“I haven’t had to mow the lawn in two years,” says Warren Thomas. Now if you’re a lawn lover, not having any grass to mow for that long could be depressing. But not for Warren, husband to the owner of local Ballandean business Washpool Skin Wellness Rather than dwelling on not having to drag the mower from the shed in over 24 months, Warren, a … [Read more...]
Recommended short getaways in Australia and New Zealand
Chuffed to be included in blogger Dean Williamson from Lavidaglobal.com list of the best places in Australia and New Zealand for a short getaway "To show you some of the magnificent places you might be missing we have asked some experienced travellers to let us in on their favourite places in Australia and New Zealand to get away for a few … [Read more...]
Where to find Queensland’s award winning wineries
Discovering Queensland's world-class wineries (and scenery) I’m partial to being outdoors and love to follow the hiking trails through the Australian bush. It had been way too long between visits to Girraween National Park. How long? My eldest, James was almost six when I last clambered over the magnificent granite boulders with some very … [Read more...]
Where to find the love in the Granite Belt Region
I’m not talking about the love of the Bachelor / Bachelorette kind. Rather where you’ll find 'lovely' experiences in this rural region thanks to the passion of the local people. The big-hearted State One thing I know about Queenslanders is we’re a resilient bunch. We have an innate ability to draw on our inner reserves and stay strong … [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...]
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...]
The best of Brisbane’s weekend escapes
Winter in Brisbane is all about warm days filled with sunshine and blue skies. Want to know where I'd recommend you escape to if you're a local or a visitor to Brissie? Check out my story from the Upsider on four of my suggestions (And it was hard to write about only four!) Open beach on Moreton Island … [Read more...]
Australia in spring
Unique Aussie experiences After a really pleasant mild winter, spring hit Brisbane with a thud today. Temperatures jumping to 36 degrees and its only the end of October. We're in for a hot summer. But it is still technically spring and despite the soaring temperature gauge we continue to experience the things spring brings. (Did you like all … [Read more...]