Passing the island’s southern coastline from the open deck of our SeaLink ferry, I see nothing beyond the thicket of trees hugging the white sandy shore. Once inside Shoal Bay, the multi-coloured corrugated rooves of houses peek through the trees indicating the first sign of civilisation – Wurrumiyanga - Bathurst’s main settlement. The tropical … [Read more...]
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
This incredible haven within Lamington National Park is brimming with plenty of bushwalking experiences and gorgeous (sometimes tame) wildlife. Read about my review on what you can do at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat … [Read more...]
Walking below the canopy of ancient giants
Walking through a rainforest reminiscent of the forests that covered the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana A strange noise breaks the gentle silence of the rainforest. Initially, my thoughts were it sounds like the cries of a baby, but then as it repeats, my brain likens it to that of a cat’s meow - but somewhat strangulated. “That’s a green … [Read more...]
The magic of Binna Burra Lodge
When nature unleashes its fury It is with mixed emotions that I sit down to write up this story. On the one hand, I have been looking forward to sharing my experience on my three-day pack free walk with Life’s an Adventure in this very special part of Queensland close to where I live. Lamington National Park is only 90 minutes from my front … [Read more...]
Five things to do in and near Darwin
The time is 'right' to visit the Northern Territory before it gets too hot. On the cusp of the dry season, here's five new must do’s for Darwin. This was my second visit to Darwin, I’ve shared some other favourite experiences from my first trip. Tiwi Islands The Tiwi Islands are a chain of nine islands 80 Kilometres (50 miles) north of … [Read more...]
A history tour of Darwin
Tour Tub Darwin City Explorer From my high school studies of Australian history, I knew a little about the bombing of Darwin in 1942. And my recent visit to the Tiwi Islands, 80 kilometres north of Darwin educated me further. It was on the smaller of the Tiwi Islands - Bathurst - that Father John McGrath on that fateful day of February 19, … [Read more...]
Never smile at a crocodile
The handler calls out, “Good boy Will, pick up.” On command, Will’s 690-kilogram body thrashes in the water, one large foot claws the only solid object within reach - my Perspex chamber. I watch in awe as his gigantic jaw slowly opens giving me a ridiculously close view of his huge teeth. Before I could count those pearly whites, the rows of … [Read more...]
Sweet discovery in the Northern Territory
The dull whirr of the floatplane’s engine makes conversation impossible inside the cabin, but the captivating view over Darwin Harbour requires no commentary. I'm with a group of five all squeezed into a Cessna 208 Caravan. Sitting directly behind the pilot, it's probably a good thing my regular "oh wow" comments remain unheard over the noise. The … [Read more...]
Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge
There are numerous ways to get up close and personal with the impressive scenery and wildlife in Nitmiluk National Park. On this mid-May morning, I'm doing it via a boat cruise on two of the gorges in Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. At the southern tip of Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk (pronounced Nit-me-look) a Jawoyn word meaning cicada place, is … [Read more...]
Why not climb a mountain?
Good Friday – a day of rest for some, but for me, it was a day to hike a mountain. I’d responded to a media call out to join the epic Moonrise on Mount Maroon on Friday, April 19. The requirements: A writer/journalist who is fit enough to hike the seven-hour return night hike Available to depart at 2 pm on Good Friday. “The Moonrise … [Read more...]
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