What a difference a decade makes
As we begin the 2020s, I’ve seen discussion about whether this is the start of the decade, or the end. Does the decade start, for example,…
My year of exploring Australia
As the year ends, I always like to look back on the places I’ve visited as a travel writer and I found that this year had…
The summer Australia burned
It will be remembered as the summer Australia burned. The year that – for many Australians – Christmas was cancelled. As I write this, bushfires have…
Why every week is ‘Bird Week’ at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
“Bir…bir…!” The half-formed word is accompanied by a chubby little finger, pointing to the sky. My grandson’s first word – other than those that mean his…
What to do at Uluru (now the climb has closed)
The magnificent monolith that lies at the geographical – and cultural – heart of Australia has been in the news regularly lately as a best-forgotten era…
From the ashes, resilience and rebuilding at Binna Burra
The sunsets around these parts have been spectacular lately. That old saying “Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight…” springs to mind, but there’s not much delight…
Meet the quokkas of Rottnest Island
If it’s good enough for actors Chris Hemsworth and Margot Robbie and tennis champion Roger Federer, it’s good enough for me. On an overnight trip to…
Why I stayed at the YHA
Maybe it’s the “youth” factor that puts some people off, but after staying in a couple of YHA hostels this year, I’m a convert to this…
Do not disturb
I’ve left the “do not disturb” on for a little bit too long, I know. If I was in a hotel, the housekeeping staff would be…
A treasure of a hotel
In the course of my work as a travel writer this year, I’ve stayed in 59 hotels in seven countries (as well as some islands that…
A Glass Half Full 