From performing with a theatre troupe to unforgettable encounters with nature and people, singer Jellena shares with Balkan Travel the story of her journey to the other side of the world, why she wished she could stay, and how Australia changed her perspective on life.
Some journeys are planned long in advance, to destinations we dream about and places we have long wished to visit. Others happen entirely unexpectedly, taking us somewhere through work or a twist of fate, only to become unforgettable life experiences. That is exactly how singer Jellena’s first encounter with Australia unfolded.
She travelled to the other side of the world to perform in the theatre production “Policijska stanica” (Police Station), better known as “Kursadžije”, with no idea that a country she knew almost nothing about would leave such a lasting impression on her. Instead of the European winter, she was greeted by an Australian summer, with temperatures approaching 40°C, along with welcoming people, endless beaches and extraordinary natural beauty unlike anything she had experienced before.
During two separate visits, each lasting two months, she explored some of Australia’s best-known cities, enjoyed its ocean coastline, encountered fascinating wildlife and discovered a way of life that differs in many respects from that of Europe.
Speaking to Balkan Travel, Jellena shares stories of her Australian adventures, unforgettable encounters, the lives of people from the Balkans who have made their home on the other side of the planet, and a country that, as she admits, helped her mature and rethink her priorities in life.
From a European Winter to an Australian Summer
What inspired you to travel to Australia? Was it a destination you had always wanted to visit?
I travelled to Australia for work, to perform in the theatre production “Policijska stanica”, which later became known as “Kursadžije”.
Before your trip, did you have any particular expectations or ideas about what awaited you there?
To be honest, I knew absolutely nothing about Australia, apart from the fact that it was a very distant country and home to some strange and dangerous animals.
Travelling to the other side of the planet is an adventure in itself, and when the destination is almost entirely unfamiliar, the first encounter with a new environment can be even more memorable. For Jellena, that encounter began with a dramatic change in temperature, followed by an almost immediate sense of warmth and welcome.
Do you remember your first impression when you landed in Australia? What surprised you the most?
Paradise on Earth! We had come from freezing temperatures to 40 degrees Celsius. At first, it was a real shock to the system, but then I felt this incredible warmth. The people were friendly, everyone was smiling and cheerful, and the scenery was breathtaking. I hadn’t started my own family at the time, and my very first thought was: I’m staying here!
Gold Coast – Where the Ocean Reveals Its Power
Australia is a land of striking natural contrasts, from bustling metropolitan centres to vast coastlines and breathtaking landscapes. Among the places that left a particularly strong impression on Jellena was the Gold Coast, famous for its long sandy beaches, surfing culture and spectacular ocean views.
Yet her memories are not limited to the country’s natural beauty. Travelling with colleagues, unexpected situations and the hospitality of their hosts turned the Australian tour into a series of adventures she still recalls with a smile.
Is there a particular moment from your travels that you will remember for the rest of your life?
There were so many! The first time, I stayed for two months, and then I returned with the same group for another two months. Believe me, every single day brought a new surprise. I especially remember the beaches on the Gold Coast, but also travelling around in a limousine. We had brought so much luggage that we couldn’t even close the boot! We had keyboards and equipment stands with us, so we had to bring some of the equipment inside the car and travel with our legs propped up. We stayed in beautiful hotels, and they welcomed us as if we were the Rolling Stones!
Which city or place impressed you the most, and why?
The Gold Coast is truly special, especially when the weather turns bad. The ocean takes on an unusual colour and develops this incredible, uncontrollable force. In moments like that, you realise just how powerless you are in the face of nature.
Sydney, Melbourne and the Unique Energy of Australian Cities
From the famous Sydney Opera House, one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks, to Melbourne, a city celebrated for its arts, sports and vibrant cultural life, Australia’s major cities offer remarkably different experiences. Their cosmopolitan character is reflected in the rich mix of cultures, traditions and lifestyles that come together within them.
Jellena had the opportunity to explore several cities, each leaving a different impression. While she recommends Sydney to first-time visitors to Australia, Melbourne is the city she would personally love to return to.
If you could recommend just one destination to someone visiting Australia for the first time, which would it be?
Probably Sydney, because of its famous Opera House, multicultural atmosphere and distinctive climate.
And is there a city you would particularly love to visit again?
Melbourne. Its climate and atmosphere really suit me.
Life on the Other Side of the World: Freedom, Work and a Different Mindset
One of the most fascinating aspects of travel is often not simply the landmarks we visit, but the people we meet and the way they live. Australia is known as a multicultural country where different traditions and communities have come together over the decades, including a significant diaspora from the Balkans.
During her visits, Jellena had the opportunity to meet both Australians and people from her home region who had built new lives there. She was particularly interested in their attitudes towards work, rules and everyday life.
What impressions did the people you met leave on you? How different is their way of life from ours?
