We are driven to keep our environment natural and beautiful.  Through these efforts, we will be able to continue offering all our visitors the natural beauty of Australia.  So, we appeal to all backpackers to be with us in protecting our environment. 

How Sydney Backpackers can travel “Green” while in Australia

All staff at Jolly Swagman work hard to do our part in conversation and preservation our surrounding environment.  We also do our best to convey this message to all our guests staying with us.  Here are some simple ways you can pitch in:

• Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.
  • You’re probably sick of hearing it but it’s true!
• No to plastic bags and packages
  • Use refillable drink containers instead.
• Don’t litter.
  • Throw your garbage, especially cigarette butts, into the trash bin.
• Save water.
  • Turn off showers and faucets when not in use while bathing, washing or brushing your teeth.
• Save energy.
  • Turn off lights when not in use.
  • Turn off power points or unplug electrical appliances and electronic devices before leaving the room.
  • Don’t overcharge electronic gadgets.
  • Share washing machines with others to only do full loads and use only cold water.
  • Avoid using dryers and hang washed clothes outside.  The Aussie sun will dry them in no time.
  • Reduce heater consumption by wearing warm clothes when you’re cold rather than overusing heater.
  • Use public transport or car pool when possible.  We have a great train & ferry system that goes to all the sights.
• Use biodegradable and recyclable products.
  • Toiletries, batteries, etc.
• Choose Eco-Certified tourism products. 
  • Look for ECO logo.
• Make your own food.
  • Avoid fast food and take-out packaging.
  • Buy local produce.

Transportation: Huge Impact to the Environment

As a backpacker, it is important that you get to visit as many exciting destinations you can as possible.  In Australia, we have a range of transportation services offered for travellers who want to take a look around the city, certain regions or even the rest of the country.  Our continuing drive to reduce our impact on the environment has led us to plan affordable tour packages that encourage backpackers to travel through the use of public transportation or car pools. 

Throughout Sydney, the best way to get around would be through the train/subway system called CityRail.  If you’re venturing outside Sydney there are a host of transportation options that we have listed below to choose from.  We encourage our guests at Jolly Swagman to choose the affordable transportation option that has the least environmental impact.

• Coach
  • Cheapest and most affordable option
  • Goes through major regional routes
• Backpacker Tour
  • Growing in popularity among travellers
  • “Jump-on, Jump-off” style tour
  • Point-to-point trips to and from popular destinations
• Train
• Air
  • Cheap deals during promotional periods
  • Faster travel when jumping from one city to another farther section of the country
• Self Drive
  • Backpacker groups that prefer to travel more extensively

You can also ask our travel specialist at the Reception to help you find special transport passes and fare schemes or flexible tour packages inclusive of transfers.

Contact us today and we will help you travel around Sydney and beyond with your comfort and the environment in mind.

Getting to Know Our Guests

We provide great service to all our guests because of our years of experience in this industry.  Through these years, we’ve gotten to know the different profiles of our guests.  This helps us create spaces suited for each backpacker or group of travellers, provide interesting activities and facilities for our visiting tourists, and plan itineraries and services perfect for everyone’s individual needs. 

Different Groups of Backpackers/Visitors that We Cater too

Typically, our backpackers are young, educated and adventurous individuals who want to immerse in the local and real culture of the place.  But they can also be divided into different segments, based on their various needs and interests, such as:

• Travellers on Working Holiday Visa
  • 18-30- year-old backpackers allowed to do casual work to supplement their funds
  • Extended period of stay
  • Spend short trips and weekends visiting local sights and attractions
  • Funds spent on travel and adventure activities
  • Short-term or temporary work with low pay and limited responsibility
• Independent Travellers
  • A wider age range
  • Travellers who choose backpacking as a mode of travel
  • Larger income groups
  • Different and varied interests
• Domestic or Local Travellers
  • Australians who are on a budget travel but want to see the other parts of the country
• Students
  • Young people from non-English speaking countries who want to learn English

At Jolly Swagman, we keep your interests at heart, no matter what demographic you’re in.  To ensure that you will have an unforgettable trip, we cater all backpacker needs by providing you a safe, social, entertaining, relaxing, active, and adventurous experience.  With the backpackers’ accommodation we offer, you will have a clean, affordable, comfortable and value-for-money stay.  We want you to come back to your Jolly Swagman room to a place you can consider a second home after a long day’s trip.

