“Mom! I’ve decided I’m going to go to Australia and work for a few months.” I think I almost gave my mother a heart attack when those words came out of my mouth. I was in my early 20’s and I had just broken up with my first boyfriend. Not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, I decided it was time for come changes. I could have just gotten a new hair style or purchased some new clothes. Instead, I packed up and was on my way to Australia with in 2 weeks of telling my mom.
After 32 hours of travel, 3 planes, 2 layovers and very little sleep. I had finally arrived and it was magnificent! Not just because I was happy to be out of the airplane seat. The sound of Australian accents surrounded me as I followed the rest of the passengers into the Melbourne airport. I had no plans when I arrived other than to find a job, since I had only about $500 to my name. I began applying the next day for jobs.
Within 3 days I was hired to go work as a hotel all-rounder in a place called Lyndhurst, South Australia. The only this I knew about the hotel was that it was located in the middle of the outback. I was to take a bus from a place called Adelaide, South Australia as far as it would go. Then the owner misses would pick me up and drive me the remaining 3 hours to the hotel. Now imagine how mom took that one!
I made it there in one piece and the owners turned out to be amazing people that I ended up staying there for an extra month past the requirement. I didn’t know what to expect on my way out there. I will admit I had my worries, but it was one of the best experiences in my life. The hotel was also a truck stop for long haul truckers and it happened to be on the way to a few big tourist attractions in the outback. I got to meet people from all over Australia and some fascinating locals (even though the population of the town was 30 at the time including me).
I would recommend a job in the small towns in Australia you truly get to experience Australian culture. Deciding to travel to Australia was the best decision that I ever made! In fact, I ended up staying 2 years. Mom even came over for a visit.