Hello, my beautiful babies – I hope you’re all doing well at life, succeeding. Not disappointing your parents, not making future-wrecking decisions, not wasting your finite and fleeting time on this beautiful earth.
I’m not sure if I’ve clearly explained what I’m up to at the moment yet on this blog; it was briefly mentioned it in my First Two Weeks Of September Bullet Journal Spread post, but let me explain it all in a bit more detail. (Now that I actually, you know, know what I’m doing. That always helps.)
I am currently doing a Workaway in the bloody beautiful town of Bellingen in New South Wales, Australia . . . solo travelling! (Yeah, no idea how that happened either. Four months ago I was working, wholeheartedly kind of against travelling alone, no desire to go to Australia whatsoever . . . and now I’m here. Life, kids, it’s a weird one.)
If you’re interested in travelling or international volunteering, you may have heard of the site Workaway. It’s a brilliant website connecting travellers with hosts willing to let them stay for free (often with food included or with pay minus accomodation costs); if you’re looking for a way to travel cheaply, it’s great for free accommodation and a bit of structure.
This means that, for my second month in Australia, I’m working 2 hours a day in a hostel in exchange for free accommodation – and, as it’s honestly insanely beautiful and I don’t really know how I got so lucky, I thought I’d take you on a little tour!
The Belfry Guesthouse – Bellingen YHA Hostel
Now, I know that most of you do not enjoy watching videos – and that’s fine. This is, after all, a written blog. However, to get the true atmosphere that this beautiful little place has to offer, you absolutely need to watch the video. My photography just isn’t that great, I’m sorry.
The entire hostel is really beautifully decorated (especially if you’re a hippy-at-heart like me!), with a whole load of relaxing spaces to just hang out and chill.
As it’s slightly-rainforest, there’s a gorgeous deck (pictured above) with a nice dining table, a pool table, a little sofa space for everyone to sit and chat on . . . and a view to die for. And that view isn’t a “look, but don’t touch” – if you walk down the steps in the garden, it takes you straight to the Bellinger River!
(Some great reading spots both in the hostel and by the river, by the way.) (Also, a great bookstore a five minute walk away in town – The Alternative Bookstore – that sells books about things like politics, social issues, the environment, etc. Literally my first stop after food. #Priorities)
One thing I really love about this place is the blend of retro, shabby chic and bohemian. It doesn’t just translate in the decor; it’s in the atmosphere.
As it’s generally a pretty quiet hostel (since I’ve been here, we’ve had solo travellers, families and older travellers as well as your typical backpackers), the vibe is super chilled and relaxed. You can easily sit on the deck and write for a few hours, or walk into town and get supplies to bake, or curl up and read, or listen to people playing guitar or any other number of lackadaisical pursuits.
However, probably due to the nature of the town – which we will totally get to in another post because this place is great – the bohemian spirit is definitely strong in a lot of the people who pass through here. You tend to cook and eat dinner with a lot of the guests, who are all really open and friendly. (Hell, you tend to spend your days doing climbs and discovering new places with them!)
Also worth noting, from the perspective of convenience, there’s free (fast!) Wi-fi for all the guests that is easily connected to from everywhere in the hostel – even the beautiful decks! If you’re like me and you like to work from your laptop, you can set up shop literally anywhere and even the outdoor spaces have power outlets for charging etc.
I would show you the rooms (all of which are simply beautifully decorated) but there are currently guests occupying all of them, so . . . well I can’t.
Honestly, this place is so freaking gorgeous, I can’t believe it. The staff are great, the guests are interesting and friendly, the location is simply beautiful . . . what more could a girl ask for? (Well, maybe a rich husband to buy me a place like this, but I digress.) I only have to work 2 hours a day for accommodation, doing really simple cleaning tasks and the managers are so lovely and accommodating that you can actually choose your hours around whatever you want to do on any given day.
Well, guys, I guess that’s us done for today! I hope you enjoyed this little location update . . . isn’t the Belfry absolutely bloody stunning? Would you ever stay here? Have you ever tried Workaway? Let me know your thoughts down below!
Peace,
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What a cute place. I especially love the relaxing outdoor areas.
Me too! It’s got a great vibe and loads of places to just kick back and relax 🙂
I love how you gathered enough courage to move to your favourite place.I cant get myself to do that even when I want to move out with all my heart.australia looks like an amazing place!
