Affordable graduation trips to Australia
Australia might be the only country in the world that’s made it illegal to walk on the right side of a footpath, but despite her many strange practices, Singaporeans can’t help but head Down Under as flights there are just. so. cheap.
And with the schooling phase of your life almost over, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a grad trip with your clique who suffered with you all through those sleepless nights. We bring you 2 of the more unknown attractions per city in Australia that are friendly on your wallet as well as the hostels that are most worth your money!
Brisbane
South Bank Brisbane Source: @visitbrisbane
Dubbed ‘Bris-Vegas’ by many including Barack Obama, downtown Brisbane was recognised to have the best downtown precinct in the world, beating many other glamorous cities. But beneath her city lights are her more down to earth sights and sounds that only true locals would know. Experience Brisbane like a local would and open your eyes to see this cosmopolitan city from a whole new perspective.
Visit: Yatala 3 Drive-In Theatre – watch the latest blockbusters under the stars
Under a sky full of stars, you and your besties snuggle up in the backseat of your rover while sipping booze from Bottle-O (aka liquor store) and watching the latest blockbuster on the big screen: sounds like the perfect way to spend your evening in Brisbane.
A favourite hangout among the locals, Yatala 3 Drive-In Theatre is the place to go for a movie under the stars – impossible in Singapore where our street lights burn bright through the night.
They say when in Rome, do what the Romans do. Don’t be fooled by its hipster exterior, this is not just another overrated, ‘cool’ novelty market. Acclaimed as the real locals’ market, Rocklea Market is a must-go to find real deals: fresh produce and deli goods on Saturday, and collectibles and plants on Sunday.
Address: 100 Jacobs Well Road, Stapylton, QLD 4207
Website
Visit: Rocklea Market – where locals get their groceries
Source: @littlehandslearning 
There are performances here too. Source
They say when in Rome, do what the Romans do. Don’t be fooled by its hipster exterior, this is not just another overrated, ‘cool’ novelty market. Acclaimed as the real locals’ market, Rocklea Market is a must-go to find real deals: fresh produce and deli goods on Saturday, and collectibles and plants on Sunday.
Address: 1252 Sherwood Rd, Rocklea QLD 4106, Australia
Website
Stay: Brisbane City YHA ($673.7 for 6D5N)
PSA: Pack your swimsuit and sunhat Source
Bask in the sunlight and feast your eyes on the breathtaking city skyline at the Brisbane City YHA’s Rooftop Pool. Expect some wow pictures of the spectacular view with your besties – you might even fool some friends into thinking that you’re staying in a 5-star hotel. No one would guess that you’re only paying $34.54+ per night!
Address: 392 Upper Roma Street Brisbane , QLD 4000
Website
Stay: Bunk Brisbane ($630.5 for 6D5N)
Running low on cash after throwing your money on knick-knacks at Rocklea Market? No sweat, instead of eating grass the next few days, eat like a king with Bunk Brisbane’s free-flow toast and cereal breakfast – there’s a reason they were crowned the best backpackers’ accommodation Australia-wide in 2016.
As long as you buay paiseh, you are in not only for free breakfast but also free shuttles from the bus station, a reptile show every Thursday and 30 minutes of wifi daily!
Address: 11-21 Gipps Street Fortitude Valley, Brisbane QLD, 4006
Website
Melbourne
When we think of Melbourne, we think of its many upmarket cafes and restaurants. As Australia’s cultural capital, the Victorian influence persists till today, evident in the city’s architecture. There are also many parks, museums, and galleries that the locals frequent, the best places to get a taste of local culture.
Tip: Kiss Uber goodbye in Melbourne, home to the biggest and most developed tram system in the world! Use their Journey Planner app to navigate around the city easily.
Visit: Captains of Industry – an all-in-one eatery, barber, shoemaker and tailor
From cooking to shoe making and even hairdressing, Captains of Industry is a hipster joint that does them all – their satisfied customers would call them a jack of all trades and master of all.
Source: @capsofindustry
Feast on their humble breakfast fare as you soak in their industrial decor and people watch – patrons admiring their new haircut or the in-house tailor crafting a custom-made suit. Its laid back vibes will give a much needed respite from the city’s hustle bustle.
