By eHow Travel Editor
From world-class Sydney to beautiful and exciting Melbourne, this is a trip you want to take, and what better way than to do it by train? This amazing, 12-hour adventure through the fabled coasts and countrysides of Australia's southeastern corner will remind you that getting there really can be half the fun. Sit back, relax, watch it all pass by and see what they mean when they talk about the stunning landscapes and fascinating wildlife of the land down under.
Book Train Travel From Sydney to Melbourne
Step1
Go to the CountryLink Web site and use the 'Online Booking' tool to input your desired day, time and city of departure (see Resources below).
Step2
Choose between first class and economy. Click on the 'I' to the right of the class designation for details about each.
Step3
Select ‘Price my trip' to begin the purchasing process. Online booking is safe and easy, but if you prefer the telephone, you can call the reservation desk within Australia at 132 232, or the international switchboard at +61 (02) 8202 2000.
Step4
Fill in the requested information to complete your purchase. Print a copy of your itinerary and receipt.
Tips & Warnings
Consider a non-direct route. The Great Southern Railway has two comfortable trains that go from Sydney to Melbourne with a stop along the way in the regional capital of Adelaide.
Book your travel safely and easily on the CountryLink Web site.
All prices are in Australian dollars, worth slightly less than the U.S. dollar. Check exchange rates before you book your train. Tickets are moderately priced.
Neither first class nor standard tickets include free food, so bring some cash for meals, snacks and drinks in the buffet car.
Consider traveling in style with a first-class ticket. Though economy class is certainly comfortable, first class can turn this 12-hour trip into a pleasure cruise.
On the day of departure, get yourself to Sydney Central Station on Haymarket at least one hour early.
There are only one to two trains a day leaving from Sydney to Melbourne. Plan ahead to make sure you can get the schedule you want.
Monday, February 23, 2009
How to Find Cheap Flights to Australia
By Misslucinda
Step1
Start by figuring out what time of year you'd like to visit Australia. Remember: Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere and not all Australian destinations are warm year-round! If your vacation is in July and you're planning on visiting Melbourne, for example, be sure to pack a coat and umbrella! On the other hand, if you're planning a vacation in January and want to visit Queensland, be aware that not only may it be insufferably hot and humid, but that you probably won't be able to swim in the ocean due to the jellyfish. Read local guidebooks and plan accordingly.
Step2
Once you know when you want to visit, it's time to start surfing the internet! Many websites have features that allow you to search for international flights without setting specific dates for departure and arrival. I've had great luck finding inexpensive flights with both airnewzealand.com and united.com. Generally speaking, you'll find the cheapest flights during the Australian winter, but great deals can also be found for just before and just after the high season (Australian summer).
Step3
If you're not registered for a frequent flyer mile program, do it now! And while you're at it, consider opening a credit card with one of the airlines you fly with - making sure they offer flights to Australia, of course! Many airlines will award you 25,000 - 35,000 miles just for signing up for a card with them. One of the best frequent flyer programs for Australian flights is with the Star Alliance, because it includes both United Airlines and Air New Zealand, and the frequent flyer miles you gain on one airline are automatically counted toward flights on any Star Alliance airline.
Step4
If you've got a fair number of frequent flyer miles, but not enough for a free flight, many airlines will let you use the ones you've got and buy the miles you need to make up the difference. My last round-trip flight to Australia ran under $900 - buying the last 25,000 miles I needed was much cheaper than purchasing a ticket outright! See tip #1 below for how to do this safely.
Step5
Another frequent flyer option is to cash in your miles toward a trip to Hawaii, and then fly from Honolulu to Sydney using JetStar. This popular, no-frills Australian airline runs several flights a week between Sydney and Hawaii. You'll pay for everything on your flight, including food, blankets and pillows, and entertainment, but you're also allowed to bring all these things on board with you from home for free. The best part about JetStar is that if you start looking far out from the time you want to fly, you can really score. I've seen one-ways that start at $250 - $300 USD!
Step6
Use sites like mobissimo.com and kayak.com to find other airlines you may not know about that offer flights to Australia. Air Tahiti Nui often runs hard-to-beat specials that include a free stopover in Tahiti, while Pacific Air regularly turns up the cheapest, no-stop flights between LAX and Australia you can find. Use Kayak and Mobissimo to find the least expensive airlines, then do one better and go to the websites of those airlines and search again. Usually flights are even less expensive on their own websites.
Step7
Are you a student? You're in luck! Try studentuniverse.com and reap the rewards of higher education.
Step8
Last but not least - enjoy your search! And if you really can't find anything, stop worrying and try again in a day or two. You'll find the perfect flight in the end!
Tips & Warnings
Start early! As a general rule, the further out you start planning, the less expensive your flight is going to be.
Take some time to really look for a good flight. You may find that the cheapest one might not be worth it if you have to spend three days of your hard-earned holiday in the air.
When purchasing extra frequent flyer miles toward a flight, avoid expensive mistakes! Talk to a ticketing agent and have them hold your desired flights under a confirmation number BEFORE you commit to buying the miles you need. Most airlines are willing to do this for 24 hours, free of charge.
You must be a student or a teacher with a valid ISIC or ITIC to use studentuniverse.com. Don't risk getting caught - the ticketing agent will check that you have your card before you board.
Remember that Australia requires many of its visitors, including those from the US, to hold a visa upon entering the country. Request a visa for your visit at www.eta.immi.gov.au at least 4-6 weeks before your flight date.
Step1
Start by figuring out what time of year you'd like to visit Australia. Remember: Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere and not all Australian destinations are warm year-round! If your vacation is in July and you're planning on visiting Melbourne, for example, be sure to pack a coat and umbrella! On the other hand, if you're planning a vacation in January and want to visit Queensland, be aware that not only may it be insufferably hot and humid, but that you probably won't be able to swim in the ocean due to the jellyfish. Read local guidebooks and plan accordingly.
Step2
Once you know when you want to visit, it's time to start surfing the internet! Many websites have features that allow you to search for international flights without setting specific dates for departure and arrival. I've had great luck finding inexpensive flights with both airnewzealand.com and united.com. Generally speaking, you'll find the cheapest flights during the Australian winter, but great deals can also be found for just before and just after the high season (Australian summer).
