Brisbane: Through My Eyes

Photo Credit: Brisbanetimes.com.au

I left Chinchilla and  headed 2 hours to the east coast, where I would catch my flight from bustling Brisbane. The city was lively, musical, artsy and in bloom. Unfortunately the hostel I chose called The Tin Pan or something like that was dirty, overcrowded and stifling, with not a window in any room. I made the best of it by spending most of my visit in Brisbane exploring the outdoors and the rad art installations all around the city. 

I headed down to walk along the riverbanks of Brisbane, since the city itself is actually 9 km or so away from the ocean. It was really quite beautiful. It's where the stunning modern architecture of the city meets the natural beauty of earth, air, and water. I was giddy about all the great aarchitecture, and became even more excited about Brisbane after checking out the street buskers.  

One stands out in my memory. A slightly overweight woman with a beautiful face. I remember her like it was yesterday. She had dark hair, dark eyes and plumps lips traced in deep red. She was sitting down, proudly playing this full-bodied, enchanting song on her cello. She was dressed in this crimson red dress made of a light, lingering material, which danced in the light breeze, and draped over her body, down to the ground and across the cobblestone path. She caught my eye and as I passed my face turned to keep watching her. When I looked away I realized everyone was doing the same. She was the fire.  The city seemed to be in perfect balance.

Passing under pergolas of vines and flowers, my friend and I (who had eventually got back onto speaking terms) made our way to the outdoor markets and to the revered Spanish Restaurant, OLE.
  
The food and drinks were very good and I enjoyed the atmosphere. I started to think I should have come to Brisbane sooner. The energy in this city was so different from other Aussie cities I experienced. I had been in Sydney many times, and in honesty, it was nothing spectacular. I skipped over Melbourne, which Ive heard has an amazing nightlife (but not much else, of course depending what your interests are) and  made my way to Adelaide, which was likeable- but Brisbane, now that's my kinda place. 

If you like art, green space, local food and a community feeling in a warm, sunny place, Brisbane just might be for you.

 Fortunately my not wanting to leave was combated by the fact that I was headed for New Zealand (!), one of the greatest destinations in the world. It was looking like my wishlist was starting to come true.  

The next day I caught a direct train to the "Brissy" airport and flew over "the ditch" to Wellington, New Zealand.

New Years in OZ- Ringing in 2013- Monteray Style!

I wont lie- I was very excited to get out of Australia and return back to Asia, but in all honesty, after living with 20 other amazing backpackers and forming some great friendships, I almost didnt want to leave.

 One of the best memories I have/ kind of don't have, was New Years Eve on the farm (which was dubbed 'Monteray') As another breath-taking sunset fell on us, we took it all in and got prepared for a decidedly sloppy night on the farm. A few days before the event, my friend Lydia (from France) and I were making plans for the party and deciding what liquor to buy. I mentioned the classic drink: The Caesar. To my shock her, or anyone else for that matter had never tried one, and didnt even know what it was! I took the liberty of introducing everyone, with what ingredients I could scrounge up from Chinchilla's local IGA. Now, believe it or not, Australia does not have Clamato or any Clam/tomato juice, so I had to make due with some V8 type juice, which is no comparison, but hey! You make due when youre in no-mans land!

i

 PRE-DRINKS!
The Caesars were a hit-a little too much! We ran out of plain vodka and decided to use lemon vodka and yes..ew, vanilla vodka..but hey! Its better than Goon! (a cheap boxed wine popular in Australia, which I dont even think has any grapes in it, I heard it is made from shellfish and other nasty ingredients..) One thing lead to another and soon enough we were passing around the 'boxhead' in "Kings".

We finished the night by walking down the road with a cooler of Corona and limes ( pitch black Australian road in the middle of the outback= super creepy!!)... but we made it and set up a fire down by the river! I remember walking down there with Marie from France and WOW did we have so much fun...lol...long story!

After this point I cant say I remember that much, except for the midnight hugs n kisses, the guys pulling a massive turtle out of the river, Jack being wasted drunk and having to go home early and me getting in trouble for dancing on a car....

