stu32uk

Thanks for all of the replies! I'll be sure to check them out. It's funny that you mention the Barkly Hotel, Ben, that's where I'm staying I saw quite a few people recommending that place as the bar is a good place to meet other backpackers.

Hi all, So I've booked my hostel for the first week in St. Kilda... I was just wondering whether anyone has got any recommendations as to things to look for/places to go/bars or restaurants to visit? It'd be handy to get the names of a few places that are "newbie traveller" friendly. Cheers, Stu.

Hi all, I'm heading out on a Working Holiday Visa and will obviously need to get some travel insurance before I get there. Since I'll be out there for a while and I also intend to work (fruit picking/bar work etc), I need to find some insurance that will be suitable for those things. Does anyone have any recommendations for reputable providers? Cheers, Stu.

Singapore is sounding like a much more promising option, any ideas on how they compare on prices? I was using the price comparison feature on the STA travel website and they didn't seem to be on there, unless I need a new pair of glasses more than I thought Also, advice on the best time to book flights for June would be greatly appreciated...

Thank you Can I just ask why you'd recommend avoiding them?

Hi all, I'm looking for advice on which airlines are the best. Im looking for a return flight to Melbourne and from what I've found so far, the 'bigger' airlines such as Emirates/Qantas are the most expensive. There are other airlines who have cheaper flights (up to £100-150 cheaper) but I don't know much about them or their reputation. The ones in question are China Eastern, Cathay, and US airways. Does anyone have experience in using these airlines at all? I'm happy to pay the extra amount if it means that the flight will be more hassle-free, but if these other airlines are recommended then obviously I would prefer to use them since they're cheaper. Cheers, Stu.

Thanks Brit, I think the main question I have (I've seen a lot of people ask this as well) is about money, i.e. how much would I expect to spend every month? I'll be taking around the recommended $5000 with me and will be using hostels and living on an average budget. The reason I ask is that I'd like to take a couple of weeks to a month to acclimatise before I start properly looking for work. And Steven, I'm planning to go at the start of June. Were are you heading to first?

Hi all, Like I said in the title, I've just joined this site. My Working Holiday Visa has been granted and I'll be heading over to Oz by myself at the start of June. If anyone is heading over around the same time and looking for a travel buddy it'd be good to hear from you any advice would be appreciated too... Cheers, Stu.

I'm undecided on whether I want to do a 2nd WHV, so I may end up doing harvest work just in case. Where would be the best place for this? Thanks for referring me to the other forum by the way.

Thanks for your reply, I want to see as much of Oz as I can...the only place I'm unsure of is Perth, as it seems a bit isolated. The main reason for wanting to start in Melbourne/Sydney is cheaper flights and also, I assume better job prospects?

Hi all, This is my first post here. Anyway, my WHV has been granted and I'm looking to head out to Melbourne or Sydney at the start of June (I haven't decided where to go yet), so all I need to do is book my flight. Does anyone have any recommendations of where the best place to start off is? Im also going to heading out by myself so is there anyone heading out at the same time who is looking for a travel buddy? Cheers, Stu.