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...]
O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
What to do at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in Lamington National Park O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat in the Gold Coast Hinterland is brimming with bushwalking experiences and wildlife. Day-trippers and overnight guests can escape from the daily grind inside Lamington National Park. I have a few suggestions on how you could explore this leafy piece … [Read more...]
Walking below the canopy of ancient giants
Hiking in Lamington National Park What is it like to walk 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 … [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?
Hiking Mt Maroon Good Friday might be 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 … [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...]
Brisbane Top ten things to do
You know I love my city and any chance to write about it I take it! Here's my story published on The Big Bus Tour and Travel Guide website on Top Ten Things to do in Brisbane Brisbane City Cat on Brisbane River image: Jennifer Johnston … [Read more...]
Epic Aussie 4WD Journey
One couple’s search for their Holy Grail My good friends Cyndy and David have become explorers of Australia. With the mantra life is too short to sit at home, they have made some amazing journeys around this fabulous country I call home. With their help (and patience as there were a few interviews over cups of tea) I wrote a story about their … [Read more...]