Step3
If you're not registered for a frequent flyer mile program, do it now! And while you're at it, consider opening a credit card with one of the airlines you fly with - making sure they offer flights to Australia, of course! Many airlines will award you 25,000 - 35,000 miles just for signing up for a card with them. One of the best frequent flyer programs for Australian flights is with the Star Alliance, because it includes both United Airlines and Air New Zealand, and the frequent flyer miles you gain on one airline are automatically counted toward flights on any Star Alliance airline.
Step4
If you've got a fair number of frequent flyer miles, but not enough for a free flight, many airlines will let you use the ones you've got and buy the miles you need to make up the difference. My last round-trip flight to Australia ran under $900 - buying the last 25,000 miles I needed was much cheaper than purchasing a ticket outright! See tip #1 below for how to do this safely.
Step5
Another frequent flyer option is to cash in your miles toward a trip to Hawaii, and then fly from Honolulu to Sydney using JetStar. This popular, no-frills Australian airline runs several flights a week between Sydney and Hawaii. You'll pay for everything on your flight, including food, blankets and pillows, and entertainment, but you're also allowed to bring all these things on board with you from home for free. The best part about JetStar is that if you start looking far out from the time you want to fly, you can really score. I've seen one-ways that start at $250 - $300 USD!
Step6
Use sites like mobissimo.com and kayak.com to find other airlines you may not know about that offer flights to Australia. Air Tahiti Nui often runs hard-to-beat specials that include a free stopover in Tahiti, while Pacific Air regularly turns up the cheapest, no-stop flights between LAX and Australia you can find. Use Kayak and Mobissimo to find the least expensive airlines, then do one better and go to the websites of those airlines and search again. Usually flights are even less expensive on their own websites.
Step7
Are you a student? You're in luck! Try studentuniverse.com and reap the rewards of higher education.
Step8
Last but not least - enjoy your search! And if you really can't find anything, stop worrying and try again in a day or two. You'll find the perfect flight in the end!
Tips & Warnings
Start early! As a general rule, the further out you start planning, the less expensive your flight is going to be.
Take some time to really look for a good flight. You may find that the cheapest one might not be worth it if you have to spend three days of your hard-earned holiday in the air.
When purchasing extra frequent flyer miles toward a flight, avoid expensive mistakes! Talk to a ticketing agent and have them hold your desired flights under a confirmation number BEFORE you commit to buying the miles you need. Most airlines are willing to do this for 24 hours, free of charge.
You must be a student or a teacher with a valid ISIC or ITIC to use studentuniverse.com. Don't risk getting caught - the ticketing agent will check that you have your card before you board.
Remember that Australia requires many of its visitors, including those from the US, to hold a visa upon entering the country. Request a visa for your visit at www.eta.immi.gov.au at least 4-6 weeks before your flight date.
How to Book Train Travel From Mount Gambier to Melbourne
By eHow Travel Editor
Travel from Mount Gambier to Melbourne by train and let someone else do the work. At under 300 miles, the trip is too short to take a plane, and you don't want to worry about driving on the other side of the road. The VLine bus and train from Mount Gambier to Melbourne solves all these problems for you so you can relax, watch the landscape fly by and turn traveling into something fun. Glorious scenery and wildlife await you on this 6-hour trip through the terrain of Southern Australia.
Book Train Travel From Mount Gambier to Melbourne
Step1
Visit the homepage for the available train service, VLine, and use the ‘Trip Planner' to price your tickets (see Resources below). You will be leaving 'Mount Gambier' and arriving in 'Melbourne, Southern Cross.'
Step2
Book by phone through the VLine sales office. Within Australia, call 136 196. Outside Australia, call +011 61 3 9697 2076. Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of Eastern time, so time your call accordingly.
Step3
Go to the Mount Gambier Station at least one hour before your bus is scheduled to leave.
Tips & Warnings
There is no online booking Web site to purchase train tickets from Melbourne to Mount Gambier, but you can use the phone number cited in Step #2.
There are only one or two trains leaving Mount Gambier for Melbourne per day, so make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and don't be late.
While not aggressively long, the trip is still a steady five to seven hours, so keep a book or some other diversion handy.
Double check the exchange rates before you book your travel plans. Prices are in Australian dollars, which are a bit less valuable than the U.S. Dollar. Tickets are moderately priced.
Although there is only one Mount Gambier station, Melbourne has several so make sure you arrive at the correct station to catch your train.
Unfortunately there is no direct train to Melbourne, so you will have to board a bus, then switch to a train about two hours in.
Travel from Mount Gambier to Melbourne by train and let someone else do the work. At under 300 miles, the trip is too short to take a plane, and you don't want to worry about driving on the other side of the road. The VLine bus and train from Mount Gambier to Melbourne solves all these problems for you so you can relax, watch the landscape fly by and turn traveling into something fun. Glorious scenery and wildlife await you on this 6-hour trip through the terrain of Southern Australia.
Book Train Travel From Mount Gambier to Melbourne
Step1
Visit the homepage for the available train service, VLine, and use the ‘Trip Planner' to price your tickets (see Resources below). You will be leaving 'Mount Gambier' and arriving in 'Melbourne, Southern Cross.'
Step2
Book by phone through the VLine sales office. Within Australia, call 136 196. Outside Australia, call +011 61 3 9697 2076. Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of Eastern time, so time your call accordingly.
Step3
Go to the Mount Gambier Station at least one hour before your bus is scheduled to leave.
Tips & Warnings
There is no online booking Web site to purchase train tickets from Melbourne to Mount Gambier, but you can use the phone number cited in Step #2.
There are only one or two trains leaving Mount Gambier for Melbourne per day, so make sure to plan your trip ahead of time and don't be late.
While not aggressively long, the trip is still a steady five to seven hours, so keep a book or some other diversion handy.
Double check the exchange rates before you book your travel plans. Prices are in Australian dollars, which are a bit less valuable than the U.S. Dollar. Tickets are moderately priced.
Although there is only one Mount Gambier station, Melbourne has several so make sure you arrive at the correct station to catch your train.
Unfortunately there is no direct train to Melbourne, so you will have to board a bus, then switch to a train about two hours in.
How to Backpack Tips for Australia
By Felicity
Australia is a very large country and backpacking it is a little challenging due to size, temperature and beasties. With some good planning ahead, however, you can backpack Australia and have a wonderful time.
