North Stradbroke Island, or Straddie to the locals. is located in Morton Bay and easily accessed from Brisbane. The first time we went I could believe we were only an hour from the central city yet already a world away. I can see why people…
Explore the city with this self guided Kyoto walking tour around central Kyoto. Follow the marked route or pick attractions to suit your interests. This Kyoto walking tour of central Kyoto is entirely self guided. Take it at your own pace and spend the most…
Take a moment to look at the photo of White Rock above. Squint your eyes or relax them … do you see it? In the language of the Jagera People, the traditional custodians of this land, the name for the rock means dingo or wild…
This week I wanted to introduce you to the Mary Cairncross scenic reserve in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Maleny isn’t a big detour for the main highway and a visit to this park is an option even if you’re only passing through or visiting the area for the…
The Hiroshima Peace Park (known as Heiwakinen in Japanese) is the first place most visitors to the city aim for when they arrive. Whether you’re making an intercity day trip or intend to base yourself in Hiroshima for a few days you’re unlikely to come to town…
The Tinchi Tamba wetlands, a name meaning ‘mangroves and ibis’ in the local Aboriginal dialect, was our destination for the day. Only a half hour drive north of Brisbane it’s an easily accessible park covering 380 hectares on the banks of the Pine River. The Day…
Toowoomba is an inland city on the Darling Downs about 90 minutes from Brisbane. It’s known as the garden city, is surrounded by some great national parks and is loved for it’s well preserved heritage buildings, many from the art deco period. What I didn’t…
Planning to see geisha in Kyoto? Head into the areas where they live and entertain. These geisha districts are known as hanamachi and there are 5 in Kyoto. The city of Kyoto is a dream for anyone with an interest in Japanese history. It’s a…
As my sense of direction improves the improvised side trips reduce and there’s more time to explore things that grab our attention while travelling. A couple of weeks back we were stopped having a cuppa in Maidenwell when we spotted the sign to the Coomba Falls swimming…
Australia has some fantastic walking tracks all around the country. Whether you’re tempted by a coastal hike, a day in the rainforest or an outback adventure, they all offer something unique. We regularly recommend trying out various walks and immersing yourself in all the natural beauty…
The most spectacular short hike on the Gold Coast! It’s a big call with so much stunning scenery and so many well maintained tracks throughout the Lamington, Springbrook and Tamborine Mountain National Parks. Last weekend was our first visit to this track which forms part…
Goal for the day? The top of Mt Misen! I enthusiastically parted the curtains of our room high up in the Hiroshima Granvia Hotel to watch the daylight creeping into the sky across over the city. The weather was grey and more hazy then would…