Great Facilities at Jolly Swagman

We know you have a checklist of what you look for in good accommodation in Sydney.  Here are some factors you might want to add to your list:

• Accessibility
  • Central to everything and minutes away from:
    • the hottest happenings and entertainment in Sydney
    • some of the best beaches in the world
    • Sydney’s greatest landmarks and attractions
    • Sydney’s premier shopping centres and local restaurants
    • Sydney’s subway system
• Social Atmosphere and Friendly Environment
  • Large common areas
    • TV room
    • Outdoor terrace with a great view of Sydney Harbour and Sydney’s sunsets
    • Courtyard
  • Fun-filled entertainment schedule
    • Partying, pubs and clubs
• Facilities
  • Several room types
    • Double private rooms for couples who want privacy, comfort and security
    • Private twin rooms for a group of friends who want privacy
    • Dormitories for travellers who want to meet other travellers and new friends
  • Travel specialist at reception
    • Free information, maps and guide books
    • Cheapest travel deals, packages, flights and tickets around Australia
    • Day trips and tours
  • Job Assistance
    •  Popular job boards with new jobs posted every day
    • In contact with businesses, recruitment agencies, employment agencies
    • Phone messages and mail services
  • Standard room and kitchen amenities
  • Cable Internet computers and WIFI

We do everything possible to make your stay in Sydney fun, exciting and memorable.  Contact us today and to see what great rooms, packages and rates we are offering.

There is so much to offer in terms of sightseeing and entertainments.

We'll upload the articles one by one, check back in a day or two for the first few installments

There are many backpacker Job agencies looking for employees - we know you need work to extend your stay at the jolly swagman Backpackers hostel Sydney

1. Swimming Pool Sydney
2. Bocce
3. Massage and Relaxation
4. Sydney Walking Tour
5. Throw a shirmp on the Barbie
6. Lawn Bowls
7. Cheap Eats
8. Drinks
9. Victoria Barracks
10. Crab Racing
11. Hot Wheels
12. Photography Sydney

No matter who you are or where you are from, you will find what you are looking for in Australia, whatever your purpose may be.

Many backpackers and travellers have been to Australia to discover the beautiful beaches, the outback, the small villages, the metropoles and also, to get to know the hospitable population of Australia.

"Now what´s a better way to explore this continent than gaining valuable work experience in combination with traveling?"

That´s exactly what a couple of Dutch students thought when they established Stagehuis Down Under, a company specialized in providing internships and work experience for Dutch students in Australia and New Zealand. Stagehuis started of small but grew fast as they noticed that many Dutch students were eager to go "Down Under" for their internship, graduation or work experience.

Soon they discovered that not only the Dutch students were interested in their services but also other European students.

Since then,  they have set up Praktikum Down Under for the German students, Stage Voyage for the French students and Internships Down Under for the English students. Now they run an international company and place hundreds of students every year!

Internships Down Under, helps students wanting to do their internship in Australia or New Zealand in almost all study fields, next to this they help their students with quality accommodation usually staying at the start and end of their stay at the Jolly Swagman Backpackers, weekend trips and activities, insurance, study guidance, language courses and even full studies.

So if you are planning to go abroad for a valuable experience make sure you contact Internships Down Under - and tell them you'd like to stay with us here at Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney!

By ‘Alberto'

Most Backpackers in Sydney are keen to immediately start exploring Sydney's most famous places from the moment they arrive, and those staying at the Famous Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel are fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of its fantastic location being just minutes away from such places, one of the most popular being the Sydney Opera House.

There are several great places from which to observe the Sydney Opera House. From the Jolly Swagman Sydney Hostel, head down the old steps at the end of Victoria St. Follow the path around Woolloomoolo Bay and head up towards the Domain. It is well worth continuing up to the ‘chair' at Mrs Macquarie's Point, from where the best post-cardly picturesque view of the Opera House with the Harbour Bridge can be observed. Continue therough the Botanic Gardens around Farm Cove and you will shortly arrive at Bennelong Point where the house itself is located.

Visitors are allowed to go into the foyer of the Sydney Opera House and sometimes around the front. Tours of the Sydney Opera house are also available in a variety of languages.

