Walking around the city of Newcastle in Australia

Walking around the City of Newcastle in Australia

Newcastle, fondly known as "Newy" by locals, is a vibrant city nestled on the east coast of Australia, approximately 162 kilometers north of Sydney, which is just 2 hours drive from Sydney and almost 3 hours by train. The city is designed to enjoy by people who love to walk around to sho, eat or just enjoy the beaches and parks. 

No visit to Newcastle would be complete without spending some time at its iconic beach. Newcastle Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The beach is also home to the Newcastle Ocean Baths, a saltwater swimming pool that is perfect for those who prefer a more sheltered swimming experience.

For those interested in history, a visit to Nobbys Head Lighthouse is a must. The lighthouse was built in 1858 and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Newcastle. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views of the city and coastline.

For those who enjoy a good wine, the Hunter Valley wine region is just a short drive from Newcastle. The Hunter Valley is home to over 150 wineries, producing a wide variety of wines, including Shiraz, Chardonnay, and Semillon.

With its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant arts scene, Newcastle is a city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or a cultural adventure, Newcastle is sure to impress.

Neighboring places to visit from Newcastle:

• Port Stephens: Located just north of Newcastle, Port Stephens is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. With its calm waters and sheltered bays, Port Stephens is a great place for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing.

  

  
  

• Central Coast: The Central Coast is a stretch of coastline that lies between Sydney and Newcastle. The Central Coast is home to a number of popular tourist destinations, including the Bouddi National Park, the Australian Reptile Park, and the Central Coast Mariners football (soccer) club.

• Blue Mountains: The Blue Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage-listed mountain range located about two hours west of Sydney. The Blue Mountains are known for their stunning scenery, including towering cliffs, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls.

My online investments tools in Australia.

These are some of the investments tools I am using here in Australia. 

Saving Account or Transaction Account

When I arrived in Australia on 2016, My sponsor chooses to open my bank account with Commonwealth Bank. A regular Savings account or Transaction Account where my salary is going to be deposited by my employer. 

Salary in Australia is being deposited to the savings account usually every week.  This transaction account is normally the one I am using to pay for my apartment, to get money from the ATM machine. It can also be access through online banking and through  the Commonwealth Bank App. 

Through the Commonwealth Bank App, I opened another savings account which is called Goal Saver Account.

Goal Saver Account

Goal Saver Account is where I regularly transfer portion of my weekly salary to save. 

It is a savings account that offers a high interest rate if you meet certain conditions. Here's a breakdown of the key features:

• Interest Rate:
  • You can earn a bonus interest rate of 4.9% per annum (p.a.) on your balance, provided you make at least one deposit each month and your account balance increases over the month compared to the previous month.
  • If you don't meet these conditions, the interest rate drops to a much lower 0.40% p.a.
• Minimum balance: There's no minimum balance required to open a Goal Saver Account.
• Deposits and withdrawals:
• You can make unlimited deposits into your account.
• However, to qualify for the bonus interest rate, you can't make any withdrawals during the month.
• You get one free assisted withdrawal per month via branch or ATM, but subsequent withdrawals will incur fees.

Here is the screenshot of my Goal Saver Account with my weekly $10 automatic transfer from my Transaction Account, and the weekly variable bonus interest and credit interest. 

CommSec Account

Because the salary in Australia comes every week, investing in the stock market is a good thing to do, aside from just saving the money. 

Commsec is Australia's largest online stockbroking firm and it is a subsidiary of commonwealth bank, and because of this, opening a Commsec account is easy simply by using the Commonwealth Bank account. 

Commsec website is easy to navigate and easy to understand and that is why this is where I got some of my stock market investments. I was not aware before that Commsec is more costly than other brokerages.

Some people are trader, they are usually very active in buying and selling. They buy low and sell high to get the profit in a matter of hour or days. Some people like me are just buying and holding hoping for the stocks to keep on going high in value. Some people are just getting the dividend and some are reinvesting their dividends. 

Some of my holdings.

• The A2 Milk company Limited  
• Vanguard Australian Shares High Yield ETF 

Cryptocurrency

It was 2017 when I started to buy some coins with my extra $500. Its total value at the time of writing is $5244.8

 I understand the idea of cryptocurrency being similar to stock market where you buy low and sell high. But the same like in the stock market, I normally just buy and hold hoping that the value will go up in the future.  I am Using Coinspot to buy and sell cryptocurrency because it is base in Australia and it is trustworthy for someone like me living in Australia.

Here are some of the screenshots of my portfolio and check this link for my full cryptocurrency story. 

International Stock Market

When it comes to buying international share of stocks and cryptocurrency I am using eToro.

One of the best feature of eToro is the Virtual Account. 

Virtual Account is like being able to invest to the real stocks using a $100000 Virtual money from eToro.  This virtual account allow the user especially the beginner to understand the movements of stock markets and cryptocurrency that is also applicable to Real Account. 

The Real Account is where I deposited a money coming from my Commbank Account and then I was able to buy some US stocks, which I currently have Google share of stocks, and I also have Shiba Inu Cryptocurrency.  And on my virtual account I initially bought Tesla but sold it and then just followed one investor copying his investments and now my $100,000 is now $100,345.95.

