When is the best time of the year to visit the Northern Territory? Before it gets too hot Darwin is the gateway to some of Australia's most memorable wilderness and adventure experiences - waterfalls, ancient rock art, wildlife (not just crocs,) culture, and there are plenty of unique places to eat out. Just make sure you leave time to explore the … [Read more...]
A history tour of Darwin
A tour to learn about the history of Darwin 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 … [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...]
What’s not to love in Seattle
Seattle is a city that pulses with an energetic vibe. And that’s not just because it is the headquarters for two of the largest corporations in the world: Amazon and Microsoft. Nestled in between two imposing mountain ranges - the Olympics and the Cascade - which help to bring the precipitation Seattle is renowned for, this city is blessed with … [Read more...]
Best things to do in the small Texan town of Grapevine
The North Texan town called Grapevine, located halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth, possesses a unique history, charm and character. Add in a dash of Texan southern hospitality and you have a place worthy of a stopover, whether it’s for a few hours or a few days. What's great about Grapevine? Savouring the last sip of my frozen margarita, I … [Read more...]
Solo traveller exploring Dubai and Abu Dhabi
A pitstop in Abu Dhabi and Dubai The sparkling lights from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa dominates the view from my hotel window. I’m perched on the sofa in my 15th-floor room in the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai waiting for my large bath to fill. It’s been a hectic couple of days since my early morning arrival in Dubai … [Read more...]
Where to get a drink in Hoi An the top five bars I recommend
The bars I recommend in Hoi An When the sun dips and nighttime descends on Hoi An, the streets of the old town magically transform into a labyrinth of colour. The strands of multicolored Japanese lanterns casting an ethereal glow add to the special atmosphere. Wander the town's streets and absorb the festive ambiance. Make the most of the lack of … [Read more...]
Five Brisbane destination experiences for adventurers
Brisbane is a destination of choice Brisbane attracted just over 1.1 million international visitors last year. With four of the new Qantas 787-900 Dreamliner fleet flying out of Brisbane from mid-2018 and the Gold Coast (one hour south of Brisbane) hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April, it’s likely international visitors to the river city … [Read more...]
5 insider tips for Saigon
The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Nestled adjacent to the Saigon River, some 80 kilometres from the South China Sea – Ho Chi Minh City is the main commercial and economic hub for Vietnam. With nine million people and over six million motorbikes bursting onto the city streets at all hours of the day and night, Ho Chi Minh City is … [Read more...]
SISTERHOOD OF THE WORLD BLOGGERS AWARD
THE SISTERHOOD OF THE WORLD BLOGGERS AWARD Thank-you Sam Walker from Journo and the Joker for nominating me and a few others in the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award, to recognise the role we women play in the blogging stratosphere. My Travel Blog is relatively new and requires more love and attention. But my blogging philosophy is simple: … [Read more...]