Address: 2 Somerset Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Visit: Camberwell Sunday Market – Raise funds for charity at this Sunday market
Source: @hayzie93
If you wish to experience the Melbourne city life, the incessant chattering in Camberwell Sunday Market will be pleasing to your ears. Open for business every Sunday, this 370-stall second hand goods and craft market raises funds for various charitable causes.
Source: @georgieclairegh
Put your wallet on lock and key – this market might leave you with weak arms from carrying your haul. You can find craft, collectibles, and even branded goods at huge discounts!
Levis 501 for only AU$15 (SG$16.07)??? In Singapore, the exact pair costs SG$124. Source: @hannahorval
Address: Market Pl, Camberwell VIC 3124, Australia
Website
Stay: Nomads All Nations Hostel ($716.8 for 6D5N)
Source: @_goose_1
At the heart of the CBD, Normads All Nation Hostel is conveniently located among the shopping belts and the myriad of dining spots. A 3-minute walk to the Southern Cross Station and with the free City Circle Tram at your doorstep, you’re a stone’s throw from all that Melbourne has to offer.
Take a leap of faith and give the Melbourne Bike Share a shot if you’re not travelling too far. Starting from $3, it’s an affordable way to tour the city and view Melbourne from a different angle. Unfortunately, amateur cyclists should give this a miss because Melbourne roads can get hectic!
Address: 2 Spencer St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Website
Stay: Melbourne Central YHA ($703.35 for 6D5N)
Source: @cheffingitwithstiritup
Besides Melbourne Central YHA‘s top notch 24-hour service and convenient location, their hostel’s aesthetics is worth a mention. Wear your new sunkissed tan and a pair of shades to pose for your #OOTD at their iconic rooftop shed.
Address: 562 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Website
Perth
Fun fact: Perth is closer to Singapore than Canberra, making it the most isolated capital city in the world! Yes you read it right, Perth is geographically closer to Singapore than many other Australian cities.
Thankfully, Perth’s characteristic laidback vibe is worlds away from Singapore’s rush-to-work-then-rush-home-from-work culture, evident from the activities you can find here:
Do: Learn to “ice ski” at 25°C
Source: @cross.skating.australia
Snowfall is virtually impossible in Perth but that doesn’t mean we cannot enjoy winter sports in the summer. Cross skating and Nordic walking has gained traction in Perth as it allows you to ski on dry, warm land. With Perth’s wide areas and never-ending roads, you can pick up and practice skiing before going for the real thing in the biting cold.
The head coach at Cross Skating Australia & Nordic Walking WA, Hannes Holly, grew up in a ski resort in the Austrian alps, and has a lifetime of teaching skiing!
Do: Cycle through vineyards and drink vintage wines
Wine lovers will enjoy this 18km bike tour – it goes the scenic route through Perth’s most beautiful vineyards where you’ll get to sample Margaret River’s top class wines, and it ends with a meal made with fresh local produce. The tour guides double up as wine experts, explaining the subtleties of wine to ensure you’ll leave with a better understanding of what makes a good glass of wine.
Stay: Wickham Retreat Backpackers ($570.5 for 6D5N)
There are no ‘you can’t sit with us’ vibes or stranger danger feels here because with the welcoming culture at Wickham Retreat Backpackers, everyone makes each other feel welcome. At the end of your stay, you’ll have memories from your adventures and an expanded social circle with friends from all around the world!
Celebrate your new found friendships with their weekly free BBQ or pizza nights. There will also be free food for vegetarians so everyone can join in the party.
Address: 25/27 Wickham Pl, Perth WA 6004, Australia
Website
Stay: Western Beach Lodge ($541.9 for 6D5N)
Located 10 minutes by foot from Scarborough beach, Western Beach Lodge will have you embracing all that Mother Nature has to offer. With only 30 beds available, Western Beach Lodge is a more intimate setting for you to mingle with the owners and your next-door neighbours.
Address: 6 Westborough St, Scarborough WA 6019, Australia
Website
Sydney
Over 200 Hollywood and Bollywood films were shot in Sydney, making it one of the most viewed cities in the world, whether you know it or not. From Bondi beach to the Opera House, Sydney has a lot of offer for avid photographers. But mainstream photos of the city will not get you to #influencer level on Instagram – here are lesser known locations in Sydney where you can get new shots for your IG feed.