The Opera Bar (located under the concourse) is a great place for a drink in the evening as you watch the sunset over the Harbour bridge.

Contining around Bennelong Point you will pass the ‘Toaster', a local name for the series of buildings put up on the east side of Cirqular Quay. Just after the Ferry terminal you will come the the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) and the overseas ferry passenger terminal; which also affords great views of the house.

For the especially keen, or those too broke to do the Bridge Climb, a fun and inexpensive activity for adamant walkers is to take the footpath across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Kirribilli, where you can get an often missed perspective of the Sydney skyline. Taking in the amazing view you will understand immediately why this area on New Year's Eve becomes more full than the Dublin Betty Ford Clinic! Trains run regularly back to the city from Milson's Point where you can change for King's Cross.

All this being said, there is no other way to truly experience the Sydney Opera House other than to see a live performance. Every year the Sydney Opera House showcases a truly world class collection of seasons in theatre, opera, music, ballet as well as hundreds of specialty performances.

The friendly staff at the famous Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel are always more than happy to recommend performances and check their times.

New South Wales' temperate winter climate (it really doesn't get that cold if you campare it to where i'm from) ensures the famous Sydney harbour, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape is perfect year round - and the ideal destination for a winter break.

Sydney hosts many different festivals and some of Australia's largest social and cultural events over the winter months.

Some of these include the Biennale of Sydney - the international festival of contemporary art held every two years since 1973, the Sydney Film Festival and many other smaller film festivals and Sydney's new winter festival - a magical winter wonderland of real snow from the Snowy Mountains recreating the splendour of alpine winter celebrations.

In Sydney, Backpackers find that winter really isn't harsh and the weather's generally very pleasant. It's great for touring the city on foot and for bushwalking.

Backpackers in Sydney (and Australia in general) find it VERY hard to believe that there are great SKI RESORTS IN AUSTRALIA!!  From Sydney, the ski resorts are really not that far away- see more about the snow below!!

Holiday time

It doesn't make a difference to backpackers in Sydney, as every day is a holiday, but during the winder Australian public holidays include the Queen's Birthday holiday weekend in June and the school holidays in July. Aside from within those periods, cheap accommodation in Sydney will be easy to find.

Winter activities

• The weather's fine for a  tour of Sydney. Visit The Rocks, Sydney Opera House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Australian Museum, Hyde Park, Chinatown or Darling Harbour.
• Go on a Sydney Harbour Cruise. At the very least, take a Sydney ferry and cross the harbour to Manly.
• Spot the whales as they travel north in the whale migration season. A great spot is from Watsons Bay and The Gap National Park, or come to reception to organise a whale watching trip on a boat.
• Go bushwalking, at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, just a train ride away from Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel
• Sample Sydney cuisine.
• Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains which is out in the west of Sydney and experience the beauty of these majestic mountains.
• If you feel like skiing, drive - or take an organised bus tour - to the Snowy Mountains. Note that accommodation in the ski resorts can be expensive and difficult to find unless you've booked well in advance - just ask Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel staff to sort this for you.
• Australia's mild winters mean that in most parts of Australia, regular outdoor sports can be played all year, and indeed more vigorous sports are more comfortably played in winter. Australian rules football and rugby league, the two most popular spectator sports in Australia, are played primarily in winter.

When it's summer in northern hemisphere countries, get away from the heat and come to the snow, for it'll be winter in Australia.

In New South Wales, in just about half a day by road from Sydney, there's skiing and snowboarding up in the snow, and a roaring fire to come home to.

Travel southwest to Cooma and climb up the Snowy Mountains.

From The Jolly Swagman Backpacckers in Sydney, the closest places for skiing in New South Wales are Thredbo and the Perisher ski resorts - Thredbo being the more familiar and better known, yet Perisher is larger and offers more terrain. Depending on one's preferences, both are great destinations for skiing in New South Wales.   Many Europeans are surprised to find out that we have snow fields in Australia, and most report that they are pleasantly surprised by the quality of the snow and the terrain on offer.

Half a day to the snow
It takes half a day to get to the Snowy, depending on road conditions, and if you're driving and there's snow on the road, you may need to have snow chains fitted to your tyres. Or you can take a charter or tour bus.  The Jolly Hostel in Sydney can organise and recommend the best organised tours for you to take.

