Sunrise and surf at Salt Beach
Storm clouds and rainbows greeted me when I arrived at the seaside resort that would be my base while exploring northern New South Wales’ Tweed Valley.…
The cake shops of Acland Street
Exquisite since 1934. Those words on Gideon Markham’s business card sum up his business. There are many other words that lovers of sweet things may use…
Tastes of Townsville
Dining alone is one of my least favourite things. And as a travel writer, often travelling alone on assignment, it’s an occupational hazard. Given the choice,…
Feasting afloat on QM2
It might seem extravagant to note that 344 bottles of champagne are drunk aboard the luxury line Queen Mary 2 every day. But when you consider…
Celebrating in style
As my car rolled over the last cattle-grid, the day’s tensions slipped off into the dusk. Less than two hour’s drive from the city, I was…
Happy little vegemites
Australian travellers throw a jar (or in recent years a plastic tube) of it in their suitcases and backpacks. Expat Aussies hunt it down at specialist…
Sunset and seafood at Surfers Paradise
A gondola glides past our table overlooking the river. It’s a slightly surreal moment, given that we’re not in Venice (or Vegas), but at Surfer’s Paradise…
Say “salud!” with sangria
If there’s a drink that’s synonymous with Spain, it’s sangria. With a base of rough red wine (some say the rougher the better), sangria signals party…
As Australian as…
The invitation has me hooked immediately. “As ’Strayyylian as meat pies, mate!” it screams, before going on to invite me to an Australia Day barbecue featuring…
Wide-eyed about coffee
Strong coffee. Is that what kick-starts your day? For me, it’s a nice cup of tea that wakes me up. I enjoy good coffee, but it’s…
A Glass Half Full 