Glamping in Longreach is like a safari in Africa without the African animals Swap the city for the Outback In June 2023 I stayed in one of the Glamping Tents belonging to Mitchell Grass Retreats on the outskirts of Longreach. I’ll never forget waking up on my first morning. Looking out from my king bed, through the tent’s insect screens out … [Read more...]
The soaring heights of love
A story of love, adventure, and a passion for nature that culminated in the protection of a Tasmanian wilderness region for future generations to enjoy This story was published in MiNDFOOD Magazine in August 2022. It is the story that was selected as a finalist in the Australian Society of Travel Writers Awards for Excellence 2023, in the … [Read more...]
The Queensland Outback is calling
Feel like you are part of the landscape, learn about the Outback history and meet the characters of Western Queensland on an Outback Aussie Tour. I’ve lived in Queensland the majority of my life and never ventured further west than Charlotte Plains. A few months ago I rectified that oversight and travelled solo to Outback Queensland. I flew into … [Read more...]
Cooking up a storm outside of Hobart
In June 2022 I did a hands-on cooking class at the Agrarian kitchen in New Norfolk. This full-day experience (9am – 4pm) included a delicious lunch, cooked by the class under the watchful eye and expert tutelage of Rodney Dunn. In 2008 Rodney and his wife Séverine Demanet began conducting cooking classes at their Agrarian Kitchen Cooking … [Read more...]
Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour
Located south of Brisbane in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Springbrook National Park and Tamborine National Park are packed with scenic highlights. This tour will show you the best of both these verdant rainforest wonderlands. Visitors to Brisbane are spoilt for choices of spectacular landscapes to enjoy. As a guest of Queensland Day Tours … [Read more...]
Why I think Japan is so special
IT IS THE PEOPLE Beyond Japan's incredible scenery and cultural experiences, my enduring memories come from interactions with its people. Unfailingly polite, nothing is ever too much trouble for the Japanese people I have encountered on my visits. Being helpful seems to be in their DNA. Should they see you struggling with directions (whether … [Read more...]
Discover the many layers to Vietnam
Returning to Vietnam in 2023 Earlier this year I was lucky to be on a press trip of a lifetime. A 17 day famil with Azamara Quest on their Springtime in Asia Cruise. As I've not cruised before, I wondered how I would cope being on a ship for 17 days. I coped fine! It was amazing. More about that in another blog post. Part of the 17 days … [Read more...]
Reading the book Clanlands helped me escape to Scotland during lockdown
Clanlands by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish With Johnston for a surname, the likelihood of Scottish blood running through my veins is pretty high! A genetic connection to the land of tartan exists on my father’s side. The bloodline is not coursing, it runs a few generations ago, but the trickle could explain my unexplainable pull to the … [Read more...]
A hidden gem in the southern Flinders Ranges where music and wine go hand in hand
Meet David and Margaret Blesing whose boutique winery in Bangor is well worth deviating off the main road. The roses are the first thing to catch my attention as we arrive at Blesing's Garden Wines Row upon row of rose bushes awash with plump healthy blooms swaying in the gentle breeze. Deprived as I am of such beauties in humid Brisbane, … [Read more...]
A side of Texas that opened my eyes but not my heart
I wrote most of this story some time ago in 2022 after another mass shooting in America. I didn’t press publish as the topic of gun control is a heated one in America and I was cautious about expressing my opinion and weighing in on such a contentious topic. But I’ve woken to hear on the news there’s been another mass shooting in America, this … [Read more...]
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