Be prepared for the sheer size of Australia. Australia is not like Europe or North America where a town pops up every few tens of miles/kilometres. Australia is vast and there are are a great deal many places that are nowhere near any other places. This means that you will need to consider where you want to backpack and how you will do it. Consider the following things:
Coastal backpacking is likely to be much easier than inland backpacking. Most Australians are coastal dwellers and transport, infrastructure and towns and cities are much more high density and available. If you want the easier experience, backpack Queensland down to Victoria; or you can divert across to Adelaide in South Australia, or catch the boat down to Tasmania. Indeed, Tasmania is one neat package in and of itself for visiting if wished.
Australia does not have a brilliant train system between places. The major cities have train links but unlike Europe and Canada and some parts of the USA, the train system was allowed to run down over the years and more people relied on cars and buses than trains. That said, the transport people are trying to improve rail infrastructure across Australia and the more tourists prefer it, the better. Plan in advance and see what is available - again, coastal routes are likely to be better, and some famous routes such as The Ghan are always worth considering (for a price).
Buses in Australia are frequent and reliable and cost-effective. However, they are cramped when you consider that many of the journeys will take 10s and 20s of hours to get anywhere... Most come equipped with movies and other distractions for passengers such as stops for refreshments. Intrepid and strong backpackers won't mind the long rides but if you tire easily and don't sleep well sitting up, long bus rides around Australia are not desirable.
Hire a car. This is a fairly good option for a backpacker. Many young backpackers pool resources together to hire a car or even purchase a cheap one and travel together and cover the cost of fuel etc. Great for leaving the heavy backpacks in the trunk (boot) all the time! If you don't have a group to travel with, just check the noticeboards at backpacking hostels and you will likely find others looking to form such a group.
Cycling. It is possible to cycle Australia but restrict it to parts unless you are an endurance athlete. Some of the highways are dangerous for cyclists and many of the freeways ban cyclists.
Step2
Stay in backpacker hostels and other budget accommodation. There are plenty of both, including Formula 1 hotels etc. The hostel network is good and pretty much everywhere and you will get a lot of information from these places about activities to share with others and about other places to visit. Contact the organizations for details on special deals etc.
Step3
Take care of yourself. Australia is a relatively safe country to backpack in. Be aware though of a few things:
Hitchhiking is pretty much illegal or frowned upon. There have been some terrible cases of tourists not returning from a hitchhike in the middle of nowhere, so do it at your own risk.
Ask locals about safety after dark. Some areas are typically unsafe due to drunken escapades, so avoid areas that have a lot of pubs and clubs, for example, in urban areas. Most places are pretty much safe to go after dark and women can usually travel alone, provided you take the proper and usual precautions.
Beasties. Australian beasties are a little unforgiving. There are venomous snakes, venomous spiders, crocodiles, jellyfish, stinging fish, blue ring octopus, sharks etc. Read up on the hazards and be aware of how to avoid them. Even the cute animals bite (koalas, wombats) and kangaroos can kill with one swift kick if it is a large and aggressive male.
Drive carefully. Speaking of kangaroos, watch out for them on the roads. They are Australia's equivalent of moose or deer, depending on which species is hanging around. They do the same damage and can kill car occupants if hit too. Always be alert. They are generally dusk to dawn creatures but drought can drive them out into the day as well. Keep your eyes peeled all the time and try not to travel in kangaroo areas at night - get some good rest instead!
Drink driving. Australians like their booze and drink driving is a problem. There are many breathalyzers around to try and nab them but it pays to be alert to any erratic driving or speeding and give such drivers wide berth. Equally, don't drink and drive "or you're a bloody idiot" as Australians are fond of recounting.
Step4
Take care when hiking. Many backpackers go hiking as much as discovering urban and regional areas. In Australia this presents some special challenges for consideration:
Avoid the beasties. See the step above for an overview. In particular, consider your clothing. Sandals are not good hiking gear for the Australian bush. Wear covered boots and, if possible, long pants or gaiters. If you are attacked by a snake (the usual problem is not seeing one and treading on it), then the boots and gaiters/pants give protection. It is also very wise to be an alert hiker who looks ahead on the trail to see any sunbaking snakes. They're not waiting there to attack you; they're enjoying the sun. Glibly avoid them and make vibrations with heavy walking to warn them of your approach.
Sunburn. Australia is a sunburnt land with one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Slip, slop, slap is the local vernacular, meaning slip on long-sleeved clothing, slop on a hat and slap on sunscreen. And keep out of the sun when it is fiercest between 11 and 3.
Water and dehydration. It is easy to die of thirst in Australia if you get lost and have no water. Always carry water, no matter how hot it is and how heavy that water feels. You will never regret it and rarely will a hiker return from an Australian hike with a full water bottle.
Always know where you are going and take maps. Leave instructions at register booths if trails have them. And take warm clothing for mountain hikes. Not all of Australia has blistering heat and the cold can kill you on Australian mountains just as it can anywhere in the world if you get caught in an unexpected storm.
Be careful wherever you hike. Sometimes Australia's weathered down rocks can be deceptive in their "ease of climbing" and people get careless and take silly risks. A fall from a rock can kill no matter how much smaller the rock seems than your rocks back home.
Never camp in creek or river beds. Flash floods can occur without warning, even during what might seem to be a drought.
Step5
Be sun aware. As discussed in the step above, the sun is fierce over Australia. Always wear a hat, prefer long sleeved and long legged clothing if you are walking or travelling in the sun for any length of time and wear sunscreen. Avoid sunbaking for hours on end. You will be sun roasted and turn out as red as a lobster. Avoid being out in the sun between 11 and 3 during summer for any extended activity unless you have proper cover.
Step6
Enjoy. Australia is a land of great and astounding beauty. You won't see landscape, vegetation or fauna like this anywhere else in the world. It is unique and that is what makes it precious. Respect it by sticking to trails and paths that have been made for us and do not pick wildflowers or remove animals from their locations. Do not litter; Australians are very proud about having a clean country. Take lots of photos and pace yourself. Australia's enormity often requires several visits rather than trying to do too much at once and exhaust yourself in the process!
Tips & Warnings
Many backpackers from Europe take several months to backpack Australia, due to its enormous size and what is perceived by them as "such a long way to travel"!
If flying to Australia from faraway, take a stopover on the way there and the flight won't feel anywhere near as bad. There are many wonderful places to stopover, such as Asia and the South Pacific.
