Kiersten Sabolik is a student at the College of St. Scholastica and an ISA Featured Photo Blogger. She is studying abroad with ISA in Brisbane, Australia.
While studying abroad, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to travel more than just around your host city. Travel gives you the chance to encounter many different cultures and see some beautiful sights. Being abroad is the perfect time to do this, since so many new places are at a proximity to you like never before. Here is my list of top places to travel to while studying abroad in Australia!
Byron Bay:
My first week in Australia was spent in Byron Bay, the cute little surfer town along the eastern coast. It’s fabulous coastline, iconic lighthouse, perfect surfing waves and beachy feel make it a perfect destination for a weekend.
Glass House Mountains:
I love hiking and camping, and the Glass House mountains did not disappoint. Perfect for day trips or weekend trips for all my fellow outdoorsy people out there.
Sydney:
The coastline along the Coogee to Bondi walk is absolutely breathtaking. Plus, can you really say you’ve been to Australia is you don’t have a picture with the Opera House?? ;)
Stradbroke Island:
We took an ISA sponsored excursion over to Stradbroke Island for the weekend and as soon as we got back home, Straddie immediately made it onto my “must visit” list. Beautiful coastline, casual vibes and lots of opportunity to do fun things like kayaking through mangroves or sand surfing!
Thailand:
If you have a longer amount of time off from classes, like a mid-semester break, I can not tell you enough times to go to Thailand. Its beauty continues to blow me away each time I look back on photos from my trip. In just ten days I was able to see so much culture and learn about different ways of life though temple explorations and venturing to find the best pad Thai cart. Not to mention the beautiful ocean and sunny, tropical weather. :)
Whitsundays/Airlie Beach:
My most recent weekend getaway, and one of my favorites. Located on the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are the perfect was to see the reef and experience lush white sandy beaches at the same time. Airlie Beach is the cute little beach town that is just inland.
No matter where you go, studying abroad is the perfect opportunity to see more of this beautiful wide world we live in. Take advantage!!