You can stay at some lovely resorts ON snow, however if your budget doesn't quite stretch that far (they can be very pricey) you may want to stay at one of the "ski towns" close by, and transfer up and down the mountain each day. You also have the freedom of skiing at the different resorts when you stay at the nearby towns:

COOMA

Some may decide to drop by the Cooma Visitors Centre and find accommodation at Cooma and bus up and down the Snowy instead, leaving early in the morning and coming back at night.  APPROX 75 KMS to the snow fields.

JINDABYNE

The lakeside town of Jindabyne lies 465 kilometers southwest of Sydney just before the snowfields in the Kosciusko national park.APPROX 35 KMS from Snow Fields.

There's a Snowy Region Visitor Centre on Kosciusko Rd in Jindabyne.
If you haven't brought your skiing gear, and don't want to buy skis, boots and skiwear, etc, you can rent them here. They are also available at the ski resorts in Thredbo, Perisher but you'll find it a little more expensive up at the slopes!

Accommodation is available in Jindabyne and one can take to the Perisher slopes through the Ski tube.

All Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel guests and staff alike understand the importance of having a good time when backpacking around Australia; and here at the Jolly Swagman Backpacker's Sydney Hostel our team see it as their god-given duty to recommend attractions and venues slightly off the mainstream path so you get as much out of your Sydney visit as possible.

Being located in the heart of Kings Cross, the Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney is just seconds away to some of Australia's most enticingly exciting nightlife.

However, if you are sick of being denied entry into debauch ‘premises', obstreperous Irish pubs or the good old push-your-way-to-the-front-of-a-half-hour-que-to-get-a-single-bloody-drink bars because you have either (a) ‘had a few' and decided not to wear covered shoes; (b) left your passport securely locked away back at the hostel (where it belongs!); (c) don't understand or agree with the concept of a cover charge to get into a venue to buy drinks; or maybe just prefer great live music instead of thumping chart toppers, and cheap schooners as appose to just your girlfriend getting a free flute of bubbly on arrival; here are our top ten recommendations where you can get that authentic Sydney pub experience that the guide books always seem to miss:

1.) Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale
This famous Sydney establishment has been providing Sydneysiders with some of the best free and slurrily unsophisticated live entertainment for over a century, a success platform for many new up-and-coming bands. A popular landmark establishment, this pub pulls crowds from all walks of life; from arty-farty students at the University of Sydney across the road to colourful (and sometimes a little insane) locals and artists from the inner city area. Whatever your taste, style or dress sense, trust us: no one will blink an eyelid!
Cnr City Road and Broadway (opposite Broadway Shops, down from Central Station).

2.) Cricketer's Arms, Surry Hills
Often referred to as an ‘indie-fag' hangout by people who are simply jealous they aren't abstractly cool enough to blend with the crowd here, the Cricketer's Arms is undoubtedly one of Sydney's best kept secrets. Nestled away in secluded Fitzroy Street, this small pub is renowned for its authentic feel and classically rude staff. Great courtyard and upstairs lounge with Scrabble! Many a different beer is on offer with a huge tap and bottle selection. Come for the grunge, stay for the gourmet pub-grub (except the tapas). Don't forget your Skinny Jeans!
Fitzroy St, Surry Hills (between Bourke & South Dowling Sts).

3.) Green Park Hotel, Darlinghurst
A very cool place just minutes away from the Jolly Swagman, straight down Victoria St. Fantastic selection of local Australian ales and imported beers, great billiard room with retro video games. The outdoor area is a personal favourite of mine; the heaters and stylish fleur-de-lys wall panelling make it a very appealing place for drinks on a cold winter night; great place to mingle with its vibrant and eclectic clientele that reflect Sydney's cosmopolitan character.
Cnr Victoria and Liverpool Sts, Darlinghurst (block before St Vincent's Hospital).

4.) Royal Sovereign Hotel (Darlo Bar), Darlinghurst
What is there not to love about Darlo-Bar? It's colourful, arty, funky and kitschy. Often referred to as "the community lounge room", its amazing selection of food (aorta-clogging burgers, awesome Thai) and drink. The variety of bars is like stepping into a picture book- upstairs the "Garden Wonderland" patio screens free cult classic movies every Tuesday at 8pm (free popcorn!); whilst the outside areas are sealed off with white picket fences so Kings Cross men can pretend just for a night to have two gorgeous blonde children, a Stepford lemonade making wife and a golden retriever. The real feature is the arty retro atmosphere in the main bar that boasts eccentric couches, games and furnishings from the psycadelic period.
Cnr Liverpool St and Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst.

