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Leeza is an international model and social media Influencer from Canada. Not only does she spend her time producing incredible photos and curating content for her instagram followers but she’s real too. Check out what got her smiling and her camera clicking while she stayed at Mad Monkey Hostel in Coogee.
 

Leeza’s story – An Influencers Lense 

 
The moment I booked my flights to Australia I couldn’t stop smiling. It was a massive combination of relief at finally having a plan and excitement rolled into one. After lots of deliberating I decided that Australia was the place I wanted to go for my student exchange and once I finally decided I just had to book then and there!
 
I decided to start my adventures as many other do in Sydney and choose to stay at Mad Monkey which was a hostel located right on the waterfront in Coogee Beach. I wasn’t intending to stay there a long time and just thought it would be a good place to kick off my adventures but sometimes when plans change it’s not a bag thing as the best things are often completely unexpected.
 
My first few days went by pretty quickly and I began chatting and meeting a few people at the hostel over meals. We started doing some sightseeing and activities together and then pretty soon we became a bit of a posse. There was always something fun happening – exploring all the cool local stuff, hanging on the beach and meeting people for a social drink at Fnky Mnky and it wasn’t long until we became super close friends.
 
I spent my time with the gang and by myself taking a ton of photos – the local scenery was just amazing and absolutely perfect for insta! With stunning beaches everywhere, oceanfront swimming pools, gorgeous cityscape and lots of greenery I was spoiled for photography choices. I loved the views between Coogee and Maroubra and a bit further away the cliff front walks at Watsons Bay were sooooo photogenic.
 
It was literally impossible to bring myself to leave such a beautiful spot and the group who became my family right away so I didn’t J. I extended my stay at Mad Monkey and just enjoyed my time in Sydney relaxing, studying and eventually working but no complaints because real life in Coogee Beach isn’t that tough.
 
I’ve now left to travel around Australia but my time in Coogee and my Mad Monkey family will always hold a special place in my heart. As T.S Eliot says it’s the journey not the arrival that matters.
 
xoxo
Leeza

Need a place to stay?
MAD MONKEY COOGEE BEACH
Mad Monkey Coogee Beach is your dream hostel in Sydney to explore the best free things to do in Sydney. We’re located right on the waterfront so just a stone’s throw away from the sand, surf and swimming in Coogee, as well as tons of great bars and restaurants including FNKY MNKY located on the first floor of the hostel.
Our beachside hostel is sparkly clean with super friendly staff available to help with anything you need, and don’t miss the Mad Monkey social atmosphere that we are famous for. Our unique accommodations offer everything from traditional dorms to apartment-style lodging with private living rooms.
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About the Author

Mad Monkey is Southeast Asia’s leading hostel operator — born in Cambodia with more properties in Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Laos, and the Philippines. We pride ourselves in creating meaningful and sustainable travel experiences for our guests, whilst promoting socially responsible tourism.