dear(travel)diary,

My Australia road trip started in Melbourne - for two reasons: Firstly, it just made more sense for me to start in the south in a big city and drive north along the coast. Secondly - and this was the real reason - I really wanted to go to the Australian Open! So the first stop on my trip, which fittingly started in January parallel to the Grand Slam tennis tournament, was immediately clear.

Funnily enough, a friend from school was there at the same time. Moritz also wanted to experience the Australian Open and then explore Australia. So I booked myself into the same hostel as him - the Selina St. Kilda (affiliate link). I was staying outside the city center of Melbourne, but close to the beach. Somehow St. Kilda immediately triggered a familiar feeling in me. I really liked Melbourne, including the city center, but St. Kilda had a special place in my heart.

That's why it wasn't so easy for me to move to my housesit (affiliate link) in Brunswick during my second week in Melbourne. I even made the journey from the north of Melbourne to the south several times just to be close to the beach again. But don't worry, I've also explored the rest of the city - and can therefore give you the best tips for Melbourne!

xx Chiara

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I minimized my travel costs in Australia by housesitting here and there. Housesitting means that you can live in a house or apartment for free while the owners are away. In return, you take care of the house, often including pets or plants. It's a great way to travel cheaply and live like a local at the same time! I have a membership with Trusted Housesitters. You can get a discount on your membership via the link here.

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