The Most Eastern Cape of Australia: If Youre Not There, You Want To Be

My Roaming Backpack finally reached Byron Bay, and..Im in love! Yep, that pretty much sums it up! Ive been thinking about how to describe Byron to all of you, but its really difficult. Much like The Arts Factory, we are speaking of such a high level of awesomeness here, that words just don’t, and wont do it justice. Nevertheless, Ill give it a shot, but please keep in mind that this really only scratches the surface of the true vibe of Byron. 

Byron Bay marks the most easterly point of Australia, and is famous for being one of the best surf spots in the entire world! one of the, if not the most popular tourist town of this country. It is a clean, relaxed, colorful, positive, hip, chic, earthy, organics, local/fresh-produce kinda town. Everyone loves it; the locals, the beach bums, surfers, party-people, tourists, grand-parents, children, nature-lovers, wild-life enthusiasts, farmers, merchants, backpackers, hippies, musicians- everyone. At the risk of sounding like a cliche tourist advertisement, its true, there is something here for everybody. So far, in the 6 weeks Ive spent in Australia, it is my favorite place to be, and I can see myself going back there, again and again.. and again! Since Ive left Byron, people ask “So, where'd you last come from?”, when I say Byron, they reply “Lucky!”, or “Im so jealous!” If you're not there, you want to be, even if you don't know it yet!

 The town is a precious gem of calm, situated in between other average, chaotic, "box-store" commercialized towns. However the Shire of Byron Bay is committed to keeping its wholesomeness in tact. You will not find a Target, or McDonald's here, and probably never will! The town boasts its commitment to small businesses, and local products and the residents voice their opinions strongly about changes in the community. They have a large pull, and fight to keep Byron from becoming commercialized like surrounding towns, and to maintain their identity as a small, ethical, artistic haven (as I read in the local paper, The Echo) There are strict town laws about littering, and even throwing a cigarette butt on the ground will lead to a $200 fine. It is refreshing to see a group take such pride in their community and work to protect it's image, history and message to the world- GO TEAM BYRON!

The town is composed of only a few small streets that back-up Byrons beautiful Main Beach. I hope it stays this way, and I hope in the future they will be turned into walking streets. Walking down the streets is such a huge part of the experience. You see buskers on just about every corner, playing just about every instrument, and singing -you name it, they're there. 

 My favorite was hearing a man sing “Imagine” by John Lennon, and a girl who was playing the harp beautifully. It makes you stop for a moment, and listen- and that is when you are truly alive, when you are in the moment.

 I think it is great what the Byron community does, and I'm sure a lot people are grateful like me. I hope they never stop. During my visit, I heard that Byron has the highest population of artists per capita, and is home to one of my favorite musicians, Ben Harper. It is also the birth place of The Arts Factory, The Blues Fest and so many other music festivals.

                                      Check out this Ben Harper music video- 

                                    it was filmed in Byron Bay,  Lennox Head

                                     and surrounding areas. I was just there!

Taking a tour of the town you will seemingly go back in time. You will see 70's muscle cars, rainbow-painted hippie vans, hippie chicks and dudes, drum circles, local markets, vegetarian restaurants, heaps of local, hand-made jewellery, natural-material clothing, natural cosmetics and health products, organic hair salons, hand-rolled incense, legal smoking herbs, didgery-doos and djembe drums! Then theres the handful of beaches and hiking trails, the magnificent view from the famous lighthouse, the beautiful beach houses, fresh-sea food restaurants, beach pubs selling the local brews and wine, boutique coffee shoppes and book stores, surf schools, souvenir and travel shoppes, the list goes on and on!

 

 It just doesnt get much better then this! After hitting the beach, and strolling the streets of Byron all day, sun-kissed, in shorts and flip-flops ( or as the Aussies call them, “thongs”) you really feel like you walked straight out of a classic Australian movie. It doesnt take long to get used to summer living here, thats for sure!

Related Articles:

A Spiritual & Self-Sustained Community 

Destination Byron Bay: Two Days of Travel, Day 1

Adventures Are Full of Mis-Adventures Part 1

Byron Bay, Australia, Hostel Review: The Arts Factory, aka The Coolest Place in the World!