Backpacks, backpacking equipment and other outdoor and travel supplies are sold all over Australia, so you won't have any problems refilling broken, lost, or used-up items at good prices.
Always have travel insurance. Australia has a good medical system with free health services in hospitals for emergencies but doctors visits cost money and rebates are only available to those in the Medicare system, which is for Australians and reciprocal countries such as New Zealand and the UK. Even then, the rules can be complicated. And you should be covered for theft, accidents etc.
Vegetarians and vegans will have good choices in urban areas. It can be more difficult, especially for vegans, in country areas but there are generally supermarkets and farmer's markets where you can stock up. Soy milk is fairly staple.
Beware bushfires if hiking or driving through prone areas. These are fierce, fast and merciless when they start. Always read the news before setting out during bushfire season (whenever it is really dry, but especially summer time with the increased heat). Driving through bushfire smoke is disorienting and frightening. If you are caught in the fire, stay with your car, crouch down low and try and cover yourself until the fire passes and then get out. People have died getting caught this way, however, so it is best to avoid such situations by planning ahead.
Australia is a very large country and backpacking it is a little challenging due to size, temperature and beasties. With some good planning ahead, however, you can backpack Australia and have a wonderful time.
Be prepared for the sheer size of Australia. Australia is not like Europe or North America where a town pops up every few tens of miles/kilometres. Australia is vast and there are are a great deal many places that are nowhere near any other places. This means that you will need to consider where you want to backpack and how you will do it. Consider the following things:
Coastal backpacking is likely to be much easier than inland backpacking. Most Australians are coastal dwellers and transport, infrastructure and towns and cities are much more high density and available. If you want the easier experience, backpack Queensland down to Victoria; or you can divert across to Adelaide in South Australia, or catch the boat down to Tasmania. Indeed, Tasmania is one neat package in and of itself for visiting if wished.
Australia does not have a brilliant train system between places. The major cities have train links but unlike Europe and Canada and some parts of the USA, the train system was allowed to run down over the years and more people relied on cars and buses than trains. That said, the transport people are trying to improve rail infrastructure across Australia and the more tourists prefer it, the better. Plan in advance and see what is available - again, coastal routes are likely to be better, and some famous routes such as The Ghan are always worth considering (for a price).
Buses in Australia are frequent and reliable and cost-effective. However, they are cramped when you consider that many of the journeys will take 10s and 20s of hours to get anywhere... Most come equipped with movies and other distractions for passengers such as stops for refreshments. Intrepid and strong backpackers won't mind the long rides but if you tire easily and don't sleep well sitting up, long bus rides around Australia are not desirable.
Hire a car. This is a fairly good option for a backpacker. Many young backpackers pool resources together to hire a car or even purchase a cheap one and travel together and cover the cost of fuel etc. Great for leaving the heavy backpacks in the trunk (boot) all the time! If you don't have a group to travel with, just check the noticeboards at backpacking hostels and you will likely find others looking to form such a group.
Cycling. It is possible to cycle Australia but restrict it to parts unless you are an endurance athlete. Some of the highways are dangerous for cyclists and many of the freeways ban cyclists.
Step2
Stay in backpacker hostels and other budget accommodation. There are plenty of both, including Formula 1 hotels etc. The hostel network is good and pretty much everywhere and you will get a lot of information from these places about activities to share with others and about other places to visit. Contact the organizations for details on special deals etc.
Step3
Take care of yourself. Australia is a relatively safe country to backpack in. Be aware though of a few things:
Hitchhiking is pretty much illegal or frowned upon. There have been some terrible cases of tourists not returning from a hitchhike in the middle of nowhere, so do it at your own risk.
Ask locals about safety after dark. Some areas are typically unsafe due to drunken escapades, so avoid areas that have a lot of pubs and clubs, for example, in urban areas. Most places are pretty much safe to go after dark and women can usually travel alone, provided you take the proper and usual precautions.
Beasties. Australian beasties are a little unforgiving. There are venomous snakes, venomous spiders, crocodiles, jellyfish, stinging fish, blue ring octopus, sharks etc. Read up on the hazards and be aware of how to avoid them. Even the cute animals bite (koalas, wombats) and kangaroos can kill with one swift kick if it is a large and aggressive male.
Drive carefully. Speaking of kangaroos, watch out for them on the roads. They are Australia's equivalent of moose or deer, depending on which species is hanging around. They do the same damage and can kill car occupants if hit too. Always be alert. They are generally dusk to dawn creatures but drought can drive them out into the day as well. Keep your eyes peeled all the time and try not to travel in kangaroo areas at night - get some good rest instead!
Drink driving. Australians like their booze and drink driving is a problem. There are many breathalyzers around to try and nab them but it pays to be alert to any erratic driving or speeding and give such drivers wide berth. Equally, don't drink and drive "or you're a bloody idiot" as Australians are fond of recounting.
Step4
Take care when hiking. Many backpackers go hiking as much as discovering urban and regional areas. In Australia this presents some special challenges for consideration:
Avoid the beasties. See the step above for an overview. In particular, consider your clothing. Sandals are not good hiking gear for the Australian bush. Wear covered boots and, if possible, long pants or gaiters. If you are attacked by a snake (the usual problem is not seeing one and treading on it), then the boots and gaiters/pants give protection. It is also very wise to be an alert hiker who looks ahead on the trail to see any sunbaking snakes. They're not waiting there to attack you; they're enjoying the sun. Glibly avoid them and make vibrations with heavy walking to warn them of your approach.
Sunburn. Australia is a sunburnt land with one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Slip, slop, slap is the local vernacular, meaning slip on long-sleeved clothing, slop on a hat and slap on sunscreen. And keep out of the sun when it is fiercest between 11 and 3.
Water and dehydration. It is easy to die of thirst in Australia if you get lost and have no water. Always carry water, no matter how hot it is and how heavy that water feels. You will never regret it and rarely will a hiker return from an Australian hike with a full water bottle.
Always know where you are going and take maps. Leave instructions at register booths if trails have them. And take warm clothing for mountain hikes. Not all of Australia has blistering heat and the cold can kill you on Australian mountains just as it can anywhere in the world if you get caught in an unexpected storm.
Be careful wherever you hike. Sometimes Australia's weathered down rocks can be deceptive in their "ease of climbing" and people get careless and take silly risks. A fall from a rock can kill no matter how much smaller the rock seems than your rocks back home.
