Maybe not travel related - but I am proud of this profile piece I wrote for the Sydney Morning Herald's GoodWeekend Magazine for their Two of Us segment, featuring a lovely couple from Brisbane Pete and Mandy published June 24th, 2018. … [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...]
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...]
She’ll be right mate!
The beginnings of an unlikely friendship Our friendship began on social media. The common link, we’re both writing colleagues in an Australian writer’s group and we met via a closed Facebook group. This link has resulted in an alliance across the oceans which will culminate in two strangers traveling together for the very first time! And I’m … [Read more...]
Breaking your leg overseas, the lessons I’ve learned
There have been a few blog posts about my "incident" in Japan. I took the opportunity to write about it and here is my story published last year in Australia's WellBeing Magazine #170 in their "Real Life Experience" column. Its now just over 12 months since the fall - and the scar has healed amazingly (was a little concerned about … [Read more...]
Australian Executive Chef Richard Ousby shares a few secrets in Noosa
Heading into summer, Australian food lovers are on the lookout for new and exciting recipes. Leaving winter behind, we’re aching for lazy Sunday afternoon bar-b-q gatherings and balmy evenings where relaxing dinner parties on the deck are the weekend highlight. A few Queensland inspired recipes from renowned Australian chef Richard Ousby could … [Read more...]
Another side to Moreton Island
I've lived in southeast Queensland for the majority of my life and up until this year had only visited Moreton Island twice. Thanks to a few different stories I've worked on, I've been back three times in the space of three months and learned so much about this unique island only a 90-minute ferry ride from the mainland. The opportunity to … [Read more...]
What you may not know about Moreton Island
Moreton Island in south east Queensland is unique for many reasons. But this one is pretty special. It's 170 square kilometre expanse is one of the very few places in Queensland that can declare itself completely free of that noxious invasive pest - the cane toad. If you'd like to know more about this phenomenon, read my feature story … [Read more...]
Japan Ohayo Gozaimasu
Finally Japan! My first visit to the land of the rising sun is imminent. Japan has been on my travel radar since my high school days when I studied Japanese in Year 8! As this was quite a few decades ago, why has it taken so long for me to visit? Truthfully – I’ve no idea. I’d say too many other countries in between. But a couple of factors … [Read more...]
Singapore for a stopover
A Quick Singapore Fling Take a peek at my on-line review for the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel in the Ultimate Travel Magazine.com I only had one afternoon and a night. Should have stayed longer – but Vietnam beckoned. Was an ideal way to break up my trip and the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel is the perfect place to stay for so many … [Read more...]