5.) Courthouse Hotel, Newtown
No one quite knows how this once respectable house of justice became a pub; and no one really wants to find out for fear it would be re-instated! The Courthouse Hotel has been quenching the thirst of all Newtown residents for over 150 years; the young, the old, lefties, scruffies, footy-lovers, the spaced-out as well as families (well, at least before NSW harsh licencing laws were exectued!). Very popular for its large beer garden with frangiapanni trees, the colonial interior and genuine, warm ambiance makes this venue another Sydney classic. Hint: whilst it has a tendancy to close early; King St is packed with other pubs and bars such as Zanzibar, Marly Bar, the Towny and Kelly's so you can kick on till the wee hours.
202 Australia St Newtown (turn off King St at the Newtown Town Hall)

6.) Beresford Hotel, Darlinghurst
Blink and you'll miss it: the Beresford used to be a seedy lurking hole for junkies and alcoholics masquerading as goon connoisseurs; whilst the exterior retains this modest air so it remains a thoroughly ‘in the know' venue, the inside has been gentrified like you've never seen before (wait till you see the bathrooms!).
A Sydney favourite for the sexy, sophisticated without the superficially trashy pretence of other venues in its similar league (that's right, Ivy!), this is the perfect place for an evening aperitif (get here early to avoid cover charge and dress code) or Sunday morning Bloody Mary. Whilst it's not really the sort of venue where you'd order your wet pussies or jam donuts, the sublime courtyard is shaded with luscious trees and vines that serenade its guests chilling out on the trampoline-style seating. An amazing beer selection served on tap in real glasses (those big Bavarian styled ones) and quite reasonable priced. But whilst I am sure they are worth every cent, the same unfortunately can't be said for the food. Free cult classic movie screenings on Wednesday night.
385 Bourke St, Darlinghurst (30 seconds down from Taylor Square).

7.) Forrester's Hotel, Surry Hills
The things this author would do for cheap beer and beef! Home to Sydney's signature dish, the "$5 steak" (it's now $7 due to inflation, and only available on Monday and Tuesday nights, but god its worth it!), Foresters is a tried and true local; recently gentrified on the inside, it is now a swanky establishment flaunting cool lounges and jazzy outdoor decks. Great live bands frequent this venue.
Foveaux St, Surry Hills.

8.) Unicorn Hotel (Fringe Bar), Paddington

Monday night comedy, Tuesday night trivia, intimate drinking seven days a week. Eclectic chandeliers, framed mirrors, and photos of the great and greater provide a chilled yet very suave atmosphere in which to enjoy an extensive range of cocktails and beverages to satisfies all who enter this elite venue for a night out.
Located in the heart of Paddington, one of Sydney's strongest culture tanks, we're sure you'll feel right at home at Fringe bar with its plush armchairs and retro-rocking ambiance.
Oxford St, Paddington

9.) The Light Brigade, Paddington

Award winning bistro food (one ‘hat'in the latest Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide- probably the Aussie equivalent of the Michelin Star?) served in this kooky art-deco hotel is the drawcard that compels food nuts to wine and dine; its greater appeal however is its eclectic sense of fun provided in its sports bar, polo parties, award winning bistro as well as the usual. Great place for a couple of quiet (or noisy) ones on the way to Bondi, Centennial Park or the Paddington area.
Oxford St, Paddington (opposite St Francis of Assisi Church).

10.) Coogee Bay Hotel, Coogee
Last, but by no means least, comes the beloved Coogee Bay Hotel; of whom it is un- Australian to exclude from the top ten of anything. This fantastic watering hole is a true suburban local and an ideal place to watch the sunset with a drink after a day at the beach (across the road). Home to the ‘chocolate ice cream scandal of 2008' (don't ask), was proudly labelled the second most dangerous pub in New South Wales, a title it received with much enthusiasm (and occasionally still lives up to). Be it a St Patrick's, Australia, Bastille or Independence Day; any excuse to go off in raunchy celebration is exercised here. To make a night of it in Coogee, head over to the much more taccily-clubby-Palace Hotel at the north head. Don't go near the water after, no matter how confidently drunk you are in your midnight skinny-dipping abilities!
Cnr Arden St & Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee Beach.

