u/notagoldengirl

Just looking to see if this was a “lifestyle change” or if I just wasn’t eating enough. I’m assuming a mix of both, but would love to know if anyone else has experienced weight loss when backpacking!

I just finished up three months between Australia and Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand and when I got back home, realized I (F26) had lost 40 pounds/18 kgs without realizing at all. So like 13 pounds/6 pounds per month.

It could just be a change in diet + increased physical activity from walking more. I am also from the USA and am even more interested in knowing if this is also a case of “I left the USA and immediately lost weight because I wasn’t eating terrible quality food”.

Just curious and wanting to know if this has happened to others!

Hi! I recently moved to Mackay and am not Australian, but was told I should try a few different things and go a few different places for good views, etc. I was hoping some of you all could recommend some places to go, where to find certain things/who does it best in town, etc.

Here’s what I’m looking for!

1. I was told I should try a vanilla slice, which is apparently not a slice of vanilla cake lol. Where can I find a good vanilla slice in Mackay?

2. Are the weekend markets good? Would love more info on these, if possible!

3. Why are there so many roundabouts here oh my god. This one isn’t a question, just an observation.

4. Good cafes? I like matcha more than coffee. If coffee, ideally somewhere with dairy alternatives (lack toast and intolerant 😔)

5. I was told I could see whales migrating in some places! Any places that I should check out that you’ve had luck before? What is a good time of day for this?

6. Where can I find a Dr. Pepper around here 🫩 this is probably a dead giveaway on where I’m from but, I’m down bad for a visit to the doctor.

7. Any good places to go to make friends? What do people do around here for fun? I’m mid-twenties and have genuinely no friends here at all.

8. Best beach? Not necessarily for getting in the water. I went to Blacks Beach two days ago and it was, and I cannot stress this enough, quite underwhelming. Certainly there’s better ones?!

9. Any general recs on places to check out in Mackay is very much welcomed! Or, if there’s any classic Australian things I need to do or try that I can do in Mackay, I’d love to hear those too!

I’m moving to Mackay late next week and curious what the job market looks like for hospitality jobs (restaurants/cafes/etc) - does it feel like fighting a losing battle when looking for jobs?

Also, how do people make friends in Mackay? Asking as a mid-20s girl who has 0 connections in Mackay.

Really anything I should know about the area, places to go, restaurants to try (although based off other posts, apparently there aren’t many good ones), etc. would all be welcomed!