 
How can I say this? 
This is the coolest place on the planet!
 Okay, okay, so I haven't seen the whole planet- but I just don't know how else to convey the sheer awesomeness of this haven! It is by far, hands down, without a doubt the coolest hostel- if you can even call it that. It is a hostel, a.k.a. budget accommodation for backpackers, but- it is so much more!

 The Arts Factory Backpacker Lodge is an eco-friendly, artistically-centered hostel, and was the perfect introduction to Byron Bay! What a true reflection about what this "alternative lifestyles community" is all about; nature, art, healing, love. There is an energy alive here that is hard to quantify with words, that which I have found in few other places. It made me happy to know places like this can exist in today's world. It seems to attract happy, peaceful, artistic individuals and promotes an atmosphere of acceptance and love. Its not "just hippies". 

 

TAKE A TOUR FOR YOURSELF!

 
{History:

"In the 70’s many hippies, local and international artist’s created the ‘Arts Factory Village’! In the 80’s it was an internationally recognized rock and roll venue. The ‘Birthplace’ of much of the fame and spirit of Byron Bay, as a backpackers hostel it still maintains that original spirit today. The Arts Factory Village was also the birthplace of the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival and is now home to a diverse range of businesses offering a unique selection of accommodation, food, entertainment, arts, health & well-being.."-from About the Arts Factory, Byron Bay}

I slept in a gigantic tee-pee for two nights, it was such a cool experience. The Arts Factory also has cabins, garden burees, dorm rooms, private rooms, camp-sites and other funky abodes! When I woke up in the morning, I was in love! The eco-friendly hostel was well-integrated into this "jungle oasis" which had been developing over the last 40 years! Massive, mature native trees all around, and even one huge Boddhi tree (the same tree under which Buddha meditated under and found enlightenment.)

The Arts Factory is spread over several acres of wild land and only a short walk from the town center. Everywhere you walk there is art done by backpackers from all over the world, over the years. They do not condone meaningless graffiti, but they do encourage beautiful art with a positive message. When there, you are surrounded by pictures and words of inspiration, messages of love and understanding, things like; "Be Yourself", " The earth is my church", and "Share your vision".  
 
On top of it all, its so beautiful that someone, somewhere is always playing guitar, the didge, or singing, dancing, or hula-hooping! Creation captivates this place. There is also a in-ground pool, cinema, a restaurant and a brewery on site! The Arts Factory has everything you could ever want, you hardly need to leave! Oh and you cant forget the volleyball courts, ping pong tables, guitars and art supplies available for no fee! This place was sweet!! If youre in the area, check it out, I promise- You will love it!

Some of my favourite things at The Arts Factory were: 

-"Talent Night"( I heard someone play a French jazz version of songs from The Jungle Book, very cool!)
-The painted bus!
-The local produce: jewellery, and natural foods and teas for sale (my fav was the freshly squeezed lemon/ginger/honey tea!)
-Cockatoo Paul (the entertainer, he does live music shows, and does bush-walks with guests to educate them about local plants and animals. He is famous for his pet cockatoo which is always on his shoulder!) 

Homepage

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Heres my overall review:

Overall Experience: POSITIVE        Stayed: 2 days/nights

Cleanliness        -Teepee, kitchen and lounge areas were all relatively clean
4/5                           

Staff                    -Staff were extremely friendly people who went over and beyond
4.5/5                    for customer service. Reception went beyond, and the fire in the teepee was well-tended.