The Big Surfing weekender

I work in the backapcker travel industry so a couple of weeks ago, a bunch of friends asked me about surfing lessons and weekend surf trips from Sydney.

I offered them a number of different options of learn to surf Sydney day trips, Surf camps and Surfing schools that operate and serve the backpacker market.

They settled on the Mojo Surf weekender surf trip.

Before I knew it, I found myself booked on the trip as well!! GNARLY!!! Surfing here we come. Hang 5, Hang 10, lefty, righty, point break - YEAH (whatever)

Pick up was 5pm on Friday evening from the Sydney Central station outside Wake Up hostel Sydney.

From Jolly Swagman Backapckers in Kings Cross, it was a 2 minute walk down Orwell Street to the Kings Cross Train station, and just three stops from platform number 1 - it took me about 10 mins on the train.

The Mojo Surf bus was waiting outside the Wake up hostel.

The bus - WOW you should see it - its black with a big pink / purple sunrise design on the side - its really striking ..... you can't miss it, I can't think how to describe it - but it is really suited to a surfing weekend! Did I like it? - yeah it's way cool, but would I get my car painted like that?? -NO thanks!!

At Wake Up Sydney I met Ant - the bus driver and waited for the gang to arrive. I was nice and early so gave me a chance to meet a few of my new surfing buddies getting ready for the trip. There was Aexia from Netherlands, two boys from Leeds - Steve and Danny and before long a whole host of American students who were on internship from their universities in USA. I could tell it was going to be a great trip and a whole diversity of people. Most people had never been surfing before (so they told me) - but i noticed that some people did bring their own surfboards. .....  hhhmmmm ......

My buddies arrived last minute (typical) as the group was boarding the bus.

The inside of the bus is as cool as the outside - really clean (honestly - immaculate - I've never seen a backpacker tour bus this clean!) there are blue lights illuminating the cabins, really cool designs on the upholstery, flat screen TV, awesome sound system and Dvd player, plenty of room between the seats. It's the coolest bus I've ever seen - I found out later that it is a Volvo and its the first of its kind in Australia! Its got a really big and powerful diesel engine, blah blah blah - I'm not to interested in that stuff but it was very good to be on board!!

At this time "Ant Man" gave his introductions and told us that the journey to the surf camp was 6 hours drive!!! Wow - a very long drive indeed - we were setting off at 5.30 pm so from my calculation that means we wouldn't get there till 11.30pm!! Okay so a 6 hour drive ahead - my gosh!! Everyone was a bit surprised about this. Personally I'd had a really hard week at work and was happy to sit and chill out for a good few hours and let the stresses of full time work leave my body (backpackers and students -time of your life!! -  enjoy your freedom!! gees i'm getting old ..)

Sitting, chatting, watching the world go by, crossing Sydney Harbour Bridge, going past the Sydney Opera House and finally leaving Sydney (the big smoke) behind was actually quite relaxing. We listened to music for a couple of hours, then we turned on the DVD player- First up was a movie called "Endless Summer 2" - a surfing movie, filmed some years ago following a year round adventure of two crazy American surfers as they travelled the globe following the summer and surfing all the way as they go - including Surfing in Australia, France, Hawaii, Fiji, etc etc - was a great movie to get us in the mood and definitely one to recommend to anyone to watch sometime. Next movie was Step Brothers and Zac and Miri make a porno.

We stopped off for dinner break and the bottle shop to pick up booze for the weekend. Most people got cases of Tooheys New or boxes of goon wine - a lot of booze when it was all packed on the bottom of the bus!)

We eventually pulled into Mojo Surf Shack and a surfy looking character jumped on the bus and introduced himself as Matt, he was obviously a bit of a joker but introduced us to the rest of the crew and got us organised into bed rooms, where to put the beers to get cold, where to go drink the beers, etc.

The room was a 6-bed dorm on the 1st floor of the surf shack - nice and comfy beds with fresh doonas, pillows and sheets. We quickly got rid of the bags, fridged the beers and headed over to the "Humpy" (a separate area with a huge open camp fire to sit around and drink beer, talk and play crazy games.) ..... Why is it called the HUMPY?? THE HUMPY? I don't know ..... I should ask, although it maybe better NOT to know ......