Never camp in creek or river beds. Flash floods can occur without warning, even during what might seem to be a drought.
Step5
Be sun aware. As discussed in the step above, the sun is fierce over Australia. Always wear a hat, prefer long sleeved and long legged clothing if you are walking or travelling in the sun for any length of time and wear sunscreen. Avoid sunbaking for hours on end. You will be sun roasted and turn out as red as a lobster. Avoid being out in the sun between 11 and 3 during summer for any extended activity unless you have proper cover.
Step6
Enjoy. Australia is a land of great and astounding beauty. You won't see landscape, vegetation or fauna like this anywhere else in the world. It is unique and that is what makes it precious. Respect it by sticking to trails and paths that have been made for us and do not pick wildflowers or remove animals from their locations. Do not litter; Australians are very proud about having a clean country. Take lots of photos and pace yourself. Australia's enormity often requires several visits rather than trying to do too much at once and exhaust yourself in the process!
Tips & Warnings
Many backpackers from Europe take several months to backpack Australia, due to its enormous size and what is perceived by them as "such a long way to travel"!
If flying to Australia from faraway, take a stopover on the way there and the flight won't feel anywhere near as bad. There are many wonderful places to stopover, such as Asia and the South Pacific.
Backpacks, backpacking equipment and other outdoor and travel supplies are sold all over Australia, so you won't have any problems refilling broken, lost, or used-up items at good prices.
Always have travel insurance. Australia has a good medical system with free health services in hospitals for emergencies but doctors visits cost money and rebates are only available to those in the Medicare system, which is for Australians and reciprocal countries such as New Zealand and the UK. Even then, the rules can be complicated. And you should be covered for theft, accidents etc.
Vegetarians and vegans will have good choices in urban areas. It can be more difficult, especially for vegans, in country areas but there are generally supermarkets and farmer's markets where you can stock up. Soy milk is fairly staple.
Beware bushfires if hiking or driving through prone areas. These are fierce, fast and merciless when they start. Always read the news before setting out during bushfire season (whenever it is really dry, but especially summer time with the increased heat). Driving through bushfire smoke is disorienting and frightening. If you are caught in the fire, stay with your car, crouch down low and try and cover yourself until the fire passes and then get out. People have died getting caught this way, however, so it is best to avoid such situations by planning ahead.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Parents Who Feel Powerless
No one ever said raising children was easy, but in today's world, having children can sometimes be overwhelming. As technology, video games and TV decentralize the family, parents juggle demanding work responsibilities and children grow up faster than ever before, parents face increasing difficulty in raising children, Rabbi Shmuley says. He shares advice for parents on how to react when they feel powerless.
Don't feel guilty. You're not a bad person, Rabbi Shmuley says. Of course you love your children—you're just frustrated.
Understand that you need help. Call a family meeting and identify the problems. Take control and begin to make it better. If need be, bring in a family counselor, Rabbi Shmuley says.
Talk to your children. Share with them that a properly running family is everyone's responsibility, Rabbi Shmuley says. "You can't do this on your own," he says. "You need their cooperation."
Today's Shmuleyism
"We all love our children, but that doesn't mean that we always like our children. When you feel, at times, alienated from your kids, it doesn't mean that you're a bad person, so don't feel guilty. Rather, move toward taking control of an out-of-control situation so that your experience as a parent becomes a pleasant one that is a blessing." (www.oprah.com)
Don't feel guilty. You're not a bad person, Rabbi Shmuley says. Of course you love your children—you're just frustrated.
Understand that you need help. Call a family meeting and identify the problems. Take control and begin to make it better. If need be, bring in a family counselor, Rabbi Shmuley says.
Talk to your children. Share with them that a properly running family is everyone's responsibility, Rabbi Shmuley says. "You can't do this on your own," he says. "You need their cooperation."
Today's Shmuleyism
"We all love our children, but that doesn't mean that we always like our children. When you feel, at times, alienated from your kids, it doesn't mean that you're a bad person, so don't feel guilty. Rather, move toward taking control of an out-of-control situation so that your experience as a parent becomes a pleasant one that is a blessing." (www.oprah.com)
Hari Perkawinan Ku Tahun Lalu
Soka Kuning - Indonesia
Dear Zeverina, Kokiers and eLTiers,
Sama seperti tahun-tahun sebelumnya, bulan Oktober merupakan bulan yang paling bersejarah bagi saya. Bulan dimana saya dan Mas Anto saling mengikat janji untuk hidup bersama, 26 tahun sudah berlalu. Kini, rambut putih tumbuh disana sini tanpa izin, tidak terasa sudah separuh dari kehidupan telah saya jalankan. Kali ini, tulisan saya bukanlah kisah zaman dahulu kala, tentu para eLTiers sudah bosan membaca. Tulisan kali ini terjadi setahun yang lalu, di waktu hari pernikahan kami yang ke 25, sebagian pasangan tentu merayakan dengan besar-besaran mengundang sanak saudara, kerabat bahkan tetangga se- RT bahkan se- RW. Sementara saya… aaaah… begini ceritanya.
Seperti biasa saya bangun pagi, mandi lalu mempersiapkan diri untuk kekantor. Seperti biasanya Mas Anto mempersiapkan makan pagi, seperti biasanya Mas Anto mempersiapkan kotak (tromol- saya selalu menyebutnya) untuk makan siang. Eit!, jangan saya dicaci maki dulu dong. Bukan ini menyombongkan atau memamerkan kebaikan suamiku lho. Tentu semua ini ada awalnya, sejak saya kembali ke dunia kerja, saya mendapatkan kerja diperusahaan yang jam masuk kerja lebih awal dari Mas Anto, setelah mempersiapkan kebutuhan diri dan anak, saya suka tidak ada waktu makan pagi walaupun sudah disiapkan malam sebelumnya. Tentu, Mas Anto hanya tinggal menghangatkan dan menyajikannya saja. Sedangkan makan siang biasanya saya suka makan bersama dengan teman kantor lainnya diluar. Walaupun demikian Mas Anto tetap saja menyempatkan untuk menyiapkan tromol makan siang buat saya, yang berisi roti berlapis isi coklat atau selai, makanan kesukaan saya.