Visit: Bronte Beach – one of Sydney’s hidden secrets
Source: @spottedinsydney 
Source: @marnielandau
Sydney’s best kept secret: Bronte Beach. Although a quarter the size of Bondi Beach, it’s a sight to behold. Bronte Beach is popular among experienced surfers, although waves can occasionally be a little rough. If you’re not a strong swimmer, there are designated spots like Bronte Baths where you can relax. Bronte Beach is also known for being walking distance from several popular cafes such as Bogey Hole Café.
Address: Bronte Road, Bronte NSW 2024
Visit: Olympia Milk Bar – a peculiar 78-year old milk bar
Source: @domalessio
If you’re more culturally inclined, stop by this dusty cafe Olympia Milk Bar which doubles up as a living museum to tell the story of Australia’s love affair with the milk bar.
Source: @mrjasongrant
There are no signs of life except for a single fluorescent light globe at the back of its rickety rackety shop, which draws curious stares from passers-by. Order from its humble menu: chocolate or vanilla milkshake or tea, and you’ll be served by the owner, ‘Dr Death’. Donned in a pristine, small white apron, he infamously makes no attempt in engaging in small talk, remaining shrouded in mystery.
Address: 190 Parramatta Rd, Stanmore NSW 2048, Australia
Stay: Bounce Sydney ($722.2 for 6D5N)
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Source: @hostelworld
Named one of the ‘top 10 large hostels in the world’, Bounce Sydney is no stranger to repeat travellers. It’s home to everything you’ll ask for in a hostel: a locker with plug socket, a scenic communal rooftop to lepak, personal bed lights and WiFi at every corner.
Located next to the Central Station, it easily connects travellers to the light rail, buses and almost every train line in Sydney.
Address: 28 Chalmers St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Website
Stay: Nate’s Place ($652.55 for 6D5N)
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Source: @mitchy_do
The night is still young when our favourite attractions in Sydney close at 5pm. Thankfully, if you stay here, Nate’s Place isn’t just a backpacking hostel – it offers a myriad of activities every night to cure your boredom, beats curling in bed while watching Masterchef.
Whether you are a karaoke junkie or a party animal, your nights will end with a resounding bang!
Address: 141 William Street, Darlinghurst
Website
Adelaide
People who complain about 30 minute MRT rides, you won’t find much to complain about the highly accessible Adelaide. Known as the ‘20 minutes city’, you can reach almost anywhere in Adelaide within 20-minutes, even the airport!
Eat: Singapore House – taste of home from Adelaide
Source: @singaporehouseadl 
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You know you are a true Singaporean when you salivate at the thought of chicken rice after a week of angmoh food. Satisfy your Singaporean cravings in Adelaide at the Singapore House where authentic SG cuisine resides – a taste of home 3,362 miles away.
Address: 203 Glen Osmond Rd, Frewville SA 5063, Australia
Website
Visit: Semaphore Beach – Adelaide’s perfect beach escape
Steer clear of the city bustle at Semaphore Beach which constitutes the perfect Adelaide beach escape. Located 14km from the city, you will be treated to an array for activities that you cannot find in the heart of city.
Take a ride on the steam train which puffs along the shoreline or slither down the water slides – the world is your oyster!
Source: @ellshots
Address: Semaphore SA 5019, Australia
Stay: Glenelg Beach Hostel ($1214 for 6D5N)
If you’re looking for hostel-priced accommodations but absolutely detest sleeping in bunk beds, Glenelg Beach Hostel lays claim to the unusual fact that it’s the only bunk-free hostel in Adelaide. With high ceilings, open fireplaces, and free breakfast daily, you’ll love coming home here after a long day out at the beach.
Address: 1-7 Moseley St, Glenelg SA 5045, Australia
Website
Stay: Backpack Oz ($1228.45 for 6D5N)
Source: @nalu_kazu
A family-run business, Backpack Oz prides themselves for their free BBQ dinners every first Tuesday of the month (“the best free BBQ you’ll have in all of Australia!”) and daily happy hour with AU$4 beers. You can also rent bikes for free from 7am to 7pm daily, which is a godsend, given Adelaide’s known for having a bicycle-friendly culture.
Address:144 Wakefield St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Website
Grad trips on a budget
Dying for a getaway this June, but holding back because of the exorbitant June holiday air tickets? Join the on-peak season holiday crowd with your besties without worrying about the costs.