One of the first things you notice when you get to THE HUMPY (?) is the STARS above - seriously, when you see the stars like you can there you don't quite believe your eyes..... Millions of them everywhere, the milky way, southern cross etc. amazing. I tried to take a picture but it didn't come out....

We drank fast but it was getting late and people were drifting off to bed ......

Wow - is anyone reading this?? I'm really putting way too much detail down ..... think I'll start making it a little briefer ... (if you want all the details, just do the trip, or ask me!!)

The Next morning we woke up at 7.30am for breakfast - big breakfast - as much as you could eat - all the cereals, toast, fruit etc.

Next up it was Surf lesson - the theory!!

On the agenda ......

Rips, Currents, waves, carrying the board, looking cool (most important), the board, the leg rope, sun cream, Vaseline, Having fun etc etc.

Then it was time to suit up and head out to the beach!!

A short walk out, past "the humpy" in the wetsuits and we were on the beach!! - beautiful!!!
"4 foot swell, on shore breeze" perfect learning conditions!!!

Lesson time on the beach with Matty - walking out with the boards, waiting for the right waves, paddling onto the wave, popping up onto feet, stance on the board, leg ropes on - LETS GO!

Into the waves we went - people getting smashed left right and centre!! Awesome fun!!

As my first wave came up, I had the wise words of Matty running through my head - turn and look for the wave, get into the middle of the board, start paddling, as the wave approaches paddle harder, when you are taken by the wave, its time to pop up, middle of the board, keeps those knees bent ............ WWWOOOOOO!! I was there - up on my feet, riding a "massive" gnarly wave dude ! YEAH!!! Easy!!!

Surfing is cool!!

We carried on trying, the teachers in the water with us taking time to give us individual help and extra attention where needed.

Photos were being taken by a candid camera man!!! - Now I know why they kept saying it .... "make sure you look good and have fun......."

At lunch time we wandered back to the surf camp, showered off and got had a BIG huge feast, then it was free time - and for most people that was snooze time!!!

2 pm was back out to the beach - this time we aimed at a different section of beach to try our luck on some different waves (coming from around the point - to use the correct term!!) and riding the rip back out.

After another good session of riding and having fun in the waves it was obvious that everyone had improved a great deal from the first time we entered the water!

Everyone had had enough, it was time to head back to camp and get ready for whatever the night had in store for us ...

Quick shower - wash off the wetsuits and it was beer o'clock and time to sit around the camp fire discovering the stories of the best wave of the day and who had the most fun!!

One of the American students, it turned out, was celebrating his 21st birthday - so he and his buddies congratulated him by serving up shots of Bundy rum washed down with GOON!! Oohhhh nice .....

Dinner was served - a huge Barbie with burgers and sausages and salads galore!! The food is so good and so generous!!

After dinner and to see who was washing up, we split into teams and played a game of Jenga - hilarious - but that's probably because our team didn't lose!!

Boozing time and off to the Humpy for a huge campfire, drinking games and surfing stories!

The party carried on till the early hours ......

The next morning was a 7.30am wakeup call and there were lots of heavy heads and hangovers around the breakfast table!!

The next day, we did it all again .... I'll spare you my thoughts and ramblings as this is way too long but basically .....

 ...... Surfing Lessons time again .............  Big lunch, back on Bus - chill out session, watch movies - get back to Sydney .......Home wooo!

Work tomorrow - oh no!

On Sundays when I have the luxury of driving to work at the Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel, I climb the steep steps of The Butler Stairs from my treasured car spot.

Once I reach the top after huffing and puffing, I make the most of my precious time and turn around to take in the amazing view. From here you can see the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Centre Point Tower peeking out from behind the magnificent trees covered in Ivy.

I'd love to capture an artsy black and white shot straight down the stairs, or when I'm heading home from my shift and the twilight colours are hovering over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are so many beautiful shots in just this one location.

Kings Cross has a lot more photogenic locations. The more obvious being the Coke sign and the Alamein Fountain. Your more then likely to find these shots in any backpackers album, but there are so many ways to create your own personal shot.

