When I first began planning my trip I didn’t want to go to Australia. I’d been before and didn’t fancy the hyper-expensive backpacking environment after being able to live so frugally in Asia. But then I realised that it would fit in well with Christmas, and with my Granny over from the UK, it would be a nice break from the travelling rollercoaster, and a great opportunity to get to know my Australian relatives.

Three weeks is a long time to spend in a country that is not generally a feature of most Round-the-World adventures; perhaps that is why I enjoyed my time so much: it’s off the well-trodden travellers’ path. It actually surprises me that I was there for three weeks as I really didn’t do very much. I stayed in four places, yet only spent £4 on ‘attraction entry’: two national park entry fees in Borneo. I did go to the Batu Caves outside Kuala Lumpur (bit of an anti-climax but a fun public bus journey to get there), but other than that I spent a lot of time just wandering the streets, getting a feel for the communities I was intruding in.

As soon as you set eyes upon the Rivoli Cinemas in the Melbourne district of Camberwell you know that you are in a special place. It might only have eight screens, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in impact: the classy red brick /white and orange tile exterior blends favourably with the elegant Art Deco interior. Guided through the chrome doors by a trouser-suited doorwoman, you are greeted by a magnificent foyer, complete with black and white icon portraits and a curved split staircase oozing class and luxury. This is the Harrods of cinemas.

Australia Stats

Singapore Stats