Entah semalam saya tidur begitu nyenyaknya, sampai tidak terasa saya telat bangun, semua saya lalukan dengan kilat. Sampai makan pagipun tidak sempat saya lakukan. Sama kilatnya sama masuk ke mobil, Mas Anto menyodorkan dua tromol, ‘Yang tutup nya merah untuk sarapan, satu lagi untuk makan siang ya, dimakan ya, jangan lupa dan jangan dibawa pulang lagi!’. ‘Uugh tidak seperti biasanya, pakai diberi peringatan lagi, biasanya disorongkan saja itu tromol tanpa bicara, kenapa lagi’, kata saya dalam hati tentunya terasa sedikit aneh. Tanpa pikir panjang saya ambil kedua tromol tersebut dan masuk ke mobil yang lalu berpacu di antara keramaian pagi hari.
Hari ini juga entah kenapa saya begitu sibuk, sejak menginjak kaki di depan pintu kamar kerja, saya sudah dipanggil untuk meeting. Untung saja selama perjalanan saya sudah santap sarapan yang ditromolkan Mas Anto itu. Tidak terasa tengah hari telah berlalu, jam makan siangpun telah berlalu. Coretan singkat saya dari meeting mulai saya rangkum dan catat. Kebiasaan yang selalu saya lakukan supaya tidak ada yang terlupakan dalam mengambil keputusan nantinya. Perut saya pun berbunyi, menagih makan siang. Aaah.. untung Mas Anto menyediakan tromol makan siang tadi yang saya keluarkan dengan gesit. Ketika saya buka, saya melihat roti lapis isi coklat berbentuk bundar bergambar ‘smiling face’. ‘Aaah! Mas Anto ada-ada saja’ sambil tersenyum saya mengambil roti tersebut. Dibawahnya terlihat sebuah kertas berwarna merah. Saya terdiam sejenak, tidak biasanya, Mas Anto menyelipkan catatan seperti ini. Timbul banyak pertanyaan sementara, jantung sayapun mulai berdebar tidak menentu. Saya mengambil catatan merah tersebut. Tertulis
‘Selamat Hari Pernikahan Perak!. Soka, Sudah 25 tahun kita telah bersama. Selama 25 tahun pernikahan ini saya merasa hari-hari terasa selalu indah. Hari hari yang diawali dengan melihat senyum mu yang cerah, melihat matamu yang bersinar diantara kepanikan wajahmu di pagi hari. Lalu melihat mata mu yang manis bersinar membesar ketika kamu sedang eehmm.. ngambek atau melihat bibirmu yang cemberut lucu. Melihat begitu berbaktinya kamu kepada ibu dan keluarga dengan segala urusannya yang tidak masuk akal. Melihat begitu antusiasnya kamu mencapai cita-cita mu dan dengan segala kegiatan sosial. Semakin mengenal kamu, semakin tambah kagum saja, kamu yang kecil mungil, menjalankan semuanya dengan ceria tanpa mengeluh. Entah darimana energimu itu. Energy yang begitu menular, energimu menjadi energiku, semangatmu menjadi semangatku. Hari hari menjadi lebih indah, terasa tidak ada hari-hari jenuh dan membosankan. Soka, terima kasih atas kesediaanmu bersamaku mengarungi kehidupan ini. Tidak hanya 25 tahun lagi, 50 tahun lagi bahkan 1000 tahun lagi saya tetap bersedia mengarungi hidup ini bersamamu.
Dengan seluruh cintaku.
Anto.
Tidak terasa air mata mengalir tanpa dapat ditahan lagi, rasanya ingin rasanya terbang dan berlari kencang, lalu jatuh kedalam pelukan Mas Anto yang selalu hangat, erat dan terasa aman. Aaah kenapa hari ini menjadi terasa panjang sekali.
Sepulang kerja, dengan semangat membara saya menyediakan makan malam istimewa, nasi kuning komplit, kesukaan Mas Anto. Seperti biasa setelah makan malam Mas Anto menikmati lagu-lagu kesukaan, setelah membereskan dapur lalu saya pun mendekat, seperti biasa Mas Anto membuka kedua tangannya, saya duduk disamping didalam pelukannya, dengan manja saya berkata: ‘Mas..terima kasih catatan merahnya. Maaf kalau Soka lupa ya Mas.’ ‘Kamu memang harus dihukum’ sambil menutul hidung saya satu kebiasaan yang selalu Mas Anto lakukan sebagai peringatan. Dengan senyum selebar dan semanis mungkin, ‘ Mas… katanya Dita minta adik lagi, kali ini minta adik kembar laki-laki lho’. Mas Anto tersenyum dan langitpun berkilauan dengan beribu-ribu bintang.
Note:
Catatan merah Mas Anto hingga saat kini tersimpan dengan aman didalam buku agenda harianku.
Terima kasih kepada Zeverina, Kokiers eLTiers yang telah mau membaca perjalanan kisah kasih saya ini.
Salam Sayang.
Soka Kuning.
(community.kompas.com)
Dear Zeverina, Kokiers and eLTiers,
Sama seperti tahun-tahun sebelumnya, bulan Oktober merupakan bulan yang paling bersejarah bagi saya. Bulan dimana saya dan Mas Anto saling mengikat janji untuk hidup bersama, 26 tahun sudah berlalu. Kini, rambut putih tumbuh disana sini tanpa izin, tidak terasa sudah separuh dari kehidupan telah saya jalankan. Kali ini, tulisan saya bukanlah kisah zaman dahulu kala, tentu para eLTiers sudah bosan membaca. Tulisan kali ini terjadi setahun yang lalu, di waktu hari pernikahan kami yang ke 25, sebagian pasangan tentu merayakan dengan besar-besaran mengundang sanak saudara, kerabat bahkan tetangga se- RT bahkan se- RW. Sementara saya… aaaah… begini ceritanya.