Thank you so much! I hope you do end up moving one day <3
🤗🤗🤗 this is insane! 😂 I would definitely agree for such a work set up!!! My golly! Love the place. 🙂
Girl, you can! Check out the website, it’s worldwide and has some AMAZING opportunities 🙂
I will! 😁😁
Holy shit I’m so jealous of you Mia. That’s sounds flipping perfect for you, even just watching that video, it’s such a beautiful house, and suits you perfectly to a tee! And two hours a day???That you can choose??? In return for that??? You’re living your best life atm x
And the girl with me at the moment is awesome too!! Honestly, Priya, this place is the best – I’ve met SO MANY PEOPLE (some of whom are Melbs based, so we shall meet them!) xx
Oooh I love the outdoor area! The house is gorgeous! And omg – you work 2 hours a day for free accommodation? That’s so cool! 😀
I know, the whole atmosphere is so beautiful I can’t! And yes, it’s super lucky x
This place is truly stunning, I love outdoor area it’s perfect place to relax and think while having some snacks and drinks. xx
It’s honestly so gorgeous, I’ve been loving it here! It’s perfect for working, chilling, socialising…. who could complain! xx
This sounds like such a great deal! (I mean 2 hours a day that you can plan around your day?!) It looks like a slice of heaven btw. I love all of the greenery, personally, it always makes me so much more inspired! xx
It is such a great deal! And ughhh Fiona, it’s so beautiful – I’ve started recording a “Week In Bellingen” video and you will LOVE all the scenery xx
So excited to see! x
Jeez this is a beautiful. What a place of sanctuary (how the hell did you get so lucky?!) though I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more. When I picture in my mind the place that I’d feel most creative in, this is the kind of thing that springs to mind. Thank you for this little tour!! xxx
It is beautiful! and I KNOW GIRL, I LUCKED OUT! Plus the people I’ve been working with are amazingggg 🙂 Thank you so much, Chloe! If you’re ever in Aus, make sure you check it out!xxx
I never heard of workaways before i just thought you were going to work here for pay since you were living in Australia for a bit. Its pretty interesting actually 🤔
Might do some more research on it ha
Such a lovely post thanks for sharing 💞🤗
Okay, first – this place is so beautiful <3 !
Second of all, I can't believe you had a chance to work those two hours in an excange for the accomodation – like wow, what? Can we have more of that in Europe, cause I didn't hear for something like that like ever.
I truly wish you the best – hope you meet new awesome friends and have nothing less than a great experience! xx
They’ve got work aways all over the world, typically in smaller or more rural cities. You can stay on farms, work on projects, all kinds of stuff. You may find something you like. I’ve been wanting to do something in Ireland!
I definitely have to search about it – sounds so cool. Thank you for the info! xx
This looks amazing! You are living your best life! So happy for you girl xx
Beautiful!
Wow this is so freaking cool!
Brianna | http://briannamarielifestyle.com/
ugh it’s gorgeous!! never thought a hostel could be that beautiful!!
I love this post girl!!! it looks so amazing – I’m honestly living for the whole bohemian setting, it’s giving me such major wanderlust vibes 😍✨✨
The decor, the landscaping, I love it all! What a beautiful place to be (:
This is such a gorgeous house. I love the blue planter! I adore those planters. You have great taste.
What a spectacular life you lead, Mia! I am honored to have a peak into it. I bet you met some incredible individuals. What a brilliant, beautiful post as always, thank you for sharing <3
It’s so pretty there!n
Ahhh! What a beautiful place, Mia! You are so brave for living there all by yourself & just doin’ your thing! Those outdoor areas are amazing!
Haven’t heard of workaway but thats definitely a good deal! Love the place too.
Ooow the place is so cute!! I wanted to try Workaway a few years ago, but never did! It must be an amazing exeprience! 😊
Wow this looks like a dream place 😍 What a beautiful hostel! I heard about workaway and it’s amazing that you only have to work two hours and can stay there for free. You are so lucky. The only thing I won’t like in Australia are the snakes and other scary animals 😂 Enjoy your time in Australia 🇦🇺❤️
The hostel looks absolutely beautiful – I am so glad you are having a good time in Australia. How do you spend your days when you are not working? xx
Oh wow, this look so cute! Sounds like you are having an amazing time Xx
What a lovely place!! Wish I could come and visit 😄 xx