Follow and copying investor is one of the best feature of eToro.  We all know that some people are master of their craft and so as some investor are masters of investing, they know it very well and they succeed. We as beginner can just sit to follow and copy and we'll just see it growing...hopefully.

My failed Investments.

In 2021 I invest about A$500 with Celsius. Celsius was another international cryptocurrency platform base in the USA, They went bankrupt but the good thing is they refunded the money to me and transferred it to another Cryptocurrency platform which is Coinbase. Because of this I have some Ethereum with Coinbase which is at the moment got higher value than it was A$500 in Celsius.

I do not have so much knowledge about investing that is why I am investing only the money I can afford to lost, and these are all my online investments tools here in Australia that I can access anytime anywhere in the world I am. It feels good looking at it on the app. It inspires me.

 

Hiking with Crocs

Hiking with a pair of Crocs

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Crocs shoes are made of a proprietary closed-cell resin called Croslite, which makes them soft, comfortable, lightweight, non-marking, and odor-resistant. They are available in a variety of styles, including clogs, sandals, and shoes. Crocs are popular for their comfort and versatility, and they are often worn for casual wear, work, and recreation.

Here are some of the features of Crocs shoes:

• Made of Croslite material, which is soft, comfortable, and lightweight
• Non-marking and odor-resistant
• Available in a variety of styles and colors
• Versatile and can be worn for casual wear, work, and recreation
• Popular among athletes, medical professionals, and other people who spend a lot of time on their feet

Crocs shoes have been criticized for their appearance, but they have also gained a cult following of fans who appreciate their comfort and functionality. Whether you love them or hate them, there's no denying that Crocs are one of the most popular footwear brands in the world.

Here are some of the reasons why Crocs are so popular:

• They are incredibly comfortable. The Croslite material is soft and squishy, and it molds to the shape of your foot for a custom fit.
• They are very lightweight. This makes them great for people who are on their feet all day, or for activities like hiking or running.
• They are non-marking and odor-resistant. This makes them ideal for people who work in healthcare or food service, or for anyone who wants to keep their shoes clean.
• They are available in a wide variety of styles and colors. This means that you can find a pair of Crocs that fits your personality and style.
• They are relatively affordable. Crocs shoes are typically priced lower than other brands of footwear.

If you are looking for a comfortable, versatile, and affordable pair of shoes, Crocs are a great option.

Hiking with Crocs shoes is not recommended, as they are not designed for this activity. Crocs are made of a lightweight, flexible material that does not provide the support and protection needed for hiking. They also have no ankle support, which can be dangerous on uneven terrain.

If you are looking for a comfortable and versatile shoe that you can wear for hiking, there are many better options available. Some good choices include trail running shoes, hiking boots, and approach shoes. These shoes are designed to provide support, traction, and protection for your feet while hiking.

Here are some of the reasons why Crocs are not ideal for hiking:

• They do not provide enough support for your ankles. This can be dangerous on uneven terrain, as it increases your risk of ankle sprains.
• They do not have good traction. This can make it difficult to hike on slippery surfaces, such as wet rocks or mud.
• They are not waterproof. This can be a problem if you are hiking in wet conditions.
• They are not breathable. This can make your feet sweat and uncomfortable, especially during hot weather.

If you are determined to hike in Crocs, there are a few things you can do to make it safer:

• Wear thick socks to provide more cushioning and support for your feet.
• Be careful on uneven terrain and avoid hiking in wet conditions.
• Bring a change of shoes in case your Crocs get wet or muddy.

It is important to note that even with these precautions, hiking in Crocs is still not recommended. If you are serious about hiking, it is best to invest in a pair of shoes that are designed for this activity.

Hiking with Crocs Video

Mountain Bike Trail in Newcastle. Glenrock State Conservation Area

Glenrock State Conservation Area: Walker and Mountain Bikers Paradise.

Mountain Biking at Glenrock State Conservation Area

Glenrock State Conservation Area is a hidden gem located just 8 kilometers south of Newcastle, New South Wales. This 554-hectare park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, including coastal rainforests, beaches, and cliffs. It is also a popular spot for mountain biking, hang gliding, and bushwalking.

One of the highlights of Glenrock State Conservation Area is the Yuelarbah walking track. This 3.8-kilometer track takes you through the heart of the rainforest, past two waterfalls, and to a scenic lookout with stunning views of the coastline. Other popular walking tracks in the park include the Flaggy Creek track and the Glenrock Beach track.

If you are looking for a more challenging activity, you can try mountain biking on the park's extensive trail network. There are trails to suit all levels, from beginner to expert. You can also go hang gliding or paragliding from the cliffs at Glenrock Beach.

Glenrock State Conservation Area is also a great place to go fishing. The park is home to a variety of fish species, including bream, whiting, and flathead. You can fish from the beach, from the rocks, or from a boat.

No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to enjoy at Glenrock State Conservation Area. This beautiful park is a haven for nature lovers and a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.

Here are some tips for visiting Glenrock State Conservation Area:

• The park is open from 7am to 7p
• Dogs are not permitted in the park.
• There is an entry fee of $12 for adults and $6 for children.
• There are toilets and picnic areas in the park.
• Be sure to leave no trace when you visit.

I hope this blog has inspired you to visit Glenrock State Conservation Area. This beautiful park is a great place to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty of New South Wales.