Seperti biasa saya bangun pagi, mandi lalu mempersiapkan diri untuk kekantor. Seperti biasanya Mas Anto mempersiapkan makan pagi, seperti biasanya Mas Anto mempersiapkan kotak (tromol- saya selalu menyebutnya) untuk makan siang. Eit!, jangan saya dicaci maki dulu dong. Bukan ini menyombongkan atau memamerkan kebaikan suamiku lho. Tentu semua ini ada awalnya, sejak saya kembali ke dunia kerja, saya mendapatkan kerja diperusahaan yang jam masuk kerja lebih awal dari Mas Anto, setelah mempersiapkan kebutuhan diri dan anak, saya suka tidak ada waktu makan pagi walaupun sudah disiapkan malam sebelumnya. Tentu, Mas Anto hanya tinggal menghangatkan dan menyajikannya saja. Sedangkan makan siang biasanya saya suka makan bersama dengan teman kantor lainnya diluar. Walaupun demikian Mas Anto tetap saja menyempatkan untuk menyiapkan tromol makan siang buat saya, yang berisi roti berlapis isi coklat atau selai, makanan kesukaan saya.
Entah semalam saya tidur begitu nyenyaknya, sampai tidak terasa saya telat bangun, semua saya lalukan dengan kilat. Sampai makan pagipun tidak sempat saya lakukan. Sama kilatnya sama masuk ke mobil, Mas Anto menyodorkan dua tromol, ‘Yang tutup nya merah untuk sarapan, satu lagi untuk makan siang ya, dimakan ya, jangan lupa dan jangan dibawa pulang lagi!’. ‘Uugh tidak seperti biasanya, pakai diberi peringatan lagi, biasanya disorongkan saja itu tromol tanpa bicara, kenapa lagi’, kata saya dalam hati tentunya terasa sedikit aneh. Tanpa pikir panjang saya ambil kedua tromol tersebut dan masuk ke mobil yang lalu berpacu di antara keramaian pagi hari.
Hari ini juga entah kenapa saya begitu sibuk, sejak menginjak kaki di depan pintu kamar kerja, saya sudah dipanggil untuk meeting. Untung saja selama perjalanan saya sudah santap sarapan yang ditromolkan Mas Anto itu. Tidak terasa tengah hari telah berlalu, jam makan siangpun telah berlalu. Coretan singkat saya dari meeting mulai saya rangkum dan catat. Kebiasaan yang selalu saya lakukan supaya tidak ada yang terlupakan dalam mengambil keputusan nantinya. Perut saya pun berbunyi, menagih makan siang. Aaah.. untung Mas Anto menyediakan tromol makan siang tadi yang saya keluarkan dengan gesit. Ketika saya buka, saya melihat roti lapis isi coklat berbentuk bundar bergambar ‘smiling face’. ‘Aaah! Mas Anto ada-ada saja’ sambil tersenyum saya mengambil roti tersebut. Dibawahnya terlihat sebuah kertas berwarna merah. Saya terdiam sejenak, tidak biasanya, Mas Anto menyelipkan catatan seperti ini. Timbul banyak pertanyaan sementara, jantung sayapun mulai berdebar tidak menentu. Saya mengambil catatan merah tersebut. Tertulis
‘Selamat Hari Pernikahan Perak!. Soka, Sudah 25 tahun kita telah bersama. Selama 25 tahun pernikahan ini saya merasa hari-hari terasa selalu indah. Hari hari yang diawali dengan melihat senyum mu yang cerah, melihat matamu yang bersinar diantara kepanikan wajahmu di pagi hari. Lalu melihat mata mu yang manis bersinar membesar ketika kamu sedang eehmm.. ngambek atau melihat bibirmu yang cemberut lucu. Melihat begitu berbaktinya kamu kepada ibu dan keluarga dengan segala urusannya yang tidak masuk akal. Melihat begitu antusiasnya kamu mencapai cita-cita mu dan dengan segala kegiatan sosial. Semakin mengenal kamu, semakin tambah kagum saja, kamu yang kecil mungil, menjalankan semuanya dengan ceria tanpa mengeluh. Entah darimana energimu itu. Energy yang begitu menular, energimu menjadi energiku, semangatmu menjadi semangatku. Hari hari menjadi lebih indah, terasa tidak ada hari-hari jenuh dan membosankan. Soka, terima kasih atas kesediaanmu bersamaku mengarungi kehidupan ini. Tidak hanya 25 tahun lagi, 50 tahun lagi bahkan 1000 tahun lagi saya tetap bersedia mengarungi hidup ini bersamamu.
Dengan seluruh cintaku.
Anto.
Tidak terasa air mata mengalir tanpa dapat ditahan lagi, rasanya ingin rasanya terbang dan berlari kencang, lalu jatuh kedalam pelukan Mas Anto yang selalu hangat, erat dan terasa aman. Aaah kenapa hari ini menjadi terasa panjang sekali.
Sepulang kerja, dengan semangat membara saya menyediakan makan malam istimewa, nasi kuning komplit, kesukaan Mas Anto. Seperti biasa setelah makan malam Mas Anto menikmati lagu-lagu kesukaan, setelah membereskan dapur lalu saya pun mendekat, seperti biasa Mas Anto membuka kedua tangannya, saya duduk disamping didalam pelukannya, dengan manja saya berkata: ‘Mas..terima kasih catatan merahnya. Maaf kalau Soka lupa ya Mas.’ ‘Kamu memang harus dihukum’ sambil menutul hidung saya satu kebiasaan yang selalu Mas Anto lakukan sebagai peringatan. Dengan senyum selebar dan semanis mungkin, ‘ Mas… katanya Dita minta adik lagi, kali ini minta adik kembar laki-laki lho’. Mas Anto tersenyum dan langitpun berkilauan dengan beribu-ribu bintang.
Note:
Catatan merah Mas Anto hingga saat kini tersimpan dengan aman didalam buku agenda harianku.
Terima kasih kepada Zeverina, Kokiers eLTiers yang telah mau membaca perjalanan kisah kasih saya ini.
Salam Sayang.
Soka Kuning.
(community.kompas.com)
Monday, October 6, 2008
Selamat Datang di Newyorkarto!
“New york, new york
I want to wake up in a city, that never sleeps…”
Kutipan lagu New York, New York dari penyanyi legendaris Frank Sinatra ini seakan ingin menggambarkan hiruk-pikuknya New York sebagai megapolitan yang tak pernah lelap. Dan jika Anda ingin merasakannya tidak perlu jauh-jauh kesana, kunjungi saja Jalan Babarsari. Inilah salah satu bagian kecil dari kota pendidikan yang menjelma menjadi wilayah non-stop ditengah tumbuhnya berbagai universitas.
