Best of Coolangatta, Australia

Coolangatta is a small surf town just a two-hour plane ride north of Sydney. It’s known for its white-sand beaches, regular surf competitions and as one of the most relaxing vacation getaways in Surfer’s Paradise. It’s the place to go to lose all track of time with no guilt.

For a cheap place to stay ron the beach, check out Coolangatta Sands Hostel. You’ll meet international travelers and backpackers from all over the globe and get to hang with the locals in the bar just downstairs. The wrap-around balcony is the perfect place to settle and read a book. And, if it’s on your bucket list to be in two places at once, you’ll be just walking distance away from the border between New South Wales and Queensland.

© Catrina Linhard

After a couple days of complete relaxation, check out the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for one of the most natural experiences on the east coast. You can hang out and feed the kangaroos, pet the emus and hold baby crocodiles. Take a walk through the zoo and you’ll see koalas, dingos and alligators all up close and personal, but still at a safe distance.

You can also take on the zipline obstacle course through the jungle. It all comes at an incredibly affordable price and lets you see and experience all of the nature and adventure of the Australian way of life.

© Catrina Linhard