As a local Sydneysider, one of my all time favourite activities that I am always keen to recommend to guests is the coastal cliff walk along Sydney's Eastern Beaches.

As well as being free from cost and hoards of loud tourists; it is a perfect way to pass a few hours discovering Sydney's natural magnificence at anytime of day and at anytime of year. There are many things that attract locals and visitors to these magnificent cliffs; exercise, relaxation, detox, or sometimes just to find headspace away from the hectic rhythm of Sydney's pulsating metropolitan lifestyle. Best of all it's free, and only a short twenty-minute ride away from Sydney's Famous Jolly Swagman Backpacker's Hostel.

The walk is an ideal activity at anytime no matter what the conditions; take your togs along on a scorching summer day and stop for a swim at every beach you come to, or discover the more secluded swimming holes such as Gaerloch Reserve (near Tamarama) and Gordon's Bay (near Clovelly- really awesome snorkelling in summer) as well our historic public baths at Bronte and Coogee (women's, Wylie's etc.).

The big, evocative Australian sky is definitely feature of the walk- it is particularly attractive at dawn when you can watch the sun rise up from the horizon before grabbing a great Aussie breakfast from a beachside café, or watch it set in the evening and continue walking into the dark of night (just don't go too close to the edge!). Personally, my favourite time is during thunderstorms when you can watch the lightening flashing over the dark ocean with the violent surf crashing up against the rocks- very romantic (and I wonder why I'm single...).

This itinerary describes the most popular route from Bondi to Coogee. You should generally allow about two hours to do it comfortably (obviously time varies according to walking pace). Although long, much of the path is flat and isn't too physically strenuous- remember it is possible to start and end your walk wherever you want along the way, buses operate on or near most parts of the route (most beaches have a bus route to Oxford St and/ or the city).

The Famous Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney Hostel's central location in East Sydney provides for very easy access to Bondi Beach. The most convenient way is to walk down Darlinghurst Rd to Oxford St from where you can catch any bus to Bondi Beach (380, 333-prepay, both operate frequently during the day). Alternatively, you can get a train from King's Cross Station to Bondi Junction and then transfer to a bus.

From Bondi Beach, head southwards down along the promenade of Campbell Parade or the beach itself. Veer left towards the cliffs- you will pass the famous Iceberg's swimming club and its (very expensive) restaurant. Follow the path all the way along up the stone steps and you will be on top of the southern head. The path continues above the cliffs and around the point to Mackenzie Bay (a FANTASTIC place for surfing/body boarding but very rocky and not patrolled- be very careful) and Tamarama Beach. The path then continues from Tamarama winding around to Bronte Beach, another popular hangout great for swimming and picnicking on the large grass reserves with free barbeques (B.Y.O. snags and slab!).
From Bronte, the path goes up a steady incline to the top of another point affording more fantastic views. Continue through Waverly Cemetery (known for its shark sightings!) and you will join another well-marked footpath at the Clovelly Bowling Club. This section (Burrow's Park) is particularly impressive with its sheer, clean drops and sections in the rocks where you can climb down to the rock pools at the bottom. You will then find yourself at Clovelly Beach, a flat watered inlet often referred to as ‘European' (and if you ever see the amount of rubbish in the water after a storm, you would understand why). This is ideal for snorkelling and has several (apparently famous) species of rare fish such as the Blue Eyed Cod native to its waters. The Kiosk Seasalt does a great and reasonably priced lunch.

Continue past the surf club and through the parking lot to the footpath at Gordon's Bay, which will take you round to the park at the north head of Coogee. At this head you will notice the Kuta memorial, a monument to the Australian victims who died in the 2002 Bali bombings, which stands above the public baths (free).
Catholics also flock to this point to pay homage to Mary, a special marking next to the Bali memorial commemorates the place where several people have claimed to have had ‘visions'.
By the end of the walk you'll have certainly developed a craving for another quick dip in the ocean, or more likely a nice long beer (or three) at the Coogee Bay Hotel.

In returning to the Jolly Swagman Backpackers Sydney, the 373 bus (to the city) will take you back to Taylor Square, alternatively the 314 to Bondi Junction Train Station from where you can get a train to Kings Cross.

For more information or details about onward routes from Bondi to Dover Heights and Diamond bay, contact our friendly 24-hour reception.