The event at STA Travel was called "OZ Rocks" for good reason!

It took less than five minutes for me to find myself wanting to go backpacking across Australia, despite me usually being a five star kind of person! STA Travel were on hand to offer not only affordable packages, but first hand knowledge of the vast continent.

Guests arrived to the shop to a nice cold Fosters (with plenty more to follow!), a great goody bag with a cool map and lots of brochures (I managed to bag a dinky Kuala, as well!). A number of guest speakers were on hand from Connections Adventures, Real Aussie Adventures, Greyhound Australia and VIP Backpackers - all offering advice on where to go, where not to go and giving us cost options for various type of trip.

You're not a true Ozzy
'til you shag in a swag!

Priceless advice includes the catchy "You're not a true Ozzy 'til you shag in a swag!" ...apparently the best place to do this being under a blanket of stars next to a rather large red rock! There were other cultural insights on offer too of course, but for some reason that's the one that stuck in my head.

There was a good turn-out and plenty of information to go around, with a quaint little Waterstones stall there to provide backpacker enthusiasts with the essential guides to begin their treks.

The rain outside just added to my longing to visit OZ... One day... maybe one day. But for now, I’ll have to make do with Neighbours and Home and Away to make me feel like I’m there! Not quite the same though as dirt-racing, Para-gliding, bungee jumping, walking through a rainforest, camel trekking, white water rafting, quad biking, surfing, hot air ballooning... Need I go on?

If you’re interested in a trip to Oz then go and chat to the friendly staff at STA to help you start planning your trip.