I met both people from our part of the world and Australians. There are differences, of course, but everyone seems to function as part of one community. Our people are naturally a little more laid-back, especially at weekends. There is a clear sense of order, rules are respected, and everyone has the opportunity to work and earn a living if they are willing to make the effort.
Was there anything about Australian culture or lifestyle that particularly surprised or inspired you?
The idea of a certain kind of freedom within a well-organised system. If you want to achieve something, you can do it through your own hard work. I also liked how much attention is paid to children, their safety and their education.
From Australian Cuisine to Watching Djokovic on Court
Discovering a country would hardly be complete without exploring its cuisine, cultural events and local customs. Thanks to its geographical location and extensive coastline, Australia is a paradise for fish and seafood lovers, while its major cities offer a diverse cultural and sporting scene.
For Jellena, one particularly memorable experience was attending one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments, the Australian Open, where she had the chance to watch Novak Djokovic during the early stages of his international career.
Did you get to try any authentic local food or experience any events or traditions you would recommend to others?
I tried fish prepared in a hundred different ways! I love the fact that Australia is surrounded by seas and oceans, and that supermarkets and restaurants offer an incredible variety of fish. I also found it interesting that alcohol is sold in separate shops, partly to help control sales to minors.
The aquariums are beautiful, as were the exhibitions I visited. I also went to the Australian Open, where I watched our Novak Djokovic when he was just starting out. I even have photos from the tennis courts! I visited historical landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and the library. Another special experience was listening to Aboriginal street musicians in Sydney.
Kangaroos, Koalas and the Tasmanian Devil – Discovering Australia’s Extraordinary Wildlife
Few countries can boast wildlife as distinctive as Australia’s. Kangaroos, koalas, wombats and Tasmanian devils are just some of the species that capture travellers’ imaginations, while stories of venomous snakes, spiders and sharks often inspire a mixture of fascination and apprehension.
For Jellena, whose knowledge of Australia before her first visit was largely limited to its unusual and potentially dangerous animals, encountering the country’s wildlife became one of the highlights of her journey.
Australia is famous for its unique natural environment and wildlife. What fascinated you the most?
I particularly remember Perth Zoo, which is beautifully integrated into its natural surroundings. I was also amazed by the aquariums. I was surprised to learn that some species of sharks can live in freshwater and even swim into rivers. In certain places, there are warning signs prohibiting swimming because of sharks. Even today, when I’m walking along the Sava River back home, I sometimes find myself wondering…
Did you manage to see kangaroos, koalas and other animals that Australia is famous for?
Yes, I saw all of them at the zoo. We fed the koalas, and I thought the kangaroos were beautiful, although we were warned not to get too close because they can be dangerous. I was particularly fascinated by the Tasmanian devil. It was the first time I had seen one up close, and I was surprised by how noisy and rather unpleasant it was.
Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any of the other creatures – venomous snakes, spiders, sharks or jellyfish. I only saw those on television! Of course, they exist, but encounters with them aren’t exactly an everyday occurrence in the cities.
A Journey That Changed Her Outlook on Life
Some journeys stay with us because of the landscapes, others because of the people we meet, while the most extraordinary ones manage to change the way we see our own lives. For Jellena, Australia was much more than a professional tour or an opportunity to discover a distant country. It was an experience that helped her better understand herself and her priorities.
Four months spent on the other side of the world, far from familiar surroundings, brought new friendships, plenty of laughter and lasting memories, but also a different perspective on personal relationships.
Did this journey change you in any way?
It changed me quite a lot. I became more mature. I laughed so much with my colleagues, I was genuinely impressed by the people living there, and my outlook on life changed. I realised who I wanted in my life and who I didn’t.
Australia Is Best Discovered with an Open Heart
Although Australia is one of the most distant destinations for travellers from Serbia, Jellena’s experience shows that journeys to faraway places can bring some of life’s most wonderful surprises. Her advice for first-time visitors is simple and practical: don’t overpack, have a good command of English and leave plenty of room for spontaneous discoveries.
What advice would you give our readers who are planning their first trip to Australia?
Pack as little as possible because you can find everything you need there. Of course, you’ll need money, and it’s good to speak English – that’s really all you need. You can buy sunscreen and a hat once you arrive. As for everything else, just let Australia lead the way!
And finally, from a traveller’s perspective, how different is Australia from Europe?
It’s more relaxed, safer… After all, it’s at the end of the world – but what a beautiful world it is!
Perhaps those words best capture Jellena’s experience of Australia. A country she first arrived in with almost no expectations, suitcases full of belongings and a professional commitment became a place she remembers for the warmth of its people, its magnificent natural beauty and its sense of freedom.
And when a journey brings not only countless memories but also a new perspective on life, it becomes clear that it was never just another destination on the map, but an experience that stays with you forever.
