With its laid-back lifestyle, sandy beaches, national parks, cosmopolitan cafes and a balmy Queensland climate conducive to all-year-round outdoor activities, Noosa holds loads of appeal. But with so many choices, where can you go to experience that blissed-out feeling? Firstly - I'll clarify what I mean by blissed-out - so you don't go thinking … [Read more...]
Treasures to find at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
In these restrictive times I have been fortunate to be able to get out and explore places close to home. A two hour drive from home is O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat They have been hosting guests from the late 1920's when visitors would travel up Green Mountain to the secluded location via horse. A century later, there is a sealed road into … [Read more...]
5 Things to do in Bundaberg Queensland
5 Things to do in Bundaberg COVID has created many hardships and challenges. Travel writers like me who love to explore have to place international travel on the backburner for a while. After three months of lockdown, I was itching to burst out of Brisbane. Without overseas as an option, these ‘strange’ COVID times have forced me to look closer … [Read more...]
Day trips from Cairns
The best day trips from Cairns for when we can play again When a popular play has only a few nights left before the end of the season, there is typically a last-minute rush for tickets for final performances. When COVID-19 restrictions are lifted there will be a rush for tickets to Cairns. Why? Because not only is Cairns a tropical … [Read more...]
Enjoy five star luxury at the Riley Hotel in Cairns
My review on the Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort Accessibility Besides the agreeable temperature and friendly locals, another feature about Cairns I love, nothing is too far away. From the airport, it is only 4.8 kilometres to the Cairns esplanade (a 10 minute drive) to my home for the next few nights, at the Riley. The lobby is … [Read more...]
A sunny love affair
A sunny love affair with Queensland's Sunshine Coast With unspoiled golden beaches and a rural hinterland brimming with natural wonders I'll openly admit to an ongoing love affair with Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The recent relaxation on some restrictions on travel within Australia and the hope that in the not too distant future, the Sunshine … [Read more...]
The Granite Belt Region: Where optimism and the scent of rain is in the air
Things to do in the Granite Wine Belt Region “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 … [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 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 special friends … [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...]