Jalan Babarsari bukanlah jalan utama, bentuknya seperti huruf “L”, membentang sepanjang kurang dari tiga kilometer dari pertigaan ayam goreng Suharti hingga pertigaan supermarket 24 jam Citrouli. Jalanan ini penuh sesak dengan aneka arena ketangkasan, warnet, supermarket 24 jam dan akhir-akhir ini mulai dibangun lapangan futsal di beberapa sudutnya.
Jalan Babarsari mulai menggeliat ketika permainan online seperti Ragnarok dan Counter Strike mulai menjamur enam tahun lalu. Permainan ini menyedot perhatian pecandu game yang rata-rata mahasiswa untuk datang dan berkompetisi antar teman di beberapa arena ketangkasan. Setiap hari, baik jam satu siang, jam enam sore bahkan jam tiga dini hari arena ketangkasan itu tidak pernah sepi; puluhan motor dan mobil memenuhi tempat parkir sepanjang hari. Kondisi itu kemudian menarik beberapa pemodal untuk membangun usaha baru, semisal supermarket 24 jam. Setelah Citrouli, tak lama kemudian muncul V-mart dan Circle-K yang menyediakan layanan yang sama.
Selepas tengah malam, biasanya para pecandu game berkumpul di emperan supermarket untuk membicarakan asyiknya permainan ketangkasan yang baru saja dimainkannya, seringkali hingga menjelang fajar mereka masih berada disana, seakan lupa waktu. Padahal, mereka masih memiliki tanggung-jawab untuk belajar dan menyelesaikan tugas-tugas.
Jika ditilik dari perspektif kesehatan dan keuangan, pola hidup seperti itu mengkawatirkan. Dalam salah satu jurnal kesehatan, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, dikatakan bahwa tidur kurang tujuh jam meningkatkan resiko kematian. Resiko tersebut disebabkan kecelakaan karena mengantuk, berkurangnya fungsi hormon, sistem kekebalan tubuh dan metabolisme, serta meningkatkan resiko obesitas, diabetes dan penyakit jantung.
Ada beberapa universitas yang memberlakukan pola presensi yang cukup ketat, seperti toleransi keterlambatan 15 menit. Apabila lewat menit yang ditentukan maka mahasiswa tersebut dianggap alpa. Jika selama satu semester alpa selama tiga kali maka mata kuliahnya akan dianggap gugur dan harus diulang pada semester depan. Dan jika kebiasaan nongkrong dan bermain game itu dibudayakan, maka mahasiswa akan membayar terus menerus untuk mata kuliah yang sama; bukan karena rendahnya kemampuan akademis melainkan manajemen waktu yang buruk.
Ditengah tawaran yang menggoda, mahasiswa benar-benar diingatkan kembali untuk lebih cermat dan selektif dalam memilih. Saat ini ke ”mahasiswa” an bukan hanya kebanggaan sosial saja, namun juga keberanian untuk menentukan prioritas hidup serta tetap setia dengan komitmen awal: belajar.
I want to wake up in a city, that never sleeps…”
Kutipan lagu New York, New York dari penyanyi legendaris Frank Sinatra ini seakan ingin menggambarkan hiruk-pikuknya New York sebagai megapolitan yang tak pernah lelap. Dan jika Anda ingin merasakannya tidak perlu jauh-jauh kesana, kunjungi saja Jalan Babarsari. Inilah salah satu bagian kecil dari kota pendidikan yang menjelma menjadi wilayah non-stop ditengah tumbuhnya berbagai universitas.
Jalan Babarsari bukanlah jalan utama, bentuknya seperti huruf “L”, membentang sepanjang kurang dari tiga kilometer dari pertigaan ayam goreng Suharti hingga pertigaan supermarket 24 jam Citrouli. Jalanan ini penuh sesak dengan aneka arena ketangkasan, warnet, supermarket 24 jam dan akhir-akhir ini mulai dibangun lapangan futsal di beberapa sudutnya.
Jalan Babarsari mulai menggeliat ketika permainan online seperti Ragnarok dan Counter Strike mulai menjamur enam tahun lalu. Permainan ini menyedot perhatian pecandu game yang rata-rata mahasiswa untuk datang dan berkompetisi antar teman di beberapa arena ketangkasan. Setiap hari, baik jam satu siang, jam enam sore bahkan jam tiga dini hari arena ketangkasan itu tidak pernah sepi; puluhan motor dan mobil memenuhi tempat parkir sepanjang hari. Kondisi itu kemudian menarik beberapa pemodal untuk membangun usaha baru, semisal supermarket 24 jam. Setelah Citrouli, tak lama kemudian muncul V-mart dan Circle-K yang menyediakan layanan yang sama.
Selepas tengah malam, biasanya para pecandu game berkumpul di emperan supermarket untuk membicarakan asyiknya permainan ketangkasan yang baru saja dimainkannya, seringkali hingga menjelang fajar mereka masih berada disana, seakan lupa waktu. Padahal, mereka masih memiliki tanggung-jawab untuk belajar dan menyelesaikan tugas-tugas.
Jika ditilik dari perspektif kesehatan dan keuangan, pola hidup seperti itu mengkawatirkan. Dalam salah satu jurnal kesehatan, Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, dikatakan bahwa tidur kurang tujuh jam meningkatkan resiko kematian. Resiko tersebut disebabkan kecelakaan karena mengantuk, berkurangnya fungsi hormon, sistem kekebalan tubuh dan metabolisme, serta meningkatkan resiko obesitas, diabetes dan penyakit jantung.
Ada beberapa universitas yang memberlakukan pola presensi yang cukup ketat, seperti toleransi keterlambatan 15 menit. Apabila lewat menit yang ditentukan maka mahasiswa tersebut dianggap alpa. Jika selama satu semester alpa selama tiga kali maka mata kuliahnya akan dianggap gugur dan harus diulang pada semester depan. Dan jika kebiasaan nongkrong dan bermain game itu dibudayakan, maka mahasiswa akan membayar terus menerus untuk mata kuliah yang sama; bukan karena rendahnya kemampuan akademis melainkan manajemen waktu yang buruk.
Ditengah tawaran yang menggoda, mahasiswa benar-benar diingatkan kembali untuk lebih cermat dan selektif dalam memilih. Saat ini ke ”mahasiswa” an bukan hanya kebanggaan sosial saja, namun juga keberanian untuk menentukan prioritas hidup serta tetap setia dengan komitmen awal: belajar.
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