Semester 1 is coming to a close and while this might bring celebration and a well-deserved break for many hard-working students, given the current impact of COVID-19, the holidays may look a bit different for you this year. We’ve put together some ideas for getting out and about IRL across Australia, as well as some virtual activities you can experience from your lounge room anywhere in the world.  

As we start to come out the other side of #Rona, different states in Australia have different guidelines so please check with your state government to ensure we keep everyone safe before undertaking any of the below activities. 

1. Visit a zoo

Zoos are great for a day out, where you can meet new animals you might not have seen before and learn all about their environments and habits. As it may not be possible to visit a zoo in person right now, some of our best zoos around the world have started virtual excursions where you can e-visit a zoo from your very own home. Check out a full list of the zoos offering a virtual experience here. 

2. Bar hopping

No more classes mean you can spend the evening with friends and a drink in hand. Bars are slowly starting to open around the country but with volume restrictions still in place, you might have to book ahead and hop around to a few different locations. Here’s a list of some of the best bars in Australia. Maybe give them a call to see if they have re-opened before you head out, and always drink responsibly.

3. Check out a museum

You may be missing your cultural fix with most museums and art galleries still closed. Broaden your horizons with a virtual walkthrough of some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, even the Louvre! Check out 30 amazing virtual tours here. 

4. Picnic

One of the first things to be encouraged in Australia after the lockdown was having a picnic and it’s not hard to understand why. Get outside to one of the great national parks or your local park with some friends, nice cheese and fresh fruit to nibble on - sometimes the most simple things can be the best. 

5. Enter outer space 

Ready to leave earth momentarily? NASA Live has you sorted with live coverage of events and a regular program of live views of space and interviews with scientists and astronauts Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. 

6. Hiking 

There are so many wonderful trails and hikes that are just waiting to be explored. Pack a bag of snacks and plenty of water and enter nature. The great outdoors awaits and hiking is a great combination of nature and exercise. Check out some of the great hikes in Australia solo or with friends, you won’t regret it. 

7. Outdoor bootcamps

Outdoor bootcamps are back in force and a good way to kickstart or improve your health and fitness. Check out this list for some bootcamps available around Australia. Many big gyms in Australia including F45 and Goodlife are also offering outdoor bootcamps or online sessions so have a look on Facebook for your local centre.

8. Work 

Unemployment is still quite high in Australia at the moment but there are plenty of opportunities available in grocery stores and health care for students. If you want to take advantage of the holidays to earn some extra cash, check out our blog on how international students can earn additional cash during COVID-19.

9. See the natural wonders of the world - without leaving the house

If you’ve already exhausted your local parks, try an online hike of Everest or the jaw-dropping ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, plus virtual tours of Patagonia. Ten of the best virtual tours of the world’s natural wonders can be found here. 

10. Beach trip 

In Australia we are blessed with some of the best beaches in the world and they’re all completely free. Plus there’s a lot of great bays including Moreton Bay and Raby Bay if the waves aren’t for you. Most of the beaches are open again but it’s always best to check before you head out, and always swim between the flags where lifeguards can see you. 

There is still plenty to do these holidays but it is a strange time as we figure out what the world looks like post-COVID so remember to take it easy on yourself - you have earned it! We wish you a safe and happy break and good luck with the rest of your studies.