jumpingjellybean

Is it a self-securing and peg-less one ? http://www.johnlewis.com/go-travel-self-securing-2-8m-washing-line-white/p231847924

Once you take the exchange rate into consideration the look to be roughly the same price. http://www.traveluniverse.com.au/liners.htm?gclid=CO6mjf2G4cgCFYmUvQodEboLPw Otherwise buy a cheaper cotton one. I just suggested silk as MUCH lighter and easier to pack

And no doubt you will curse me when you never use it!! Actually the washing line was very popular with other backpackers in my dorm too, and most people wanted to buy it off me. It also can double up as "rope" if you need to tie anything to your backpack or suitcase. And so small you won't even know it is there. I forgot about an adaptor. I didn't take anything that needed one; so didn't even think about it. I have no idea what a laundry cube is!?

Ahh yes. The delightful sights of Kings X. Yes I would say UNBALANCED is the perfect apt description for some people there. There certainly are some interesting and unique characters in unfolding scenes. (Although on a serious note, homelessness, drug use or other "lifestyle" choices would sadly be a contributing factor in regards to some peoples mental health) Although I was thinking more the areas around Central, Town Hall and Wynyard train stations.

Not in a (mixed) dorm you won't!

The super absorbent towels can also be brought at sport shops. And a sarong really is a must. I practically lived in mine. If you are not bringing a sleeping bag - then yes a silk liner is necessary. Some backpacker hostels supply linen. But most won't. And you do NOT want to risk laying directly on top of the mattress.....god only knows what sort of bodily fluids from previous guests are on it - yuck! And silk is recommended as a lot lighter and less bulky then cotton, so easier to fold and carry.

Oh dear, those rose tinted glasses again! I have noticed (on this forum) whenever anyone posts about how genuinely happy they are here......some Debbie Downer always mentions these pesky glasses.

Well I know that now thanks to Mr Google.........but I prefer my version! :laugh:

Yes I was just thinking that. I have noticed that it doesn't take long for helpful, uplifting, positive, interesting and enjoyable posts........ to turn to whiny negative argumentative shambolic posts on here. I now find myself avoiding this forum, as it often leaves me feeling depressed from all the negativity. God help me if I was in the UK and thinking of migrating using this site - I would not get past Heathrow! :sad:

I always thought "bite the bullet" was a positive term. Meaning finally having the balls to do something you really wanted to do - but were too scared to - so you bite the bullet, became brave and took the plunge. Looks like I was wrong due to all negative connotations on the web

Yes indeedy! Good attitude. Thinking positive is the best way to proceed. Perth gets very very hot up in the 40's, so that may cull some outdoor activities in the height of summer. So have a backup plan for very hot days. I like to go to the cinema for the icy air-con. You should sigh up for this free newsletter: http://www.weekendnotes.com/perth/

We will keep an eye out for you. Although plenty of unbalanced people in the city already, so you will blend right in.

My toiletries when backpacking are: Toothpaste and toothbrush Comb or brush Roll-on deodorant Wet wipes (sensitive & perfume free) - good for wiping sweating armpits, refreshing your face after a long flight or nap, wiping sticky hands after a meal, washing your hands before a meal and wiping your bottom if no loo paper available. Two-in-one shampoo & conditioner - as saves space and weight in wet pack bag And that is it. Keep it simple and lightweight. I never wear make-up. Don't bother with perfume either. Both irritate me.

Yes I think you should.

I am talking about proper long ankle length jeans. The washing line is not a must have for you. I don't think on reflection. Sounds like you are packing everything but the kitchen sink :wink: (a padlock will protect ALL that stuff) But it is a must for me, as I travel light and need to string it up when washing and drying knickers or t-shirt over night. You can hardly put one pair of kickers in a tumble dryer. But if you bring lots of underwear and whatnot, then no need to bring a washing line.

Yes it is just a deterrent. But it worked for me, whereas other backpackers in the hostel without padlocks got stuff stolen. Happened a number of times too on travels - not just one off. A professional thief can open a padlock. But we are talking about random opportunists and light fingered fellow travelers Having a padlock when traveling is good for two main reasons: Stop casual airliner handlers rifling through your stuff Stop casual backpackers rifling through your stuff A small padlock costs a few pounds but could save you many. You HAVE to leave your backpack or suitcase in your dorm room when sightseeing or working. Dorm rooms are full of transit people coming and going. Are they all trustworthy!? I think not.

Hat with corks are great for Australia Day or Fancy Dress............but wearing one out in the streets any other time of the year "young or old"..............and you are going to look like a moron. Honestly just picture SS walking down George Street on a Tuesday lunchtime in a cork hat.

Pretty sure it was a lighthearted joke - gave me a giggle anyway.

"Be able to show sufficient funds for a return or onward fare and an adequate amount of funds for the first part of their stay" http://www.visabureau.com/australi

OK. A return ticket OR the funds for one. Most people have a Flexi Ticket. Which is basically a return open ended ticket. Which allows you to extend and change your route. So not a return ticket as such - more a forwarding ticket Many countries (I know the USA is one) get very narky about people arriving on a one way ticket.

Seems odd. But comes in very useful when trying to pack or unpack your rucksack / suitcase, early or late in a dorm room, when everyone else is trying to sleep. Comes in useful on the plane when stewardesses "insist" on lights out for everyone Comes in handy for powercuts in hostels. And when walking in the dark along a pathway in a snake infested Malaysian jungle............don't ask!

My personal MUST HAVES when backpacking: Small padlock: for backpack / suitcase / rucksack / etc…. Bumbag: essential for keeping passport, money, travellers cheques or credit cards close by to your person and safe (whilst keeping your hands free). Small day rucksack: for sightseeing and general everyday use Sleeping Bag: perfect for sleeping in (!), as many hostels won’t supply you with bedding sheets, and you don’t want to make contact with a possibly skanky mattress, so a sleeping bag will protect you. But if the hostel does supply you with bedding, then the sleeping bag can be opened up to form a blanket and add warmth. You can also use it opened up as a sheet to sleep on top of. And it doubles up as a brilliant foot rest, neck rest or pillow for long uncomfortable bus trips. If you don’t want to carry a sleeping bag, then a silk sleeping bag liner is good for hostel beds. Suitable Clothes: denim is a nightmare to travel in – horrible to wear in humid, wet or hot weather. So stick to breathable, comfortable and very quick drying materials like hemp or cotton. These materials are also easy to pack as more lightweight. A cotton sarong: has many uses (skirt, top, dress, headscarf, towel and bed-sheet) and is lightweight. Washing line: self-securing pegless Towel: microfiber fabric that dries quickly and rolls up small for packing Flip flops: wear them in the shower at hostels Torch: mini torch can go on your keyring or in your pocket.

I agree with everything you say........except the jeans part. Jeans are a nightmare to travel with, because if they get wet, they take forever to dry. And they can add weight to the backpack / suitcase. Better to have some casual lightweight trousers Anyway that is just my experience

But even if there is......you can buy it here. At this rate, you won't be able to lift your backpack / suitcase. :wink: Please don't wear your cork hat in the city. Unless you want to look like a total pratt! Also you don't need a hat. But it is advisable in hot weather. I wear a wide brimmed hat occasionally in summer if sitting in direct sun. Otherwise I don't bother, as I don't really like hats. But just buy one here; again no need to lug all the way from the UK.

Even that you can buy in Australia.