Location             -Walking distance from town, but far away enough to feel the "oasis' jungle feeling
 5/5                       

Security              -Small lockers under beds in teepee, but dont seem that secure, however it is relatively 4/5                       safe because of the type of people that are drawn to this hostel. 
                            -Huge computerized lockers available, 3$/12 hours
                            -Reception tries to monitor people entering

Facilities            -Kitchen, on top deck, opens onto a patio overlooking the oasis, spacious
5/5                      -Deposit required on cutlery
                           -Large in-ground pool , and small pond (not for swimming)
                           -Several lounge areas, no tv
                           -Restrooms: Spacious, clean 4 toilet stalls, 4 showers
                           -Laundry: did not use 

Environment     -Plenty of backpackers, all ages, many artists, hippies, people leading alternative lifestyles
4.5/5                  -Happy, positive environment

                          -Beds are comfortable
                          -Can be loud late at night, usually guitar or singing
                               

Price                   -25$/night for one bed in big tee pee
4/5                       -4$/hour

Homepage 

A Spiritual, Self-Sustaining Community: Alternative Living

Living in a Sydney hostel while looking for a job in Australia turned out to be extremely expensive. For an interesting accomodation alternative for the weekend we looked up some contacts on Couchsurfing.org. Not only would it give us the opportunity to save some money, but we found a few interesting people who we thought we'd like to meet- Rowan Classen was one of them. He emailed us back almost immediately and told us to come visit for the weekend, he would send his girlfriend to pick us up from the train station.

We would have arrived at Rowans one hour after boarding a train from Central Station, however luck would have it that we boarded the right directional train, but the wrong train! Turns out the tracks split at Blacktown, so we had to take an additional train to back-track to Blacktown, and then an another train which took us to our destination: Mulgrave. 

We arrived in Mulgrave, a small rural town 50 km from Sydney 3 hours later! By this time some funky weather was mixing in the sky as the sun went down- which made for an amazing sunset as we drove to his home. As we arrived we were told about its history. We were standing in front of a 180 yr old slab house! Built simply of stone slabs, wood and a tin roof, it was miraculously still standing. With some minor restorations and a few fire places added, the house functioned properly, although it did get pretty cold at night!

Rowan, his mother, father and brother all live on the property, in separate houses which are spread through-out the land, which is actually a cut off section of the rainforest. The property lies on a river in between 2 national parks, and is surrounded by beautiful tropical flora, fauna and wildlife. Although it is just outside the city limits the area has a fantastic country feeling. The area is very quiet, rural, and at night the sky is so clear the constellations could be mistaken as a ceiling. The area is dotted with several farms, and Rowan himself has pet alpacas and ducks roaming the property. Down by the river is where I spotted my first kangaroo- it must have been nearly 7 ft. tall!

Over the two days we were guests of Rowans, we learned that he is very passionate about seeking the truth in all things. We talked for hours on end, but one of the things he said still repeats clearly in my mind today. He said,“When money comes first, everything else comes second, including the truth. “It is difficult to describe exactly what this may mean, because we discussed so many interesting subjects, but if you care to know you must meet him for yourself. Being very knowledgeable about ancient history, astrology, natural remedies, and sustainable development Im sure he could have interesting coversations with any open-minded individual. He is currently developing alternative energies to self-sustain during a time of need. We were given a tour of his property and shown the different technologies he is currently using. Since having city water brought to the property is extremely expensive and latent with flouride, (something he aggressively disagrees with) Rowan prefers to collect water in creative, alternative ways. He recycles and filters rain water for drinking and for showers. While I was there he was expanding his catchment system to be able to provide water for more people. He also uses dehumidifiers to extract clean drinking water from the air.

A natural, compost toilet which requires no water from the city is also one of his completed projects. He built it himself after attending a workshop at a festival called Confest. From what he explained to me it seems relatively simple and an environmentally friendly alternative to wasting fresh water and/or using lime to decompose waste in the typical out-house. Also, its almost stink-less! (The waste goes down into a catchment system which is virutally air tight. There is a fan at the bottom which removes methane- ideally the toilet lid should be closed after use, so when reopened a suction is created, pulling air down, pushing methane out. This reduces any foul smell while natural organisms decompose the waste.) Its ZEN too!

Rowan is in the process of developing a sustainable and spiritual community, which will be called White Gums Community, after the native tree that covers the rainforest. If you are an open-minded, spiritual individual, please visit to learn more!

If you enjoyed this post, please "Like" below to share on FB! Thnx for reading Roaming Backpack!