Koalamate - Life in Australia

Welcome to your travel concierge

Whether you are a first-time traveller to Australia, an international student learning Australian local culture, or a resident looking for weekend city recommendations, we’re here to help.

Sydney lifestyle buddy

Australia’s famous harbour city has neighbourhoods that are not usually featured on tourist magazines. Fear not, hidden gems are exactly the type of experiences we add to your Sydney travel itinerary.

Sydney Local Guide – Edition 15

Garry Ho July 26, 2024

With the opening of Sydney Metro’s newest section in August, commuters will have shorter transport

Sydney Local Guide – Edition 14

Garry Ho July 4, 2024

The baristas are prompt, after receiving my steaming cappucino I usually find a secluded table

Sydney Local Guide – Edition 13

Garry Ho May 23, 2024

We’re lucky in Sydney to have a melting pot of different communities whose locals consist

Where to find Asian supermarkets in Sydney

Koalamate Team April 13, 2024

If you’re new to Sydney, you might be looking for a trusted supermarket brand where

Sydney Local Guide – Edition 12

Koalamate Team March 30, 2024

A change has happened. Previous editions were called “Sydney Weekly Wrap” – now they will

Sydney weekly wrap – Edition 11

Garry Ho February 29, 2024

In this week’s wrap-up, I introduce a French-influenced fine diner in Glebe, an understated club

Sydney 1-day itineraries and city plans

Depending on where you are in Sydney, you may feel like you are in a different country. There is Cabramatta for Vietnamese food, Leichhardt for Italian pasta, Eastwood for Cantonese dining, and Crows Nest for Japanese sushi, just to name a few.

Quiet elegance at Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour

Garry Ho December 25, 2023

TWO 88 BAR & KITCHEN is on the lower ground level, and is where you

Coro 88 Burwood is more than just your local pub

Birney Song October 29, 2023

The dishes crafted at Coro 88 are literally award-winning. They’re really something to behold.

Cicco Zetland is an Italian eatery serving coffee and relaxed vibes

Garry Ho August 14, 2023

Locals love the house-roasted coffee and avocado smash by day, and trattoria cuisine (puffy pizza

Tea Journal brings the serenity of Yunnan to Chatswood Interchange

Garry Ho August 5, 2023

Artisan tea ingredients, including Dragon Pearls, Ginseng Oolong and Raw Pu’er have been brought in

Tokyo Canteen is a Japanese cafe and restaurant in Kingston

Koalamate Team August 24, 2022

Tokyo Canteen combines the concept of cafe and restaurant in a cozy space.

Community and conversation at Diggy Doos Coffee

Koalamate Team July 20, 2022

A few minutes’ walk from Wynyard station, you will find a set of stairs at

Restaurant & entertainment recommendations in Melbourne

Named the fourth most liveable city in the world in 2024, Melbourne has its charm in culture, cafes and nightlife. Suburbs like Fitzroy, St Kilda and Brighton have distinctive characters, and there are plenty of galleries to explore. With our depth of knowledge, you will know where the locals go.

Best places for noodle soups in Melbourne CBD

Koalamate Team March 11, 2023

Asian noodle soups are known for their flavourful broths and diverse ingredients. Discover where to

Authentic Japanese sushi train at Sakura Kaiten Sushi II on Lonsdale Street

Koalamate Team March 7, 2023

Unlike some sushi train restaurants which have a blanket price for all plates, you pay

A taste of Penang by Lulu’s Char Koay Teow in Hardware Lane

Koalamate Team February 27, 2023

Seven varieties of Char Koay Teow are cooked here, with choice of ingredients including jumbo

Itinerary planning for Brisbane CBD

Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, has a more relaxed personality compared to Sydney and Melbourne. The pace of life is slower, accompanying weather that is warmer and sunnier. In Brisbane CBD, South Bank is perfect for a family outing – discover the world’s only man-made, inner-city beach!