Where did you go?
Adnan Malik: So I just got back from a grand Australian Summer (Southern hemisphere!) and was in Sydney, Melbourne and went into the Otways in Victoria.
What made you go here?
AM: I went for the Asia Society, Asia 21 Young Leaders of the World conference in Melbourne (I am a fellow). And then I spent the next few weeks just pottering about, writing, exploring, hiking, swimming and making new friends!
What did you pack?
AM: In Sydney, I stayed at Bondi beach, so I really just needed swimming gear, towels, hiking shoes and a very relaxed sense of style. It’s very laid back. Melbourne has more edge and required a little more hipster awareness. I packed light as I knew I would be moving around a lot, so I picked up some things from there as well.
What was your favourite meal/restaurant?
AM: The food in Australia is top notch! The produce is so fresh! I have to say that eating in Melbourne especially, is consistently the best food in the world for me! The Asian influence is amazing and even the Italian food is so fresh. I guess it’s the ingredients. And breakfast was by far the best meal of the day. Between iterations of avocado on toast and three mushrooms on toast, I was set. And awesome coffee! The best meal I probably had was between this Italian meal of pumpkin ravioli with sage and a black Russian tomato salad with feta at Love Supreme, and this amazing Wagyu beef salad and a barramundi dish with fresh peppers at Rice Paper Scissors.
(I’ve set up a Google maps for my trip in Melbourne that is public so you can check out all the places I recommend!)
What was the biggest highlight of your trip/most memorable moment?
AM: I loved the long hikes and the integration of nature into daily life. I loved looking at the trees and hearing the birds. I also loved living on the beach in Bondi. I would have to say the highlights were between swimming under a waterfall in the rainforests of Victoria (where we saw a brown poisonous rattle snake!) and the 10km hike from Spit Bridge to Manly one morning in Sydney. There were all these small, swimmable beaches on the way that I took dips in and the hike was just stunning. It ended with snorkeling in Manly. Stunning day!
Favourite shopping destination?
AM: I didn’t shop much. It’s all about the outdoors, the food and the people you meet. I did buy lots of locally roasted coffee to bring back for my grinder and French press.
Some sights worth seeing?
AM: In Sydney, definitely do the walk from Bondi to Coogee. It’s a beautiful coastal walk! The Opera House, for all its touristyness, is a cool place to hang out. In Melbourne, it’s all about the alleyways and the incredible street art.
What are some spots for a night out?
AM: I liked that Australia wasn’t big on debauched nights out. It was all about day-time hangings!
Travel essentials?
AM: Hiking shoes, easy to wear clothes, at most one pair of pants/jeans, as it’s always minimal dressing in the Summer. As the Aussies say: get your sunnies, bathers and runners, and you’ll be fine (sunglasses, swim suits and sneakers)! Also, sun block as the sun can get super harsh. And if you’re in Melbourne, then you need to carry a rain jacket with you at all times, as the weather is unpredictable even within the same day! Also, get a reusable water bottle and fill up wherever you go – no need to buy mineral water and definitely don’t use single-use plastics!
Any travel tips you would like to share?
AM: There are warm hearted, sunny people in Australia. Everyone’s (mostly) friendly and they take time out to listen to your story. Be open and integrate. Yes it’s expensive, but the nature is incredible and it’s a laid back lifestyle (and they love cricket). So it’s one of the best places in the world for me!
I found the best way to stay there was to Airbnb – you make new friends and get to see the place like a local. All you really need is a smart phone, some credit cards and some pre-planning, and you are set!
INTERVIEW: MEHR KASSIM
PHOTOGRAPHS: COURTESYADNAN MALIK
