Books to read if you’re going to Australia
Isolated and a world away, Australia is a unique country and, truly, a land of adventure. The landscape, wildness and spirit of the place have inspired many a ripper of a yarn (Australian for ‘good story’). Whether you are looking for outback adventure, books set in penal colonies, stories about Australia’s gold rush or are interested in Australia’s more recent history or an Aboriginal perspective, you will have plenty to read. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favourites. Fiction The Secret River / The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville Set during the British colonial period, The Secret River is an atmospheric tale of an English man convicted of…
5 Spectacular luxury destination alternatives
Whether you’re looking for majestic mountains dropping away to the sea, vibrant and dynamic cities, or an island paradise in a glittering ocean, the world is full of unique destinations to explore. If you’re looking for a little luxury, but also want to go somewhere different, here are some unique luxury destinations you could consider. A surprising number of luxury options are available these days, even in the most remote locations; you certainly don’t need to share your piece of paradise with hundreds of others.Whatever you’re looking for in your next luxury holiday, there are always options. If you’re interested in inspiration to plan a trip somewhere a little different,…
Chasing dingoes, and other fun things to do on Fraser Island
UNESCO World Heritage listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world complete with scenic lakes, a wreck, some epic 4WD tracks, and dingoes, and for the last year I’ve lived less than two hours away. With crocodile and dingo warnings aplenty, as well as the very real possibility of getting bogged in fine sand, it could only be an adventure. What had I been waiting for? Here are the ten best things to do on Fraser Island. An island completely made of sand perhaps doesn’t sound that exciting, but Fraser Island’s bold landscape, wild dingoes and varied scenery definitely make for some adventures. 35 Mile Beach Driving…
Sunshine Coast Dreamtime – the legend of Mount Coolum
I’m not sure this is true of all expats, but I’ve always felt a bit more ‘local’ (on setting up home in a new place) once I learn about the stories behind my new local place names. Local mythology and storytelling varies greatly around the world but, especially in places with a long history, there is almost always an interesting story to be discovered. Take the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, just north of Brisbane and where I am currently based, for example. The region has a glorious coastline of epic surf beaches and wetlands, rivers, mountains, and further inland rainforest and waterfalls. The landscape really is very special. So, imagine…
What’s in the James Cook Museum in Cooktown?
These days Cooktown, over 300 kilometres north of Cairns, is a quiet and fairly low-key laid back kind of place. However, that was not always the case, as evidenced by the various exhibits inside the National Trust James Cook Museum. From explorer James Cook’s encounter with what is now Cooktown, the town’s founding, the gold rush, and significant immigration, to the impact of the Second World War and of European settlement on the local indigenous population, this small museum houses several exhibits sharing Cooktown’s interesting history. James Cook and the HMS Endeavour Originally jettisoned from James Cook’s ship the Endeavour, the enormous anchor and a cannon form the centerpiece of…
Great Barrier Reef daytrip to Michealmas Cay
Meeting friends in Cairns recently, I was keen to show them the reef. An incredible number of people visit the Great Barrier Reef each year and, since a lot of them go to Green Island because of its proximity, which keeps costs down, we decided to go elsewhere. Michealmas Cay presented itself as an option, and looked amazing – easy decision. With over 900 islands, covering roughly 2,300 kilometres, choosing which island to visit could be an endless task. Fortunately tour operators only offer trips to a few islands or the choice might take all day. We started the day with a leisurely 33 kilometre sail out to sea, which…
Driving the Bloomfield Track in Queensland
There are many adventures to be had in northern Queensland and for four-wheel drive enthusiasts, the Bloomfield Track is number one. Providing a coastal route between Cooktown and Cape Tribulation, the scenic and challenging drive makes a roadtrip along this spectacular section of Queensland’s coast an attractive option. The Bloomfield Track is a 30 kilometre stretch between the Aboriginal community of Wujal Wujal and Cape Tribulation but, in order to reach it drivers must also pass through Helenvale, so we’ll start there. Black Mountain National Park Located 26 kilometres south of Cooktown, Helenvale is a small community on the edge of the Black Mountain National Park. The park centres around…
See how far your dreams can take you at Paronella Park
Aborigines aside, Australia is a relatively young country. This, combined with a long history of migration has established a fairly multicultural society in Australia, with many individuals bringing parts of their history and culture, varying from foods and languages to traditional celebrations, with them and incorporating them in to their new lives down under. As a result threads of different cultures can often be found, providing a diverse, and often eclectic, variety of places to explore. Paronella Park is just such a place. Originally constructed by an eccentric but passionate, and clearly determined Spaniard, Paronella Park was the dream of Jose Paronella, who arrived in nearby Innisfail in 1913. Paronella…
The journey to citizenship – How I became Australian
It’s funny how things work out. Ctizenship was never my goal. I moved to Australia temporarily. The plan was to spend a year travelling around Australia, supporting myself with a bit of casual work along the way. However, the offer of a permanent position changed that plan. Here’s how I became an Australian citizen. It all started when I applied for a partner visa. I could have applied for a second year’s working holiday visa, but that would have significantly limited my work opportunities, and it still had an expiry date. Applying for a partner visa, on the basis of my relationship provided more security. Countless forms, photocopies of documents…
Visit the Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls Circuit
If you are passionate about waterfalls, a visit to the Atherton Tablelands, in the Cairns hinterland, will leave you spoilt for choice. There are several waterfalls, some are wide rivers flowing over low falls, while others cascade from vast heights surrounded by rainforest foliage. Many are tucked away and feel like well kept secrets, while others are in bright open locations and even have facilities. You could say there’s a waterfall for everyone! One of my favourite things about Far North Queensland is the fact that it is a place where the rainforest meets the reef. Generally I’m all about the reef, but I love the rainforest too. It is…
