, by end of the journey you still need to catch bus eventhough you start your journey from the Central Station. 

#1: Bondi Park signboard 

Just like little kids, we're so thrilled when we saw the beach on the right hand side while riding on the bus. The beach is so blue, as blue as the sky. It's so hard to get my eyes off from the pretty blue beach cause blue is always my favourite colour. We're lucky that the weather on that day was pretty clear and the sun was shining bright. Although it might be feeling hot, but thanks for the strong breeze. It's funny where my friends and I were fully covered - we're in long sleeves and long pants while the rest of the visitors were in their hot pants and sexy bikini instead. 

#2: Best place to take a break from the bustling city center 

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Malaysia Hall Sydney

Date of Staying: 11th to 14th October 2014

In order to stick to our tight budget, we try to save and minimize our cost as possible as we can. Hence, we decided to stay in Malaysia Hall Sydney. I came across of Malaysia Hall before when I was studied in London few years back but I myself had never experienced before. Up to date, there are five Malaysia Halls - London, Dublin, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

Malaysia Hall is a Malaysian student's accommodation hall which owned by the Malaysian government. Malaysia Hall is only applicable for Malaysian citizens but of course, the priority will be given to those students who study abroad but in the case if there is any vacancy, it's open to those who are not students. 

#1: Malaysia Hall Sydney

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Australia (2014) Day 1: Sydney - Chinatown, Paddy's Market, Darling Harbour, Harbour Bridge & Opera House

Date Visited: 11th October 2014

I have few group of friends who love to gather by having annual trip together. For the past few years, we travelled together to short distance getaway like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Hatyai, Bali and etc. Out of sudden, I suggested to go Australia cause so far, the only city I cover is Melbourne only. Two of my friends agreed with my travel plan and without wait any longer, we fought so hard to book the cheap tickets during AirAsia Free Seats Promotion. That's how my another adventures to Australia came to my life.

We booked the flight to Sydney first, then as for the return one, we booked the flight out from Gold Coast. Land of Down Under, here I come again!   

#1: Midnight flight with AirAsia X to Sydney 

The flight duration took 8 hours and 10 minutes and by the time we opened our eyes, we had safely landed at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport on the next day morning. In case you are wondering of the time zone difference, local time in Sydney is two hours ahead of Kuala Lumpur. The immigration and custom clearance were smooth and fast, unlike my virgin experience previously. Right after we collected our luggage, we took the airport train heading to Central Station that cost AU$12.60 each. 

#2: Getting out from airport to Central Station via airport train 

In order to stick to our tight budget, we try to save and minimize our cost as possible as we can. Hence, we decided to stay in Malaysia Hall Sydney which charge us AU$20 per night with an additional cost of AU$15 for the cleaning fee. Well, it's pretty affordable and reasonable considering a private twin bedroom attached with bathroom we're staying. 

#3: Malaysia Hall Sydney

How To Get To Malaysia Hall Sydney

From Central Station, heading to Eddy Avenue with the bus signboard. Catch bus #373, 374 or 377 heading towards Allison Road. Once you saw Caltex Petrol Station on your left side, that's where Malaysia Hall is situated nearby. 

Dumped our luggage immediately and we took bus #373 back to the city center. Malaysia Hall Sydney is located 20 minutes away from the city center. We started our first day with shopping and sight-seeing. So these are the few places and attractions we went:

Chinatown

Sydney's Chinatown is not far away from Central Station. You can opt for either walking towards Pitt Street or George Street which is 5 minutes away or even taking light rail. Well, I did both. The first time we went there to hunt for Asian meals. First day already craving for it. And then on every Friday, there is a night market starting from 4pm to 11pm. 

#4: Sydney's Chinatown - a melting pot of eateries 


#5: Chinatown's night market - Every Friday from 4pm to 11pm

Paddy's Market

Situated right in front of Chinatown is the buzzling market of Paddy's Market. If comparing both Melbourne's Queen Victoria Market and Paddy's Market, I prefer the latter one. This is one place where you can hunt wide array of souvenirs for yourself, your family and friends. I saw a trench coat selling for AU$25 only. It's dirt cheap but unfortunately, I didn't buy it. Now thinking back, so regret for not doing so. Silly me! 

#6: Buzzling market of Paddy's Market. Open from 9am to 5pm on every Wednesday to Sunday


#7: Wide array of souvenirs can be found here 

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#8: Hoodie and t-shirt  

Darling Harbour

Darling Harbour is a harbour adjacent to Sydney's city center. Here, you can find countless selection of restaurants, clubs, eateries, shopping and more. For those who are Hard Rock Cafe collector, this is where the shop located. 

#9: Vibrant and great atmosphere


#10: Overlooking the skyscrapers 


#11: Main attractions like Madame Tussauds, Sealife Aquarium and Wildlife Sydney Zoo are situated here as well 

Harbour Bridge 

One of the famous iconic bridge in Sydney. One of the way to enjoy this view is by taking ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay or vice versa. Be prepared to taking stunning and spectacular view of Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Bridge. 

#12: Stunning and spectacular view of Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House via sightseeing cruise


#13: Sydney Harbour Bridge - truly a sight to behold. 


#14


#15

Sydney Opera House

World's famous iconic attraction that shouldn't be missed by anyone when visit Sydney. Three days my friend and I were in Sydney, three times we went there for photography. We even managed to sneak in into the opera house - it was grand and amazing. Then in the following year when my flight transited from New Zealand, we stopby at Sydney for few hours and the place we went is none other than Sydney Opera House. 

#16: Sydney Opera House at day time


#17: Sydney Opera House at night time


#18


#19

How To Get To Sydney Opera House
Take train to Circular Quay or catch ferry from Darling Harbour to Circular Quay like we did.

Looks like on the first day my friends and I managed to tick off the main touristy bucket list.

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